Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I currently wear a 1" width belt with my everyday wear (jeans, untucked shirt) but it's time to replace the belt for something that will support a holster (and maybe mag holders). I've heard that many people recommend belts between 1.5" and 2" widths and preferably have some kind of reinforcement to prevent the belt from folding over on itself.

Does this pretty much rule out your generic department store belts then? I was looking at some belts online and came across this Apex Gunner's belt from 5.11.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/5-11-tactic ... -belt.html

A lot of people also like their operator belt, but I've never worn a belt like that. My only concern is that on days that I do have to tuck in a shirt it wouldn't look as nice as the Apex Gunner belt.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/511-59405.html

Any other recommendations for a sturdy belt to support my new holster?

At the risk of sounding like a fan-boy, I will say that 5.11 does make good products.

I use several of their items at work, mostly pants and a few of the shirts from time to time. I have yet to experience any issues with them, and I put my gear to work. (I work security in public housing; think foot chases, fights, drunks, etc.)

I think you will enjoy most anything you buy from them.

My 2 cents, GL with your search.
-Alex

I've been wearing a black Galco Contour belt 1-1/4" for about 7 years now...every day to work, even with suits and when not there, with a gun. The contour shape really prevents the top of the belt "folding" in and causing discomfort. It's hard to tell from their website pictures, but it's a re-inforced belt (unlike the 5.11 you linked too) which is necessary if you want a thin, dress style belt. It will not support the weight well otherwise.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?Pr ... alogID=255

They do make it wider, but it's still narrow in the front to avoid the huge "tactical" gun belt look.

ShotgunBlast wrote:Does this pretty much rule out your generic department store belts then?

yep.

I use a wilderness tactical, but it is nothing close to a 'dress' belt. Utility all the way. But it really is amazing what a proper reenforced belt does for keeping the gear in-place and makes the draw from holster, especially friction-retention ones quite a bit easier.

The 2nd belt you linked to is probably close in general description to the wilderness tactical instructor belt.

It also comes down to what kind of holster you use. An offset, with forward tilt requires much more support than a close to the body/paddle style.

I have a Blackhawk "CQB" belt, stupid name, cheap belt. The quality of the construction isn't bad but it's not thick enough for carry. I have my eye on the cobra belts. http://www.originalsoegear.com/cobrabelt.html

I bought a Filson 1.25", double-layer belt at Greentop a couple of weeks ago. It's perfect: fits in the narrower loops of my office trousers, and holds the holster nice and tight. It will last my lifetime and more.

5.11 casual belt

This is similar to the 5.11 belt I've been using for years. 1-1/4" plastic reinforced, looks good, works well with OWB paddle holsters.

A lot of people on the Ohio forums love Amish made leather belts. They're made of extremely thick leather and seems to last forever.

http://www.hanksclothing.com/amish_belts_ccw.html
and
http://www.bullhidebelts.com/

These people are definitely Ohio Amish and less expensive:
http://www.executiveleathergear.com/Belts_c7.htm
A lot of Ohio CC and OC people love these belts.

I have both Galco and Crossbreed belts, I like the Crossbreed best. I don't have any experience with 5:11, but I've heard good things about them from friends.

So I ended up trying the Apex Gunner's belt, and while it does look sharp, I ended up returning it. The belt buckle has two hooks that go into the belt holes, and excess belt goes on the inside of the belt. This creates a problem if you like cinching your belt to have a tight fit. I ended up with the 5.11 casual leather belt, saved $20, and like it a lot better. Thanks AlanM for the recommendation.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/511-leather ... 59501.html