Wilderness LowPro EDC Belt [Archive]

GyroF-16

11-22-2019, 01:35 PM

I see Wilderness has a new belt using a plastic buckle similar to the last version of the Graith Specialist. Anyone seen it yet?

https://www.thewilderness.com/belts/lowpro-edc-belt/

Looks interesting.

The price of $34 vs $50 for the instructor belt is attractive.
Wilderness Instructor belts have become my preferred item for casual carry and competition. Since I don’t plan to rappel or be hoisted on a helicopter anytime soon, the metal buckle with the triangular attachment point is overkill.

Seems like this new belt would be a little more low-profile and less heavy and clunky.
With my recent weight loss, I just got two new Instructor belts over the past 6 months. If this one had been out a few months ago, I’d have definitely tried one.

NH Shooter

11-22-2019, 04:01 PM

I love my Instructor belts but may need to give this one a try.

Hey, Santa! :-)

10mmfanboy

11-22-2019, 09:23 PM

I'm digging that! I have tried a lot of belts but still go back to wilderness 3 stitch frequent flyer for aiwb and 5 stitch instructor belt for owb.

RevolverRob

11-22-2019, 09:30 PM

Gray222

11-22-2019, 09:48 PM

pangloss

11-23-2019, 02:10 AM

I'm still trying to figure out how a belt can be "particularly well-suited to AIWB holsters and centerline-carry of knives and magazines" and be the same material all the way around?

That's not how any of this works.I believe they are referring to the narrower buckle, relative to their other belts, and to the stitching reinforcements near the buckle. The stitching reinforcements are visible in some pics, and they look a few inches shorter than what I think would be ideal. In any case, looks like they are referring to specific product characteristics by my read.

Sent from my moto e5 cruise using Tapatalk

Mirolynmonbro

11-23-2019, 03:07 AM

So...I’m normally a big fan of Wilderness Tac, but this one kind of rubs me the wrong way.

The Graith/Mastermind Specialist comes out and basically makes almost all other gun belts obsolete in the process.

So, Wilderness now just makes it own Specialist copy. I’ll put this out here: my last two 5-stitch CSM Wilderness belts weren’t as stiff new as my 4-year old daily worn Specialist is right now.

Save your pennies, buy a Specialist from Mastermind.

Four years I’ve only bought one new belt in that time, a spare Specialist.

So the specialist is stiffer than the 5 stitch? I thought I've always read the specialist not being very stiff at all. 🤔. I might need to grab a specialist... I always thought it was less stiff

Gray222

11-23-2019, 10:08 AM

I believe they are referring to the narrower buckle, relative to their other belts, and to the stitching reinforcements near the buckle. The stitching reinforcements are visible in some pics, and they look a few inches shorter than what I think would be ideal. In any case, looks like they are referring to specific product characteristics by my read.

Sent from my moto e5 cruise using Tapatalk

None of those things are "particularly well-suited to AIWB holsters and centerline-carry of knives and magazines" they just created a lower profile buckle stitch combo. Other than the buckle it's nearly identical to other belts.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

In this case they are just using currently popular language to market a belt that isn't different enough to be described with such language.

orionz06

11-23-2019, 01:01 PM

So, Wilderness now just makes it own Specialist copy.

What makes it a Specialist copy? Looks like a generic webbing belt made with the Wilderness webbing, a webbing they won't sell to anyone else, that happens to work very well for our needs.

RevolverRob

11-23-2019, 01:32 PM

What makes it a Specialist copy? Looks like a generic webbing belt made with the Wilderness webbing, a webbing they won't sell to anyone else, that happens to work very well for our needs.

I guess I looked at the buckle and way the tail works and see lots of similarities. But of course, you're right, many webbing belts have similar buckles and work in a similar fashion.

Mirolynmonbro - I suppose "stiff" is the wrong word. If you hold a 5-stitch CSM and a Specialist up, the Specialist will "flop" more. But that's only half the story, the Specialist cinches tighter and the core they use has greater rigidity (resistance to twisting) than the polymer. The polymer is thinner and flexes more it's also not as wide in the core as the Specialist. Basically, the Specialist is 3-layers of webbing vs. 2-layers + Think layer of polymer (assuming you have the CSM).

Larry T

11-23-2019, 01:59 PM

So...I’m normally a big fan of Wilderness Tac, but this one kind of rubs me the wrong way.

The Graith/Mastermind Specialist comes out and basically makes almost all other gun belts obsolete in the process.

So, Wilderness now just makes it own Specialist copy. I’ll put this out here: my last two 5-stitch CSM Wilderness belts weren’t as stiff new as my 4-year old daily worn Specialist is right now.

Save your pennies, buy a Specialist from Mastermind.

Four years I’ve only bought one new belt in that time, a spare Specialist.

Wilderness makes a Specialist copy? Maybe, but since Wilderness nylon belts not only pre-date Graith / Mastermind, they also pre-date 5.11, so I'm not sure who copied who.

I have some Wilderness belts as well as a Specialist. Neither give me the perpetual orgasm and hysteria that people were exhibiting when Graith first hit the scene. I can say the same thing about holsters and attachments.

bofe954

11-23-2019, 02:36 PM

Wilderness makes a Specialist copy? Maybe, but since Wilderness nylon belts not only pre-date Graith / Mastermind, they also pre-date 5.11, so I'm not sure who copied who.

I have some Wilderness belts as well as a Specialist. Neither give me the perpetual orgasm and hysteria that people were exhibiting when Graith first hit the scene. I can say the same thing about holsters and attachments.

Considering that Graith doesn't make belts anymore, they probably aren't concerned about who is copying what.

blues

11-23-2019, 02:39 PM

FWIW, I don't think anyone reinvented the wheel here. Most of the differences are subtle and some work better than others in various applications. If they were perfect I'd only own one.

The rest is hype and marketing.

(Having owned my share of the various Mastermind / Graith offerings, I'd have to say that the D ring closure they offered with the "universal" belt was my favorite. Low profile, easy to secure. Had it been made a slightly thinner belt, (and maybe without velcro, which I don't think it really needed), it would satisfy virtually all my carry needs.)

RevolverRob

11-23-2019, 03:00 PM

Considering that Graith doesn't make belts anymore, they probably aren't concerned about who is copying what.

The company went Mastermind Tactics -> Graith -> Mastermind Tactics. And a new Specialist from Mastermind is available as I type this.

bofe954

11-23-2019, 03:04 PM

The company went Mastermind Tactics -> Graith -> Mastermind Tactics. And a new Specialist from Mastermind is available as I type this.

Thanks for the correction. The plastic buckle is a nice option, although I think I don't think I was hassled about my metal belt buckle last time I flew.

RevolverRob

11-23-2019, 03:41 PM

Thanks for the correction. The plastic buckle is a nice option, although I think I don't think I was hassled about my metal belt buckle last time I flew.

I walked right on through security at Dallas Love Field wearing a metal buckle Specialist two days ago, no problems.

NH Shooter

11-23-2019, 04:20 PM

Having owned my share of the various Mastermind / Graith offerings, I'd have to say that the D ring closure they offered with the "universal" belt was my favorite. Low profile, easy to secure. Had it been made a slightly thinner belt, (and maybe without velcro, which I don't think it really needed), it would satisfy virtually all my carry needs.

My only gripe with the Wilderness Instructor belt is that the buckle does not secure the belt well enough by itself (at least on me). It seems the Velcro keeps the belt from slipping through the buckle and becoming loose. Once the Velcro wears out, my pants end up at my knees. :-/

Larry T

11-23-2019, 06:37 PM

My only gripe with the Wilderness Instructor belt is that the buckle does not secure the belt well enough by itself (at least on me). It seems the Velcro keeps the belt from slipping through the buckle and becoming loose. Once the Velcro wears out, my pants end up at my knees. :-/

I think that's the problem with all velcro belts. I've been tempted to try a Klik Belt but the knock on it is though it's supposedly designed to not need velcro, it will loosen while wearing if you don't add the velcro option. Then there's the ratchet belts (Nexbelt, Kore, etc), but I don't see any of them being durable enough for serious use.

AKDoug

11-24-2019, 03:12 AM

Current Mastermind Specialist has a metal buckle.

rob_s

11-24-2019, 08:16 AM

The Wilderness has the best webbing hands down of any webbing belt I’ve tried. They have the perfect combination of vertical stiffness and lateral flexibility that none of the garage/evening makers even seem to understand, instead choosing nor being force to choose) ridiculously stiff material in both directions to the point that the enthusiast market has actually convinced themselves that this obscene stiffness is a good thing.

I suspect that as a company they’ve been around so long that they may be too “boomer” for the contrarian millennials, as well as for the folks that think they need something special rather than tried and true.

I’m glad to see them offering other buckle options. I’ve always wished that they’d make a cobra buckle version, or something similar.

Up1911Fan

11-24-2019, 08:31 AM

So...I’m normally a big fan of Wilderness Tac, but this one kind of rubs me the wrong way.

The Graith/Mastermind Specialist comes out and basically makes almost all other gun belts obsolete in the process.

So, Wilderness now just makes it own Specialist copy. I’ll put this out here: my last two 5-stitch CSM Wilderness belts weren’t as stiff new as my 4-year old daily worn Specialist is right now.

Save your pennies, buy a Specialist from Mastermind.

Four years I’ve only bought one new belt in that time, a spare Specialist.

I own 4 of the Specialists and use one daily. Let's be real here, they made nothing obsolete. It's a nylon belt with a metal or plastic buckle. I agree the Specialist is the one to buy, but it's nothing revolutionary.

Doc_Glock

11-24-2019, 10:56 AM

So the specialist is stiffer than the 5 stitch? I thought I've always read the specialist not being very stiff at all. [emoji848]. I might need to grab a specialist... I always thought it was less stiff

You are correct. In my world the specialist isn’t anywhere near a 5 stitch wilderness. Not even close.

I like this new buckle and would swap from the old giant plastic Frequent Flyer Rings.

And while this is a nice offering, I am entirely converted to the VDevGroup miningajord or however that damn thing is spelled belt. Super rigid where stuff clamps, floppy elsewhere. Low profile. Seems crazy but it works absolutely great for AIWB. 8 hours driving with G19 AIWB yesterday. No sweat.

mmc45414

11-24-2019, 11:18 AM

I suspect that as a company they’ve been around so long that they may be too “boomer” for the contrarian millennials

Let's be real here, they made nothing obsolete. It's a nylon belt with a metal or plastic buckle.
Yeah, being critical of the company that pretty much launched the whole idea of a nylon gun belt in 1981 because they have started offering a version that uses a common off the shelf buckle seems like a bit of a stretch to this boomer.

ETA: Just went ahead of ordered one.

M2CattleCo

11-25-2019, 09:13 AM

I just looked at it.

It's just a triglide instead of a buckle. Same thing we've been using on slings and other web gear forever.

Cecil Burch

11-25-2019, 12:19 PM

I have one of the first ones. In fact, they made mine while I was waiting in the shop.

I have only run it this weekend since I got it Friday, but it may be my favorite. Only time will tell, but it pulls flatter than any other belt for one, and the quality of it is typical Wilderness bombproof-ness. They pay more attention to the little things since they have actually been making belts longer than a lot of later makers have been alive. For example, they spent a good deal of time and thought on the x-box stitching and how to get it as close to the buckle as possible since that has a direct impact on how flat the the buckle lays. I have a special training session lined up with a couple of black belt buddies on Friday to really run it through it's paces, but I am extremely happy with it so far.

it is funny to me how people in the gun community are so quick to dismiss gear that they have not seen with their own eyes and hands and make assumptions about it. The Wilderness was the first to make these kind of belts, and have spent decades figuring things out. they also have a history of making changes to the belts when the changes make sense and meet a decided need, not just to copy. Saying this is a copy of anything else without wearing it is a but much.

Oh, and the guy who actually was most responsible for this belt being produced? He daily carries AIWB and a fixed bladed knife carried forward of the hips, and has done so for a very long time, and has actively solicited advice from other people who have done so as well. This is not some quick cash in.

ThatDude

11-25-2019, 01:50 PM

Have been using my Volund Gearworks G-Hook belt for awhile now.

I have been looking at other options and the Graith Specialist has caught my eye as well as this one.

JonInWA

11-25-2019, 01:57 PM

I've been a heavy user of Wilderness belts (Instructor 1.75", 1.5", Frequent Flyer, dual metal ring 1.25"-all except my 1990-vintage original Instructor are 5-Stitch-since 1990. All of mine are still in service, although most of them have gone though Wilderness' repair/renovation program for velcro replacement.

All of their products are exceptionally well thought out and made, and they stand behind their gear.

My thoughts are going with 5-Stitch and a supplementary suspender set-up for load support, rather than an inordinately stiff belt per se.

I'm interested in this new rig, and will probably give it a whirl.

Best, Jon

Larry T

11-25-2019, 02:19 PM

blues

11-25-2019, 02:22 PM

I have both a 3-stitch and 5-stitch FF belt. I wonder for AIWB which would be the best option? I currently use the first gen Graith Specialist. My thinking is a 3-stitch would be sufficient for AIWB and the 5-stitch would be best for the very occasional OWB strong-side carry. Thoughts?

Since you have both, the easiest way to tell what works the best "for you" is by trying each with the firearms you carry AIWB to see which you prefer.

For OWB, I'd be surprised if the 5-stitch wouldn't provide superior results.

Larry T

11-25-2019, 02:29 PM

Since you have both, the easiest way to tell what works the best "for you" is by trying each with the firearms you carry AIWB to see which you prefer.

For OWB, I'd be surprised if the 5-stitch wouldn't provide superior results.
Makes perfect sense - I should have mentioned that I lost a ton of weight and have 3 FF belts that are too big. Working from memory I don't remember a big difference between the two versions for AIWB. I also never had the experiences people talked about with the belts being too stiff all around and causing pain. Sometimes the gear hype makes me chuckle.

blues

11-25-2019, 03:03 PM

Makes perfect sense - I should have mentioned that I lost a ton of weight and have 3 FF belts that are too big. Working from memory I don't remember a big difference between the two versions for AIWB. I also never had the experiences people talked about with the belts being too stiff all around and causing pain. Sometimes the gear hype makes me chuckle.

Ah, now I see your situation better. Well, I have some thicker / stiffer, and thinner / more flexible belts and I can pretty much get by with any of them. Some are a little harder to snap the PTDs on due to the thickness. I will say that somewhere in the middle works best for me. Holds the gun close to the torso without being so stiff as to dig into the ribs or kidneys.

I'm going to opine that the 3-stitch is all you'll need for AIWB.

mmc45414

11-25-2019, 09:53 PM

All of mine are still in service
I never managed to wear one out, since I seemed to get bigger, and smaller, and bigger and (a little) smaller...

M2CattleCo

11-25-2019, 09:53 PM

I have both a 3-stitch and 5-stitch FF belt. I wonder for AIWB which would be the best option? I currently use the first gen Graith Specialist. My thinking is a 3-stitch would be sufficient for AIWB and the 5-stitch would be best for the very occasional OWB strong-side carry. Thoughts?

I used a 5 stitch for AIWB for about 10 years.

All my OWB carry has been with a CSM belt.

This thread has caused me to do the math and I've been cinched up in a Wilderness belt for real close to 20 years!

GJM

11-25-2019, 11:25 PM

I used a 5 stitch for AIWB for about 10 years.

All my OWB carry has been with a CSM belt.

This thread has caused me to do the math and I've been cinched up in a Wilderness belt for real close to 20 years!

I have worn Wilderness belts for so long, I have worn out the webbing on many, and had them replaced multiple times. Really like the Ti buckle. Haven’t worn them as much lately, so hope this new offering works well.

jaredm1

11-26-2019, 08:26 AM

I walked right on through security at Dallas Love Field wearing a metal buckle Specialist two days ago, no problems.

I wore my Frequent Flyer to the airport once for the sole reason that I wouldn't have to remove it at security. They made me remove it anyway :rolleyes:

blues

11-26-2019, 09:07 AM

I wore my Frequent Flyer to the airport once for the sole reason that I wouldn't have to remove it at security. They made me remove it anyway :rolleyes:

Don't feel bad. In London I was escorted to the gate by Scotland Yard (who advised that two American agents with official passports were on the flight).

The folks let a bunch of sketchy characters aboard without a check but had my partner and me remove belts and shoes. Didn't want to create an international incident so laughed it off and let it pass. (Plus you could never tell if one of the "lads" from the Met was having a laugh.)

GJM

11-26-2019, 10:25 AM

I have lost track of when Wilderness first introduced the instructor belt, but my recollection is was about the same year or so that this new company, Blade-Tech, brought out a kydex holster. Prior, it was Milt Sparks holsters and leather belts. The blocky Glock slide dragged on a Sparks 55BN, and kydex seemed lightning fast by comparison.

vcdgrips

11-26-2019, 10:56 AM

IIRC, I first saw Wilderness Belts in the early 90's. The Cooper/1911/Gunsite guys I had started shooting/competing with were all fresh back from a Gunsite class. These belts ( 5 stitch, 1.75 inch, black) were the new hotnest mated with wait for it ... "Mad Dog" kydex mag pouches and Surefire 6P light pouches. These guys were all Milt Sparks/G Wm Davis/Pre Galco Jackass Gunleather guys before that.)

Within a season or two, Bladetech (with the Ichthys stamp) came on the scene, particularly with an IWB holster that was super fast, always stayed open for easy re-holstering and had the industrial rubber coated one way belt loops.

Do not get me wrong, I have two Graith/MM belts and they are great. I was more than covered for AIWB with the polymer reinforced Frequent Flyer Belts, Instructor Belts and Maxpedition Liger I already had. I simply liked supporting a USA based small business and site supporter. There is, for me, a small increment of increased concealment I gain using the "Specialists" v the FF/Instructor Belts. Graith et al. are great people and I will certainly do business with them again.

Having said that Wilderness has forgotten more about sewing belts than most people know. Their QC/"finishing" is superlative.

YMMV Greatly.

mmc45414

11-26-2019, 01:35 PM

I have lost track of when Wilderness first introduced the instructor belt
I went and looked at their www the other day when this thread started, and they have been in business since 1981 and I think this (or the Safepacker?) what their first product. I had one shortly after somebody showed up with one, presumably Hackathorn, probably at Butler County (OH) Sportsman's Club (maybe even at the match I was shooting in my avatar picture).

ETA: I would probably still have it, but it was, ahem, smaller :cool:

psalms144.1

11-26-2019, 03:37 PM

GyroF-16

11-26-2019, 04:02 PM

So, what's the group think on stiffness on these? I'm looking for a new OWB carry belt, carrying anything from a G43X with one spare mag to an all steel 5" 1911 with two spare mags. Will the 5-stitch handle that kind or weight, or do I need the CSM? I've been using a 3-stitch FF forever for light weight IWB carry for years and years now...

I’ve routinely used a Wilderness 3-stitch Instructor belt for OWB carry. This worked with pancake holsters carrying compact Glocks and full-size and compact Beretta 92s. I now only OWB with a kydex from JMCK for IDPA and with a paddle for taking the dog out. Still with a 3-stitch belt. Also great for IWB.
I suppose that with an all-steel 1911 or similarly heavy pistol that isn’t held close to the body, a 5-stitch would be useful- I’ve just always found them uncomfortably stiff.

vcdgrips

11-26-2019, 04:04 PM

I would defer to GJM, Cecil and some others with a wider frame of ref if their answer conflicts with mine.

While I think the 5 stitch would be likely enough for an all steel, 5 inch 1911 with two mags, I KNOW the CSM in 1.5 inch FF models and 1.75 Inch Instructor CSM are up to the to the task. Moreover, I never found my CSM 1.5 FF models "too stiff" or otherwise uncomfortable for AIWB with a G19. Since an all steel 1911 might be in the mix, I would error on the side of getting a CSM lined belt.

YMMV Greatly.

mmc45414

11-26-2019, 05:16 PM

All my OWB carry has been with a CSM belt.

So, what's the group think on stiffness on these? Will the 5-stitch handle that kind or weight, or do I need the CSM?

While I think the 5 stitch would be likely enough for an all steel, 5 inch 1911 with two mags, I KNOW the CSM in 1.5 inch FF models and 1.75 Inch Instructor CSM are up to the to the task. Moreover, I never found my CSM 1.5 FF models "too stiff" or otherwise uncomfortable for AIWB with a G19. Since an all steel 1911 might be in the mix, I would error on the side of getting a CSM lined belt.
All of the many I have had (mostly 1.5", a few 1.25", one or two in 1.75") have all be 5 Stitch, but with winter coming on you all have got me being CSM curious...
Maybe I should splurge on the Ti buckle, since I would be in the frivolous zone anyway :cool:

orionz06

11-26-2019, 05:27 PM

So, what's the group think on stiffness on these? I'm looking for a new OWB carry belt, carrying anything from a G43X with one spare mag to an all steel 5" 1911 with two spare mags. Will the 5-stitch handle that kind or weight, or do I need the CSM? I've been using a 3-stitch FF forever for light weight IWB carry for years and years now...

There are a wide range of factors that influence how a particular webbing will work. For OWB we want vertical rigidity and this is influenced by the wearers shape as well as the belt tension. A floppy belt on a skinny guy with the holster placed near the hip point where the belt wraps will be fine. Someone with a 48" waist and no defining shape or points like a hip bone may not be able to use that belt.

The 5-stitch is great in that it's soft and flexible enough to wrap around the user and conform to AIWB features (claws/wings, belt wedges) and allow those to work, while also supporting most pistols in a decent holster.

Cecil Burch

11-26-2019, 06:51 PM

They made mine in CSM. It has been pretty comfortable, but I have not had a ton of time on it (got it Friday afternoon, wore it non-stop from then until going to sleep Sunday night with only a short pause for running BJJ class Saturday morning). I plan on running it a lot over the next week with having time off of the day gig, so I should be able to say more definitively by next Monday, but I am thinking that the 6-stitch is probably more than enough for almost any IWB carry. For OWB, plus multiple mags, I would likely go CSM.

JSGlock34

11-29-2019, 11:04 AM

$5 off for Black Friday on these.

mmc45414

12-02-2019, 07:14 AM

Got my LowPro EDC and wore it yesterday. Not to be overstating anything, it is pretty nice. I never considered the Frequent Flyer to be bulky until the bulk went away.

The only issue so far is the coated tip of the belt has something that is making it just a tiny bit too wide the easily thread through the buckle. I will use it for a little while to see if it works itself out, or might lightly drag it across some sandpaper.

CSM curious... Maybe I should splurge on the Ti buckle
Is the Ti buckle no longer an option?

mmc45414

12-03-2019, 07:01 PM

And I just went TSA Precheck with it and no problem, and I have had issues with my FF before.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

10mmfanboy

12-04-2019, 12:39 AM

psalms144.1

12-04-2019, 12:01 PM

I cannot believe a belt thread turned into a Boomer vs Millennial ahahaha!

I find the 5 stitch plenty for owb, honestly I think a 3 stitch will do anything one would need it to do in either roles. I prefer 5 stitch for owb because I am usually using a G Code RTI setup and even though it doesn't add much stand off to my belt it's noticeable enough to me. I usually have to tighten my belt more with a 3 stitch for owb with an RTI than I do with a 5 stitch. I like to wear my belts as loose as possible though.As an experiment, the second half of last week and all weekend I wore my 3-stitch FF with a leather OWB holster, LW CDR, and two spare magazines of 230 gr JHP. At no point did I feel like the belt wasn't doing it's job, so I'm guessing the 5-stitch will be plenty stiff.

Det1397

12-04-2019, 03:13 PM

By definition, I have primarily been an OWB carrier for the vast majority of my professional and personal carry- and the majority of that has been with a Wilderness 5 stitch belt (Original Gunsite versions!). Needless to say, the 5 stitch design has never disappointed me while using a plethora of Kydex and leather holsters always accompanied with a single or double magazine carrier. I'd probably buy one of their LowPro EDC belts if I had not recently purchased a Trayvax CINCH BELT, which I'm currently vetting for times that I'm not carrying OWB.

Larry T

12-10-2019, 04:52 PM

I've been wearing this belt for a couple of days. The stitching and construction is typical Wilderness quality. Like a previous poster, The end of the belt is a tight fit when threading through the buckle, but nothing requiring adjustment. I like the stiffened end for threading through belt loops - that was the main thing that underwhelmed me with the original Graith Specialist. But of course, less than a week after I received my Specialist, they came out with the 2nd generation with a stiffened end.

I got the 3-stitch and for AIWB it seems plenty sturdy. I carry a G19 or G17 AIWB and a mag IWB on the other side and a 21700-sized light OWB weak side. I like the buckle better than the FF rings.

Gun Mutt

01-04-2020, 03:56 PM

I've owned Wilderness belts since back when you called in your order or mailed in a form with a paper check. Today, I went on their site and then took a minute to watch the sizing videos (mainly curious as to why there were two videos) and picked up a tidbit I thought worth sharing:

Specific sizing works better for a smaller waist, the easy fit better for larger waists. Measure through your belt loops with your holster in place as you normally would, then apply that to the easy fit chart; the result is that you get an additional 2" of velcro hook on the body of the belt.

Generally being one to listen to tips from the people who make the item, I ordered one using this metric. Also, still $5 off with promo code: LOWPRO5OFF.

She covers it starting at about 54sec in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=65&v=XENChlc9OQU&feature=emb_logo

NPV

01-08-2020, 06:39 PM

Just bought one of these. Initial thoughts: I’ve been using an A&G Gunleather belt for the last 4 years with no complaints. But after just trying this one on I am sold. So much more comfortable than any leather belt I have worn with a 1911 AIWB. I never thought a belt would make this big of a difference. I just bought it because I wanted something with a lo-pro buckle and infinitely adjustable. With the added comfort just being a huge plus.

NPV

11-29-2021, 11:09 AM

Bit of a necro post here but, I’ve been using the same Wilderness EDC belt for just under 2 years. Primary carry is normally a 5” steel 1911 AIWB in a 5 Shot SME. This belt has been excellent for me and I will never go back to a leather belt (and I have about $500 tied up in leather gun belts).

Recently however I lost some weight so I needed a new belt, even with my positive experience I decided to try out a Specialist. Based on the feedback from this forum my expectations are high and it will be interesting to see how the Wilderness and Mastermind belts stack up against each other with identical holsters/guns. I will report back once I’ve put some time in with the Mastermind.

1911Nut

11-29-2021, 07:43 PM

I own several Wilderness Belts (1 1/2", 1 3/4", with and without poly reinforcement, Frequent Flyer models, Instructor models, different colors, etc. etc. and have owned others in the past that apparently "shrunk" and had to be replaced with larger ones. My experience with them goes back at least 30 years, IIRC

I've also used many other of their products, all with great satisfaction.

I am and remain a huge fan of Wilderness, and live close enough to their shop that I can drop by periodically to have belts repaired when necessary and to just visit and window shop. Wonderful people who go out of their way to be helpful and they are absolutely focused on customer satisfaction and product quality.

I purchased one of the LowPro EDC belts a few months ago and have been using it every day. (1 1/2" wide, 5 stitch, black).

I like the way the buckle sits flatter that the metal buckles on the Instructor belts. Quality of workmanship is excellent.

However . . . . as mentioned earlier in this thread, the belt itself seems to be very slightly too wide for the buckle, making it difficult to thread through the buckle.

And . . . . I have heard others in the past mention that the buckles on some Wilderness belts do not seem to securely hold the belt in the proper position and the belt is dependent on the Velcro attachments to keep the belt in the desired position. I have never experienced this with any Wilderness belt I own or have owned in the past.

But . . . . It is a fairly significant issue with the LowPro EDC belt, and it is annoying. I might see if it is possible to replace the buckle on this belt with one of the round metal ones. If not, I will probably pass it on to someone else who might like to try it.

In all fairness when I purchased the belt in their shop in Phoenix, the lady who was helping me pointed out that the buckle on this particular belt was not "as user friendly" as the metal buckles, so I was forewarned.

Paul D

11-29-2021, 10:24 PM

I bought the 1.25 inch version for myself and my son. It is great for travel and doesn't look "weird".

M2CattleCo

11-30-2021, 10:13 AM

I prefer the frequent flyer over the low-pro.

The buckle on the low-pro didn’t do anything to hold the belt tight, the velcro did all the work. But if I wanted to snug the belt up some, the buckle would grab and prevent movement that way. Like the buckle was backwards. It would slip looser but not tighter.

I also use the polymer lined belts as the 3 and 5 stitches are too floppy for anything IMO.

mmc45414

11-30-2021, 06:44 PM

I prefer the frequent flyer over the low-pro.
I agree, but am getting tired of the bulk of the FF

The buckle on the low-pro didn’t do anything to hold the belt tight, the velcro did all the work. But if I wanted to snug the belt up some, the buckle would grab and prevent movement that way. Like the buckle was backwards. It would slip looser but not tighter.
I agree, but... the Velcro does all the work, but it does work. But it does seem wonky backwards.

I also use the polymer lined belts as the 3 and 5 stitches are too floppy for anything IMO.
All of mine have been five stitch but almost all my carry is IWB. But I also have lost some weight, I might try a smaller size in lined version.
OTOH, after being about to type that I might buy one tonight, I realized I am aspiring to lose more weight, and one I have (that used to be too small) is still fine OWB, and I am wearing more clothes in winter, so Imma gonna punt on this until spring.

M2CattleCo

11-30-2021, 08:54 PM

I mitigate the bulk of the frequent flyer buckle by putting it between the first and second belt loops on the left side. It also puts the stiffened part of the belt in front where my holster and mag pouch ride AIWB.

Archer1440

12-01-2021, 06:18 PM

I'm still trying to figure out how a belt can be "particularly well-suited to AIWB holsters and centerline-carry of knives and magazines" and be the same material all the way around?

That's not how any of this works.

Which is why I have two Vdevgru Megingjörðs, one or the other of which gets used every single day. Game-changer for my back injury, too.

vcdgrips

12-06-2021, 05:17 PM

M2says - "I mitigate the bulk of the frequent flyer buckle by putting it between the first and second belt loops on the left side. It also puts the stiffened part of the belt in front where my holster and mag pouch ride AIWB."

That is some tactical platinum right there!!!

TLG showed me that technique in Memphis in 2010 when he taught a class at Rangemaster hosted by Tom Givens. (as an aside-a great class on so many levels-quality range/class room. Seeing an instructor take a class from another with the stated purpose of getting better both as a shooter and as a teacher. TG's mindset lecture etc.)