Cobra buckle belts

[philpac33]

I'm looking into getting another belt- something stiff, 2-ply, with a cobra buckle. I found some Shellback Tactical belts that meet my needs at a good price. I've been wearing instructor style belts which work well but figured the cobra buckle would really simplify getting it on and off. But as I look at the picture I don't see how I could slide my holster and mag pouch(Raven Concealment) on and off with that particular buckle- am I missing something? I wouldn't have a problem getting my Sidearmor IWB holster on and off as I chose to utilize J-hooks in lieu of loops(which I use 75% of the time) but I'd prefer to utilize any holster/mag pouch I feel is most appropriate at the time. Does having a cobra buckle not allow use of belt slide apparatus?

[secondstoryguy]

You generally can't slide holsters on and off a belt with a cobra buckle without completely removing one side of the cobra buckle, which is why I don't wear them.

[pr1042]

Zero issues. I leave the buckle together and just pull the tail end out of the buckle. Literally takes me seconds to thread gear on and have the belt secured.

Only time I ever undo the buckle is for the restroom

[orionz06]

You generally can't slide holsters on and off a belt with a cobra buckle without completely removing one side of the cobra buckle, which is why I don't wear them.

Likewise. Once on for the day there are less issues but I find the buckle itself when used as an EDC belt to be obnoxious. Perhaps my tolerance for stupid little annoying things is lower than others but I just got a different belt (http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2664-Volund-Gearworks-Atlas-Belt&highlight=volund).

Some loops can take the male end of the cobra buckle though.

[secondstoryguy]

Zero issues. I leave the buckle together and just pull the tail end out of the buckle. Literally takes me seconds to thread gear on and have the belt secured.

Only time I ever undo the buckle is for the restroom

This is what I did when using a belt with a cobra buckle. What's the point of the fancy cobra buckle if you still have to thread an end through and adjust it?

[orionz06]

This is what I did when using a belt with a cobra buckle. What's the point of the fancy cobra buckle if you still have to thread an end through and adjust it?

They work out much better on warbelts and other situations where you are not threading EDC stuff through. Now that I am carrying AIWB 100% of the time and using a Kytex pouch I no longer need to thread items through, perhaps the issues I had are now negated. Not going to go out of my way to buy an $85 belt to find out, but needs change, the belt might be useful again.


For my warbelt though, cobra buckle all day long. I use that belt because I can dump it off instantly when I am done tactical larping.

[RoyGBiv]

Likewise. Once on for the day there are less issues but I find the buckle itself when used as an EDC belt to be obnoxious. Perhaps my tolerance for stupid little annoying things is lower than others but I just got a different belt (http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2664-Volund-Gearworks-Atlas-Belt&highlight=volund).

Some loops can take the male end of the cobra buckle though.
+1 for the Atlas belt. (link above)

[pr1042]

This is what I did when using a belt with a cobra buckle. What's the point of the fancy cobra buckle if you still have to thread an end through and adjust it?

I am just confused when I see people talk about what a pain it is to thread gear on or adjust a cobra belt. It takes less time for me to get stuff on the cobra belt and ready to go than for me to thread my holster past the molle loops and get my atlas belt adjusted/set.

I am referring to a non Ares ranger style cobra belt though, mine is just a 1.75 belt with cobra buckle. I use mine for my securitard job as I don't care for huge duty belts and only carry gun, mags, light.

[orionz06]

I am just confused when I see people talk about what a pain it is to thread gear on or adjust a cobra belt. It takes less time for me to get stuff on the cobra belt and ready to go than for me to thread my holster past the molle loops and get my atlas belt adjusted/set.

I am referring to a non Ares ranger style cobra belt though, mine is just a 1.75 belt with cobra buckle. I use mine for my securitard job as I don't care for huge duty belts and only carry gun, mags, light.

The tail end of the ranger style belts are really hard to thread into the smaller cobra buckle male end. The Atlas, for me, negates all of that.

[Jason F]

Likewise. Once on for the day there are less issues but I find the buckle itself when used as an EDC belt to be obnoxious. Perhaps my tolerance for stupid little annoying things is lower than others but I just got a different belt (http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2664-Volund-Gearworks-Atlas-Belt&highlight=volund).

Some loops can take the male end of the cobra buckle though.

Another +1 for the Atlas. Great belt that I wear frequently.

[rudy99]

The tail end of the ranger style belts are really hard to thread into the smaller cobra buckle male end.

+1 for me on this. I recently purchased a belt from Endeavor Stitch Works (http://endeavorstitchworks.com/), which runs off a cobra buckle (1.5"). While it feels like a well made product and I've enjoyed wearing it in certain situations (OWB competition), the belt is a bit stiffer than what I think I need and the loose end is not as easy to thread through the buckle, as mentioned by other posters. I also realize how little I need to unbuckle the buckle, which was the reason for purchasing something with a cobra buckle. I'm finding myself returning to the Wilderness Tactical belt. If only I could justify the titanium option, I think I would have what works best for me.

[Steve S.]

+1 for me on this. I recently purchased a belt from Endeavor Stitch Works (http://endeavorstitchworks.com/), which runs off a cobra buckle (1.5"). While it feels like a well made product and I've enjoyed wearing it in certain situations (OWB competition), the belt is a bit stiffer than what I think I need and the loose end is not as easy to thread through the buckle, as mentioned by other posters. I also realize how little I need to unbuckle the buckle, which was the reason for purchasing something with a cobra buckle. I'm finding myself returning to the Wilderness Tactical belt. If only I could justify the titanium option, I think I would have what works best for me.

I see this a lot. It's like Goldie Locks or Red Riding Hood or who-the-heck-ever (neglected as a child). 1.25" belts are too soft. 1.5" belts (nylon) are too stiff. The sweet spot is the 1.75" belt. The webbing is a different type (type 13 I believe it's called).

Anyways, I've found 1.75" nylon belts to be my favorite. The Coyote webbing is perfect. Its not so stiff it feels like a cast around the waist, but plenty sturdy to support 2 primary mags, 2 secondary mags, and a handgun.

My current favorites are the Atlas G-Hook 1.75" with accent webbing all the way around. The other is an Endeavor Stitchworks 1.75" Cobra Shooters. The owners of both companies are great people and I'm happy to support them.

While the Wildnerness, Galco, etc. companies of the world make great stuff, I think it's important for "hardcore shooters" to support their favorite custom maker (from belts to chest rigs) since they cater to and make a living off folks like us. Plus, that's where the best kept secrets are.

[Cookie Monster]

Been using the Endeavor Stitchworks Belts for over a year now, moving from Wilderness belts. I love the cobra buckles, it's just easier on and off and they don't rattle (been known to wake the wife.) You have to thread it once and not all the time. I've also had OSOE belts and would run them again.

I have used 1.5 and 1.75 and can't tell a difference.

I think the cobra buckles are a little lower profile than the Wilderness belts, I see a Wilderness belt and think holster.

Cheers,
C. Monster