Originally Posted by
Casey
No personal experience with the Heavy or the Emissary, but I'm immediately turned off by the fixed sizing adjustment on the latter. Being able to fine-tune the sizing is something I consider a necessity these days, especially carrying appendix where a tiny adjustment can mean a big difference in both concealment and comfort. Even when I was carrying behind-the-hip IWB, I appreciated the ability to make those micro adjustments when I switched from a traditional holed belt to an Ares Ranger with no fixed sizing.
Have you looked at the current Ares offerings? The Aegis—and especially the Aegis Enhanced—are on the stiffer side while still being infinitely adjustable. The last belt I used before switching to appendix was an Aegis Enhanced, which provided plenty of support for a VP9 plus two extended spare mags (not as heavy as a Staccato, obviously). Also consider the CSM version of the Wilderness Instructor Belt. It's a classic but still very popular for good reason.