I started a deluge of offers after I bitched about the quality of the TT MOLLE belt here.
I had been chatting to a member here about my perfect belt – I had mentioned what I want to two members here – and a third member came up with a model that look like all I want.
Preface I still dont have that belt yet.
Our beloved Stephen first PM’d me and mailed a used ATS War Belt to me in Iraq. Over all I was/am very happy with it – my only problem was the damn thing does not breathe. I spent a few long hour days (and one 31 hour day) wearing it in my nomex gear - and it was getting nasty – plus the cordura slid a bit on my nomex.
My only two alteration would be to add a mesh pad and something to grip the body on the inside of the belt.
I used a Pelican box as a prop - since layed out flat the belts dont give a good idea of how they wear.
However Derek (MedTech) @ ICE took all my intial desires and came up with a belt as well.
Also at the SAME time John Willis of SOE asked me my size - and sent me a belt too…
I will be writing up more – but I wanted to get the intial stuff up at first.
I have some pics of the belts on me and others – but I figured it was best to go with the Pelican box as it gives a unifrom idea on all three belts.
I have the most time in the ATS belt - followed by the ICE and then the SOE one. Its just how it worked out on how I got them - and nothing specific as I think they are all excellent products – none however are perfect (like everything in life even me)
The biggest issue I have found is the belt “body” need a GOOD internal belt - in this respect ICE won out - since they built a specific inner belt - one thing I have noted with all these belts - is riggers betls are hard to get in and out of with these - due to the need to tuck the running end both back on itself on the velcro and under the lip of the belt opening. The “cobra” buckle solves that issue - and allows you to set the belt - and then just clip it on and off (and it wont release under pressure)
John Willis - asked me which of his two models I’d prefer - since he make a tall and short version (forgive me if I botched the terms - but one wiht a 3 row or 5 row of MOLLE). I opted for the 5 - as with the ATS belt and the ICE belt – to get my 1911 mags under my CIRAS and useable I had to drop them down and hang them off only one MOLLE strap. On the 5 row version you can affixed them fully to the belt (I lent some pouches out after and waiting for new ones - so the belt did not have the mags and IFAK pouches on it during the pics – but you get the idea I’m suree - failing that next week I will redo it.)
Construction
Of the three belts the Willis Belt was the BOMB – SOE has always made it their mission to make kit that one can drag/pull/lift etc people with - and there is no exception to this - also John’s stiching especially his MOLLE was flawless - and done to the 9th degree for overkill.
The ATS Belt’s MOLLE was not as perfect as the SOE belt – but still very well done - (and this was a used belt Stephen did send me as a favor)…
ICE - at first glance ICE’s MOLLE looks like it was sewn by a drunk – however ICE has contour their belt - so unlike the SOE or ATS belt - they cannot do straight line MOLLE - or the pouches would not fit.
Futher to construction all went about constructiing the basic belt in a different manner – All seem to work - each has its own pluses and minuses.
However I had no torubles with any of the belt drop down openings – this could be since i am using the TT 3 pistol shingle exclusively – and it give a great deal of rigidity to the area – however I tried all three belts briefly with a Paraclete 1911 pouch – and had no issues – AS LONG AS THE BELT WAS TIGHT (comfortably tight - but not loose - I dont use suspenders yet - so I am relying on the belt to stay up on its own – I can see running it much loose can cause issues with primarily the ICE belt in combination with a non rigid pouch).
Of the three - I would suggest you pick the one that you like best –
I mentioned changes to the ATS belt already, for ICE I would add some internal velcro to keep the subload area tight to the inner belt - and a snap to that are too.
SOE – same issues with the internal mesh for breathing.
I think the inner belt on the ICE lent a lot of love to the ICE design – my Spectre Gear double thick riggers belts on the ATS and SOE belts - are okay internal belts – but they are better suited for other roles - and if ATS or SOE cam eup with an internal belt to work off the Cobra buckle I think it would add a lot to user ease of use.
I would like to see an internal armor package available for all belts – I think Crye has a leg up on that – while it may not be needed or wanted for all users – I am continupusly aware of the openings under my armor and would enjoy a bit more coverage especially if combined in a belt system I will be wearing already.
My primary go to belt at this momenent is the ICE belt – for ease of donning and comfort. I will be ordering more rigs from each of the three manufacuters in order to get some layouts setup for loaner/course guns I have - i dont think you will go wrong with any - and your wants needs may be different from mine and prefer one version over another – the only one I cannto recommend - and indeed recommend people to STFAF is the TT belt.
More to follow
Kev
