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AR15.COM
8/28/2009 12:23:38 PM EDT
I did not know there was such a thing until I started reading around this forum.
I always use a sturdy leather belt I have bought from departments stores in the past and I have no problems.
WIthout flaming me to death, Are they really that much better and worth the money?
If they are I am all for buying and trying one soon.

Natron
8/28/2009 1:22:05 PM EDT
[#1]
i say whatever works for you. i think most people who buy/use specific carry belts do so because daily carry will tear the shit out of most belts. I have three belts that I use- a good thick leather belt that I had custom made at a local leather stand in a Flea Market, a nylod blackhawk riggers type, and a free carry belt that came with my 5.11 Khak
8/28/2009 1:50:24 PM EDT
[#2]
Depends on what your carrying,but generally yes,the money you spend on a quality ,double layer leather gunbelt is money well spent !
8/28/2009 5:36:36 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Depends on what your carrying,but generally yes,the money you spend on a quality ,double layer leather gunbelt is money well spent !


Absolutely; and here's why.

A properly made gun belt supports your gun from every direction since unlike belts that aren't purpose built, they do not flex nor do they twist and therefore the weight of your gun is equally distributed around your body.

No matter how wide or thick a regular belt may be it will flex and twist while you are wearing it whether you realize it or not.

With a properly constructed, dual layer gun belt with a properly secured internal stiffener; your gun will be much more comfortable to carry and will actually feel lighter and your rig will be far more stable as well.

And the holes will not elongate, nor will the belt stretch so you'll never have to move to the next hole in order to keep your rig properly positioned.

And due to the above; you will not have to tighten your belt as much as you need to do with a regular belt so you will be more comfortable too.

I currently own a Beltman, Crossbreed, Comp-Tac Contour Belt, and a custom made belt.

The 1 1/2" Comp-Tac Contour Belt is by far the most comfortable, because they've gotten the contour just right and although with the internal Kydex stiffener it's as stiff as a barrel hoop where it needs to be; it's unbelievably comfortable to wear and IMO, the best belt I've owned in 40 years of carrying handguns.

No brand loyalty is involved; I've got a Comp-Tac MTAC and a horsehide Crossbreed Super Tuck, and belts from both companies as well as from The Beltman.

I strongly prefer the horsehide Crossbreed Super Tuck holster, but the Comp-Tac Contour Belt with the sewn in internal  Kydex stiffener, is IMO more stable than the Crossbreed and more comfortable than the Beltman.

I carry a full size M&P .40 every day, all day long and with the Comp-Tac belt/Crossbreed holster rig; it's actually a breeze to carry a full size pistol all the time.

If you ever decide to buy a purpose built gun belt; I'd suggest  1 1/2" width rather than 1 1/4".

8/28/2009 5:39:15 PM EDT
[#4]
5-stitch Wilderness belt. Lasts forever and very stiff. Comes in assorted colors.
8/28/2009 6:25:11 PM EDT
[#5]
you'd recommend the 5 stich over carbon reinforcment?
8/28/2009 7:27:22 PM EDT
[#6]
You never know the difference until you've carried with a gun belt. It's like the first day getting glasses: you never knew what you were missing!
8/28/2009 7:29:58 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
you'd recommend the 5 stich over carbon reinforcment?


Nope. Never owned a carbon reinforcement belt. But have owned a couple of the 5 stitches nylon belts from Wilderness I bought maybe 9 years ago and they are still going strong. Very stiff belt and practically indestructible.

8/29/2009 8:30:21 AM EDT
[#8]
What's the best belt for the money? (Unemployed college student).


I only want to buy once (at least for awhile).
8/29/2009 10:41:55 AM EDT
[#9]
I used stiff department store belts for a while, it worked well for a few months, then it would soften and not hold the weapon into my side like I perfer, and it would also allow the weapon to sag.

After a few of those I finally bought a proper gun belt, it's much better and i t's lasting much longer.
8/29/2009 11:32:30 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
What's the best belt for the money? (Unemployed college student).


I only want to buy once (at least for awhile).


1 1/2" Comp-Tac Kydex Reinforced Countour Belt; non tapered: $80.00.

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=43

8/29/2009 2:43:42 PM EDT
[#11]
Milt Sparks lined (double layer)  ... best I ever had.
Daily carry in SoFla and lasted more than 5 years carrying a full-size HG while doing heavy work.

Stay safe
8/29/2009 5:12:45 PM EDT
[#12]
Wilderness belts will run you somewhere between 35 and 45 bucks depending on the options. Nylon only so if leather is your thing its a no go. Have been wearing one almost every day for around 9 years and its good as new. Lifetime warranty on the product.
8/29/2009 5:46:45 PM EDT
[#13]
I love my Wilderness belts (black and tan poly lined models), but I'm really looking forward to my Sparks belt arriving sometime next month.
8/30/2009 2:12:49 PM EDT
[#14]
+1 for wilderness 5 stitch
8/31/2009 4:13:30 PM EDT
[#15]
i have several custom horsehide + leather belts that cost well north of $100. fantastic quality + function.

once i bought my first wilderness ring belt 3-4 yrs. ago[w/ the insert], my custom belts now hang in my closet except when i have to dress up. i bought a second one [frequent flyer] and it is just as good as my other one; i switch between the two frequently. the only reason i didn't switch to the instructor's belt is b/c all my holsters are 1.25" slots. lol.

tight budget or not, buy a wilderness belt… you will use it forever, it is pretty much impervious to weather and holds up very well. i'm glad i went the nylon route when i was in handgun class that was taught in the pouring rain.. also, you won't feel so bad rolling around in a carbine class, scarring up your $$$ custom leather belt on the rocky ground [been there, done that lol].