Do Alien Gear clips for IWB require a 'Gun Belt'?

[Ignition Override]

About to switch from the somewhat uncomfortable Crossbreed (allows exposed muzzle to dig hip) to a very similar Alien which has the very wide pancake leather or plastic with two clips about 8" apart.

All of my belts were picked out to be conventional narrow leather or 'fake leather' types for whatever pants.
Note: they were bought Before deciding to carry a handgun (age 60).

I won't be carrying when dressing for a few special events during out hot/humid Memphis summers. Could buy a wide, correct belt for the many casual errands, but I don't see how the preferred type of belt fits into normal pants' belt loops. Am not going to buy a new wardrobe to carry a gun, but Will continue to carry: either the same Sig 229R or maybe my CZ PO1.

 

[Panzerschwein]

You need a good gun belt.

Everyone needs a good gun belt.

Buy a 1.5" width proper bullhide belt and you'll have no problems. They should fit into most pants made but measure your belt loops just to be sure, and thinner sizes are available from most makers. The gun will be properly supported, the holster will not move. If you use a "fake" or "weak" belt as you put it, you'll find the gun will bow outwards and print. Having a good belt is important with these hybrid holsters and in my personal experience is key to concealing one properly and wearing the gun in comfort.

Alienwear offers their own belts on their website, which are actually made by Bigfoot belts. They will do nicely. My favorite belt though are those made by Beltman. There is a reason why there's a whole industry based around gun belts. They are necessary and quite frankly you will be much better off getting one.

 

[drband]

There is a reason why there's a whole industry based around gun belts. They are necessary and quite frankly you will be much better off getting one.

^^^^THIS!!!^^^^

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

A good belt is necessary and may be all you need. If your Crossbreed is still uncomfortable with a good belt I would contact the company. Their costumer service is outstanding.

 

[Browngirlsdad]

Although I agree that a good gun belt is preferred, I have carried with a “normal” belt and my Aliengear IWB holster. I wear Mission Belt style belts to church and have had no issues with a Glock43. Trying to do the same with a full sized 1911 I have experienced what the previous posters said and would recommend a real gunbelt for that. I really like the Alien gear holsters as well as the Old Faithful ones that you used to be able to buy as a kit.

 

[maxxhavoc]

I use Alien Gear holsters all the time and I don't own a gun belt. My belt seems to do fine.

It's a no-frills 1.25" leather belt, maybe 3/16" thick. Real Leather.

 

[JTQ]

Could buy a wide, correct belt for the many casual errands, but I don't see how the preferred type of belt fits into normal pants' belt loops.

The typical range for concealed carry type gun belts is 1.25" to 1.75", with the default gun belt width being 1.5". Most holster loops are cut for a 1.5" belt and most khaki's/chinos/jeans belt loops will accommodate a 1.5" belt. If your fashion is primarily jeans or "tactical pants", you could probably use a 1.75" belt (if your holster loops fit), and if you primarily wear dress slacks, a 1.25" belt would most likely work.

A proper gun belt will aid in keeping a clip on holster on the belt, but the primary reason for the gun belt is to keep the weight of the gun from causing the belt to sag. If you carry a lightweight gun there is less need for a real gun belt. If you're carrying an S&W Model 29 or a 1911, a real gun belt makes a difference.

 

[Ignition Override]

You convinced me. I will buy a gun belt.
Thanks for the detailed advice.

Just left as my buddy's guest at Shoot Point Blank.
A safety officer also has a wide, thick belt for his Alien, and two other guys had very wide belts.

 

[easy]

Alien Gear no longer sell belts, but Big Foot belts are the same, same parent company. Colors are black and brown and are excellent belts at around $70 shipped.

 

[herrwalther]

Getting a true gun belt made a world of difference when carrying for me. 1.5" is the standard width for regular belts and there are plenty of gun belts that look like normal belts.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

This is one of those things where the gun and holster have a big say. If you are carrying a large, heavy pistol, which the P229 is, relatively speaking, then you're more likely to need a gun belt. If your holster has two clips and is IWB, you are less likely to need a gun belt. I have carried most of the plastic guns in a Crossbreed-type hybrid holster with a normal belt, but if that causes you sagging or comfort problems, then definitely get a gun belt. I would recommend Bigfoot's lined belts- Beltman makes a good product, but a steel-lined belt lasts a lot longer without developing sag.

 

[SharpDog]

About to switch from the somewhat uncomfortable Crossbreed (allows exposed muzzle to dig hip) to a very similar Alien which has the very wide pancake leather or plastic with two clips about 8" apart.

All of my belts were picked out to be conventional narrow leather or 'fake leather' types for whatever pants.
Note: they were bought Before deciding to carry a handgun (age 60).

I won't be carrying when dressing for a few special events during out hot/humid Memphis summers. Could buy a wide, correct belt for the many casual errands, but I don't see how the preferred type of belt fits into normal pants' belt loops. Am not going to buy a new wardrobe to carry a gun, but Will continue to carry: either the same Sig 229R or maybe my CZ PO1.

I went for many years with narrow leather belts and web belts. I then tried into military-style belts and commander-style web belts, when I got sick of the casual style belts that started to droop and not give the needed support. Alas, these compromise belts also failed to give proper support.

I finally moved into a set of heavy leather carry belts. The key is not only the stronger leather but the use of belt buckles instead of friction buckles or the like.

btw. all of these belts fit my 'normal' pants so no need for a new wardrobe. If you're wearing conventional pants (e.g. Levi's, Dockers and such) there should be no need to buy new clothes.

about half of my belts were from VersaCarry which they discontinued, this appears to be similar:

http://www.versacarry.com/leather-belts/single-ply-leather-belt/

tip: look for coupons or grab a bundle deal which is a belt + holster.

 

[1911 guy]

You can have the best holster in the world and a cheap belt will make you miserable wearing it.

I like the Alien Gear holsters, in fact it's my favorite IWB. But you still can't get away without a decent belt. You might try, you might manage for a while. Then as soon as you try carrying with a gunbelt, you'll realize you'd been cheating yourself all this time.

Measure the loops in the pants you wear most often. Buy a belt that will fit these. Gunbelts can be had from 1.25 to 1.75 inches. Most men's pants are 1.5", if you don't feel like measuring belt loops.

 

[Al-jim19]

Before I got a gun belt I didn’t think it was important.

Then I bought a Hanks Gunner.

I now realize how important it is. The hanks had softened over about 4 years of daily wear so I’m thinking about upgrading. Considering a kore ratchet gun belt.

 

[Bartojc]

Considering a kore ratchet gun belt.

Not to hijack the thread, but I'd be interested to hear how you like the Kore. They seem to be well like from what I can tell.

-Jeff

 

[shenck]

I started with real gun belts about ten or twelve years ago, will never go back. I currently use Volund gearworks atlas g hook belts. I even wear them when I'm not carrying a firearm.