Which belt?

S

saands

New member
I know that there are some REALLY nice custom or semi-custom belts out there, and I'll get one or two of those when I can carry full time. For now, I live in a state that doesn't respect my rights, so I only carry when I am out of state (Utah was kind enough to issue me a permit, even though I only drive through once in a while). Anyway, I am looking at at a Don Hume B109 for $35 or a 5.11 Casual Holster Belt for $28 ... basically the same price, so I was just wondering if either of these is a clear winner over the other.

Thanks.

Saands

5.11
Don Hume
 
I got the 5.11 stitch version of the one your showing. I'm not impressed really but it doesn't roll or bend or anything. I don't expect it to last very long but it serves it's purpose i guess. It's not as thick as they advertise either.
 
I guess I should have mentioned up front that this needs to go with "business casual" attire ... the Ranger Belt looks like a great performer, but I think that leather might be a better fit in this case.

Thanks,

Saands
 
I tried an inexpensive (as compared to my Hill or Hellweg) Hume belt about six years ago.
I am literally wearing it at this moment.
It secures all my guns, even for USPSA competition.
It maintains its stiffness.
Its black coloring is worn away; its only 'fault' (I don't care, but some might).

I do not consider fabric belts 'belts'.
 
Aker B21/22 closeout sale:

saw this on another thread, another forum.
http://www.copquest.com/24-0500.htm

Their Aker B21 and B22 are on closeout sale for $10 off. (unfortunately only a couple sizes left!) Shipping is $10 though so it takes you to $40 for a Double layer leather belt with kydex stiffener inside. Since I don't have a black carry belt I went ahead with the B22 and I'll try a 1 1/4 for the first time.
 
Thanks for the feedback ... the Akers looked interesting ... having only a couple of sizes left wouldn't be an issue if one were my size, but 30 and 32 are pretty small for an IWB rig ... I'm sure I had a 28" waist at some point in my life, but I doubt it was after I was 10 years old :eek:

I think I'll try a Hume when they come back in stock.

Saands
 
Oh by the way, the Akers belt came in. It is a tad tighter than I thought it would be.... It works great for pocket carry but I have yet to try it IWB.

My other carry belt is a double layered 1 1/2 inch Cabela's belt that I got in the Bargain Cove section (usually blemished for discount) and I've had that for a couple years, going strong.
 
I'm also looking for my first true gun belt - some good suggestions here.

But how do you measure a gun belt size? Is it like a normal belt - ie based on waist size or do you have to allow 'extra' for (in my case) an IWB holster?

Measuring from the usual hole that i use on my belts to the end of the buckle is 37in. My normal belt (and waist) size is 34in. So should I get a 37in or a 34in belt? :confused:
 
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Stick your gun/holster IWB and measure like you've already mentioned...from tip of the buckle to the hole you now use. The measurement you come up with should be the center hole of your new belt. May I suggest you get 7 holes punched for finer tuning.
 
Almost all the makers use the format that rayban describes, but I would recommend actually contacting the maker of the belt you choose to verify with them ... I have read that some makers stray a little and you do want it to fit!

Saands
 
Stick your gun/holster IWB and measure like you've already mentioned...from tip of the buckle to the hole you now use. The measurement you come up with should be the center hole of your new belt. May I suggest you get 7 holes punched for finer tuning.
Click to expand...

Without the holster IWB, the measurement is 37in - with the holster IWB, it is 38 1/2" (and obviously on a different hole in the belt (now much closer to the end)?

So what size am I looking for - 37in? or 38 1/2in?

BTW - those are some nice holsters on your site.
 
Chances are you'll be wearing this belt even when you don't carry, in which case I would suggest 37 because you still can cover 38-1/2 with a hole left.....IF you go with 7 holes spaced 3/4" apart.
 
Chances are you'll be wearing this belt even when you don't carry, in which case I would suggest 37 because you still can cover 38-1/2 with a hole left.....IF you go with 7 holes spaced 3/4" apart.
Click to expand...
Thanks - much appreciated.
 
Chances are you'll be wearing this belt even when you don't carry, in which case I would suggest 37 because you still can cover 38-1/2 with a hole left.....IF you go with 7 holes spaced 3/4" apart.
Click to expand...

What about if I wear an OWB holster, then does the 37" apply, or do I buy a normal waist (34" for me) belt ?
 
Liger belt.

Strong enough for weapons carry, but stylish enough to be worn daily.

PcTPO.png
 
An OWB isn't gonna take up much of your belt, so your regular belt size (37) will work.
I'm a bit confused , you keep using the 34" waist size......forget that.....if measuring a belt you now wear from the tip of the buckle to the hole you now use says 37"(with no gun/holster on), then that's your belt size.
 
An OWB isn't gonna take up much of your belt, so your regular belt size (37) will work.
I'm a bit confused , you keep using the 34" waist size......forget that.....if measuring a belt you now wear from the tip of the buckle to the hole you now use says 37"(with no gun/holster on), then that's your belt size.
Click to expand...

Ok thanks - it's just that when shopping for a normal belt - it's normal to go by waist size - but obviously it's different for a gun belt.
 
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