Is there more than 1 manufacturer for the Brokos belt? Is there a way to tell if so?
There is VTAC Brokos, TYR Tactical Brokos, and 511 Tactical Brokos.
TYR is padded/Balistic and thicker.
I have heard VTAC has slightly thicker material than 511 and hold up better.
I only have experience with the TYR.as I have run it for about a year.
Would the 5.11 VTAC Brokos have 5.11 on it somewhere?
If I remember correctly, I believe it does. Google 5.11 Brokos and there should be some pics online. There should be an old you tube vid from SHOT when they came out.
The VTAC Brokos comes in a wider range of sizes. It’s narrower, not as padded, and not “shaped” and for me doesn’t sit on the hips as well. It also has 4 buckles along the top so that suspenders can be added. I’ve had both and vastly prefer the 5.11 version of the Brokos, much more comfortable for me.
It does say 5.11 on it.
If you can tell with the first pic the stitching is better than the other. The 2nd pic they both say VTAC but different kind of tags.
The 5.11 version is flimsier and not as well padded.
Tyr makes one, and First Spear has a version with their negative MOLLE system that is sweet (6/12).
Of all of them, the First Spear has the most vertical stiffness and best padding.
http://www.first-spear.com/product.php?productid=17632&cat=284&page=1
One of my customers had problems with the 5.11 and VTAC versions not staying put over their belt (used in place of a duty belt below tactical armor with drop leg rigs). The Crye and First Spear versions were the only ones that stay put, and the Crye version isn’t split up to access your belt like the Brokos is.
I can’t speak to the First Spear or the Crye, but I found no visible quality difference between the 5.11 and the straight-up VTAC and I found the 5.11 to be significantly more comfortable.
5.11 is taller, covers more of your back its is thinner and cheaper.
VTAC has a mesh on the inside that is thicker, provides more give and comfort.
this thread should be renamed brokos belt confusion