As we are looking at the end of our second year of obtainable concealed carry in NJ, we can reflect on a lot of learning and change to our CCW system. If you have truly committed to carrying daily, you’ve probably started building your box of gear that doesn’t work like you thought - broken or uncomfortable holsters, cheaper gear you have upgraded, things to facilitate a new carry style or validate a concept that just didn’t work form you, etc…
As someone who has had the ability (and responsibility) to carry concealed daily for the last 21 years, I’ve learned a thing or two - and I have boxes of holsters, belts, bags and pouches to show for it.
Everyone is up on the latest and greatest in pistols and holsters, but in my experience, not a lot of thought goes into most folks belt choice for the everyday carrying of a defensive pistol. I personally think this is a mistake. If you aren’t using a belt designed to carry a gun, you are doing yourself - as well as your poor back and hips - a disservice.
I know belts are not as sexy as a new blaster or fancy holster, but choosing the right belt for CCW whether OWB, IWB, or AIWB carry is crucial for long term concealed comfort. I would argue it is more important than holster choice to a degree - as a proper belt can make even a crappy holster usable. Most importantly, in my opinion, the right belt can keep you from having to compromise and carry the smaller “easier to conceal” gun you don’t shoot as well in the name of comfort. A quality gunbelt will combat printing through your cover garment by keeping the gun tight your body and will help you fight indexing (touching the gun to reassure yourself the gun is still there - something new CCW carriers do often). A properly designed gunbelt will maintain its shape - enhancing your ability to get to the gun quickly if the need arises.
What I’ve learned:
I have been a big fan of the Ares Gear belts since they came out. I started with the Ranger belts in 2011 at the recommendation of some switched on guys I knew that were part a a .mil SMU. My experience with these belts can be summed up in two words - game changer.
Prior to the Ranger belt I was wearing the ubiquitous “thick leather belt” from Old Navy or Gap. It was floppy and it sagged. I was limited to the sizes the belt was set for by the holes in the leather. The holster moved and was uncomfortable and it printed badly. Wearing a purpose built gun belt for the first time was night and day. The belt was stiff - which I thought was going to be uncomfortable but was actually the opposite as it distributes the weight better around my entire waist. No more hotspots where the holster would dig into my hip or leg. No more grip being pushed out away from my body causing my shirt to print. The holster stayed put. No more sliding and positioning the holster a dozen times a day. Once I set it where I wanted it, it stayed there.
I wore those belts for 6 years - I had 2 (one black and one brown) that I would swap between them. They were just as good in year 6 as the first day I tried one. The only downside was the buckle was too big to thread through belt loops, so I have to remove the buckle before putting the belt on or taking it off. I tried a few other brands, but none were as good. (I’d did buy a leather Galco Gunbelt for wear with a suit or when the semi-tactical look of the mini Cobra buckle on the Ranger was contraindicated. It worked but it wasn’t as good/ supportive as the Ares).
In 2017, I tried the new offering from Ares - the Aegis belt. Similar belt material - 1.5” wide, 2 layer, scuba webbing - but added a new buckle system that was less tactical and worked style-wise with everything from range clothes to a business casual style of dress.
I’ve gotten 3 of these (one black, one brown, and one gray) and I’ve been wearing them daily for 7 years.
A few months ago, I decided to try something new. Tenicor (who also make my favorite AIWB holsters and OWB mag pouches - a topic for another post) came out with their Zero belt. Lightweight but stiff 1.5” gunbelt with a simple pass through friction buckle. It didn’t really ping my radar when it first came out as I was happy with my Ares offerings. Then they got me - I’m a sucker for MultiCam Black (MCB) - and they release a limited version made from MCB webbing. So I got one to try out.
It has been my daily wear since mid-July. It easily and comfortably Carrie’s my Tenicor Sagax Lux holster with a G48MOS in it every day, all day. I really like it. It is comfortable, sturdy, and lightweight. Stiff enough to distribute weight, but still moves with your body. The Tenicor (and other brands such as Raven, DSG, Bladetech, CompTac, BFG, Tactical Tailor, Safariland) belt pouches that are designed for 1.5” belts all fit perfectly and stay put.
If you carry concealed and you haven’t yet tried one already - try a purpose built gunbelt. Ots gonna cost a little more that the “mall store belt” but it’s worth it.
If you have used a purpose built gunbelt - drop a comment with what belts you have tried, what you finally settled on, and why you like it in the comments below. I’m curious what else is out there and what everyone likes.
I have a Bladetech dress belt coming - black leather with a plastic stiffner and a silver Kore Loct type buckle. I’m intrigued to see how it works.