Newb seeking input on Battle Belts

[Milf Dots]

I'm new to battle belts and seeking information...

I'm not new to taking formal training classes for pistol, carbine, and shotgun, but I've never worn a battle belt and it seems many trainers-instructors prefer the students wear belt rigs versus plate carrier or vest based rigs.

I already have HSG taco mag carriers for carbine & pistol mags. My pistol holsters often have Tek Lok attachments.

I'm cool with wearing padded suspenders to help support the belt's load.


1) Can most plate carriers be worn comfortably with most battle belts?

2) What factors do I need to take into account before choosing a battle belt?

3) I want the most durable gear that's also comfortable, and I'm not a weight weenie who has to have the latest tech.

4) I want the belt to be very stiff so it doesn't allow the attached gear to twist/roll outward.

5) I want it made in the USA.

Thanks in advance

 

[Rerun7]

These are great, big improvement from the padded outer belts. I’ve been using one for a couple years and it’s held up with no issues.

MOLLE 1.75" Battle Belt | Tactical/War Belt | Blue Alpha

Highly functional load-bearing MOLLE utility belt. Load it up with an OWB holster, mag carriers, pouches, and whatever else you need. Exterior MOLLE loops are compatible with MOLLE spec gear.

www.bluealphabelts.com

 

[jetjock07]

I like my Gcode belt setup.

Belts

Check out the deal on at Edge Works

www.tacticalholsters.com

 

[DeadNoise]

I like my Gcode belt setup.

Belts

Check out the deal on at Edge Works

www.tacticalholsters.com

I like my gcode as well

 

[powdahound76]

ATS tactical. Quality US made gear.

Make sure you have a nice IFAK on there.

IF setting it up to go with a plate carrier, make sure you have clearance to draw your pistol.
Short torso people need a drop for their holster for this sometimes (read, me)

 

[kriller134]

The new agilite belt looks pretty cool.
https://agilitegear.com/products/magnetix-battle-belt

 

[Kline]

I’ve been wearing some form of “battle belt” quite some time now professionally? I don’t know that term is kinda funky, I get paid. I’ve gone through a few different iterations.

For me a two piece belt is the best option, with a Velcro loop inner belt, and a velcro hook outer. I really like my aws lab belt. Good products made by a good company with awesome customer service.

For pouches, find whatever suits you best, but don’t overload it. I keep mine with a horizontal elastic tq pouch from esstac at 1 o’clock, holster 3 (I prefer a high ride adapter as opposed to low/mid as it’s better for moving around in and out of vehicles in my opinion) med kit at 6 (I like the lbt ones and have tried a lot) they are lo pro enough to not mess with your back sitting, wearing armor etc. then I have two pistol and one rifle from 11-9 ish. You can throw a dump pouch on there behind the rifle.

If you plan on a dump pouch one thing I found is you want something with a little rigidity to it, or a half flap like the trex ones. It keeps your mags from ending up all over the damn place when you run.

Something that also works well for me, is I buy velcro one wrap off Amazon by the roll. I think the 1” but I’d have to check. Ditch the molle clips that come with whatever pouches you use, and use that instead to be able to mount your shit and have it not move around, and still keep the inner/outer belt sticky integrity or whatever you want to call it. *edit you can also use a strip of one wrap around your tek-lok as well to keep it in place and keep the belt from moving.

Anyways enough rambling for this late, feel free to pm me for pics or questions/whatever. And remember this info is worth what you paid for it.

 

[cruiserweight]

To answer your questions:

1) Can most plate carriers be worn comfortably with most battle belts?

Yes, modern low profile/two piece belt systems are designed to work with pc’s. May have to drop the a bit holster to clear your draw.

2) What factors do I need to take into account before choosing a battle belt?

Comfort, quality, ease of use, unique features.

For example, the Axl Advanced Eclipse belt is extremely lightweight, rigid, and allows for some cool mounting options you won’t see on any other belt. But…it’s not comfortable. The plastic/tegris sides bite into your hips at times and it’s unpleasant in my experince. So I use it as more of a competition belt where I won’t be wearing it for long periods of time.


3) I want the most durable gear that's also comfortable, and I'm not a weight weenie who has to have the latest tech.

4) I want the belt to be very stiff so it doesn't allow the attached gear to twist/roll outward.

5) I want it made in the USA.

Most two piece belt systems today are more or less the same, copies or clones of the Ronin Tactics belts.
In regards to points 3-5 above, I’ll give my thoughts on a few different belt systems that might meet your criteria.

Ciguera Gear Battle Wagon - made out of scuba webbing, it’s quite stiff and also not mega expensive. You will need to use Velcro one wrap to attach your pouches. Have one, it’s a solid belt for the price.l and their Velcro inner belts are actually awesome.

Javlin Concepts belt - very similar to the Robin Tactics belt (the original molle battle belt) just with a strip of tegris sewn in to make the belt stiffer and some extra horizontal attachments points for knives or whatnot. A comfortable belt that I wore for a year. The inner belt is super basic and I replaced it with a ciguera gear Velcro inner belt.


I currently wear the Pale Horse Concepts belt system. This system (along with the Shaw Concepts belt) are the only two I’ve seen where the core of the system is a heavy duty inner belt with an outer belt sleeve that hooks into the inner belt. Pouches go on the outer belt, outer belt Velcro’s on and hooks in to the inner belt. Very very solid, very sturdy. Kinda of a pain to weave the inner belt through your pants though.

Honorable mention to the Ferro Concepts belt (if you need instagram clout) and to the many copies of the Ronin belt.


Pouches were covered by the poster above, but most guys have the same basic load. Holster with a drop hanger (True North Modular Holster Adaptor is the standard) 1-2 pistol mags, a rifle mag, TQ, IFAK, and sometimes a general purpose pouch and a dump pouch. I’m actually a big fan of the GP pouch on the belt and use it constantly. I’ll post pics of my belt kit here in a bit

 

[cruiserweight]

From left to right:
Pale Horse Concepts pistol/gp pouch. A weird pouch that combines a gp pouch with elastic pistol mag sleeves. Works surprisingly well. Gp pouch holds multitool, batteries, pens and sharpies, lens cloth, cheat sheets (9-line, SALUTE report, GRG, etc) and I can dump other shit in it as needed.

Pale Horse rifle mag pouch. Pretty basic

Spiritus Systems Just a Pouch - rear compartment can hold a radio, rifle mag and pistol mag, basically whatever. Flapped compartment holds chemlights, small notebook, and a smoke/PLRF/whatever.

Coyote STOMP pouch - IFAK. A bit bulky at first but lay the interior out correctly and it’s not a bother when in a vehicle. Holds a full ifak, some smaller IFAKs (Ferro Roll 1 for example) won’t hold enough. I run a supplemental IFAK on my carrier too

Safariland holster on a True North MHA - Some guys chop down the MHA for my comfort in a vehicle but due to my height it doesn’t bother me. Leg strap is mandatory with the MHA though otherwise you can snag your draw easily.

Coyote TQ holder - self explanatory. Avoid the TQ holders with split elastic sections as they can snag.

Glove hook is somewhere, not pictured.

Big fan of GP pouches on belt and on kit. You will always need a notebook and pens/map markers. Having the ability to carry whatever when needed is never a bad thing. Your use case will vary of course, and you can simply leave the pouches empty when not needed.

Edited for typos

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

An increasing number of people are moving away from the classic "battle belt" and using standard duty sized belts with molle.

I've run many belts professionally for a couple decades. I can say that of all the belts I've worn Jones Tactical is the best and easily the most stiff. He uses double layer scuba webbing. And they will last longer than any of us will be alive. Prior to him added the molle option, I ran the "Fat Zombie" duty belt which is the same as below, but no molle. It held up 10 years being worn daily in rough environments. I still have it and if you were to clean all the dust/dirt, it would still look new.

https://jones-tactical-llc.square.site/product/Jones-Tactical-2inch-Cobra-Molle-Duty-Belt/36?cs=true&cst=custom

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

As far as load out, be mindful of what your purpose is and also your habits.

For example, I keep my carbine mags on my armor. As if I'm using the rifle, I'm wearing the armor by default. So it makes sense to keep the mags there. I don't always wear that armor, so I keep an IFAK on my belt. As an IFAK is completely worthless if you can't reach it at any time.

For armor and clearance issues, unless you absolutely need as much of your body protected as possible, get something like a Crye JPC and shooter/swimmer cut plates. No side plates. That will give you maximum mobility and clearance. Don't drop your holster lower unless you actually need it there to clear your armor/gear. Lots of tactical timmy out there rocking a thigh strap that isn't needed.

 

[toopoorformore]

Lead devil makes a solid belt system. Wear mine several times a week for work and it holds everything in place and is remarkably comfortable, especially with all the crap on my belt.

 

[PJ65C]

I havent run many belts but i do love the Ronin Senshi, its two piece belt, and takes one hell of a beating with zero issues. My plate carrier is a Crye AVS - built in the Brooklyn Navy yard in NY - like the Ronin takes a beating without issue. The AVS is a modular system which is great, but its also expensive because everything is sold separately. Feel free sending a DM if you want to discuss specifics. Links for both below (if against board rules, mods please remove the links).

Belts

How to measure for proper sizing

www.ronintactics.com

AVS

www.cryeprecision.com

 

[Simonsza1]

Ronin for sure. My friend just got the gbrs belt and it’s very nice also.

 

[HUNTERVASSER]

I opted for the bluealpha when upgrading my belt. But I still cannot find a comfortable ifak/tourniquet pouch that works with it.

 

[308pirate]

Train like you fight.

I don't carry 50 pounds of shit on my belt. The rest of the crap stays in a bag behind the line.

Yes, this is what I wear to training classes.

Sometimes something like this

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

View attachment 8394603

Train like you fight.

I don't carry 50 pounds of shit on my belt. The rest of the crap stays in a bag behind the line.

Yes, this is what I wear to training classes.

Sometimes something like this
View attachment 8394608

This is a good point. If all you ever do is wear your "battle belt" or normal belt loaded out.....to the range or classes......you're not doing yourself much good. Unless it's something like a SHTF load out and you practice with it quite often.

But if you just take a class every once in a blue moon and take a loaded belt, but then toss it in the closet until the next class in three years......you're basically just LARPing with live ammo every now and then.

 

[higginsworksforme]

I use a First Spear Line One synthetic belt with an HSGI one wrap pistol mag taco and a Safariland UBS holster mid ride holster thing. Anything else goes on a chest rig.

 

[308pirate]

LARPing with live ammo

That's really all it is.

I'm not a training junkie. Don't need to be as I can take training once or twice then develop myself from there.

The few times I've gone to a defensive oriented pistol class I use concealment and a practice gun. I have one mag pouch on aiwb and extra mags in my back pockets.

The majority of the time I see people larping with these belts is when they show up to a match. The amount of shit hanging from those belts is ridiculous. I've seen giant knives, emt scissors, enormous dump bags, rifle magazines (lol at a pistol match), and holsters with ridiculous drop, offset, three locks, and that gay leg strap. None of which they wear day to day. It's just that urban warrior fantasy.

Most everyone at a match has a FAK. It's in a range bag, off our waist, and a few seconds away. It's not needed on the belt.

The point of this is: there are more effective ways to spend 200 - 300 training dollars. Ammo to begin with.

 

[Anb618]

1) As long as your holster isn’t on a high-ride belt attachment, you should be fine. Don’t go thigh-holster; they’re not ideal for athletic movement, and you end up with inconsistent draw because the gun moves with your leg, not your hips.

2) I’m not sure there are many bad options anymore, outside of the CCP produced crap on Amazon. Any reputable US company making EDC belts/Duty belts will make good stuff. It’s all just personal preference.

3) 4) 5) My personal choice;

I’ve used this for the past year. Best duty belt I’ve ever had (experience with SafeLife, Blue Alpha, Kore, and an early Shellback Tactical belt that was surprisingly good quality). It’s also a pretty good deal compared to others in this market.

https://defensemechanisms.com/mech-battle-belt/

I combined it with their 2” inner belt for extra security for work (hook/loop interface), but you could pair with a Blue Alpha Belt pad if you don’t want to be forced to use an inner belt. My combo is rock solid and extremely comfortable. The Tegris material is very stiff, and the hidden MOLLE is very functional and holds it’s shape well. My belt holds a Streamlight stinger, BFG Micro TKN, OC, baton, two sets of cuffs, keys, and a mid-ride Safariland holster/handgun. Even with all that weight, it has zero sag when worn but still manages to flex and move with the body comfortably.

 

[toeheadAR]

@Anb618 What pistol mag pouches are you running? I'm thinking about the MECH belt but using the Agilite Pincer mag pouches since they are easier to reinsert the mags.

 

[jabonra]

Lots of ronin recs, I would go to AWS and buy a SMU. Supposedly they OEM the ronin belts. They have a good memorial day sale running on them too.

 

[Anb618]

@Anb618 What pistol mag pouches are you running? I'm thinking about the MECH belt but using the Agilite Pincer mag pouches since they are easier to reinsert the mags.

Sorry, can’t help you there. I’m LE and carry my mags on my vest. I do use ESSTAC mag pouches with the kydex inserts. Love them, have never lost a magazine in a fight or foot chase, but they come out effortlessly when I train reloads.

 

[Simonsza1]

There is nothing better than the esstac kiwis for mag pouches. Pistol and ar.

 

[308pirate]

I'm new to battle belts and seeking information...

I'm not new to taking formal training classes for pistol, carbine, and shotgun, but I've never worn a battle belt and it seems many trainers-instructors prefer the students wear belt rigs versus plate carrier or vest based rigs.

I already have HSG taco mag carriers for carbine & pistol mags. My pistol holsters often have Tek Lok attachments.

I'm cool with wearing padded suspenders to help support the belt's load.


1) Can most plate carriers be worn comfortably with most battle belts?

2) What factors do I need to take into account before choosing a battle belt?

3) I want the most durable gear that's also comfortable, and I'm not a weight weenie who has to have the latest tech.

4) I want the belt to be very stiff so it doesn't allow the attached gear to twist/roll outward.

5) I want it made in the USA.

Thanks in advance

Just what, exactly, is the expected use case for this thing?

 

[357Max]

Mine is set up just for matches.

The only thing on the belt not shown is the dump pouch in front of the pistol. Ronin Senshi belt, Safariland, True north drop plate I bought from @Kline, ESSTAC/kydex mag pouches, Blue Force ultralight dump pouch.

For gas gun matches the only thing I swap is the rifle mag pouches to the ESSTAC AR15 double pouch.

Everything I need & nothing I don't.

 

[WindstormSCR]

Train like you fight.

I don't carry 50 pounds of shit on my belt. The rest of the crap stays in a bag behind the line.

A properly set up belt should be just essentials:

Glove hook, a couple of pistol and maybe a single rifle mag depending on preference, a decent individual first aid kit, some sort of hydration, and if you have the space a couple of smaller pockets to put shit that will be easier to get to than pants or shirt pockets. (BFG boo-boo pouches are great for this)

dump pouch if you're training mag retention.

doesn't need to be complicated, and pretty much all of the things that should be on there are things you'd want for a class anyway.

if it's overly heavy or bulky, you're doing it wrong anyway.

 

[308pirate]

A properly set up belt should be just essentials:

Glove hook, a couple of pistol and maybe a single rifle mag depending on preference, a decent individual first aid kit, some sort of hydration, and if you have the space a couple of smaller pockets to put shit that will be easier to get to than pants or shirt pockets. (BFG boo-boo pouches are great for this)

dump pouch if you're training mag retention.

The essentials for when?

The essentials for me are a pistol and a few magazines. If I train mag retention it goes in a pants pocket because I'll never be wearing a pouch the day I might have to retain a magazine for real.

99% of the stuff you mention that goes on one of those "battle" belts is either LARP or goes in a range bag because of how infrequently it's needed.

 

[tucaz]

i always cut those stupid glove loops off because they end up hooking on something when wearing and shooting. never understood the carrying of gloves on a loop. shouldnt they be on your hands?

and when they arent, they fit in a cargo pocket just fine but YMMV.

 

[Rio Precision Gunworks]

Yea, every person and situation is going to be different. Except for pistol and mags.....there really isn't a cookie cutter setup. And even then, some people keep those on their vest/chest.

Lots of things go into it. Such as if you normally wear a chest rig or plate carrier, what position you'll be shooting from mostly, what kind of threats (if any) you're expecting, how much water you need.....etc etc etc.

 

[WindstormSCR]

The essentials for when?

The essentials for me are a pistol and a few magazines. If I train mag retention it goes in a pants pocket because I'll never be wearing a pouch the day I might have to retain a magazine for real.

99% of the stuff you mention that goes on one of those "battle" belts is either LARP or goes in a range bag because of how infrequently it's needed.

To me, a day at the range as much as any other time.

Hydration is key, if its not on you, you’re likely to not consume enough water, which goes for just about anyone. IFAK because if there should heaven forbid be an unfortunate accident, those seconds running to the bag to fetch a kit can matter for blood loss of the affected party, be it you or someone else. the pockets just end up being convenient for a variety of things.

having stuff in a range bag works too, but I think deriding something practical and convenient as “LARPing” is a bit absolutist

 

[Obone]

I love my High Speed Gear battle belt?https://www.highspeedgear.com/