Holster belts

keithdog · April 26, 2014, 02:37 PM

I often read in here those who use a holster belt rather than a regular belt. I'd like to know what the advantage of a true holster belt is over say a genuine leather 1-1/2 inch regular pants belt?

nemesiss45 · April 26, 2014, 05:58 PM

Rigidity, at least the ones I have used. The theorhetical advantage would be that the belt will not flex as much during drawing, allowing for cleaner faster draws.
Are you interested for range use or concealed carry?

If concealed carry, I would stick with leather cor comfort. I do not like wearing a rigid belt all day

Doc Intrepid · April 26, 2014, 06:04 PM

As nemisiss45 said, a true holster belt is going to be much more rigid to support the weight of a loaded firearm, help conceal it if you're wearing an Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster, prevent items (pistol, spare magazines, multitool, flashlight if you have one, etc.) from shifting on the belt and generally ensuring that your draw and reload movements are consistent.

Aker makes some nice ones - they used to have a spring steel insert between the 2 layers of leather, and now its polymer (the spring steel was working its way through the belt over time - at least on mine).

There are other good ones out there as well. IMO, though, a good pistol belt and holster is as important for CCW EDC as bullets for the firearm. It's part of a system.

YMMV.

keithdog · April 26, 2014, 06:37 PM

The belt would be for while I wear an OWB holster for my Shield around the house, and an IWB away from the house. The belt I have right now is a rather sturdy 1-3/8 inch leather belt. For a small Shield, I would think that would be sufficient. Am I wrong?

cheezhed · April 26, 2014, 10:40 PM

If your belt set up pleases you and does what you want it to do then by all means keep using it. I use a dedicated gun belt and it seems to last longer than the leather belts that I used to use.

Kreyzhorse · April 27, 2014, 08:35 AM

A gun belt is built to carry the weight of a gun as well as the holster. These belts are rigid and in my opinion are the most important part of your carry rig. They are also much thicker than regular belts and that is where the rigidity comes in.

While the Shield isn't a giant gun, I still think your overall carry experience would be better served with a dedicated gun belt. Holster sag, with a regular belt, can be a problem. With a good gun belt, that simply won't happen.

They are more expensive but if you are going to carry often, they are worth the money. A well made one will out last several cheaper ones so you do get what you pay for.

While it maybe more difficult to convince you that you need a gun belt over a thread like this, I can tell you that if you use one, you will understand why they are a must have.

The Beltman makes the best I've seen. I bought a $50 belt that wore out in a year. I bought a $100 belt from the Beltman 5 years ago and it is as stiff as the the first day I got it.

http://www.thebeltman.net/

kilimanjaro · April 27, 2014, 06:41 PM

The regular leather belt is just not rigid enough, the weight of the pistol and holster will cause a sag in the belt and also roll the edge over a bit. This causes a slight drag when drawing the pistol, not what you want to have when you have to draw the piece.

I must have bought a dozen good leather belts before I figured it out that one good rigid belt was all I needed.

Airman Basic · April 27, 2014, 07:10 PM

Ordered this today:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TOJKWU/..._26725410_item
to replace my tired old Bianchi. Almost everyday use for 20 years. Good stuff.

keithdog · April 28, 2014, 06:28 AM

Looks like a nice belt Airman!

Nathan · April 28, 2014, 07:56 AM

The main improvement is horizontal stiffness. That causes the butt angle to not change. This is especially true when not cinched down. That makes your back hurt a lot less from gun weight.

oldcspsarge · April 28, 2014, 04:31 PM

Milt Sparks makes some of the best IWB holsters in the business and makes GREAT pistol belts....worth the wait !

http://www.miltsparks.com/

boondocker385 · May 1, 2014, 08:58 AM

I have both double thickness belts and ones with stiffeners. I carry everyday (plain clothes) for work and always use the stiffner belts. My EDC for work on my belt is a full size auto, a primary weapon (mp5 mostly) ammo for both, flashlight, and a sap or baton and cuffs. The double thickness just doesn't cut it for that load out

Marty8613 · May 2, 2014, 09:45 AM

I buy the heavy duty 'work' belt lines carried by WalMart and Kohl's. They do just fine for my IWB 6:00 carry preference.

I carry:
Bersa Thunder 380 - in my dress up days
Bersa Mini Firestorm 40 - Most of the time - small but heavy
EAA Witness 4.5" .45 Polymer - long drives or walks

g.willikers · May 2, 2014, 10:51 AM

I chose a thick, but slightly flexible belt.
It holds things well, without biting me when I move or bend.
No stiffeners in it.
It's 5/16" thick and 1 1/2" wide.
I got it from a harness maker at a re-enactment.
Figured if it was good enough material to hold things on a horse, it oughta' do.
And it does.
It holds my full sized pistol and four or five pouched mags very well.

loic · May 2, 2014, 11:08 AM

I use 2 different belt, one is from highnoon holster, its very thick and sturdy, works good with kydex holster and you can load it up without problems, doesnt work good with leather holster (owb) because the belt is not very flexible so its actually the holster that flex and its very difficult to draw or put back your weapon.
The 2nd one I use its a leather belt from 5.11 very nice belt, flexible just what is needed, no problems with leather or kydex holster. Cannot be loaded with a bunch of stuff and I had to replace the first one after a little over a year of almost daily use.

keithdog · May 2, 2014, 05:33 PM

But is a holster belt really needed when carrying IWB? It seems to me the pressure exerted between the belt and the body is going to keep the holster from moving around or dragging the pants down where the gun lies. Especially a mid size to compact gun.

Marty8613 · May 2, 2014, 06:48 PM

I am a budget guy and posted the work belt suggestions above. I use simple and cheap Blackhawk holsters. They are comfortable. Two of my guns are pretty heavy though. Noting the grooves on the Blackhawk holsters, they actually work best going on the waist band and not the belt at all. The lower part of the clip is meant to ride just below but inside the belt to align the holster. A heavier belt is useful for lighter pants like khakis. With jeans, I can wear normal belts. This way, the clip is less obvious and I am able to wear slightly shorter shirts. I haven't yet found a comfortable solution outside of 6:00. Seems to me deeper concealment is required for carrying up front. Revolvers seem better suited due to their shape for that method.

Top Gun Supply · May 23, 2014, 05:23 PM

You should look at you gun, holster and belt as a "system". Don't skimp on any part of that system. You can buy a very good leather gun belt for less than $100. It will last for many, many years of daily carry...if you don't eat too much.

keithdog · May 23, 2014, 10:03 PM

If you don't eat too much? I'm screwed. haha

JimDandy · May 24, 2014, 12:22 PM

The word that comes to mind for me when thinking of a "gun belt" is either "Cowboy" or "torsion" depending on what kind of gun belt you're talking about. Most of us immediately think of a big tooled leather cartridge belt with a drop leg leather holster for a Single Action revolver that wouldn't look out of place in a John Wayne movie. Sure that's a gun a belt all right, but it's not what concealed carry folks talk about.

For them the key word is torsion. How much the belt twists. Most gun belts in that sense are made of either horse hide, have a polymer/plastic stiffener between layers, or both. Now a good gun belt doesn't twist when you're wearing it. That's not something to worry about. But the mechanics that keep it from twisting while you're NOT wearing it are often what makes it a good gun belt.

silverstang23 · June 6, 2014, 08:59 PM

The stiffness is the main difference. I used to carry with a genuine leather belt. Then I got a wilderness tactical belt. What a difference a true "holster" belt makes. I find it much more comfortable as well as the belt allows me to carry bigger guns that caused my other belt to roll. It hold all weapons closer to my body. You might not realize the difference until you experience it.

April 26, 2014, 02:37 PM	#1
keithdog Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2013 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 321	Holster belts I often read in here those who use a holster belt rather than a regular belt. I'd like to know what the advantage of a true holster belt is over say a genuine leather 1-1/2 inch regular pants belt? __________________ In MY house, I AM 911

April 26, 2014, 06:04 PM	#3
Doc Intrepid Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,037	As nemisiss45 said, a true holster belt is going to be much more rigid to support the weight of a loaded firearm, help conceal it if you're wearing an Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster, prevent items (pistol, spare magazines, multitool, flashlight if you have one, etc.) from shifting on the belt and generally ensuring that your draw and reload movements are consistent. Aker makes some nice ones - they used to have a spring steel insert between the 2 layers of leather, and now its polymer (the spring steel was working its way through the belt over time - at least on mine). There are other good ones out there as well. IMO, though, a good pistol belt and holster is as important for CCW EDC as bullets for the firearm. It's part of a system. YMMV. __________________ *Treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect....but have a plan to kill them just in case.*

April 26, 2014, 06:37 PM	#4
keithdog Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2013 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 321	The belt would be for while I wear an OWB holster for my Shield around the house, and an IWB away from the house. The belt I have right now is a rather sturdy 1-3/8 inch leather belt. For a small Shield, I would think that would be sufficient. Am I wrong? __________________ In MY house, I AM 911

April 27, 2014, 08:35 AM	#6
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	A gun belt is built to carry the weight of a gun as well as the holster. These belts are rigid and in my opinion are the most important part of your carry rig. They are also much thicker than regular belts and that is where the rigidity comes in. While the Shield isn't a giant gun, I still think your overall carry experience would be better served with a dedicated gun belt. Holster sag, with a regular belt, can be a problem. With a good gun belt, that simply won't happen. They are more expensive but if you are going to carry often, they are worth the money. A well made one will out last several cheaper ones so you do get what you pay for. While it maybe more difficult to convince you that you need a gun belt over a thread like this, I can tell you that if you use one, you will understand why they are a must have. The Beltman makes the best I've seen. I bought a $50 belt that wore out in a year. I bought a $100 belt from the Beltman 5 years ago and it is as stiff as the the first day I got it. http://www.thebeltman.net/ __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

April 28, 2014, 06:28 AM	#9
keithdog Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2013 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 321	Looks like a nice belt Airman! __________________ In MY house, I AM 911

April 26, 2014, 05:58 PM	#2
nemesiss45 Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2014 Posts: 526	Rigidity, at least the ones I have used. The theorhetical advantage would be that the belt will not flex as much during drawing, allowing for cleaner faster draws. Are you interested for range use or concealed carry? If concealed carry, I would stick with leather cor comfort. I do not like wearing a rigid belt all day

April 26, 2014, 10:40 PM	#5
cheezhed Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2007 Posts: 302	If your belt set up pleases you and does what you want it to do then by all means keep using it. I use a dedicated gun belt and it seems to last longer than the leather belts that I used to use.

April 27, 2014, 06:41 PM	#7
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	The regular leather belt is just not rigid enough, the weight of the pistol and holster will cause a sag in the belt and also roll the edge over a bit. This causes a slight drag when drawing the pistol, not what you want to have when you have to draw the piece. I must have bought a dozen good leather belts before I figured it out that one good rigid belt was all I needed.

April 27, 2014, 07:10 PM	#8
Airman Basic Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2013 Location: South of Interstate 20 Posts: 219	Ordered this today: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TOJKWU/..._26725410_item to replace my tired old Bianchi. Almost everyday use for 20 years. Good stuff.

April 28, 2014, 07:56 AM	#10
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	The main improvement is horizontal stiffness. That causes the butt angle to not change. This is especially true when not cinched down. That makes your back hurt a lot less from gun weight.

April 28, 2014, 04:31 PM	#11
oldcspsarge Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2008 Location: Rocky Mountains Posts: 441	Milt Sparks makes some of the best IWB holsters in the business and makes GREAT pistol belts....worth the wait ! http://www.miltsparks.com/

May 1, 2014, 08:58 AM	#12
boondocker385 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 640	I have both double thickness belts and ones with stiffeners. I carry everyday (plain clothes) for work and always use the stiffner belts. My EDC for work on my belt is a full size auto, a primary weapon (mp5 mostly) ammo for both, flashlight, and a sap or baton and cuffs. The double thickness just doesn't cut it for that load out __________________ No second place finishes in a gun fight.

May 2, 2014, 09:45 AM	#13
Marty8613 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2014 Location: Grapevine TX Posts: 378	WalMart or Kohl's I buy the heavy duty 'work' belt lines carried by WalMart and Kohl's. They do just fine for my IWB 6:00 carry preference. I carry: Bersa Thunder 380 - in my dress up days Bersa Mini Firestorm 40 - Most of the time - small but heavy EAA Witness 4.5" .45 Polymer - long drives or walks

May 2, 2014, 10:51 AM	#14
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	I chose a thick, but slightly flexible belt. It holds things well, without biting me when I move or bend. No stiffeners in it. It's 5/16" thick and 1 1/2" wide. I got it from a harness maker at a re-enactment. Figured if it was good enough material to hold things on a horse, it oughta' do. And it does. It holds my full sized pistol and four or five pouched mags very well. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 2, 2014, 11:08 AM	#15
loic Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Posts: 162	I use 2 different belt, one is from highnoon holster, its very thick and sturdy, works good with kydex holster and you can load it up without problems, doesnt work good with leather holster (owb) because the belt is not very flexible so its actually the holster that flex and its very difficult to draw or put back your weapon. The 2nd one I use its a leather belt from 5.11 very nice belt, flexible just what is needed, no problems with leather or kydex holster. Cannot be loaded with a bunch of stuff and I had to replace the first one after a little over a year of almost daily use.

May 2, 2014, 05:33 PM	#16
keithdog Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2013 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 321	But is a holster belt really needed when carrying IWB? It seems to me the pressure exerted between the belt and the body is going to keep the holster from moving around or dragging the pants down where the gun lies. Especially a mid size to compact gun. __________________ In MY house, I AM 911

May 2, 2014, 06:48 PM	#17
Marty8613 Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2014 Location: Grapevine TX Posts: 378	Iwb I am a budget guy and posted the work belt suggestions above. I use simple and cheap Blackhawk holsters. They are comfortable. Two of my guns are pretty heavy though. Noting the grooves on the Blackhawk holsters, they actually work best going on the waist band and not the belt at all. The lower part of the clip is meant to ride just below but inside the belt to align the holster. A heavier belt is useful for lighter pants like khakis. With jeans, I can wear normal belts. This way, the clip is less obvious and I am able to wear slightly shorter shirts. I haven't yet found a comfortable solution outside of 6:00. Seems to me deeper concealment is required for carrying up front. Revolvers seem better suited due to their shape for that method.

May 23, 2014, 05:23 PM	#18
Top Gun Supply Member Join Date: August 2, 2005 Posts: 20	You should look at you gun, holster and belt as a "system". Don't skimp on any part of that system. You can buy a very good leather gun belt for less than $100. It will last for many, many years of daily carry...if you don't eat too much. __________________ http://www.topgunsupply.com Wilson Combat Master Dealer Sig Sauer firearms and parts distributor Meprolight, Trijicon, LPA, Ameriglo, EOTech Sights

May 23, 2014, 10:03 PM	#19
keithdog Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2013 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 321	If you don't eat too much? I'm screwed. haha __________________ In MY house, I AM 911

May 24, 2014, 12:22 PM	#20
JimDandy Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2012 Posts: 2,556	The word that comes to mind for me when thinking of a "gun belt" is either "Cowboy" or "torsion" depending on what kind of gun belt you're talking about. Most of us immediately think of a big tooled leather cartridge belt with a drop leg leather holster for a Single Action revolver that wouldn't look out of place in a John Wayne movie. Sure that's a gun a belt all right, but it's not what concealed carry folks talk about. For them the key word is torsion. How much the belt twists. Most gun belts in that sense are made of either horse hide, have a polymer/plastic stiffener between layers, or both. Now a good gun belt doesn't twist when you're wearing it. That's not something to worry about. But the mechanics that keep it from twisting while you're NOT wearing it are often what makes it a good gun belt.

June 6, 2014, 08:59 PM	#21
silverstang23 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2013 Posts: 180	The stiffness is the main difference. I used to carry with a genuine leather belt. Then I got a wilderness tactical belt. What a difference a true "holster" belt makes. I find it much more comfortable as well as the belt allows me to carry bigger guns that caused my other belt to roll. It hold all weapons closer to my body. You might not realize the difference until you experience it.