Wilderness Instructor Belt--Which one?

[seeker_two]

Based on the excellent reviews, I'm planning to order a Wilderness Instructor Belt (1.5" Frequent Flyer model, specifically) for daily wear. The website lists quite a few options for each belt, but I'm not sure what will work best for my needs.


A little bit about myself, first....

I work in a juvenile detention facility, so daily CCW is out. However, I do wear belt holsters when out hunting/woodsbumming (usu. Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" + belt knife) or at the range (Blackhawk, S&W K-38 6", or Firestar M43). I also tend to tuck the Firestar in my waistband when answering the front door or checking out "bumps in the night".

My build is best described as "pear-shaped". 5'11", 300+lb, 48-50" waist w/ a case of the "dun-lop" disease (working on that, though ). No hips....and no butt. I typically have to cinch my leather belts tight to keep from slipping out of my pants completely .



So, based on that info, I have a few questions....

Is the 3-stitch model stiff enough for daily wear w/ jeans (& occasional CCW), or should I opt for the 5-stitch?

Are the plastic rings on the FF model as durable as the metal rings? Are the metal rings worth the extra cost?

Any other web-type belts that I should consider?

Any place in the Waco/Tyler/DFW/Austin area that I could see these belts in person before I order via Internet?

Many thanks in advance......

 

[Texfire]

If you qualify as LEO, Fire or EMS you can check it out at GT Distributors in Austin. For general public you might try calling McBrides or Miller Uniform.

Tex

 

[Telperion]

I have the 5-stich FF model and wear it daily. I would go with the 5-stich if you plan to use it for carry. The plastic rings are light and durable, but of course they will not be as strong as metal. One thing I don't like about the plastic rings is that they are embossed with "WILDERNESS" which tends to chafe and wear the edges of the webbing around the loops.

 

[Skpotamus]

I had the 5 stitch 1.5" instructor belt and I loved it, at first. Then I noticed that my preferred holster (comp-tac CTAC and shirtucker models), were having problems staying hooked under the belt when I was sitting. My el cheapo uncle mikes holsters were ok, but not my good holsters.

I bought a ring belt (1.25") with the polymer insert on my buddy's recommendation and truly love the thing. It's stiff as hell, and bears the weight of my guns with no problem. Not to mention is the belt belt I've ever had. The CSM (poly insert) models are the best IMO, they give you great support, without slicing into your sides.

 

[NMshooter]

The more weight you want to hang off the belt, the stiffer that belt needs to be.

The CSM option, with the plastic insert, is a very nice thing to have when you like large steel framed handguns.

Nice thing even if you prefer lighter plastic framed handguns...

As far as the buckle is concerned, if you pass through metal detectors on a regular basis the plastic rings might be a better bet.

 

[AngryBassets]

The more weight you want to hang off the belt, the stiffer that belt needs to be.

The CSM option, with the plastic insert, is a very nice thing to have when you like large steel framed handguns.

Nice thing even if you prefer lighter plastic framed handguns...

As far as the buckle is concerned, if you pass through metal detectors on a regular basis the plastic rings might be a better bet.

+1

I have a CSM and a 5 stitch. I wear the CSM almost every day. It's stiff, but not uncomfortable. I'd probably wear my 5 stitch more, but I ordered it a bit too long (it still works for me though...just not as tidy).