CCW Belt Recommendations?

[CDR]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a good belt to carry my S&W 686 4" revolver.  I have a Desantis Speed Scabbard that I just purchased and am looking at some belt options from Galco, Desantis and Mernickle and any others that are of equal or better quality.  I hadn't considered a non-leather alternative until I heard about Michael's recommendation of Wilderness Tactical and visited their website.  I also noticed that Michael last week on SG was wearing, what appeared to be at a quick glance, one of the Wilderness Tactical titanium buckle instructor's belts.  I'd be wearing the belt the vast majority of the time with Woolrich Elite cargo pants and was wondering if anyone could make any recommendations on a good match for my particular holster and revolver.  Leather or the Wilderness Tactical?

The Wilderness Tactical have a 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" options, both of which would work for me with respect to belt loop size and holster slots, but they also provide several stiffness options, with their most popular model being the mid stiffness alternative which has added stitching.  Any recommendations are welcomed and appreciated. Would this lighter, nylon belt be a better and more comfortable option than leather?

Here is the link on the Wilderness Tactical for those who are unfamiliar with this belt.

http://thewilderness.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=374

Thanks.

[Shawn Knight]

As far as Synthetic Belt go the Wilderness is hard to beat. 5.11 has theirs and there a few others that make similar belts for similar $$$. Through exhaustive research I have found several other items that you could try but I really think the Wilderness is just right for just about everything. If you want a leather belt you can't get much better than The Belt Man. These belts are top notch and just as effective as the Wilderness, they just cost more. Downsides of leather is it needs care and over time will stretch. There is another solution that might be of interest. Liger (no not mythical animal and the fixation of Mr. Dynamite) Belts are a good compromise between form and function. They look good and work well for some people. They are a rubbery material coated onto a nylon mesh. It is very strong and very durable. Liger Products

[CDR]

These are some excellent alternatives and two that I haven't heard of previously.  Thanks very much for the information.....my decision just got harder.

[Michael Bane]

I'm 100% on Wilderness Tactical!

Buy a SafePacker while you're on their site...great off-body carry system designed by smart people.

I have a few Dillon belts, and they've been real workhorses as well.

And I totally agree that belts are often the most overlooked link in a concealed carry system. I've been in classes where guys are using expensive Rosen holsters and belts from Wally World...don't work!

Michael B

[CDR]

Thanks very much Michael, I certainly appreciate your advice.  Regarding the Wilderness Tactical, would you recommend the 1.5" or 1.75" instructor's belt and also do you have any opinion on the three levels of stiffness that they offer?  My intent is just to carry my 686 4" in the Desantis Speed Scabbard.  I'm thinking the 5 stitch (mid range stiffness offering) is an appropriate choice, but I'm not sure.  What specifically do you like about the Wilderness Tactical over a leather gun belt...is it simply a matter of weight and therefore comfort?

Thanks again.

[Sponsor]

[DonWorsham]

CDR,

Is the belt for conceal carry, the range, competition shooting? I suppose one belt would work for all 3.

[CDR]

CDR,

Is the belt for conceal carry, the range, competition shooting? I suppose one belt would work for all 3.

Hi Don,

For concealed carry and range practice.

Thanks

[Terminator]

I'm 100% on Wilderness Tactical!

Michael B

i couldnt agree more.

I have used Wilderness products for a while, and couldnt be happier.

[CDR]

Thanks on the endorsement for Wilderness Tactical.  Any recommendations on the belt width, i.e. the 1.5" or 1.75" as well as which stiffness might work best with a Smith and Wesson 686 (.357 stainless steel revolver)?  They offer three degrees of stiffness, with the 5 stitch reinforced being the most popular. 

Thanks

[matthew26]

I love Wildrerness over there in Phoenix. Stop by if you ever get a chance.

I would suggest the 1.5. I have a 1.75 and a 1.25 - the 1.75 works great in BDUs and the 1.25 is good for shorts. After I took my buddy to their store, he purchased a 1.5 with the polymer insert and loves it. If I had bought the 1.5 the first time around I could have saved myself some money to put toward the safepacker or the zip slide holster.

Of course if you need a leather belt, look to The Beltman.