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PHLster Skeleton Kydex Holster

When I first saw the PHLster Skeleton holster, I was intrigued. The Skeleton is a minimalist Kydex holster that gives you a quick and easy way to carry your gun inside the waistband (IWB). There are a lot of “minimalist” style Kydex holsters on the market, but none of them have really interested me for one reason or another. The Skeleton, however, is different.

I’ve been testing the Skeleton with my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield and Walther PPQ for several weeks now, and here’s what I’ve found.

Update 8/21/2012: I have also been testing the Skeleton with my Glock 19, pictured above.

Features

The Skeleton uses a single adjustable (1.25″ to 2.0″) soft loop as the belt attachment, with an integrated hard riveted loop strut that angles slightly away from the holster. The strut has two attachment points allowing you to adjust the holster depth. Sticking with the minimalist theme, the Skeleton is made from .06″ Kydex.

The Skeleton rides naturally with a neutral cant, but because it has a single attachment point, you can adjust it for whatever cant you want. It just might not stay in that position, again because of the single attachment point.

Concealed Carry

I use the Skeleton holster almost exclusively in the appendix position (AIWB), but you could use it in any IWB position. Being a minimalist holster, there isn’t much to conceal, and it’s pretty comfortable.

What I like about the Skeleton is that unlike a lot of other minimalist holsters, you can still reholster your gun one handed. This means that you don’t have to change anything about the way you train when using the Skeleton.

Quality and Value

The Skeleton’s Kydex quality is top shelf – smooth edges, excellent molding and retention, and great attention to detail. Jon and Rebecca, who own and operate PHLster, aren’t just holster makers, but gun enthusiasts who shoot, train and carry concealed. They understand what makes a good holster and are always looking for ways to improve and expand upon the products they offer.

Value on the Skeleton is also quite reasonable – at the time of writing, PHLster was selling the Skeleton for $45 shipped. That’s a great deal and well worth the money.

Wrapping Up

The Skeleton is an excellent holster, and my favorite way to date to carry my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. If you’re looking for a minimalist holster for any IWB position, and particularly appendix carry, take a look at the Skeleton. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Want to see more Skeleton pictures? Like us on Facebook and take a look at our photo albums.

Update 8/24/2012: Check out our comparison of the PHLster Skeleton and Raven Concealment Vanguard 2.

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10 Responses to PHLster Skeleton Kydex Holster

  1. Dean May 7, 2012 at 8:26 am #

    This looks like a much better option than the Raven trigger guard thingy…

  2. Will September 18, 2012 at 2:28 pm #

    Going to pick one up thanks for taking the time to do the write up.

    • Brandon September 18, 2012 at 2:28 pm #

      My pleasure Will.

  3. Ryan March 23, 2013 at 3:41 am #

    Have you run into your gun sliding out of the holster when you sit down and it pushed against your leg/body. Since the front of the gun protrudes past the holster?

    • Brandon March 23, 2013 at 8:09 am #

      No, that has never happened to me with any AIWB holster. I position the front of the gun to angle into my inguinal canal area, where it’s most comfortable for me.

  4. Ryan March 24, 2013 at 2:01 am #

    Thanks for the response. I have been hesitant to carry with a cant when appendix carrying. Although it is more concealable for me I find that I have to reach at an awkward angle when drawing.

  5. Carlos O May 22, 2013 at 3:24 pm #

    Love my Skeleton and Access holsters from PHLster. Side question here. What beaver tail are you using on your G19?

  6. corey October 29, 2013 at 7:35 am #

    Is this holster tuckable like the vanguard 2 since it’s using the same strut?

    • Brandon October 29, 2013 at 9:37 am #

      Yep.