Constantine concealed carry belt

[GJM]

https://hunterconstantine.com/products/constantine-concealed-carry

My friend, Jesse, has been wearing this belt all summer, and talked me into one. I have worn it every day for a few weeks, and it is my favorite EDC belt to date. Has a stiffened area to support the holster, and also elastic in another area so it tucks the holster while being comfortable. My wife wants one and she isn't quick to adopt new stuff. Pretty expensive. Disclosure, Hunter is a friend.

[Tannhauser]

Will this belt work for those of us who still carry Old School at 3:30/4:00 instead of AIWB?

[GJM]

Will this belt work for those of us who still carry Old School at 3:30/4:00 instead of AIWB?

Supposedly, although I have not tried a holster in that position.

[YVK]

I got one of these and so far I like it, although only limited use to date. I think the elastic is a neat feature but it remains to be seen how it holds. My DC clips were bolted directly to holster's body for lesser printing and that didn't work with the HC belt. The "carriage part" is stiffened and thus thickened too much for such arrangement. I added a small spacer between body of holster and clips, as the holster maker had intended it to be, and all is good now. Cosmetically I don't care for maker's name and initials being etched in big and small letters on the buckle but otherwise it appears to be a good quality unit that holds promise. I would've like it better if price was some 30 bucks less.

[ECVMatt]

Very interesting belt. Has anyone tried it on a garment without belt loops? I live at the beach and would love to find something that works with trunks.

[YVK]

Not yet but I will at some point. I use mastermind covert belt for no loops wear.

[vandal]

I've been loving my Constantine concealed carry belt for months now (appendix with a Tenicor holster and AIWB mag pouch). It really enhances whatever concealment mechanics the holster has.

Only downside is it's The Macarena when you need to unhook it.

[Up1911Fan]

Anyone still using this belt? Thinking about trying one but they seem sold out most places.

[eaglefrq]

Anyone still using this belt? Thinking about trying one but they seem sold out most places.

Yes, I am still using mine, it's a very comfortable belt. I normally carry AIWB, but I picked up an OWB holster for a class I'm taking this summer. At the 3 o'clock position, I did notice when I draw from the OWB holster, the belt stretches and the holster pulls up slightly. I may need to tighten the belt a little more than AIWB.

[zcap]

Tier1 Concealed also sells their EDC-S Hunter Constantine collaboration belt (https://www.tier1concealed.com/collections/belts/products/edc-s-belt?variant=39979241930823) which is a very similar belt but with one extra quick adjust loop and more overlap between sizes, though T1C only sell two sizes vs the three that Hunter sells. I have been using mine daily for about a year and love it. I have also used it with shorts and sweats as well and not had any issues (the third quick adjust loop helps in this context), but most of my use has been with belt loops.

[MD7305]

Anyone still using this belt? Thinking about trying one but they seem sold out most places.

I haven't tried one but I did just order one. HC's site just restocked early this morning is currently showing all colors and sizes in stock.

[Spectre3]

Not to de-rail the thread, but I recently got the Agonic EDB belt. Similar concept, but I liked that the elastic has stitched sections (marketed as places to store small items but I don't care about that) that will hopefully promote longevity. I'm aware of the claims about the HC belt in that regard but my experience with large uninterrupted pieces of elastic has said otherwise.

Rather than having a sewn in piece of stiffener to place where you carry, it has a piece of tegris( the same material as the plate on the enigma) mounted on the body side of the belt that is movable. I can see the loops that hold the tegris being the piece to fail first, especially with certain holster types if clips are regularly rubbing against them. Most of my carry is with a JM kydex Wing Claw 2.0 and I make a conscious effort to make sure the claw side DCC clip isn't rubbing against the loop next to it.

I've only had it for a week so call this an initial impression, but I've experienced none of the lower back or hip pain I usually get when carrying a full size gun. Concealment is the same to slightly better that the Blue Alpha EDC I used before, as the claw seems to tuck in more against the hard surface of the tegris and the clips are sandwiched between the tegris and the belt. Because of that, even with DCC clips, the clips are less visible if your belt is exposed.

I can also bend over and sit more comfortably and I don't have to pull my gun up or loosen my belt when I sit down anymore. This adds to better concealment as I'm no longer adjusting my belt/gun as I get in and out of my car or sit and stand at restaurants, etc.

It's also about $30-$40 cheaper after tax and shipping ($97 shipped for Agonic vs $126 and $136 for the Tier 1 EDC-S and HC, respectively) if that matters to you. I bought it to try purely because of the fact the elastic is segmented and hopefully lasts longer as a result. I'll probably still buy the HC or Tier 1 belt eventually to see which I like better. I can see the Agonic is probably more "fidgety" when putting on and attaching the holster to but once it's on there's nothing else to do until it's time to take it off.

At any rate, I can't see myself going back to traditional webbing belts even if they are cheaper and last longer.

[Clusterfrack]

Not to de-rail the thread, but I recently got the Agonic EDB belt. Similar concept, but I liked that the elastic has stitched sections (marketed as places to store small items but I don't care about that) that will hopefully promote longevity. I'm aware of the claims about the HC belt in that regard but my experience with large uninterrupted pieces of elastic has said otherwise...

Resident materials scientist here... I predict the opposite. Elastics have the greatest stresses at their points of attachment to a stiffer material. Stress concentrations are what typically produces failure. So, I don't think adding stitching would be more durable than a single elastic strap.

[Hot Sauce]

Haven’t tried the Agonic, but I do find the idea of have elastic material over clips — to reduce their profile and printing — intriguing.

[camsdaddy]

Does this belt allow you to carry with a tucked in shirt without visible clips?

[Spectre3]

Does this belt allow you to carry with a tucked in shirt without visible clips?

That has more to do with clips and very little to do with a belt. There are tuckable clips and some clips( Ulti-clip and DCC HLR) designed to clip to the pants behind the belt but I recommend the Phlster Enigma for that application these days.

https://www.ulticlip.com/?v=32aec8db952d

https://discreetcarryconcepts.com/HLR-Discreet-Gear-Clips%E2%84%A2-c26960683

[camsdaddy]

That has more to do with clips and very little to do with a belt. There are tuckable clips and some clips( Ulti-clip and DCC HLR) designed to clip to the pants behind the belt but I recommend the Phlster Enigma for that application these days.

https://www.ulticlip.com/?v=32aec8db952d

https://discreetcarryconcepts.com/HLR-Discreet-Gear-Clips%E2%84%A2-c26960683

I didnt know if this was a similar set up to the Enigma that could be worn under pants or shirt and a shirt could be tucked.

[Spectre3]

I didnt know if this was a similar set up to the Enigma that could be worn under pants or shirt and a shirt could be tucked.

I mean I guess you could wear it under your pants kind of like a stretchy Mastermind Tactics Covert belt. I could think of worse belts to try it with. I'd still rather just go with the Enigma that's purpose-built for that, though.

[WobblyPossum]

From what I’ve seen discussed online, I get the impression most people are using this belt completely under their clothes akin to the MMT Covert belt. Every thread I see in the r/CCW subreddit asking about concealment options for athletic shorts has numerous recommendations for the Hunter Constantine belt. If someone doesn’t recommend the Enigma for that role, they’re recommending this belt.

[Up1911Fan]

Just ordered one to try out, LTT has them instock at the moment.

[Chefdog]

I also just ordered one, although in the Tier1 variety, to see if this is “The Way.”

[JohnO]

Wondering how long before the elastic starts to breakdown? What is the longevity of this design?

[Archer1440]

I use the Dominate Defense inner belt pretty much daily. The HC appears to be a straight copy of that belt. If that's the case, longevity should be very good.

[Up1911Fan]

Circling back to this, I bought one of these about 6 weeks ago. It was in my mailbox when I got home on a Friday. I quickly changed out of my work clothes, roughly sized the belt, loaded my wife's car up and then we drove 8 hours that night and another 8 the next day to get from Upper Michigan to Virginia Beach. We were there a week then had the same 16+ hours of travel home. I ended up adjusting the elastic twice before getting the belt right where I wanted it. I've worn it everyday since. Mine was in grey, I like it so much I ordered the black Tier 1C version as well. I've used a ton of different belts over the years, i've carried AIWB since 2012. This belt, IMO, is the best AIWB belt i've ever used.

[BWT]

Wondering how long before the elastic starts to breakdown? What is the longevity of this design?

Hunter stated I believe he’s been wearing a prototype for seven years? I think he said 7 years was the expected lifetime.

Now, I believe I heard that on a podcast with PTSG. I seem to remember listening to that on the elliptical.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/training-group-live-by-pstg/id1548227558?i=1000657760500

I’ve used a Constantine Belt for almost 8 months. I would say it helps. I used to use the Emmissary belt from Ciguera gear, but the flexibility for changing positions (squatting, sitting, etc.) is ideal for carry.

Here’s been my observances with belt for performance / carry. I started with a Wilderness Instructor’s belt and wore that for years, I tightened it as tight as it could go and it worked okay, but I wasn’t comfortable. What I kind of came to is for carry you need space, and it you need to adjust a belt for different positions, etc. I tried a regular leather non-gun carry centric belt for a year or two. I found that okay. I saw the Ciguera gear belt and it seemed durable and perfect as it was a durable version of that.

In recent years I started struggling with back pain, etc., etc. and I saw where Hunter mentioned that as well at some point. I saw the mobility of the design with squatting, sitting, moving, etc. I have two kids under 6 and I thought “you know… this may help”. I was seriously considering if I may have to change guns or carry method, etc. with the Constantine Belt, different office chairs, etc., etc. the back feels basically better.

I swear by it now. It’s pricey but… if you use something daily - that price is soon forgotten. That was a long tangent, but the belt is stiff where needed and flexible where needed. I highly endorse it.

[Elwin]

I'm debating between this and a Wilderness Swift. I love the idea of elastic to take the pressure off my back. My question is whether than has a negative impact on keeping the gun from tilting out. I have no idea, as I've never used a belt that wasn't the same material throughout.

I'd be using it to carry an all steel 1911 AIWB, so I'm just a little hesitant as to whether the back being elastic will prevent the front from holding up that weight as well as a normal gun belt does.

[Spectre3]

Not to de-rail the thread, but I recently got the Agonic EDB belt. Similar concept, but I liked that the elastic has stitched sections (marketed as places to store small items but I don't care about that) that will hopefully promote longevity. I'm aware of the claims about the HC belt in that regard but my experience with large uninterrupted pieces of elastic has said otherwise.

Rather than having a sewn in piece of stiffener to place where you carry, it has a piece of tegris( the same material as the plate on the enigma) mounted on the body side of the belt that is movable. I can see the loops that hold the tegris being the piece to fail first, especially with certain holster types if clips are regularly rubbing against them. Most of my carry is with a JM kydex Wing Claw 2.0 and I make a conscious effort to make sure the claw side DCC clip isn't rubbing against the loop next to it.

I've only had it for a week so call this an initial impression, but I've experienced none of the lower back or hip pain I usually get when carrying a full size gun. Concealment is the same to slightly better that the Blue Alpha EDC I used before, as the claw seems to tuck in more against the hard surface of the tegris and the clips are sandwiched between the tegris and the belt. Because of that, even with DCC clips, the clips are less visible if your belt is exposed.

I can also bend over and sit more comfortably and I don't have to pull my gun up or loosen my belt when I sit down anymore. This adds to better concealment as I'm no longer adjusting my belt/gun as I get in and out of my car or sit and stand at restaurants, etc.

It's also about $30-$40 cheaper after tax and shipping ($97 shipped for Agonic vs $126 and $136 for the Tier 1 EDC-S and HC, respectively) if that matters to you. I bought it to try purely because of the fact the elastic is segmented and hopefully lasts longer as a result. I'll probably still buy the HC or Tier 1 belt eventually to see which I like better. I can see the Agonic is probably more "fidgety" when putting on and attaching the holster to but once it's on there's nothing else to do until it's time to take it off.

At any rate, I can't see myself going back to traditional webbing belts even if they are cheaper and last longer.

After a few months with the Agonic, I've done like I said I would and bought the HC belt. The leading reason being that since I don't use a sidecar type holster (they put the grip and mag right at my peaks), the piece of Tegris isn't long enough for me to carry a holster and a spare mag in the spots (valleys) where they conceal best. I was also right about the Agonic being more fidgety when putting everything on. Also, not that I ever really do but the HC is much easier to adapt to non-AIWB carry positions.

At the end of the day, the Agonic is a good belt that is designed with a little more than just CCW in mind. However, for most of us the HC is the better option for a carry belt.

[Irelander]

Just to stir the pot...American Operator Gear EDC belt looks a lot like the HC belt but is a traditional webbing belt with, I assume, scuba webbing as the stiffener instead of the metal band in the HC belt.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[Archer1440]

Just to stir the pot...American Operator Gear EDC belt looks a lot like the HC belt but is a traditional webbing belt with, I assume, scuba webbing as the stiffener instead of the metal band in the HC belt.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

It’s my understanding that AOG (Dominate Defense) is the OEM for all of these style belts. I’m sure someone will set me straight if that’s inaccurate. The more expensive varieties (HC branded) apparently have the same type of steel stiffener as found in the Mach1 speed belts, and the AOG model (least expensive but very good) uses the scuba webbing. So basically you have three price points out there with different constructions and similar functionality, all from the same OE manufacturer, with different distribution channels- HC’s website, T1C, and AOG.

[beenalongtime]

Has anyone used the neomag alias clip system with these belts?

Thank you in advance.

[Disciple]

Not yet but I will at some point. I use mastermind covert belt for no loops wear.

Did you try it yet?

[YVK]

Did you try it yet?

No. I'm not using that belt much. I came to a conclusion that it does not work that much better than others and is less convenient to put on.

[Clusterfrack]

It’s my understanding that AOG (Dominate Defense) is the OEM for all of these style belts. I’m sure someone will set me straight if that’s inaccurate. The more expensive varieties (HC branded) apparently have the same type of steel stiffener as found in the Mach1 speed belts, and the AOG model (least expensive but very good) uses the scuba webbing. So basically you have three price points out there with different constructions and similar functionality, all from the same OE manufacturer, with different distribution channels- HC’s website, T1C, and AOG.

I can't find mention of a steel liner in any of these belts. I recall that early versions of the Dominate USPSA belt was steel, but they've now switched to scuba webbing. Which is a shame.

[Archer1440]

I can't find mention of a steel liner in any of these belts. I recall that early versions of the Dominate USPSA belt was steel, but they've now switched to scuba webbing. Which is a shame.

Is that something recent? Because my latest Dominate Mach-1 belts from this past spring stick to a magnet just fine, as do the two from the year before. I have four in total, set up for LO, CO, SS and Revo.

[Clusterfrack]

Is that something recent? Because my latest Dominate Mach-1 belts from this past spring stick to a magnet just fine, as do the two from the year before. I have four in total, set up for LO, CO, SS and Revo.

That's interesting. I just checked their website (https://dominatedefense.com/product/mach-1-outer-belt/) and it says Scuba webbing.

I was going to order one of their ratchet belts for USPSA, but need it to be at least as stiff as a thick polymer core Double Alpha belt. Scuba webbing won't cut it.

[Archer1440]

That's interesting. I just checked their website (https://dominatedefense.com/product/mach-1-outer-belt/) and it says Scuba webbing.

I was going to order one of their ratchet belts for USPSA, but need it to be at least as stiff as a thick polymer core Double Alpha belt. Scuba webbing won't cut it.

Well, to be fair, they don’t seem to have ever mentioned the steel core in the description as long as I’ve been buying their belts. I do remember being surprised that it was a steel core on my first set when a magnet I was about to mount stuck to it inadvertently. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a clue that it was steel in there.

[Clusterfrack]

Well, to be fair, they don’t seem to have ever mentioned the steel core in the description as long as I’ve been buying their belts. I do remember being surprised that it was a steel core on my first set when a magnet I was about to mount stuck to it inadvertently. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had a clue that it was steel in there.

I might inquire.

[Disciple]

No. I'm not using that belt much. I came to a conclusion that it does not work that much better than others and is less convenient to put on.

You're still using the Mastermind Covert Belt for that role?

[YVK]

You're still using the Mastermind Covert Belt for that role?

Yes. I find it slightly abrasive to skin but overall no desire to change.

[Elwin]

I have not tried it as an underbelt yet, but I took a chance and got a Constantine belt and so far find it both sufficiently secure and extremely comfortable for carrying a full size steel 1911 and two spare mags. I’m going to have to get used to feeling like there’s not a belt on my back at all but I think that this is going to be a huge comfort/pain benefit going forward.

In some brief testing last night it seems the elastic portion on my weak side right after the nylon ends is sufficient to support one or two OWB spare pistol mags and potentially even a spare AR mag, which is the most I add on top of an AIWB setup before giving up and switching to OWB.

[Cool Breeze]

I took the plunge and got the AOG version. I justified it to myself because I got the added velcro version which I was contemplating getting in the Tenicor. Will report back when it arrives.

They gave me a friend's and family coupon if you want 20‰ off -TT-LUL1UC5S - Mods please delete if I broke forum rules!

[Cool Breeze]

Just got belt today. The AOG belt shows some promise. The webbing part of it is actually stiffer than a Tenicor Heavy and I have not felt this much stability of the gun in a long time. There is almost no play or movement with regards to canting of the gun.

Putting the belt through pants loops take some care as it can get caught on the loops. Also, a split JM kydex loop won't fit on the belt in either direction.

It's pretty comfy but I'm still trying to figure out tension. What feels good standing up feels a bit tight sitting down. And what feels good sitting down feels a bit loose standing up.

[beenalongtime]

I do wish the buckle was different, maybe not so much of a hook. A wider down bar would be great to do the same thing, WITHOUT catching my Chemo pump hose, or my Ostomy bag. I tore that belt off after catching both last week. Then went and found and ordered the new Nextbelt push button buckles, as my nueropathy makes it to where I can't feel the regular levers and wishing they stuck out more. I've been close to doing a clampett and just using rope for a belt.

[Cool Breeze]

I do wish the buckle was different, maybe not so much of a hook. A wider down bar would be great to do the same thing, WITHOUT catching my Chemo pump hose, or my Ostomy bag. I tore that belt off after catching both last week. Then went and found and ordered the new Nextbelt push button buckles, as my nueropathy makes it to where I can't feel the regular levers and wishing they stuck out more. I've been close to doing a clampett and just using rope for a belt.

The buckle is definitely a downside. It's ugly, huge, and has unnecessary protrusions catch on things making quick adjust with it more difficult than it needs to be. A standard g-hook would have been fine.

[KneeShot]

I do wish the buckle was different, maybe not so much of a hook. A wider down bar would be great to do the same thing, WITHOUT catching my Chemo pump hose, or my Ostomy bag. I tore that belt off after catching both last week. Then went and found and ordered the new Nextbelt push button buckles, as my nueropathy makes it to where I can't feel the regular levers and wishing they stuck out more. I've been close to doing a clampett and just using rope for a belt.

Your post is heart breaking, heart warming, and motivating all at the same time. I can only slightly relate to certain physical challenges w/ having a prosthetic leg. I can now definitely laugh harder when hearing about the challenges of reducing a few millimeters of printing, a slightly “uncomfortable” holster, or other edc item.

Carry on my friend!

[Cool Breeze]

The AOG version of this style of belt was a no go for me. No matter which way I adjusted it, I couldn't find a balance of security and flexibility. As such, I didn't notice any advantage to wearing it and it wasn't anywhere as near as comfortable for me as I was expecting. After some searching, I should note this version of the belt has 3/4ths of the belt as normal belt webbing vs. the elastic. The Hunter version looks split 50/50 so I am not sure if that played a roll. To me, the elastic was so stiff that it functioned like normal webbing - I barely noticed any "give" to it when moving. It also had the tendency to cinch down and pull down (via the function of the elastic) the muzzle portion of my gun into my groin, effectively tipping the gun over the waistband and making it uncomfortable and printing more.

Neither the three loops that fit the g-hook nor the actual g-hook side allow fit for a jmck split loop to pass through. I used another holster with a standard clip but the webbing is thicker than my tenicor heavy. The clip barely (if at all) can clamp over so much material. I did use a holster with fixed rubber loops and they did fit but threading them through was extremely tight and annoying - I also don't like how those loops secure the holster as they tend to move too much.

I asked for a refund explaining to him my holster was not compatible with his design and he said to send it back (albeit on my dime) - no problem. However, it took over 2 months for him to issue the refund. No my favorite experience but lessons were learned.

[Elwin]

Regarding holster attachments, I do think these belts are made with the assumption that one is using plastic clips or DCC clips, or something else that allows putting on and removing the holster without doing anything with the belt. To be fair to them, I think that between DCC clips and the various plastic ones, that’s the large majority of AIWB holsters in use. Some companies, including good ones (Tenicor), only make holsters compatible with clip attachments.

I’m still liking my Constantine, but I’m also using it with pull the dot loops on one holster and a Monoblock on another, with mag carriers and knives being Velcro one wrap/pull the dot/DCC, so I’m not threading it through anything. I have had to find solutions for extra OWB mag carriers (for extra ammo when running matches or classes from concealment) that are quick detach.

[psalms144.1]

I've been wearing the AOG version for a while, and I like it. The hooking system is OK, IMHO excessively large (the Volund G-hook is much smaller and every bit as secure), and the traditional webbing is thicker than it needs to be, again, in my opinion. But, the "give" of the elastic is nice, and, once I got it adjusted, it works fine to either support my P365XL in an OWB leather holster, or just hold up my pants. I will note that sizing is wonky - my pants size says I need a "L", but there's nowhere near enough traditional webbing on an L, and I had to size up to an XL. On that note, the owner was VERY gracious and exchanged the L for an XL with no complaints.