I mostly carry aiwb, either a Shield or M&P 2.0 compact in JM Custom kydex wing claw. Thanks for all the reccomendations.
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There is no "rule" on how stiff a belt needs to be.
It all depends on the weight and barrel length of the pistol that you're going to hang from it, the style and ride height of the holster you're going to use, where on your body you're going to hang that pistol, and what your body looks like.
Last edited by Alpha Sierra; 02-15-2019 at 07:08 AM.
Any legal information I may post is general information, and is not legal advice. Such information may or may not apply to your specific situation. I am not your attorney unless an attorney-client relationship is separately and privately established.
I have had and regularly used Wilderness belts since 1990; my original one is still in regular use, albeit with a fresh application of retention velcro where needed. Their 5-Stitch variants offer the best balance of stiffness and flexibility for me. I have examples in 1.25", 1.5" and 1.75" widths, the 1.5" are the ones I regularly default to. the 1.25" are good, but best suited to lighter polymer-framed guns.
I'll have to take a look at some of Graith's offerings, given the recommendations from our members here on this thread.
Best, Jon
I PRIMARILY carry OWB, occasionally IWB. I use a Volund Gearworks G-hook all day, everyday. I have TONS of other belts (just ask my wife!), but none of them work as well.
Please note - I do NOT AIWB, so I understand that my belt choice might not work for that application...
Graith Specialist
/thread
Seriously though unless you’re toting a lots of heavy gear, a super stiff belt isn’t really that necessary. I used to wear a Wilderness Frequent Flyer 5-stitch and recently went to the Graith Specialist and couldn’t be happier. I’m only carrying a compact sized weapon and a mag pouch on my waist line, and the Specialist holds it up just fine. It’s more flexible to really contour around the equipment without creating huge gaps between the belt and pants, and the buckle is far more low profile/discreet compared to the FF.
“Conspiracy theories are just spoiler alerts these days.”
I'll add to the discussion that "what's best" is going to be HIGHLY dependent on individual carry mode/load/body shape. For instance - I was born without an ass (or a neck - if you think of "Mr. Incredible" from the Pixar movie, you'll have an idea of my body shape - an inverted triangle perched on no waist and chicken legs). Regardless of my weight, my pants are going to fall off once I throw on a G19, a couple of spare mags, flashlight, and cuffs, unless I use a REALLY stiff belt and cinch it down. This is what drove me to a nylon belt in the first place, since I seem to ALWAYS live between the "holes" on a leather belt - it's either a little too tight, or a little too loose.
The Volund belt that I wear, even if it's not cranked down really tight, somehow magically keeps my pants where I want them. I've tried several of the other referenced belts, and ALL of the less stiff belts have not worked well for me.
I'll also add that WHAT you're wearing BESIDES your "tactical" gear has a big impact (at least for me). For instance, in the summer, when my jeans are DIRECTLY over a tucked in Underarmour or similar "hot weather" t-shirt, with an untucked cover garment, the lack of "grab" from the undershirt exacerbates my pants-falling-off issues. When I'm wearing grown up clothes (suit pants over a dress shirt) the "friction" between the layers of cloth helps keep stuff where I want it...
As always, your mileage may, and almost certainly WILL, vary...