Wilderness Tactical Instructor Belt Questions

[Mr.510]

I am thinking about getting a Wilderness Tactical Original Instructor Belt and wanted some input from those that have worn them daily for long periods of time. I carry an XD45C in a Comp-Tac MTAC at 4 O'clock and a Comp-Tac IWB Concealment Pouch with a singe 13 round magazine directly opposite the weapon. I've been wearing this stuff on a 1-1/2" Comp-Tac Kydex reinforced tapered leather belt. I've been losing weight, I'm out of adjustment on my current belt, and it's not tight enough. About a year ago I bought the mag pouch as this tightened the belt up enough to be comfortable again and switched from carrying my reload in the thigh pocket of my Carhartt's. I don't want to keep adding gear to make my very nice (and expensive!) belt work and need to buy something smaller. I'm thinking about the Wilderness Instructor Belt as I really like the clip-able buckle since I spend much time in the woods and this could come in handy or even save my life. The biggest question I have relates to relative belt stiffness. Wilderness sells 3-stitch, 5-stitch, and CSM which is polymer lined for more stiffness. My Comp-Tac belt is super stiff and this is one of the things that I really like about it. At first I thought it was going to be uncomfortable but I now think the stiffer the belt the more comfortable it's likely to be, at least with leather and a relatively large/heavy weapon IWB. How does stiffness in the Wilderness belts compare to stiff leather gun belts? Is there a downside to a polymer reinforced nylon belt vs. the same in leather? I'm guessing the reinforced belt will be less stiff than my current belt and this is what I should get. My stomach is not flat and won't likely ever be, I do not wear undershirts, and I spend a lot of time sitting, bending, and crouching while working. How comfortable is the Wilderness buckle when it digs into your stomach? The taper of my Comp-Tac belt is awesome in that the buckle basically cannot dig in no matter what my body position is. I don't have a lot of money to spend at the moment and really can't afford to do this twice. Any insight will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sam1911]

I wore my Instructor belt (with polymer insert) for many years. A great belt (actually, that's a huge understatement. A TANK of a belt) and quite comfortable, even with the insert.

I only quit wearing it as I was given a piece of art of a leather belt made by a friend (member Joel, here at THR) and it's too nice not to wear every day.

I was never "dug" by the buckle as it is rounded sufficiently.

I can not fathom any leather belt being nearly as stiff (speaking of up and down deflection) as the Instructor belt with insert. My leather belt from Joel is two layers (cow and horsehide) and close to 5/16" thick. It is plenty stiff to support any gun I'd want to carry. But if stiffness counts, the Wilderness Instructor just has to win.

 

[Mr.510]

That is *exactly* what I wanted to know, thank you Sam! One more question: About how thick is your CSM Instructor Belt?

 

[Sam1911]

Surprisingly thin, really. The "fluff" of the loop part of the velcro is thicker than the layers of nylon and plastic. I'd say 3/16" or so. Now, mine is wide @ 1-3/4", but that's just personal taste and because I don't own any pants with narrow belt loops.

 

[Mr.510]

Thanks again Sam. I wear Carhartt work dungarees almost exclusively and they have 1-1/2" belt loops. Wish they were wider as a wider belt ought to be even more comfortable, if that's possible.

 

[Sam1911]

Hmmm, I wear a lot of jeans and Carhartts as well, and I've never had any problem with the belt loops fitting a 1-3/4" belt.

In fact, here's a pic with the Instructor belt, Carhartts, and my Hoffner's IWB Kydex rig for my 629:

 

[AK_Maine_iac]

I have been wearing mine for nearly seven years now. Every day. Still going strong. I have even washed it many times.
The wife wants to get me another one. WHY This one is still good. Mine is an 1 1/2 inch 5 stitch