Real gun belt difference?

[breakingcontact]

I have bought probably 10 holsters and went through several guns trying to carry comfortably, I have tried different carry positions and angles as well.

I bought a 5.11 leather belt with an internal stiffener. It's better than a cheap leather one certainly. However I'm still not carrying comfortably.

I'm thinking of getting of getting an actual gun belt, like one made by The Belt Man or other heavy double layered legit gun belt.

How has a real gun belt helped improve how carrying feels for you?

 

[YZ]

No sagging as you carry a 30+ ounce piece, no creasing, and no stretching on the draw. Downside - it is stiff and may bite into your spare if you have one.

 

[breakingcontact]

You mentioned "no sagging". That seems to be my issue. Im constantly hitching my holster up so it's more comfortable. It's either that or tightening my belt down too much then that's uncomfortable.

As far as a thick belt eating into me. I have a few extra pounds but not a big gut.

 

[YZ]

That's what they are for. Try the belt on first, see how it matches your holster. It doesn't have to be super wide and heavy if you don't carry 10 pounds of gear.

 

[Old Fuff]

You didn’t mention the particular gun in question, but some who carry heavy ones learned a long time ago that a pair of wide suspenders, attached to either the pants or the gunbelt, can prevent a lot of sagging.

And yes, a quality belt, designed to carry weight and not sag can also bring considerable improvement. Most over-the-counter ones are intended to do nothing more then hold up your pants and loose pocket junk.

 

[btg3]

Internal stiffener proved to be uncomfortable and chewed up clothing -- perhaps it was a cheapo. $50 for a decent all-leather gun belt works nicely for my gun holsters, but my iphone cradle slips off it.

 

[627PCFan]

Beltman 1.5 inch belt and a good lobo holster is what I use for my 44oz carry and I get no sag or adjustments after 2 years of daily

 

[bainter1212]

I use a nice thick belt I ordered from Bullhide Belts. It does make a difference. The belt should be stiff.

 

[herrwalther]

Belt makes a huge difference. I became a believer when I went from carrying using a Nylon utility belt to a Gould and Goodrich Security Pro holster. Made a big difference in carrying everything from 1911s to mouse guns.

 

[LeonCarr]

Here is my "Gun Belt" Test.

While the belt is hanging on the rack, put your thumb and index finger on the top and bottom edge of the belt and squeeze, attempting to concave the belt. If you can't do it, it will work for holster carry.

I am currently wearing an Ernie Hill Speed Leather belt that I bought in 1993 and it still looks almost new. 1 5/8" wide, double thickness leather, internal stiffner between the two leather halves where the holster rides, and a heavy duty brass roller buckle. Best belt I have ever had.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[A526051]

Wilderness Tactical

I've used these for the last several years. They are stiff enough to provide necessary support, and are infinitely adjustable to help prevent cutting into you too badly
http://www.thewilderness.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=142&pg=1

 

[bigger hammer]

I've been wearing a Mitch Rosen leather belt for about 25 years. Mine is tapered at the ends so that when wearing it under a jacket, only the ends show and it looks like a dress belt. It's also cut on a curve so there's no "break in" period. It was comfortable from the start.