Phlster Pro Series Holster Review, The Best Yet?

phlster pro series holsterIn this Phlster Pro Series Holster review, I want to address the following question. Is this the best concealed carry holster you can buy? The simple answer is, maybe.

Background on Phlster:

Back in 2011, a guy named John Hauptman started a YouTube Channel called Philly EDC. The company ‘Phlster' grew from that channel into the well-respected holster company it is now.

They are known for a few different models, including the solid ‘Phlster Classic' and ‘Floodlight' holsters. Hauptman designed the innovative ‘Flex' holster system. The Flex is a soft modular backing that accepts different combinations of Phlster holster products.

I've been a fan of theirs for quite a while. As a result, I was excited to read about the release of the new Pro Series and its features.

I reached out to them to see if they would like me to evaluate one and give some honest feedback on our website, and they agreed. Customer service was courteous and speedy, which from everyone else I have ever talked to is the norm. I had it in my hands four days later.

phlster pro series with glock 19 handgun

The Phlster Pro Series Holster is outstanding in terms of value and function.

As an instructor and concealed carrier, I feel that all concealment holsters need to check off certain boxes to be acceptable for concealed carry. Here are all of my “must have's”:

Holster Must-Haves

  • Hard-sided composition
  • Well-protected trigger guard area
  • Adjustable ride-height and cant
  • Solid mounting hardware
  • A sculpted trigger guard area that allows a shooter's grip with the gun in the holster

The Pro Series Described

The Pro Series is constructed from Kydex and is formed specifically for your firearm. The attention to detail is not lacking.

The holster completely covers the trigger guard on my Glock 19 yet is perfectly sculpted to allow for a high grip with the gun still inside. It is designed to accept nearly any holster clip system available, and comes with a pair of pull-the-dot snap loops, which happen to be my favorite attachment for everyday (EDC.)

You can add the Discrete Carry Concepts Monoblock clips, and if clips are your thing, these are undoubtedly one of the best options one can buy. For those of you who need to have a tucked shirt, the grip hook clips are a solid option.

You can mount the various clips in different configurations, with ample cant and ride height adjustment.

concealed carry holster review

The Pro Series covers the trigger completely but doesn't prohibit you from establishing your high grip early in the draw stroke.

Pro Series Attributes Set it Apart From Other Concealed Carry Holsters

  • Completely ambidextrous
  • Integrated smooth wedge
  • Adjustable mod wing
  • Tall sight channel for suppressor height sights
  • Holster accommodates all different handgun optic configurations
  • Open/flared muzzle end for suppressor barrels
  • Accept different models of the same gun profile
    • one holster for the Glock 17/19/26/34, etc.
  • Adjustable retention

The flared muzzle end of the holster means you can use your threaded barrel without issue.

Lefties can now rejoice because both lefties and righties can carry the Pro Series Phlster Holster by simply flipping the hardware to the opposite side.

The Phlster Pro Series Holster comes standard with an integrated wedge at the muzzle end between the holster and body.

This design angles the grip into the body and muzzle away.

Check out my video review here:


This helps conceal the gun better and helps distribute pressure over a larger surface area.

Incidentally, this also slightly aligns the muzzle away from the body which is a good thing. I find that a wedge is ideal for appendix inside waistband carry (AIWB). I personally feel the Pro Series is perfect for appendix carry, but traditional, strong side IWB carry is also possible.

The smooth muzzle end of the holster allows you to add an aftermarket foam wedge, however, most will probably find the wedge that is molded into the Kydex sufficient. While we're focused on the muzzle end of the holster, it's a good time to mention that the holster end is open which facilitates suppressor barrels.

My Culper Precision Glock 19 suppressor barrel's thread protector nut doesn't extend past the bottom of the holster.

The integrated wedge increases surface area, eliminating hot spots. The fact that it is smooth, means that if you want to add an aftermarket foam wedge, you have ample space to add it.

A wing or claw device that pushes on the backside of the belt twists the gun's grip into the body. The twisting works miracles for concealment, especially for appendix carry. The included mod wing has two adjustments so you can control just how much torque you put on the holster.

If you carry traditional IWB or the dreaded small of the back (SOB), you can remove the wing for comfort.

The Pro Series is not biased against a red dot and accepts all shapes and sizes; no DIY dremmeling required.

Often along with optics come taller iron sights. Don't worry; you won't have an issue with tall sights. The Pro Series Holster's sight channel is quite generous.

I have found that the retention of Kydex holsters varies from company to company. The Pro Series' retention was tight at first but easily adjusts by turning a screw.

Should you Buy the Pro Series Holster?

The Pro Series will accept nearly any concealed carry holster clip on the market. The Pro Series ships with a pair of soft loops, and you can add the DCC Monoblock clips or tuckable Griphooks.

Holster selection is a process of trial and error. Finding just what features work for your body/gun/carry method combination won't happen with your first holster purchase. However, when it comes to concealed carry holsters, this one is pretty darn close to perfect.

I consider this to be a top-tier holster that will satisfy all the demands that an everyday carry rig needs to meet. After using it exclusively for over 3 months now while teaching several classes and doing strenuous work and exercise while carrying it, I do not doubt that it will continue to hold up.

And because I do, I feel confident recommending it for any application.

I am often asked about the comfort of carrying appendix while sitting and if smaller holsters are more comfortable. The Pro Series is not massive, but it isn't a tiny holster either.

I've worn it on several 2 and 3-hour drives as well as while running, jumping, and performing other exercises without discomfort. I actually have more comfort with this holster than some smaller holsters I have tried in the past.

I can also easily conceal a Glock 19 without having to wear a baggy shirt. The fact that it conceals so well is a testament of its design and near infinite adjustability.

Again, all these factors allow me to recommend this as one of the best concealed carry holsters you can buy.

If you don't add other mounting hardware, the holster runs $79.99 on the Phlster website. The price is impressive when you compare it to other holsters in the same class. If you have dealt with them in the past, you know that they have outstanding customer service that includes a 30-day return policy and a transferable, lifetime warranty on any damaged holster or parts.

The Modwing comes with two attachments. The long one (pictured here) torques the holster more than the smaller block.

So should you buy the Pro Series? It's a versatile, ambidextrous holster that comes ready for you to grow into. If you don't currently have an optic, but are looking to add one in the future, would you want to buy another holster or have one that already works?

You can configure it for traditional IWB or AIWB, so if you're unsure where you want to carry your gun, you can experiment. Its clever design provides maximum comfort and concealment. And the holster is competitively priced. I personally love the holster and find it incredibly comfortable and secure.

Visit their website, here.

About Matthew Maruster

I follow my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is the eternal co-equal Son of God. I currently live in Columbus, Ohio with my wife and daughter. I served in the Marine Corps Infantry. I was a Staff Sergeant and served as a Platoon Sergeant during combat in Iraq. After I was a police officer at a municipal agency in San Diego County. I have a Bachelors's Degree in Criminal Justice from National University. MJ Maruster Defense.

5 Comments

  1. Andy Kaufman on December 6, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    Just wondering if you have ever used a Shadow Systems MR920 with the Phlster Pro holster?

    • Matthew Maruster on December 9, 2020 at 8:36 am

      Andy, that is a good question. I have not used it with any Shadow Systems setup, so I wouldn’t be able to speak to how it fits. If you reach out to PHLster they are sure to give you the 100% correct answer. They have terrific customer service.

    • J on March 4, 2021 at 9:20 pm

      I have and there is a little bit of play with the retention due to the trigger guard on the MR920 not being as thick in front as a standard Glock 19. I’m currently debating keeping it or buying a different holster. Although it’s not a lot of play, I’d feel safer knowing the gun can’t move at all within the holster. But that’s just me. Hope this helps!

  2. Trey on March 5, 2021 at 6:53 pm

    What’s that grip on the g19? With the colors speckled on it?

    • Matthew Maruster on March 5, 2021 at 7:02 pm

      Trey, it is the pro-series applied grip from talon grips. An outstanding product. It is a combination of their granular (sandpaper texture) and the rubbery grip.

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