Looper Reinforced Holster Belt any good?

[BullyFan07]

I'm looking for a good holster belt to carry an officer's size 1911 (and sometimes a full size) for concealed carry, and I don't want to completely breaking the bank. I have seen the Looper Reinforced Holster Belt mentioned on some gun forum during a past search. It's been a while, but I remember someone saying that that's all they have every used and have been really happy with them. I like the idea of the kydex reinforcement strip inside the belt. I'm just wondering, does anyone here have experience with these belts/Looper Leather in general?

 

[BullyFan07]

How about Aker belts?

 

[hariph creek]

I've got a Bladetech belt (actually a Looper with Bladetech's stamp added to it).
It's ok. The overall quality is consummate to the price, about $50. Nothing rave about, I won't be buying another when it needs to be replaced. Been wearing about 18 months. Foresee about another 18, before it falls apart, best case scenario.
The Kydex insert is very brittle. Shortly into it's use, it broke at a couple points, where the tongue intersects the buckle.
The stitching is passable but, this is going to come apart at some point, soon.
But for $50, it's ok. Holds up heavy guns great, distributes weight well, IWB or OWB.

 

[Quoheleth]

I'm a big ol' boy, so all my belts are custom ordered.

I bought a Looper a couple years ago. It was OK. I agree with the previous comments - the kydex started cracking and breaking at several points in the belt. It's now my work belt around the house when I know I'll get nasty and sweaty. It still works, but it's lost all form and internal structural support.

Bought a Aker last summer. For almost the exact same money, I feel it's a better belt by a noticeable margin. There's a fellow here who handles Aker belts, pesty3782.

Here was my comment on the belt and transaction: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=610502

Q

 

[BullyFan07]

Thanks for the info... very good to know! I was just about to order the Looper belt, but in light of these comments, I'm glad I held off a bit. I think I'll be ordering an Aker belt instead. I've seen a few other positive reviews for the Aker belt, and it's basically the same cost. Thanks again for saving me some money and aggravation.

 

[Drail]

Kydex cracks and breaks? I thought that stuff was indestructible.

 

[mdauben]

Not familiar with the Looper but I've had good luck with The Belt Man's products if you want a leather gunbelt. Available in several different widths, colors and with optional polymer stiffeners. They run between $80-120 depending on the size, length and options, but they seem to last about forever.

 

[BullyFan07]

The Belt Man belts look REALLY nice. I especially love the impression versions. Very sharp. Maybe eventually I'll spring for one, but for now, they're a bit too rich for my blood. I decided to order the Aker B21 belt. It supposedly uses a polymer insert also, so I'm hoping for best, but I'm also not kidding myself that it will be the exact same quality as a Belt Man belt. I know you generally get what you pay for. From what I can tell, Belt Man seems to be the benchmark for carry belts. I hope (and think) that this Aker will get the job done for a while until I can afford to buy top quality. Thanks for the input.

 

[BullyFan07]

Just wanted to update everyone about my new Aker B21 belt. It is very nice looking and seems to be of quality construction. Also, I called Aker to ask a few questions before ordering, and they were very helpful and nice to talk to. I've been wearing it almost every day for just over a week now, carrying my full-size 1911 both IWB and OWB. It's very rigid vertically, so it does a nice job of keeping the gun tucked up tight, yet it's very comfortable... even when sitting for hours at a time. I guess I'll only know how good it truly is over the long run, but I'm very pleased with it so far. If it holds up as well as I expect it to, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good carry belt at any price, but it seems like an especially good deal for just over $60 shipped to my door.

 

[Kcinnick]

Akers stuff is pretty bad, the Beltman doesn't say where his leather comes from (only bullhide I have seen available is from Mexico) Best belts will be made with two layers of Hermann Oak leather. I didn't see a rule against posting to another forum, but these are available on my regional forum and consistently get positive reviews. If there is any issue with the link, let me know, I would be happy to abide by any rules, just wanted to share another (better) option.

http://www.bayoushooter.com/forums/...ERRARA-LEATHER&highlight=Cleaning+house+belts