Before I start talking about the PHLster Spotlight Holster for the Glock 43 with TLR-6, I need to give you some context. I’ve been carrying a Glock 43 with TLR-6 for a little more than 2 years. The TLR-6 adds significant capability to the G43 but it has one downside that had me so frustrated, I nearly got rid of it. It installs by wrapping around the G43’s trigger guard and it has a very rounded shape. Kydex holsters typically retain the handgun via a molded detent on the trigger guard or weapon light, both of which are difficult thanks to the shape and location of the TLR-6.
During the previous two years, I have purchased two different holsters from well established makers and tried several others. They just didn’t have acceptable retention. The last holster I was using was able to be tightened to the point that it had barely acceptable retention but only when the adjustable retention was completely maxed out. Unfortunately, repeated drawstrokes during training eventually loosened the holster to the point that the G43 will fall out under its own weight.
I was ready to give up on the TLR-6 and I would have… if PHLster didn’t release their Spotlight Holster just in time.
Overview
The PHLster Spotlight Holster was designed in conjunction with Henry Holsters. It is a kydex AIWB holster with a fold-over design and adjustable retention. It features dual soft loops that are adjustable for ride height and belt width (2″ to 1.5″ belts).
The Spotlight has two features that help turn the handgun grip in toward the user. The first is a tear-drop shaped ramp that is molded into the back of the holster. The second is Henry Holsters ModWing-L strut that comes with two different height pads to adjust how aggressively the handgun grip is turned into the wearer.
The holster is cut to accept slide mounted dot sights and extended to fully cover most barrel mounted compensators.
Observations from Use
I purchased this holster with just one hope – that PHLster and Henry Holsters would have worked out how to provide acceptable retention on the TLR-6. They did. It is not quite as crisp as my other holsters from PHLster and Henry Holsters but it can’t be due to the shape of the TLR-6. However, it does offer a more than acceptable level of retention and is far better than any other holster I have tried for this combination. The gun and light do drop into the holster with a pronounced “click”, there is MORE than enough retention, and PLENTY of tension adjustment left. That alone makes this holster important for those who are trying to make the G43/TLR-6 combination work.
The Spotlight Holster has a full sweat shield but it shaped such that it does not interfere with the drawstroke. Even with the holster set to ride as low as the adjustment allows, it is easy to establish a full grip.
This holster conceals extremely well. The molded in ramp and ModWing-L strut do an excellent job of turning in the grip. The extra length that PHLster adds to accommodate a compensator plays a big role in concealment. The little bit of extra length helps anchor the holster below the belt so it less likely to rotate out at the belt line and it provides additional leverage for the ramp. This holster conceals better than any of the other holsters I have tried for this particular gun and light combination.
I find the Spotlight Holster to be very comfortable. I think there is a misconception about ramped holsters with those who may not have tried one that the ramp itself may create a hotspot. I find the opposite to be true. The ramp is very rounded and has a tear drop shape. This creates a large area of contact with the wearer and prevents the hot spots that you get from some AIWB holsters without ramps that end up pressing the bottom corners of the holster into your body.
The shooter should plan on spending some time adjusting the Spotlight Holster to fit their particular needs when they first receive it. There are some very thoughtful adjustments built in. There are two ride height settings for the soft loops which will also have some bearing on how the ModWing-L works. The soft loops should be cut to fit your belt width as this great increases stability. Finally, you should spend some time experimenting with the ModWing-L and its different height pads. If you plan on using the Spotlight Holster somewhere other than the AIWB position, you may want to remove the ModWing-L altogether.
The fit and finish of this holster are excellent. The mold lines are clean, crisp, and the blocking is generous, all of which contribute to a clean draw stroke. Care has been taken to finish the edges and the sight track is straight as an arrow.
Wrap Up
I haven’t tried every available holster for the Glock 43 with TLR-6 but I have tried a lot of them. The Spotlight Holster is better than any of the holsters I have used by a country mile. It isn’t even close. The combination of the extra length, the well-designed ramp, the ModWing-L, and PHLster’s insistence on getting the retention right make this holster worth your consideration.
