I've read a lot on this amazing forum and have not yet posted much, as I am simply trying to soak in a modicum of this community's knowledge. My question is gear related. I am starting out with my Battle Belt. I'm torn between the HSGI Suregrip belt in multicam or the same in a Viking VTAC Brokos belt. Please help me decide to which one I should opt for and the reason(s) why. I know they are both great belts but I need help making a commitment. Thank you for your time and input!
Between those two, I’d pick the Suregrip. The VTAC is apparently very bulky for a belt, and the only think it really has going for it over the HSGI is being able to pull the iner belt out for a non-MOLLE holster. The Velocity OUB has the feature and is very lo-pro, to throw another option out.
Like said above if you want the best battle belt on the market velocity is the way to go. I have owned the brooks and a ATS war belt and the velocity blows them both out the water.
Thanks for the input so far and please keep it coming. I’ve looked into the US Grunt gear and while somewhat local to me for whatever, completely subjective reason, don’t dig it as much as the HSGI or even an SOE. Thanks for the other option though I’ll check out the Velocity. there are TONS of belts and opinions but I will look into that for sure. I am in a warm climate and want something that is versatile, strong, value priced-not necessarily cheap but rather receiving what I pay for, will stay in place and run well with a PC. With that said I am coming to you bc I believe you won’t recommend something as the “best” just because it’s what you bought. I trust this community for the best advice. Thanks, Brian
The Velocity carries a hefty price, but IIRC so does the Brokos. It is extremely comfortable and handles a heavy load pretty well. At one point I was running three double decker Tacos on it with pretty minimal slippage (synched down pretty tight though). I have not used the HSGI, but based on reviews, I would expect it to be able to remain a little looser without slipping because of the material, but it is also a larger belt so consider which is more important for you. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
Thanks Wake you have helped me out a lot by at least removing the Brokos from my list. Now it’s down to the other two. I also run the tacos. I envision for the belt maybe two double decker tacos, an ITW Gen 3 Fast mag, dump pouch, Glock 19 on right either with a Raven Phantom or a G-Code with RTI attachments, and a tear off IFAK. Actually will probably run a multitool in a pistol taco and a kydex carrier for a spare SOF-T Wide Torniquet. I know that probably sounds like a lot but I want it to be my first line grab and go if need be and pair down or up as need be for training.
I think that the HSGI is a great belt. I tried the VTAC Brokos Belt, but found it to be substantially less comfortable (and quite a bit more expensive) than the 5.11 Brokos belt and that has been my distinct preference over the other two. Sold 'em both.
I use a BladeTech DOH (on TMMS for multi-holster quick changeability) mounted with a MOLLE adapter I made myself from .093 Kydex copying the design of the G-code MOLLE belt mounting system.
I know that the US Grunt Gear Infidel war belt is a great piece of kit from reports but to be honest I hate how the website is designed. I can barely navigate through the muddle to find proper information.
5.11 makes a version of the VTAC Brokos belt that seems to fit much better than the VTAC specific Brokos belt and it’s only $75 vs $120. It looks like you might have ruled out the Brokos belt, but if not, the 5.11 version is an awesome battle belt for the money. The stitching is very tight so you don’t get any movement with the mag pouches etc. That is belt I run now and I love it
I appear to have caused confusion due to my lack of total specifics. I was from the beginning referring to the VTAC belt made FOR 5.11. That is the one I was torn on not Sgt Lamb’s belt directly from Viking Tactics so perhaps that throws a wrench into my plans? I honestly didn’t know there was a difference between the two Brokos belt but I was always looking at the 511 produced one as well as the HSGI and others that are worth it
Yes I agree with you here. Their site is not the easiest to navigate. However, I’ve sent them multiple emails with questions in the past and they’re always quick to respond. I’ve also talked to them on the phone and they were very helpful.
Thank you for the information SteveL. I appreciate it. As I said earlier I am somewhat local couple hour drive to their hq. I wish they either had a store front or would let u check stuff out in person much like OSOE if u happen to be in the area. Their site also was difficult but has become better since updating and showing what’s in stock real time. A bit off topic but I wonder if anyone has run their cop rig or 12 gauge micro and their honest thoughts other than its great. Seems to be great stuff. Thanks again and I apologize for the lengthy post
I have had the VTAC Brokos belt for a few years and have used it through a couple of classes. I love the belt, it is very comfortable although its slightly bulky. The bulk is not an issue as if I want to go fast and light, I now use the Raven moduloader frames with HSGI tacos.
For me the main selling point for the Brokos was I could run a Raven holster or any non-molle holster/gear with it. I had my Brokos before the 511 version came out. It does look like a lighter more comfortable design although I have not tried one on. FYI - the Vtac stuff is made in the US and the 5.11 stuff is made in China which may be a selling point.
I prefer the BFG SOC-C. The stitching is top quality and the mesh is durable. It is stiff and even when it is heavily loaded it will not buckle or bend. It is also the fastest drying belt that I have ever worn. I’ve used it heavily for the past 2 years and it still looks fairly new.