If I was to run a “battle belt” type loadout with more “stuff” on it, Ronin Tactics’ belt would be high on my list.
Or the AWS version, because they make good kit for stupid cheap, and it’s very similar to the Ronin belt.
Or Crye Precision’s Modular Riggers Belt, for a more classic battle belt style.
I’ve tried a standard padded battle belt, never liked it and always wished for a way to integrate it with a regular belt, without having to thread pouches onto said belt. It seems my wish has finally been realized.
That being said, I’m a bit off the mainstream I guess since I prefer chest rigs/PCs for serious amounts of gear- personally I just can’t stand stuff all over my waist.
So for the OP, if you find you prefer a chest rig over a belt, then there’s two things to think about-
- What do you really need for the class? ARE you going to burn through a bunch of ammo while moving around a lot, and not able to get to a bag of reloads? Or are you pretty much going to stand at the line and not go much further unless you’re doing a walkback exercise or something? If the second case, pretty much any kit aside from an EDC level of carry (a couple rifle and pistol on the belt) is kind of pointless. I kind of get a kick out of guys with a full battle belt, and a 2 rifle, 2 pistol, handgun holster loadout on the thing. Just put it on your belt (yes, I just said I hate threading things onto a belt- this is the one exception).
Personal bias, if I’m at a “stand and shoot” class, likely focusing more on fundamentals than movement/tactics, I’d put all my ammo/med/tools/other crap in a range bag and invest in an extra belt mag carrier or two.
OP’s already got the idea with “ask the instructor”. :thumbs_up:
2)Cue pitchforks and torches;
If you have a full kit loadout- pimped out chest rig, plates, belt, whatever, and the class involves some activity beside “stand and shoot”, for at least some of the “activity” day, wear it! How else are you supposed to get an idea for how the extra size and weight is going to affect performance? He else are you supposed to know if it’s comfortable and ergonomic to use, or if you have your layout right, and if there’s issues? Yes, you’ll probably feel like a twit for a minute or two, but screw the guys snickering in the back- you’re getting extra value for the class.
Which brings me to sort of an offshoot of both questions- does whichever gear you choose have a purpose beyond the class?
If so, it may be more appropriate to select and configure it to that need, and then #2 it, and let an appropriate class tell you if it’s working as intended or not.
If you get to the class, and your running around in the thing and it totally sucks, then you toss it in the truck, fall back on your belt pouches for the remainder of class, and fix it at home.
That being said, if this is the “level 1 pistol/rifle” course that I’m thinking the OP is talking about in NC, the full kit can probably wait a bit.
