Is Kydex the only good plastic option for molded holsters? It certainly is the most popular material, but several good alternatives exist, including Boltaron, which claims to stand up better to impacts and extreme temperature variations than its competitors. Which is why Spectre Holsters uses Boltaron for its Phantom 2 IWB/OWB convertible holster.
The Phantom 2 starts with two .093-inch thick shells heat sealed together and drilled with six screw receivers designed for IWB and OWB hardware. The choice for the version Spectre gave me to try was a pair of IWB LokJaw 1.5-inch clips held to the shell by a single hex screw on each for maximum adjustability. The screws adjusted easily but held tight all day once they were in place. If you order the OWB version, the flared wing is folded the other way, toward your belt, for better concealment. If you prefer a loop over the clips for outside carry, you can order those for just $7.50 extra.
Like a lot of ultra-concealable holsters, the Phantom 2 profile includes a flared wing on the back that juts the rear clip out enough to pull the grip of the gun a bit snugger to the body—a sure benefit to reduce printing as we enter the summer months for concealment under tees and other lighter tops.
The cut of the Phantom 2 automatically accommodates slide-mounted optics without having to choose that as an option when ordering. You will, however, need to choose the one of three light-attachment options for which the Spectre already has molds. If your light isn’t listed, contact the company directly and they may be able to make a special mold, which they will then add to their list of options for future customers.
Among the standout features I really like about the Phantom 2 is an audible click when the gun is secure inside, easy draw that doesn’t hang up, quick and easy mounting on the belt, and a wide back that makes it very comfortable against the body in spite of being hard Boltaron. The mounting clips felt very secure and never slipped during my normal routine, including getting in and out of the car and just going about my daily life.
Available in three basic colors, this holster comes in both right- and left-hand configurations and also allows for optional mag pouches to be attached for an upcharge. At $79.99, the Spectre Phantom 2 is a solid value-conscious option for concealed carry.
