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I know this is probably opening a can of worms but what is a good belt. I purchased a 511 operator belt but don't know if that's a good choice or not. I'm sure that this has been beat to death but I couldn't find it anywhere. Sorry for the noob question.

Chris

Stumpjumper wrote:I know this is probably opening a can of worms but what is a good belt. I purchased a 511 operator belt but don't know if that's a good choice or not. I'm sure that this has been beat to death but I couldn't find it anywhere. Sorry for the noob question.

Chris

I don't own one, but I have heard good things about them. I have the Wilderness Instructors belt which is an excellent belt. If the 5.11 is anything close, it's a good choice.

Couldn't find anything?

Searching "good" "gunbelt" yields 107 hits.

Searching "good" "gun" "belt" yields 1398 hits.

I've heard the 5.11 instructor belts are good, but don't know about the operator belt.

C-dub wrote:Couldn't find anything?

Searching "good" "gunbelt" yields 107 hits.

Searching "good" "gun" "belt" yields 1398 hits.

I've heard the 5.11 instructor belts are good, but don't know about the operator belt.

you got me on the search. Didn't notice it up in the corner and just started scrolling down page by page. I performed a search and waallaa-there it is.

Thanks

El Paso Saddlery

Comptac kydex reinforced ... made in Texas by Texans

In answer to your original question. Hubby and I both have 511 belts and for training and "every day " they are great! As a girl I am not a huge fan of the velcro sound in restrooms when I wear it out somewhere (i.e. weekend errands) but it does a decent job at stabilizing the holster. Works well with losing weight too.

5.11 belts do a good job holding guns, and they will stay stiff for years as desired.

However, they are also known for a thin finish on their leather than will get scuffed and show wear very easily.

I still have a few 5.11 belts that I bought for $1.98 on clearance a few years ago. I certainly got my money's worth.

Stumpjumper wrote:

C-dub wrote:Couldn't find anything?

Searching "good" "gunbelt" yields 107 hits.

Searching "good" "gun" "belt" yields 1398 hits.

I've heard the 5.11 instructor belts are good, but don't know about the operator belt.

you got me on the search. Didn't notice it up in the corner and just started scrolling down page by page. I performed a search and waallaa-there it is.

Thanks

Fair enough. I thought you had tried that. I don't remember how long it took me to notice the search thing, but it probably wasn't within my first 15 posts.

http://www.TheBeltMan.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bullhide, Horsehide and Elephanthide belts. Excellent quality.

I bought one of these recently. I have enjoyed it ever since. It is a heavy duty gun belt and I use it everyday.

http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the- ... Gun/Detail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Belts are like spouses... what you like might not be what I like...

I like this one, a lot... http://www.volundgearworks.com/belts/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

YMMV.

IIRC, the 5.11 Operator belt is identical to the Instructor, except that the Operator is 1.75" wide and the Instructor is 1.5" wide. Both are high-test nylon webbing with steel buckles. A 1.75" belt won't fit any but specialized belt loops, including those on the standard 5.11 tactical pants, so that may be a consideration.

The 5.11 web belts--most web belts--are quite serviceable and will last a long time. If they get sweaty, they can also be rinsed and line dried. The only thing I'll mention is that they aren't very thick, unless you get one with an internal Kydex stiffener. If you use an IWB holster with standard Kydex clips (the kind that overlap the outside of the belt) there's less for the clip to hold onto. That's not an issue with "C" type clips or, of course, full leather loops. Decent leather belts are about twice as expensive, but have the thickness that works reliably with any kind of IWB holster clip.

There's a place for both, though. With Kydex OWB holsters, I always use a nylon web belt, either 5.11 or Blackhawk. But I have leather belts from The Beltman and Comp-Tac, and use those most of the time when carrying with an IWB holster.

Great quality belts without the 24 month wait line.

http://www.bullhidebelts.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

...I'm going on 4 years with my Wilderness Instructor belt...no signs of twisting or rolling...I carry heavy and work hard in it...one time I got sheet rock mud in it and rinsed it out...best belt I've ever had...right at $40...Velcro makes for easy loosening/tightening...