In this blog we'll cover how to choose the best tactical belt from what options are currently available in the market (2018).
When it comes to these different kind of belts (threated/normal, equipment/tactical, MOLLE/battle/war) there are lots of advantages and disadvantages to take in consideration. We will also share some tips and thought processes on this topic. This gives you a better idea to make or adjust your own first line gear or belt setup to really make it into the best belt setup you can have.
When looking for a tactical belt, the following things need to be considered:
- Retention: How well does everything stay in place when you draw a magazine, pistol or other equipment for example?
- Freedom of movement: Does the belt interrupt your movements?
- Portability: Does the belt require you to tuck in your shirt? How can it be used in conjunction with a jacket for example?
- Attaching capabilities: How are you able to attach your stuff and how much freedom of placement do you have?
If you are looking to make an investment in good gear and equipment and support us at the same time, check out our store.
THREADED BELTS:
The simplest belt is the threated belt. You can find these in a stretchy or sturdy material. A golden rule for carrying (heavy) stuff is the less bendable it is, the better. This way the pouches on your belt will stay better in place.
ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES OF THREATED BELTS
a. ADVANTAGES
- These belts are very small compared to others and will not affect your movements.
- Retention wise they are great, because they are fixed to your pants and will not budge.
You can easily attach pouches, with a MOLLE system, on nearly 360° of the belt (except for the buckle and pant loops). Though these might not always be fixed enough. In order to be assured they are fixed enough, you want to take a look at pouches with a double MOLLE/PALS loop at the bottom. Or take a look at belt loops.
b. DISADVANTAGES
- Portability wise they limit you to tuck in your shirt for an easy use and are difficult to wear with a jacket. Unless you have a jacket with zippers on the side.
- Another disadvantage of this belt is that you have to thread your pouches every time you remove your belt from your pants.
The ones we discuss next are belts that allow to keep your pouches and/or holster on your belt.
EQUIPMENT BELTS:
The first in this category are the Equipment/Tactical belts. These are the belts we currently use. These belts are made of an inner and an outer belt. The inner belt goes in your pant loops and the outer belt, with all your pouches attached, goes on top of the inner belt’s Velcro®.
ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES OF EQUIPMENT BELTS
a. ADVANTAGES
- These belts are as big in width as a normal/threated belt and will not affect your movements.
- Retention wise they are great, because the inner belt is fixed to your pants and will not budge.
- You can easily attach pouches, with a MOLLE/PALS system, on nearly 360° of the belt (except for the buckle). Again, though these might not always be fixed enough, you can easily solve this by buying pouches with a double MOLLE/PALS loop at the bottom. Or consider taking a look at belt loops.
b. DISADVANTAGES
- Again, portability wise they limit you to tuck in your shirt for an easy use and are difficult to wear with a jacket. Unless you have a jacket with zippers on the side.
WAR BELTS:
The war belts, MOLLE belts or also called battle belts can be found in two versions. One are the padded versions and the other version has an inner and outer belt. Both have the advantage to carry lots of (heavy) pouches and still keep it comfortable.
ADVANTAGES VS DISADVANTAGES OF WAR BELTS
a. ADVANTAGES
- The padding on padded war belts are made to keep them stay in place while moving. Some padding also reduces the heat generated from your physical efforts.
- You can easily attach pouches with a MOLLE/PALS system on them. Placement is off course only limited to the amount of MOLLE loops available on the belt.
- Portability wise these are great, because you can wear them on top of everything. Although it doesn’t always look that cool.
b. DISADVANTAGES
- Portability wise, just like the equipment belts, they limit you to tuck in your shirt for an easy use and don’t really allow you to wear a jacket properly. Unless your jacket has zippers on the side.
EXTRA TIP
If you use a holster without a MOLLE/PALS system or the MOLLE adapters don’t seem to fit. You can easily make a piece of regular belt on top of the MOLLE. You can watch how to do it on 6:06/7:36 in the video.
