Put on some weight…in a good way and need a new daily gun belt. Have worn leather for years and I’m now interested in the Wilderness belts out of the nature of incremental sizing changes.
The question I post to you is…should I get the polymer insert?
My main carry weapons are a G19 and a Kel-Tec PF9. I carry IWB and OWB and usually have a spare mag on the belt also.
This belt would also serve double duty for training days when using my BladeTech OWB for the G19 and mag carriers.
Thanks in advance for any responses…I do appreciate the help.
My vote is no insert. I had a Galco version of the same belt years ago with a plastic lining and it was too stiff. Today I have a Galco and a Wilderness, neither of them with the plastic.
I have the csm model with the poly insert and it velcro stitching came off after a few years and i didn’t even use wear it that much. But it was a good gun belt while it lasted.
Its not necessary but I prefer the CSM (polymer insert) version.
I have both a CSM Frequent flyer belt and a normal 5 stitch instructor belt. I really like the additional stiffness of the CSM belt, I don’t thing its absolutely necessary but I find that IWB carry w/ my G19 and VMII is even more comfortable.
Just make sure you are precise in your waist measurements, I like to try to have the thick portion of the belt run as completely around my waist as possible for the most comfort.
I use the 1 1/2 inch 5 Stitch with IWB, spare mag and light carrier. If you were carrying OWB, cuffs, spare mags, light etc. then the insert might be warranted. IMHO;)
I use the 1 3/4 inch 5 stitch for a S&W 629 on horseback with no complaints.
Be very careful when reading the directions on the measurements:confused: They have no mercy on mistakes:eek:
Go to the store in person, in Scottsdale, and they’ll custom make you as many as you want until you’re completely happy I use the 5 stitch with great results carrying everything from G19 to a 5" 1911 with great results. For reference I wear a 36" waist on my jeans and my belt size from Wilderness is 40.
My 1st was a 5 Stitch, no insert, purchased like 10 years ago. Wore it for everyday for years, including my .Mil duties and Iraq. My current is the Frequent Flyer with the insert. I run a 1.5" belt so I wanted the extra stiffness. I wear my G23 or 35 , spare mags,and cuffs on my belt when I am plainclothes. You cant really go wrong with either.
Mine is a 5 stitch and is plenty stiff, I can’t imagine it with an insert in it. BTW, mine is about 5 years old and while I don’t wear it every day it sees a lot of use and has held up great.
Got a couple belts with the insert and I like it. It does provide more support which means more comfort for most. You don’t need it for what you are carrying.
I know a custom saddlemaker that makes VERY hi end western belts and for the LE that can wear western duty belts (carrying a full set of kit) he has them bring in their old belt which has shaped itself to their body and he then cuts a sheet metal insert to match the shape of the well worn belt and then builds a beautiful western belt around the metal insert. I can see the benefits of the inserts for some.
I use the 5 stitch with great results carrying everything from G19 to a 5" 1911 with great results. For reference I wear a 36" waist on my jeans and my belt size from Wilderness is 40.