Lets talk about belts.

View · by **LumberZach** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 3:25 pm

What do you guys use? Does anyone run a competition belt in a "tactical" scenario - class or otherwise or vice versa? . I am wondering what kind of stuff I should be looking for as far as competitive use with a "tactical" perspective. I am just curious as to what other people use as well for edc - 3 gun - pistol league - defensive classes - etc.

View · by **westberg** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:54 pm

LumberZach wrote:What do you guys use? Does anyone run a competition belt in a "tactical" scenario - class or otherwise or vice versa? . I am wondering what kind of stuff I should be looking for as far as competitive use with a "tactical" perspective. I am just curious as to what other people use as well for edc - 3 gun - pistol league - defensive classes - etc.

Can you use one good gun belt for all you listed, yes but not very well. For every day carry, IDPA, self defense/tactical training get a good sturdy gun belt or the wilderness/riggers belts. Two belt systems (inner and outer, similar to police duty belts) work best for USPSA, 3gun and tactical shotgun matches, you have more area for the holster, mag holders and shotshell holders plus better placement on the belts.

Look at Looper leather belts, CR Speed, Double AA, Safariland, Condor and many more.

View · by **Ron Burgundy** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:57 pm

CR Speed for USPSA.

I've used a 5.11 "instructor" belt before. Not as nice as a 2 belt system but it works. In fact, I wear it most days

View · by **Doc Harvey** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:59 pm

This is the one that I want to buy. http://www.boxertactical.com/zenith-belt Don't know when I'll be able to. I currently use a nylon belt with Velcro from Cabelas (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas- ... l+Products). Not the "best" one out there, but I've used it successfully for Steel Shoots and pistol classes. Fairly stiff, and it has held up well. Pretty inexpensive, too. I also have a padded "war belt" (don't know what else to call it) that was pretty inexpensive that I purchased from C&C Military Surplus that I use for carbine courses, etc.

View · by **EAJuggalo** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:29 pm

I've used my Looper Leather for everything the last 8 years with no problems at all. Now I'm not high up in the rankings but I've used it for IDPA, Steel Shoots, everyday carry and even on my wedding day.

View · by **LumberZach** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:45 pm

Good info guys! I currently have a 5.11 trainer belt that I use for everyday stuff, and I am sure I can make this work for starting out for some competitive stuff. I am just curious as to what the favorite gear was among you guys. I haven't been able to start competing yet, but this summer is looking much more promising than before. Do many people use riggers belts much in IDPA type shooting?

View · by **OldmanFCSA** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:23 pm

Belts, I love Belts, my kind tho'

View · by **UnaStamus** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:35 pm

The belt itself is up to personal preference. You can find belts that will perform well across the board. I find that a more rigid belt is the best option. I have several riggers belts and I love them. I think they're the best option across the board, but there are other options that are also very good.

In terms of gear on the belt, that's subjective to the competition. The best gear for tactical/gunfighting is not going to work well for high speed competition, and vice versa. In a gunfighting training course a couple years ago, we had a big 3-Gun guy shooting with his 3-Gun speed holster and pouches. He was no doubt faster than anyone else doing draws with pistol and reloads for pistol and rifle. The instant that he dropped to the ground and had to shoot from unconventional shooting positions, his gear started spilling out all over the ground. When I used my tactical work/training kit for IPSC, I was much slower than the people running the competition gear. There are going to be short-comings when you go coss-discipline with the same kit.

View · by **Spartan** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:39 pm

: belt.jpg (10.14 KB) Viewed 7159 times

this is a belt buckle

View · by **Spartan** on Thu Feb 27, 2014 11:41 pm

: belt and holster.png (63.14 KB) Viewed 7061 times

here ya go for your 45 colt pistols

View · by **gman1868** on Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:23 am

I use Comp-Tac Kydex reinforced contour belt. They have varying widths and colors. I like the tapered version that is thinner in front so when I bend over it doesn't pinch.

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

View · by **Ranger01** on Wed Mar 05, 2014 10:03 am

I used to use one of the 1 3/4" kydex stiffened belts by 5.11 (I think the "Operator model), but after a while it began to get loose and not hold my holster up as well. I've since been wearing it at work and it has loosened up even more and has started to come apart. For my not at work belt I use an ARES 1.5" Ranger belt, stiffer than my 5.11 ever was, more comfortable (doesn't dig into my sides and gut as much), and I can tell it will last longer (the ladies also like the quick release

).

I'm currently planning on upgrading my work belt (no need to hold up a holster as carry isn't allowed) to an OSOE 1 3/4" Cobra belt (slightly less stiff due to a different brand of webbing, but easier to get on and off due to design) due to how badly the 5.11 is holding up. I figure, yea a good cobra belt is $20-$40 more than the "cheapie" 5.11s, but USA made and long life trump "cheap" (them things are still $40 for a china product...).

As far as duty/war/comp belts go I have no experience in that arena (yet).

View · by **TTS** on Wed Mar 05, 2014 10:24 am

LumberZach wrote:What do you guys use? Does anyone run a competition belt in a "tactical" scenario - class or otherwise or vice versa? . I am wondering what kind of stuff I should be looking for as far as competitive use with a "tactical" perspective. I am just curious as to what other people use as well for edc - 3 gun - pistol league - defensive classes - etc.

I would ask what your goal is... Some people shoot competition as sport, others as practice.

If you are looking to shoot competition as sport, game it to the max. Get a good dual belt system like CR or DA, with holster mag pouches to match your division.

If you are looking to use it as practice, I would carry the way you do every day. It is a good test of your equipment and gear set up. A lot of people are amazed how difficult drawing from concealment is when they are on the clock... I'm talking real concealment not a weighted 5.11 vest.

View · by **Rip Van Winkle** on Wed Mar 05, 2014 10:32 am

When I got tired of wearing out cheap belts I ordered a bullhide belt from these guys. http://www.bullhidebelts.com

Watch their clearance page for deals in your size.

View · by **xd ED** on Wed Mar 05, 2014 10:32 am

I like the Wilderness Instructor belts; at least 2 widths, and 3 levels of rigidity . I have a few 5 stitched in 1-1/2" for everyday wear, and a kydex reinforced 1-3/4" for competitions. As has been said many good options, and like most things, you get what you pay for.