Very unimpressed: Opticsplanet and Galco Belt

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Skribs

Skribs

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I ordered a Galco leather belt off of Opticsplanet about two months ago, and it FINALLY got here. So I'm already upset at the delay. I'll get to test their CS tomorrow when I call to return the belt.

I wear size 34 pants, and I can carry IWB with that. It's starting to get crowded at that point (I'd need to go up a size to do IWB gun + mag), but it's easily doable. So, logically, I order the size 34 belt. I can't even get to the first loop with an OWB holster on. I also am disappointed in the finish, it's rough leather instead of the smooth leather I was expecting.

So, I'm going to call OpticsPlanet tomorrow and see if it's worth returning the belt. Either way, I guess I'll need to find something else. Luckily the belt that I use right now still works, I just wanted a leather buckle belt instead of the military-style instructor belt I have now.
 
That's too bad about the belt.

I'm curious though. Did optics planet show the item as in stock when you ordered it? If not, did they give you an eta they didn't live up to?

2 months' delay sucks, but was it their fault? Some of their Galco belts currently list "Estimated to ship within 2-4 months".

Did you follow the sizing instructions on their site? Or did you just assume that 34 pants (what brand pants btw? They can differ drastically) meant a 34 belt?

I'm not saying your complaints are invalid, I'm just saying we don't have confirmation based on your post that they are.
 
No I didn't even see the sizing option there. Yes, I assumed size 34 pants (every brand of pants I've tried on) would need a size 34 belt. Why wouldn't I assume that?

I wear a size 9 1/2 shoe. If I bought some tactical socks in size 10, only to find out that they really fit a size 8 shoe and I needed size 13, I would be upset, too. It's common sense to make them the same.
 
Skribs said:
No I didn't even see the sizing option there. Yes, I assumed size 34 pants (every brand of pants I've tried on) would need a size 34 belt. Why wouldn't I assume that?

I wear a size 9 1/2 shoe. If I bought some tactical socks in size 10, only to find out that they really fit a size 8 shoe and I needed size 13, I would be upset, too. It's common sense to make them the same.
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Well for one, I've always heard you are supposed to buy belts 2" bigger than your waist size, and that's not for a gun belt. Your pants are your waist size, your belt has to go around your waist and your pants. If your buckle barely touched the tip of your belt, I would say you should have bought a 36.

I've only ordered from Optics Planet a couple times, but ship time and CS has been great. I once ordered the wrong part, my fault, and they immediately emailed a shipping label, no charge to me to swap it out. Just my experience.
 
Not all belt makers size the same way. Whenever buying a belt, follow the directions for size.

The size of your pants is not the size for a gun belt.

You're much better off buying a gun belt from the person/company making it.

Live and learn.
 
As far as the company - I have ordered from them and had good results, on items ordered as far as quality and time received after the order.

Belt size always runs larger than the waist size. I wear a 38 waist and buy a size 40 belt. Allows for adjustment and overlap. Not really sure how you would buckle one the same size as your waist?
 
Skribs wrote,
Yes, I assumed size 34 pants (every brand of pants I've tried on) would need a size 34 belt. Why wouldn't I assume that?
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As mentioned, virtually every belt manufacturer has sizing instructions and they are not always the same.

The Beltman http://thebeltman.net/sizing.htm

A&G Custom Leather http://agcustomgunleather.com/belt-sizing/

High Noon http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/Rock_Steady_Belts_/rock_steady_belts_.html

The Wilderness Tactical http://www.thewilderness.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=Belt Sizing/FAQ
 
As has been said, the belt size is almost never the same size as your waist. I have ordered from Optics planet before. For the most part, the customer service is good, however they sometimes employ that trick that so many web based companies do, whereby the item is "in stock", however this only means that the supplier has it and not the retailer. The supplier is supposed to drop ship it straight to you, often they are in Singapore or some such locale, are inept and slow and it becomes weeks until you get the product. This exact thing happened to me when I ordered a scope from Optics planet. I was on the verge of reporting fraud to my credit card company when the scope showed up.
 
I have ordered many things from Optics Planet over the years but I have always spoken with a tec or rep when doing so. I discuss my purpose on somethings and availability on others; I have never had a problem and usually get a 5% or 10% discount. There have been occasions when the tec recommended something different than what I was wanting which was much better and cheaper for my purposes. Sorry for the hassle Skribs
 
As has been said, the belt size is almost never the same size as your waist.
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Heck even pants size isn't the size of your waist. They tend to put them a bit lower to make the customer feel better.

I wear a 40" waist pants but when buying a belt I generally need a 44" to get the proper overlap.
 
I wear size 34 pants, and I can carry IWB with that. It's starting to get crowded at that point (I'd need to go up a size to do IWB gun + mag), but it's easily doable. So, logically, I order the size 34 belt.
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That's not how it works with belt sizing, though. You need to add ~2 inches to accommodate a IWB holstered gun. Most belt makers will tell you to size your belt like this: http://thebeltman.net/sizing.htm (Some measure to the end of the belt where it attaches to the buckle, not the end of the buckle.)
 
I also am disappointed in the finish, it's rough leather instead of the smooth leather I was expecting
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Which belt did you buy? It sounds like the same one I'm wearing, with the rough out leather. I also bought mine from Optics Planet. It said it was rough out, or whatever right there in the description, and the picture was pretty clear.
 
Belts are sized by overall length, end of buckle to end of belt. The holes are not at the end....
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Actually they are not.

Belts are typically sized from the end of the buckle to the center hole in the belt.

Pants belts are typically 2" larger then your pants size.

Gun belts & ISW belts are typically 4" - 5" larger then your pants size.

rc
 
I ordered a light/laser from Opticsplanet and waited over 6 months with no movement on the order. No notice of shipping or backorder. I ended up cancelling the order and contacting my bank to block the withdrawal from the company. Apparently horrible response from Opticsplanet is the norm for that company, it is amazing that they stay in business.
 
Skribs, I'd recommend gearing up with your current carry rig and belt then mark the location and measure from the buckle end to that hole. Then contact one of the many fine forum members who can save you some money and make you a good carry belt.

If you must have the belt pronto, Wilson Combat has a sale going currently that includes belts and more items are added daily. If you go that route, I'd also suggest finding a good roller buckle to replace the one it comes with. Tomorrow or Sunday they should be adding the 38" Sharkskin which is my WAG at the size you'll need. It will be slightly rougher than a traditional leather belt but far from scratchy. I ordered a number of sale items Monday and received them yesterday (Thursday).
 
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