Looking for the perfect gun belt for concealed carry and the range?
One that’s sturdy to hold a loaded handgun PLUS mags…but isn’t so tactical that it gives you away?
We’ve got you covered with some of the top brands out there. We’ve worn them for CCW, at the range, and during competitions.
Now, let’s get started!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Editor’s Pick Dressy Belt
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Best CORBA Buckle Belt
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Low Profile Appendix
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Most Robust Belt
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Runner-Up Good Dressy Belt
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Stealth Belt Pick
Best Gun Belts
1. Editor’s Pick – Kore Essentials
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Low profile buckle
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- More casual, not suited for business attire
If you’re looking to carry…my new favorite concealed carry belt is the Kore Essentials with X7 Buckle. Use code “PEWBELT10” for 10% off.
It’s super sizeable with its 1/4-inch hidden track system.
Which allows me to size up and down if I’m either going to be carrying or not.
Plus…I love that I’m able to size in and out throughout the day, depending on if I’m going to be sitting/driving a while, and want to ride my holster/gun a little more upwards.
Check it out in action:
I’m a big fan of their nylon “tactical version” which holds up to 6 pounds. Here’s me with my P365 in a Hidden Hybrid Holster (my favorite).
Since I wear untucked shirts all the time, I could stand it to be a little tactical-looking. But it doesn’t scream GUN, so you’re probably ok even with a tucked shirt.
Again…remember to use code “PEWBELT10” to get 10% off your purchase.
I like the X7 buckle since it’s the most low-profile and doesn’t create any extra bulge if you shift it slightly with an appendix carry holster.
If you need something more business…check out their reinforced leather versions, which carry 4 pounds; that’s more than needed for most gun/holster combos. Plus, your choice of tons of actual buckles.
I’ve been wearing my leather one for quite some time, and there are no noticeable scuff marks from any of my holsters. Use code PEWPEWTACTICAL for 10% off at Kore direct.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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If you want to learn more…check out my complete review of Kore Essentials.
How’s your take on Kore? Rate it below.
2. Best CORBA Buckle Belt – Blue Alpha
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Cobra buckle
- Easy to unbuckle and take off
- Durable build
Cons
- Can be a bit pricey
Blue Alpha has solidified itself as the gold standard for COBRA buckle belts.
You know…the made-in-Austria aluminum buckles that take thousands of pounds to break and trusted by industries ranging from the military to rescue services, SpaceX, and even amusement parks?
Usually, they have the annoyance of having the female end slightly larger than the belt and “normal” belt loops.
But the Hybrid belt keeps it in-line with the 1.5″ belt. This makes it a lot easier to take on and off if you’re not sporting tactical 5.11 pants all day long.
And another great thing? Besides the buckle made in Austria…everything else is made and assembled in the USA with a lifetime guarantee.
We love ours!
Plus…if you’re eating too much brisket like me the belt is adjustable up to 2″ in either direction.
Want to go even more low profile that’s perfect for appendix carry?
Check out Blue Alpha’s Low Profile EDC, which relies on 1.5″ webbing and a lightweight polymer slide buckle to do the deed.
Slightly more annoying to don on and off compared to other options, but if you want low-profile, that’s the way it is…
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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3. Most Robust Belt – Daltech Bull Belt
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Pros
- Stitching is good
- High quality leather
- Can withstand a lot of abuse
Cons
- Thickest of all the belts we tried
The Daltech Bull Belt was the thickest of all (by my guess of 50%), and I have no doubt will stand up to years of use and abuse. Price is fair, too.
If you’re looking for the toughest belt out there to carry A LOT of gear, or if you’re really ROUGH on your kit…go for the Bull Belt.
The leather is nice, and the stitching is also very strong-looking. No one will be able to tell it’s a gun belt. The sizing is also easy to figure out…add 2 inches to your normal belt size.
But keep in mind that because it was so thick it sort of felt like I had a small hula hoop around me when I walked. The feeling went away as I got used to it.
So maybe it’s not the best pick if you’re simply carrying CCW and a mag. But if you’re looking at a 3-Gun competition where your belt has to hold a loaded pistol, rifle mags, pistol mags, AND shotgun shells…you can’t go wrong.
4. Runner-Up Good Dressy Belt – Crossbreed Holsters Belt
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good leather and quality stitching
- Classy look perfect for business or dress attire
Cons
- A little pricey
I really like Crossbreed Holsters (see my Best Concealed Carry Holsters), so I wanted to check out their belts as well.
I ended up getting two of their models, the Executive with a standard buckle and the Crossover.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Again, the leather was great, and so was the stitching. I’m sure with their leather-backed holsters, they’ve got that part down.
It’s less thick than the Daltech, so it didn’t feel like I was wearing something super sturdy around my waist. I went with 2 inches above my normal pants size.
Pricing is steeper, especially for the Crossover…but you’re paying for a more polished look. I especially like the small CB logo on the Executive.
But…for the first few days, I wore either…it CREAKED like no other. It settled down after about a week and I get the feeling I could have put some leather oil on it to help. But I felt like a rusty tin man for a while.
If a sleek look isn’t a priority…their slightly more affordable Classic belt might be for you.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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5. Stealth Belt Pick – Relentless Tactical
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Pros
- Looks like a normal belt, not tacticool
- Thinnest of the belts we tried
- Sturdy
Cons
- More basic than other brands
One of my first “stealth” looking gun belts I got to test out CCW holsters. I chose the Relentless Tactical Belt since it has impeccable ratings on Amazon.
At the time of writing, it has 2,800+ reviews at an average of 5 stars.
It’s almost indistinguishable from a normal belt except that it’s much sturdier and could hold a loaded handgun and two mags on the side with ease.
It’s the thinnest of the bunch, so it fits the bill for something more comfortable for people who are CCW-ing. I got one 4 inches above my normal waist size.
The drop-down ordering tool helps you immensely.
The Relentless Belt is what I would recommend for a no-frills concealed carry belt that can do some double duty at the range or competitions.
Still going strong 4+ years…
6. Runner-Up Adjustable Belt – Nexbelt
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Easy to size
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy belt that has lasted a few years
Cons
- Buckle system is a bit stiff
Looking for another belt like the Kore that can adjust easily on the fly? All while being stiff enough to carry whatever you can throw at it for CCW?
We also love Nexbelt…
Unlike the Kore, the Nexbelt uses a magnet to hold the belt in position. However, the system to release the track and adjust bigger was slightly stiffer than the Kore.
They also have an Appendix Carry option that has a smaller buckle to make AIWB a little bit easier.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Final Thoughts
A good belt can make or break a concealed carry setup. Not to mention, make things more (or less) comfortable.
But we think you can’t go wrong with one of the suggestions above.
Which one did you choose? Or do you have another candidate for the best concealed carry belt? And if you don’t have a go-to holster yet…check out our Best Holsters for Concealed Carry.
145 Leave a Reply
I've had 2 Nexbelts and I'm done with them. The models I bought were each close to $100. I'd say I got about 1 1/2 years with the first and less than a year out of the 2nd. With each belt, they simply snapped. The material just tore clean through from top to bottom. I was carrying concealed the 2nd time while at an out of town festival and had to hold up my pants.
I had really liked the belts initially and love the ratchet system they use that allows you to adjust tightness. You can change it by a quarter inch at a time. I wore the belts almost daily and used them for my EDC. However I don't carry at my job which takes up most of my day M-F. It was mainly on weekends or an occasional errand through the week when the belt had to support my handgun (With the 1st belt this was usually a S&W 9mm M&P Shield that held 8+1. With the 2nd belt it was either that same handgun or a new S&W 9mm that had a 15 + 1 magazine. So in my opinion I didn't stress either of the belts very much. I wasn't very happy when I had to toss out what I had thought was a good investment.
I just bought the Daltech Bull Belt - the steel reinforced one. It is amazingly comfortable when I carry while wearing it - I don't have to overtighten it to keep my pants up. It is very solid. And it is a very nice looking belt as well - it would go really well with a nice pair of jeans.
I have another gun belt - from Thirty Dollar Gun Belt. It is not steel-reinforced. And it isn't quite as comfortable as the Daltech.
I also have a Kore Essentials dress belt. I wear it when I wear a suit. It is my favorite belt, except that I don't often wear a suit.
If you're looking for a good dress belt and a good casual belt, go with the Kore Essentials and the Daltech steel-reinforced.
I’ve been using a Kore belt to carry my CCW for over a year now, it’s adjustable and comfortable, and it looks appropriate in pretty much everything. Not sure if this was an intended feature but it works especially well as a bottle opener.
Just got my 3rd Kore Essential belt at an FFL in Fresno and its even better than my first two that are like 5 yeers old. Honestly ccw and range work being able to adjust the belt size in tiny amoiunts and it locks in place precisely gives these belts a huge advantage. Some of the commenters here have apparently never tried a Kore ratchet belt so they dont know. I get it but I have tried the other traditional gun belts and they aint as good not even close.
I have been searching for an EDC heavy duty gun belt. In reading the authors views it is obvious he is prejudice in favor of certain manufacturers by the length of his review. Also some areas regarding use were not equally covered, buckle style, number of holes with distance between where required, amount of sag in each belt.
I'm surprised you didn't include Magpul belts. I've had one for over ten years. I wear it every day. Looks like new. Leather belt with polymer backing to keep the sag out. Only problem is I wore out the original buckle. But replacing it on Magpul website was easy.
I’ve been using The Wilderness Instructors Belt for both CCW and competition for going on thirty years. I’ve owned five of their belts and have never had a problem with any of their products. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for something that just works.
I bought 3 bull belts from Daltech in past years. Apparently the company was sold a few years back and now the customer service and warranty accountability is abysmal. Avoid at all costs - better options if you need a company that supports its customers after the purchase. Been trying to speak to someone/anyone at Daltech for a week, but they hide behind a keyboard.
I bought a Daltech Superbio Gun Belt when I decided to carry a gun everyday 9 years ago. I wear the belt every single day. To work. A night out. Weddings even sometimes. Besides some minor hole stretching, it looks brand new. I recommend using loctite on the screws, but other than that it's perfect for me. I just ordered a kore belt to try at a training course I signed up for, so fingers crossed it's nice (per this article). I will be bringing my Daltech Superbio belt just in case the Kore can't handle the class.
Just bought a Kore belt and I'm having philosophical issues with it. I'm in the middle of their size range (working on shrinking the Dad-bod 42 waist back to the -kid 36) so in order to even try the belt I have to cut it thereby negating any return opportunity if I don't like it. I see that most everyone loves them, but I'm not sure that I really want to run that $90ish bet on whether or not I love it especially when my current kit is set to my 5.11 TDU 1.75" and works fine.
I didn't have much luck with the ratchet style system as it didn't hold up. I've tried several other gun belts over the years and haven't had much success in finding any that would stand the test of time and abuse. Not until I found HANK'S Gun Belts...many styles for casual and or dress in many different colors and hides.
I plan on purchasing another belt in Bison soon for a little more dressier look.
There customer service is fantastic and shipped without a hiccup.
Belt comes with a nonsense 100 year warranty. Check them out it will be the best belt you will ever own for life!
Hanks has some nice looking belts.
I have been in law enforcement for over 27 years and I have tried a countless number of tactical / EDC belts over that time. I can say without hesitation that Kore belts are the best I have used. I own two of their leather belts and two tactical belts and they have all been great quality. They are rigid and carry your gear without bending or sagging. The buckles work flawlessly and stay cinched. I cannot recommend them enough.
I have a Nexbelt. After about one year of using it almost everyday, the belt started to delaminate. Nexbelt sent me a new strap even though I was out of warranty. The new one has been great for over two years now.
I should add that there is a bit of a leaning curve when it comes to taking the belt off - don't expect your Tinder date to figure it out on the first try.
You get what you pay for A+ superior product that puts other belts shame! I have never had a belt as nice and as sturdy and well made as my kore belt. I can no longer wear other belts.
I have been using a competitors belt, which I liked but had to replace often due to inevitable breakage. The second I got the Kore in my hands, I knew that ritual has ended. The Buffalo carry belt is sturdy. While I may not be stuck with replacing belts, I do look forward to adding a couple more style to my closet. Best belt ever. No question.
I have the Kore X3 Gunmetal belt. It is a very nice-looking, dressy belt. My favorite thing about it is the micro notches on the back side - you can tighten and loosen it just a tiny bit if you want to - for example, if you go to Aunt Betty's house, and she stuffs you full of food, you can very easily loosen your belt a micro notch or two, and people will hardly notice that you did it.
Whether you carry or not, this is a really nice belt.
The one thing I have always feared when wearing this belt was that my IWB holster clip was going to scratch up an otherwise really nice looking, dressy belt!
Picked up my first kore belt last month and wow!! It is very impressive. Well made and it zips around your waist like a zip tie and fits perfectly. I have been wearing it every day and I just wish I would have gotten it sooner. Holds my glock 17 solidly, no sag or movement when I draw up. I see why they ranked it #1.
Hanks Belts ( hanksbelts) from New York cost more ( for dress models) but are American made of full grain leather. They are incredibly strong and the dress models look great. I have 3 and unless I gain weight I will probably never buy another belt. They even have a model with a steel core lining ( not sure why you’d need something that strong).
I just purchased my 3rd Kore gun belt in the ranger tactical. I have a black tactical and brown leather as well and trust me when I say these belts are fantastic! The short story is you get a perfect micro fit that you can adjust instantly (never had a belt fit like this), the belts have lots of support from a reinforced core and the quality is second to none. I have tried all these other gun belt brands and to be honest I just wear my Kore belts these days. The only negative with them is that once you wear one you wont want to wear your other belts anymore.
Watch put for crossbreed. Their lifetime warranty* includes everything but their belts. I'm at the skinnier end of the spectrum and wasn't stressing the belt any more than its intended use case and the buckle snapped on me within 3 months. Pin sheared right in half.
In addition to the traditional belts, I highly recommend comfort concealment as an alternative to a belly band or the Phlster Enigma™. It was designed to be worn under sweatpants, basketball shorts, joggers, etc. And does an absolutely phenomenal job doing what it advertises.
Can’t believe that Beltman wasn’t used in the article. Hands down the best.
I’ve got three Beltman belts. Purchased the first two in 2017 and they’re still going strong. And, they stand squarely behind their products.
Good insight into what's out there. Know you all can't cover each and every product out there, but, for your next go-round, maybe consider We The People?
I realize this is a repeat, but you need to check the prices before you just repost something. The Daltech belt is no longer $35. It's $50. I didn't check out the other belt prices, but I'd bet they have gone up.
Thanks...updated!
You might also update each belt with its maximum waist size, for us bigger fellows.
I think you missed it. I have had numerous belts but the absolute best, for me, is the Mag Pul El Empresaro, the best looking and shows absolutely no wear after two plus years. The 1.25 inch is the most forgiving but just be warned on the 1.5 inch is very stff and if you want to inside carry you definitely want to upsize it.
Ok, so I'm not a leave a review guy, but this belt deserves it, I received it yesterday, adjusted it and started wearing it today all day, and let me tell you I have never bragged so much about an item like I have about this belt to my wife and my son, this belt is amazing, comfortable, easy to use and the cherry on the pie is that you can adjust it to any length while sitting down eating and watching the football game, and when you get up you can re adjust, dude this is the best belt I own, as I have several of them but not like this belt, I may be exaggerating but I will not buy another belt from anywhere else but from Kore. I extremely suggest you get one if you are considering buying one, you won't regret it bro.
As a retired LEO Ive had a long relationship with gun belts over the years and I still cc most days. So I would have to agree here that in my mind the Kore is the best based on how it adjusts versus belts tradiional belts with the holes and the cobra buckles. All those belts always feel too tight or loose for me, but with my Kore belts I can acheive a perfect fit. Now the Nextbelt does too but its I can tell you it is a lesser quality knock off of the Kore that frays a lot. And I will say for overall quality and stiffness the Kore is perfect for most of my edc needs; I do glock 17 iwb, as well as sig p365 and I occasionally carry my 1911 owb
A word of caution on the author’s remark about the Klik Belt’s “Austrian-made Cobra Quick Release Buckles that are the gold standard in mountaineering” … a quick release buckle isn’t my gold standard in mountaineering, and nobody should trust their life to a belt that has a quick release buckle.
No idea where they come up with the mountaineering thing when mentioning Blue Alpha belts. The COBRA buckles were designed for use by paramedics and the life flight biz to strap down patients to their gurneys.
I do however have COBRA buckle belts made by Klik Belts that I wear every day and they're not going to accidentally unbuckle.
Are there any good OWB options that do NOT require a belt? I don't like IWB because i find them uncomfortable and they stretch out my pant waist
I bought a kore essentials belt 1 YEAR AGO and still love it! I used to burn though belts due to them stretching out of shape or breaking or having very limited adjustment options. My KORE belt is still in near perfect shape today, the only wear and tear is the normal bend at the rear belt loop. I have recommended these belts to all my friends and family. Its a great belt.
I bought a kore essentials belt 1 YEAR AGO and still love it! I used to burn though belts due to them stretching out of shape or breaking or having very limited adjustment options. My KORE belt is still in near perfect shape today, the only wear and tear is the normal bend at the rear belt loop. I have recommended these belts to all my friends and family. Its a great belt.
One day years ago my top quality $100+ leather belt went into the trash because I had to clean out a rental house I own where someone had died... and the smell got into the belt and I couldn't get that smell out of the leather no matter what. So I started looking for synthetic belts.
I wore Kore belts for probably 3 years and they're very good... but I was always irritated at the "Made in China" aspect that is too common with most things these days.
Then a few months ago somebody talked me into trying a Klik Belt.... the one I tried was a 1.75" wide 3 Ply "Duty Belt" and it is fantastic. It's comfortable and you could hang bricks off of it. I haven't worn anybody else's belt since then.
What about the 5.11 TDU Low Pro Belt, Blue Alpha Gear Low Profile EDC Belt, Wilderness Frequent Flyer Belt, EDC Foundation Belt, Wilderness Instructor Belt, Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt, and the Ciguera Emissary EDC Belt? Not to mention offerings from the more traditional makers like Milt Sparks, Mitch Rosen, Kramer, and El Paso Saddlery?
Hey Eric!
Appreciate the recommendations. Been looking for a good range gun belt for some time now. Thanks again.
I have 3 of the Kore Essential belts, black and brown dress and a tan canvas. I love all 3 of the belts. They are stylish and comfortable. I love that I can interchange the buckles as want. They hold up well with or without my holster.
The Kore *nylon* gun belts are excellent, but I do not recommend their leather belts for general concealed carry. The Kore *leather* gun belts work OK for carrying a subcompact single stack, but my double-stack M&P plus a spare mag causes the belt to sag and twist outward (I've tried three different Kore leather gun belts and they all had the same issue).
I strongly recommend the Aker Leather concealed carry belt as an alternative (no ratcheting buckle, but it incorporates a nylon stiffener sandwiched between two layers of leather).
I already own 2 everyday carry gun belts from KORE and love them. So I just picked up their new 1.75 inch wide battle belt for the range and it has not let me down. Great belts highly recommend anything from Kore.
Thanks for the tip. Got the 1.5 wide black web kore and it is solid. I don't want to wear my steel core belt any longer bcause the kore adjustment is really nice and it is plenty stiff to run my g17.
kore is the best belt in my small mind for daily carry.
Relentless get 5 stars from me. I like their IWB holsters too...the Defender.
Love Next Belt EDC. Super stable and love the ratchet buckle
My husband and I both wear the Kore Essential belts even when we don't carry. Our local gun shop here in Phoenix recommended them.
I have been weariung kore ratchet belts for 5+ years and nothing compares. I own 2 tactical nylon in black and the tan web and another in black leather. The tac models are super stiff and solid. I cc iwb or owb my 1911 most days so I need the support and same time they are damn comfortable. I should also say that last year I tried the nextbelts but the buckles are not nealy as good under pressure and belts are not as stiff.
I use Nexbelt for everyday carry and have found them to work great. They deserve a review.
Actually I discovered that nextbelt is a knock-off of the kore ratchet belts. I switched to kore and found them to be superior in rigidity and quality. There is your review.
Interesting.... I googled this and Nexbelt started and in 2011 when Kore didn't start till 2013 have you googled it?
I’ve tried many edc belts trial and error, the Vedder Cobra Quick Release has 2 ply full length which is perfect for appendix carry, great price too and a lifetime warranty—can’t beat them!
Looking for something for the larger guy. trying to find a good gunbelt for myself or other faily members whose waist is not as svelte as the models shown in the vidoes/pictures above. Any recommendations for somone on the larger size ?
Kore belts go up to 54" waist.
I'll give a shout out to 1791 Gunleather and their gunbelt. It's 1.5" width and full-grain, 14-ounce leather and it's built like a tank, and a more traditional look that works for me. I've got a couple of their holsters, and their quality has always impressed me so I tried out their belt. I'm sold. Really nice product and a pretty fair price.
I've been using the Relentless Tactical with a basket weave design for 3+ years and am very satisfied. Looks practically new and I'm not very easy on it. I carry a subcompact or a micro compact every day. Bought on sale and very happy.
The Beltman or AG gunleather ….nuff said
videos don't play
Everyone has a favorite in this game. Mine fav is the kore because of the way it zips around your waist. I was skeptical at first but its the only way to go now. To top it off they use high grade materials with reinforced core. I cc a 1911 so I need the support.
14 oz leather belt
They send me a rebate offer of 50 dollars if I got their belt thru Amazon which I did by clicking on their link which took me to amazon.
I purchased the belt. When contacting them about my refund I was told the rebate was not for that belt purchased even though the link took me to amazon and to the 14oz belt. Relentless Tactical is scamming people period and it's sad they would do something like this. I have purchased items from them in the past but never again will I recommend this company. SCAM !!!
Over the past 3 years of use Kore has proven itself for my needs. I carry everday most weeks and so the ability to adjust my belt to where my waistline is at in the moment is key. And yes I have a leather hanks and webbed cobra belt hanging in my closet but I never wear them anymore.
I like my Kore. The track system is just the best. I also use some of the Kore accessories on my Kore and other belts.
For me Kore belts have been great for my law enforcement work and OD concealed carry. I’ve used cheap ratchet belts from Amazon and they have broken under the weight of guns and extra mags being mounted on them... but the Kore belts are extremely sturdy and hold everything in place without sagging...I’ve also been using the nylon belt for off duty concealed carry... what a difference a sturdy rigid belt makes... never using a cheap belt again.
Everyone has their favorite belt. And it is always the best one and best thing since sliced bread and the manufacturer is always great. The problem I've discovered with ordering gun belts on line over the years and many belts later is that there is no way to try before you buy. A gun belt is a personal thing that not only needs to fit and be comfortable in use it must also be suitable for its intended use.
When deciding on a gun belt there are three words you must remember. These are quality-quality-quality ... quality in materials, quality in workmanship, and the often forgotten quality in use. For example If the price is ok with you, and the belt has quality materials and workmanship but you find yourself having to adjust frequently or there is the slightest hint of discomfort sometimes you have told yourself you will live with, then that quality of use is not there.
So choose wisely. Brand and price are not the only factors to consider. There is a certain 'quality of life' factor to consider called 'quality of use' especially if you are going to use it all day every day.
You should look into Galco gun belts , they are the best leather gun belts !
Next time you do a belt or holster round up, please look into Versacarry out of Bryan, TX. They use Water Buffalo leather.
I have owned a Galco 1.25" Leather belt for years, I just turned it inside out and also moved the buckle, still looks great, I think I've had it for about 15 years.
I also own a Wilderness belt, it has done me good also, Very nice belt, still looking good, there is no reason to change it.
The Blue Alpha belt is cool but why can't the buckle lay flat but has to stick out, come on people... isn't there good enough engineering around to figure that out?
Haha I have only read 5% of the article and wanted to comment on how I like your and pew pew Tactical’s writing in general. “Sorry for showing my hands like a weird card dealer” haha I’m always learning and chuckling when I show up here.
Having worked Casino surveillance, card dealers are trained to show their hands to the camera. Proof that they have not palmed a chip or card.
If you want a gun belt that will not sag even under a heavy, full-sized, all steel 1911; then look at Tucker Gunleather belts. They are the best quality, thickest, strongest gun belts made. They cost just a little more, but they are more than worth it. Rob will help you get exactly what you need. It takes a while to break them in, because they have very little stretch and they will not roll. Just wear one everyday for a couple of weeks and you will get used to it. You will also never look for another gun belt again. These will last for generations.
I have a RGB Belt (ratchet). That was a Kickstarter, but apparently, seller is not active anymore, although website is still up. I love it, but buckle is a bit discolored. This is my third year with it, and leather still looks new.
I also own two Kore belts (ratchet) which are nice.
we the people have a nice gunbelt. has the cobra buckle and its scuba webing. i like that seems solid.
I’ve been wearing a Hanks Belts belt for 6 years now & it still looks new
From the first time I read this article I researched and purchased a Crossbreed Executive belt. I've been wearing it every day since and I find it worth every penny I paid. The quality is superb! It is a very nice looking belt from the buckle to the stitching. As the review says it does squeak a bit when new, but that goes away i a couple of weeks.
Only bad thing was my own fault, I ordered it a size smaller that they recommended, 4 inches larger than pants size, I ordered 2 inches larger. Well, I started out on the 3rd hole of 7 and since I lost 35 ponds, I'm down to the 6th hole already. Should have gone smaller even.
Beltman belts are a great US handmade option. Outstanding customer service.
I would just add Mean Gene Leather to the list as well. Gene is a great guy, and hand makes everything; good pouches are fantastic as well. I have his Victory Aegis belt in crazy horse, it's 1/4" Water Buffalo leather reinforced with an internal plastic rib and the Ares Gear Aegis buckle. Worth considering.
I have Kore belt, like it. But I had a chance recently to try out a Daltech BULLBELT. At first it feels really rigid (its right at about 1/4 inch thick) and I thought I would be uncomfortable with it. But after a little bit of wear its not uncomfortable at all and it turns out to be a great belt for concealed carry and keeps things more snug against me than the Kore did. With the Kore I would sometimes print a little depending on the cut of the clothing, and although not really that noticeable unless you looked for it the idea of it bugged me a little so I would often buy or pick clothes with that in mind. With the Daltech that small issue went away. But I'll tell you, if you use gear now (holster, mag pouch) that on your existing belt is snug now if you use the Daltech it might be a little more snug.
Also, a friend of mine is wearing a belt from the $30 dollar gun belt company and he loves it. He's got a couple of them he hasn't worn yet and let me try one and if I didn't know any different I would have though it to be a Daltech belt. 30dollargunbelt.com
Kore gets my vote I'm a user and fan. I use there 1-3/4 incher for competition shootiing. Holds whatever I put on'er and never slips, or sags or rolls or anything.
I usually don't post comments but wanted to share my experience to hopefully help others. I recently purchased a KORE Tactical Belt a few weeks ago and I can't believe I waited this long. I'm a larger person and was always adjusting my belt, since it never fit just right. However, my mind was blown away with KORE's ratcheting system, which allows me to adjust the belt to the perfect size. In fact, this belt makes it easy and very quickly to adjust larger or smaller, to meet any demands the day may through at me. I highly recommend giving them a try, it will be your last belt you will ever have to try again.
Completely agree! Kore has been my EDC belts for over 2 years now.
Thanks for another great article. The only critique I have is when discussing the length of belt to buy, one needs to distinguish between IWB and OWB carry. With leather, there are rarely enough holes to accomplish both styles of carry comfortably.
Thanks for another great article. The only critique I have is when discussing the length of belt to buy, one needs to distinguish between IWB and OWB carry. With leather, there are rarely enough holes to accomplish both styles of carry comfortably.
First off, love the website! Secondly, check out NexBelt.
I have several of these and LOVE them. Super sturdy and they look great as well. I play golf, so it’s an added bonus that the buckles are interchangeable!
Mike sorry but I cant recommend the next belts over the kore belts for edc. I was thinking about getting a kore tacital belt for myself but my wife got me a next belt instead for my birthday. She didnt know and I didnt want to ruin her intent. If you did not know Next belt is a knock off kore belts and not made as well from all I have read. Then just like that the next belt buckle broke in less than 3 weeks. Little magnet broke apart and it would not stay in place anymore. I was going to replace it but I just decided to do the kore I had wanted. Good news was in that short time kore released 1 and 3/4 wide version so I got that. I love sturdy belts cause I have a full sized 1911 rig. I can say kore definitely uses better made materials and the buckle is very solid while locking in place nicely. Its just a better belt all around.
I have 2 Crossbreed holsters. They are good belts and support my gun quite will. However, their buckles leave something to be desired. I got the Crossover first. I love the infinite adjustability of the buckle. Unfortunately after about 4-5 months of constant use it started loosing its ability to keep its length and with a good breath or sitting, it would come loose, even to the point of getting it tight to start was unacceptably difficult; it just couldn't maintain sufficient grip on the leather belt. I followed that belt with their Classic (with holes in the belt). Again, another great belt for about 6-7 months when the buckle's tongue broke. Of the two, I recommend the Classic, but replace the buckle with a steel one.
The buckle is garbage. My 10 Dollar flea market leather belt lasted me about 7 years. After 3 months, the 90 dollar cross breed belt buckle snaped.
I agree the Kore ratcheting style cc belts are most likely the best simply because they adjust like crazy and lock where you need them too. on top of that they are a super fortified core that makes them sturdy and they still flex for movement. I don't know how they did it but these are great belts.
I'm "relatively new to CCW (about 3 years now I guess) Purchased a Bigfoot Gunbelt with the steel core when I started and I must say this thing is AWESOME!!! Not only will it NOT sag when I carry IWB or OWB being a contractor it allows me to comfortably hang my mini-impact and a METRIC CRAP TON of other tools.
Does it strike anyone else as unrealistic that the Relentless Tactical has over 5000 Amazon reviews?
I've tried many belts - starting cheap and working upwards. Recently I purchased 4 EDC belts (2 fabric, 2 leather) from Kore Essentials ($60 each). All things considered they have my nod as best belt.
I agree with you 100% on the Kore Essentials. It's my daily wear Belt for IWB or OWB.
Kore Essentials is my favorite CC belt. They are infinitely adjustable with their ratcheting system which makes them the most comfortable I've worn.
I have literally worn the same belt every day for the past 5 years and while I can't say it looks brand new (it does show some wear by the buckle and is marked where the holster clips on) it still feels like it's got a ton of life left in it. Stitching is still firm everywhere. It's the Aker Leather B21 Concealed Carry belt. It's not the cheapest belt but looks great, is American made of high quality leather and I love it. And no - I have no relation to manufacturer or seller. I bought it off Amazon and it's been one of my best purchases.
If you can find out where Hickok45 got his belt buckle that would be perfect. I've been trying to get ahold of one for years!!!
I notice that most, if not all the discussion is about IWB. What about OWB? What belt would one suggest for that? Carrying a stainless 9mm and a heavy 10mm. Any good suggestions on this for the OWB...
I would go with the belt Yosemite Sam wears.
ever try nexbelt ratcheting?
I am loving it. 1/4 inch adjustments great for with a pull or release.
I started out with Kore, and then went to Nexbelt. In my opinion, Nexbelt is better quality and holds up better.
I have a small waistline. For me, using those thick leather belts with the standard bulky overlapping buckles end up sticking way out in front. (I carry AIWB)
I use low-profile nylon. It's easier to adjust and reduces the pot-belly printing look.
I'm new to carrying a pistol, and a large buckle was a concern of mine. I think I'll take your word for it, and go with a low profile nylon.
Are the old-school makers like Milt Sparks, Mitch Rosen, and Kramer Gunleather not on the list because they are too expensive?
No. They are not here because they don’t work well with stupid plastic holsters.
Ah so. I thought it was implicit that if you chose a quality leather belt you would also choose a quality leather holster to go with it. I hear you about stupid plastic.
Good article but if you really want s great belt one that may last you for years of hard use, and can serve as a defense tool, check out Lenwoods Blunt Force Belt. I work construction and I have worn this belt everyday for over a year and it looks brand new. It's super comfortable, super tough, it's stays in place and the guys who make these belts are great guys. I pair it with all styles of holsters and it works great. When I put it on in the morning I don't think about it til I take it off that night.
I went with a Kore Essentials gun belt and it matches every great review I’ve seen about it. Couldn’t find a complaint about it. I use it for EDC and work as well. Now I can never go back to any other style belt
My Kore Essentials just gave out on me after about 2 years. I was not hard on it, just normal every day use. The $1 belt that I got from the Dollar store lasted much longer, but was not stiff enough otherwise I would still be using it.
Try the gun beltS from Mernickle Leather. You can’t go wrong. I have one I have worn every day for 5 years.
Saddleback leather makes great belts. One in particular called the Leather Tow Belt. Extremely heavy duty, can hold up the largest of firearms and also a 100 year warranty. The warranty card says “They will fight over it when you are dead”
I recently bought the Kore x1 tactical belt and so far, it has been way better than my friction based web belts. No rolling, tighten it and it stays set. I'm thinking about buying their more formal leather one for work and church.
What's your thoughts on the ccw belts with the strip of steel in between ??
I'v got a Bigfoot belt, with the stainless insert. 14 oz. and very sturdy. I use it for SP 101, Charter Professional, EAA Witness (both polymer and Stainless), and small pistols down to a Sig 938. Some times I just use it to hold my pants up. It will hold a stout load (pistol, leather holster, twin magazine pouch, and a belt knife, all without twisting or sagging. I sometimes use the 14 oz. Hank's Belt, also 1.5" and it works very well also.
Over 20 years Ive owned at least a dozen gun belts or more from different makers. You name it, I tried it but nothing beats my new Kore gun belt with the new track system. It's like no other belt. It fits like a glove, is very comfortable, plenty stiff and there is no sag. I need all that because I carry most days IWB with Glock. it's just that good and I don't know why its not on this list, maybe its too new of a thing or too progressive for this review.
Great belt, better than the ones on on the list.
Has anyone ever considered or used a MTR Holster? Very good selection and options , Custom made for any gun you want to carry and exceptional carry comfort.
I would include Kore gun belts on this list. I have been carrying guns concealed for many years now and one of my most important tools is my gun belt. It has to be strong and reliable for every day wear while staying stylish. I was recommended Kore gun belts after my last leather gun belt wore out. I was intrigued by the track system and thought the idea of being able to adjust the belt so easily any time was convenient. I have now been wearing the belt every day for a few weeks and its great. The belt looks stylish, is easy to adjust and most importantly it is a sturdy, strong, reliable gun belt. It is not a belt that just calls itself a "gun belt" without actual meeting those standards. It's now my go to edc belt.
Come on Snowflakes, must you re-discover the wheel when the answers were forged 30 years ago?
Give me any one of those belts and I'll wear it to change the oil in 2 vehicles, and what do you get(?) a scratched up belt, big time.
Now go get any of those belts in shark skin and 10 years later that bad boy will be worn but show no signs of abuse, only use.
Bullhide Belts. Best ones I've found and you can custom order any variation you might want from plain, non-stitched to a Revere Buckle and tooling. I've got 3 and they will last years.
Hi Eric,
I am Marek snd I want to say a big Thank you for your great reviews, hints and dozen of interesting information posted on your web. Really appreciated! Please go on!
Marek
Hank's Belts are the best! You really need to include them in your next review.
I have had several makes of gun belts over the years, but in the last 3 years I have started to buy Hank's Belts and I am very happy with the quality and customer service. They really take care of their customers, even when I purchased an incorrect size they exchanged the belt at no charge after owning the belt for over a month and using it.... Hanks thinks customer first. I got on their mailing list and get emails on specials when they have them.
Great to hear about Hanks! They've always come highly recommended.
Do you guys have any experience with Kore gun belts? They look interesting, with a ratcheting buckle system rather than traditional holes.
I use a ratcheting buckle belt as my dress belt and absolutely love it, but I never knew that there was someone using that system for a gun belt. Thanks for letting us know! I think I'll pick one up and test it out.
Just got my belt in the mail this evening. Granted I haven't tested it much, but I love the look and feel. Seems like a solid belt. Taking the weight of my 1911A1 GI with ease.
Well great, if it’ll hold up a 1911 it’ll hold up just about anything! My waist size tends to fluctuate a bit, so I love the idea of a belt with more adjustability than just 1 inch holes. Please let me know how that one does for you. Also, I like the “normal dress belt” look, as some of the gun belts out there really scream “this guy frequently carries something heavy at his waist”.
They seem like a well-liked company from their reviews, and their belts are going in and out of stock all the time.
The first belt i bought was the Daltec Bull belt, What i didnt like was the thickness and only worked with jeans and was not compatible with any dress pants. My favorite belt is the the Mag Pul Empresario. It has the reinforcement, rigidity without being excessively thick.
I've purchased 3 different Klik Belts and I'll never wear anything else.
I have 2 Daltech BULLBELTS and they are very nice. I got them on Amazon for just over $30 each. My particular size and color was discounted for some reason while the others were $60. Certain other colors were also discounted. There is a company called $30 Gun Belt that is located in the same place that Daltech is located and the belts look identical. I suspect that they may be one in the same but they don't offer as many options as Daltech, They are basic 1/4" thick gun belts that appear to be identical to some of the Daltech belts advertising the same thickness, buckle and quality. so have a look at the Thirty Dollar Gun Belt company for a serious gun belt for a mere $30! Or check out Daltech on Amazon for discounted belts too. You can also find steel reinforced gun belts by Daltech on ebay at discounted prices too.
I have found the best quality and price is a Daltech gun belt. And they all are made in the great USA.
Having owned the Relentless and 2 of the Alien gear belts (brown and black) I prefer the Alien Gear belts. The Aliens are slightly thicker and more sturdy as well. Fit and finish seem to be slightly better as well.
Cool, thanks for your input!
I went with the CrossBreed Executive mainly for the reason I wanted something I could wear into a casual business meeting as well as wear with jeans. I've had it for a little over two weeks now or so and it is doing just fine. Yeah it was a bit stiff and creaked a bit at first, but just like any leather it has a break in period. Sure you pay a bit more for the aesthetics, but made clear in the product description. I'm very happy with the product even with the higher price point.
Great to hear you like the Executive!
Eric,
Why no comparison with the Alien Gear belt since you also included a review of the Cloak 3 holster in this article. They alsodiscount if you order one with your holster and offer the same test drive option?
Hi Timothy, just didn't have one! But if the quality is on par with their holsters it should be fine.
I agree screws can fall out but we use them also. on some of our belts here at Daltech. They are strong and allow changing the buckle. We tighten them tight when we assembly the belt AND we also include an extra free screw in each belt we ship out in case one is lost. As for the thickness of belts it really is personal preference. If you choose a standard Daltech Force gun belt or our SuperBIO the thickness is more conventional at 12-14 ounces which is right around 3/16" thick. If you choose our BULLBELT gun belt or a non-dress Steel Core you will get a thicker 15-17 ounce or 1/4" plus thickness. Thanks!, Alex, Daltech Force
I had a nice 5.11 leather belt, but the screw hardware fell apart (somewhere while I was wearing it) and the onus was on me to find & photograph the missing screw & retainer. Suffice to say, I bought a different brand and left it at that.
I disagree that the thickest belt means it's the best concealed carry belt, just like the biggest gun isn't the best concealed carry weapon. If it doesn't fit comfortably or is too bulky, you won't want to wear it. Unless you wear baggy jeans/pants every day that have huge loops/room for those giant thick belts, you can't wear those thick belts. If you wear dress pants everyday as I do, you can't fit giant Santa Claus belts through the loops once, let alone twice as the belt goes through the 1st one or two loops again after it passes through the buckle. So if I can't wear a thick belt 5-6 days a week because it doesn't even fit the pants I wear, how is that a good belt if I can't wear it a majority of the time?
I recently purchased 2 Kore Essentials belts for this exact reason, something that 1st is a strong belt, then looks good/normal, and fits pants I wear most days of the week and it works perfectly. Just 1-2 pairs of my pants have loops that it doesn't fit in, but that's way better than the thick police belts that wouldn't fit in a single pair of my pants other than my weekend jeans, casual cargo shorts, etc
Thanks, I'll have to check out the Kore Essentials belt.
The belt in the review is actually our daltechforce.com Ultimate Thickness BULLBELT. The review is correct in that it is our heaviest gun belt. Our SuperBIO gun belt is another belt in our line-up that is a thinner non-leather tactical belt and resists all elements. Sorry for the confusion. Alex D, Daltech Force
Hi Alex, thanks for the heads up...fixed!
Magpul has a great line of gun belts that I've used since they rolled them out. They have everything from basic utilitarian belts to more 'dressy' ones made of shark skin, and they all support my EDC exactly as I need it. Not crazy stiff, but definitely not too flimsy to hold a holstered weapon and extra mags. No signs of wear after 2 years..
I was surprised not to see Bigfoot gun belts on the list. Their steel core makes very sturdy long lasting cow. Belt.
Terryc
I have two tac belts from Beltman. They have held up very well over the seven years I've owned them. One is worn daily. It shows some wear on the edges, but remains stiff and very functional for IWB, The other belt is worn 12-14 times per year and still looks brand new. In addition to positive online reviews, the option of velcro for my Crossbreed IWB with velcro clips was a key selling point.. The only downside is the cost ($80 when I obtained them, closer to $90 now), but I suppose you get what you pay for.
I use Kore also. Tracline belts are great!
I use a Kore Essentials. Love it and will use no other.