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Since the topic of belts has come up recently, I thought I would take a look at a few belts that I own. This is hardly a scientific look. Just a very simple comparison.
With regards to rigidity, there are likely two elements that matter...1) Rigidity across the belt's width. Meaning, does the belt fold over (or out) on itself across the width of the belt? Obviously we want a belt that can stand up to the weight of whatever you're putting on it WITHOUT folding in on itself...or out. And 2) Overall lateral or torsional rigidity across the entire belt (if I'm using those words correctly). Here again, the more rigid the belt is, the likely better for our carrying needs. But there may be a tradeoff here with comfort. Some people find a bit of flex more comfortable. There may be a balance to be struck between "rigid enough" and comfort...and this will likely vary from person to person.
The Belts: Milt Sparks leather belt, Ares Gear Aegis Enhanced, and Wilderness Instructors Belt (5 Stitch model). It's worth noting that all three belts provide decent rigidity across their width. It's in the lateral rigidity that we can really see a difference.
This is a Milt Sparks leather belt with very low mileage. In fairness the belt buckle on this belt weighs a fraction of the other two buckles. However, the belt is still capable of supporting a lot more weight without it flexing horribly.
Here is the Ares Aegis Enhanced belt. I've worn this belt daily for the last three years. It's a very heavy belt buckle compared to the Sparks belt but the belt supports the weight pretty well...
Now the Wilderness belt. This one is the regular 5 stich, no insert, after about a year of daily use. As you can see, the belt struggles to support it's own weight...albeit it's a very heavy buckle.
So would a new Wilderness belt do better here? Yea, a little bit. But not much IMO. And I'm sorry as I don't actually have a brand new Wilderness belt to see how it compares. And I'm certainly not going to spend anymore money on them to test one. The belt is still in good enough shape to keep your pants up (sans guns an mags). And the belt is still rigid enough that it won't bend in half directly across it's width (which is important). But there is a tremendous amount of lateral flex throughout the belt. And this is after only a year.
So how do you think this translates to the actual carrying of heavy guns and mags? And/or How much does this lateral rigidity matter when the belt is synched up tight? And perhaps most importantly, which belt would you want to wear?
There are, of course, other factors to consider such as material, how adjustable the belt is, looks, price, etc. The importance of these things may vary from person to person. But these things are secondary IMO to the belt's basic ability to support and control the load you place on it. To this end, the Wilderness belt may offer ENOUGH support/control for, say, a small Shield and a single mag. But it may not be the best choice for a full size, steel 1911 and a couple mags.
With regards to rigidity, there are likely two elements that matter...1) Rigidity across the belt's width. Meaning, does the belt fold over (or out) on itself across the width of the belt? Obviously we want a belt that can stand up to the weight of whatever you're putting on it WITHOUT folding in on itself...or out. And 2) Overall lateral or torsional rigidity across the entire belt (if I'm using those words correctly). Here again, the more rigid the belt is, the likely better for our carrying needs. But there may be a tradeoff here with comfort. Some people find a bit of flex more comfortable. There may be a balance to be struck between "rigid enough" and comfort...and this will likely vary from person to person.
The Belts: Milt Sparks leather belt, Ares Gear Aegis Enhanced, and Wilderness Instructors Belt (5 Stitch model). It's worth noting that all three belts provide decent rigidity across their width. It's in the lateral rigidity that we can really see a difference.
This is a Milt Sparks leather belt with very low mileage. In fairness the belt buckle on this belt weighs a fraction of the other two buckles. However, the belt is still capable of supporting a lot more weight without it flexing horribly.
Here is the Ares Aegis Enhanced belt. I've worn this belt daily for the last three years. It's a very heavy belt buckle compared to the Sparks belt but the belt supports the weight pretty well...
Now the Wilderness belt. This one is the regular 5 stich, no insert, after about a year of daily use. As you can see, the belt struggles to support it's own weight...albeit it's a very heavy buckle.
So would a new Wilderness belt do better here? Yea, a little bit. But not much IMO. And I'm sorry as I don't actually have a brand new Wilderness belt to see how it compares. And I'm certainly not going to spend anymore money on them to test one. The belt is still in good enough shape to keep your pants up (sans guns an mags). And the belt is still rigid enough that it won't bend in half directly across it's width (which is important). But there is a tremendous amount of lateral flex throughout the belt. And this is after only a year.
So how do you think this translates to the actual carrying of heavy guns and mags? And/or How much does this lateral rigidity matter when the belt is synched up tight? And perhaps most importantly, which belt would you want to wear?
There are, of course, other factors to consider such as material, how adjustable the belt is, looks, price, etc. The importance of these things may vary from person to person. But these things are secondary IMO to the belt's basic ability to support and control the load you place on it. To this end, the Wilderness belt may offer ENOUGH support/control for, say, a small Shield and a single mag. But it may not be the best choice for a full size, steel 1911 and a couple mags.
