Need belt and can't decide

[dws1117]

I have narrowed it down to either the Rafter S or the Wilderness Instructor belt.

I have done search after search and read many a thread about different belts and these two seem to some of the most popular for someone with limited funds. There is no doubt that either would serve me well and may very well end up getting both at some point.

Do any of you have both and if so, how would you compare them? What are the drawbacks of each?

I will be carrying IWB and OWB (new Tucker on order :)) both full size and compact 1911.

[rickb308]

Wilderness.
Have two.
Tan 1.5" for khakis @ work.
OD 1.75" for jeans.

[Delta]

Wilderness.
Have two.
Tan 1.5" for khakis @ work.
OD 1.75" for jeans.

I also have two of them

Black 5-stitch Instructor 1.5"
Black regular for jeans...1.5"

Cannot beat them for carrying a weapon either, good stable platform.

[sensei]

The wilderness is great if you are wearing jeans, etc. and do not have to tuck in your shirt.

Still looking for a good dress belt.

sensei

[Charles L. Cotton]

Still looking for a good dress belt.

I've been wearing Galco Contour dress belts for years and have been very happy. I don't use Galco holsters any longer, as they cost about as much as those by Sparks and Alessi (sp?), but I really like their dress belts. I haven't tried any Sparks or Alessi belts, so I don't have any way to make a comparison.

Regards,
Chas.

[dws1117]

Decision made. I ordered both. :D

[rockusaf]

I just got my CHL and found this site not long ago, I've ordered a Brommeland holster for my Kimber Pro Raptor. I'm waiting to order a belt until the holster comes in to make sure I get the correct size. I think I'm gonna get one [abbreviated profanity deleted] the Rafter belts, how do you like it? What's the quality like?

Rock

[txinvestigator]

Still looking for a good dress belt.

I've been wearing Galco Contour dress belts for years and have been very happy.

Regards,
Chas.

+1

[gigag04]

Still looking for a good dress belt.

I've been wearing Galco Contour dress belts for years and have been very happy.

Regards,
Chas.

+1

+2 well not for years...but mine makes me happy. Looks sharp too.

[dws1117]

I just got my CHL and found this site not long ago, I've ordered a Brommeland holster for my Kimber Pro Raptor. I'm waiting to order a belt until the holster comes in to make sure I get the correct size. I think I'm gonna get one [abbreviated profanity deleted] the Rafter belts, how do you like it? What's the quality like?

Rock

The quality is top notch. I have been very happy with the belt. It is comfprtable and good looking. It's thick and supports the gun weight very well. It is made with 7 holes instead of the usual 5. This gives it a bit more flexibility as far as comfort IMO.

[JLaw]

(Resurecting an old thread here)

Were did you order your Wilderness belt from?

JLaw

[age_ranger]

Just picked up a Galco belt and like it alot too. Perfect size for their deep concealment line of holsters. For larger pistols, I've got a Rafter S sharkskin. You can't do wrong with any of them....all great products.

[KBCraig]

I just bought a nice 1.5" double layer belt from Cavender's (smooth both sides). Quilled ostrich pattern on the outside (probably simulated, but I don't care). Two rows of stitching. Thick and stiff enough that I can skip wearing suspenders on the same pants that previously forced me to wear binders or continously hitch. Five holes.

Good looking belt for $43.

Kevin

[DiverDn]

I wandered into a tack store a while back and found a Circle Y belt for $20. It's probably not as stock as some of the more expensive belts out there but it's not bad for the price.

[KBCraig]

One thing I don't like (or don't trust) about the various vendors who offer online ordering: they don't seem to account for the buckle.

Almost all of them (I only recall one exception) ask you to measure from the tip of your buckle, to the hole where you usually buckle up.

That would be fine, if their buckle and your buckle measure the same.

Me, I'm keeping my 11th ACR buckle, which is a bronze western-style buckle. Compared to a tongue-style buckle, it calls for a 2" smaller belt.

It would be more accurate to measure from the eye (where the belt doubles back to hold the buckle), to the desired hole. That way, they don't have to account for differences between your buckle, and theirs.

Of course, if I was going to drop $60-120+ on a custom belt, I'd be in contact with the seller to make sure we were speaking the same language.

Kevin