Anyone using or have any experience with buckle-less duty belts?

[EMTFirefighter]

An agency I used to live near (upstate NY) used these type of belts and they always looked pretty neat, I think the buckle is stupid. I'm just wondering if they're any good and how exactly they work?

Both the inner and outer belts are lined with Velcro and the Gall's catalog says they "interlock" but I don't see how that's possible if they both have Velcro on the inside...

Any help's appreciated. Thanks.

[L-1]

They work fine. At one end of the belt you will find velcro hooks on the back. On the other end of the belt you will find velcro catch (the cotton like matrial) one the front. The velcro material is in a limited area at each end of the belt in order to keep it hidden from view.

[Knoodelhed]

In that type of arrangement, the outside of the inner belt is made out of the soft part of velcro, and the inside of the outer belt is of the prickly part.

[EMTFirefighter]

In that type of arrangement, the outside of the inner belt is made out of the soft part of velcro, and the inside of the outer belt is of the prickly part.

This is the inner belt: http://www.galls.com/style.html?asso...og&style=LP302

It looks like the velco is on the inside...

[Bodie]

They have used them here for years and they work fine.

[72na55]

belts

As a DT instructor I encourage officers to refrain from buckleless belts. Reason is that velcro and hooks are not as strong as buckles and keepers. When it comes to weapon retention this is critical. I have used them in training and shown that they do not hold as well as the alternative. I would stay with the buckled belt (even if plastic safariland style) with the belt keepers. Couple this with a double or triple retention holster and you have a better chance of keeping your gear where it belongs........on you, even when ground fighting. Just my 2cents worth.

[EMTFirefighter]

As a DT instructor I encourage officers to refrain from buckleless belts. Reason is that velcro and hooks are not as strong as buckles and keepers. When it comes to weapon retention this is critical. I have used them in training and shown that they do not hold as well as the alternative. I would stay with the buckled belt (even if plastic safariland style) with the belt keepers. Couple this with a double or triple retention holster and you have a better chance of keeping your gear where it belongs........on you, even when ground fighting. Just my 2cents worth.

I was planning on using keepers anyway, to keep it extra steady (especially around the area of the holster). You'd still stay away?

[72na55]

keepers

I was planning on using keepers anyway, to keep it extra steady (especially around the area of the holster). You'd still stay away?

The keepers definitely help. I have found that over time the buckleless belts wear out quicker and are not as secure a year down the road. Especially as you grow older and wider

I like the buckle and some guys don't. From a safety standpoint I say this:

If I can have the ultimate why settle for less. Good point though. The keepers would do the job.

[EMTFirefighter]

If I can have the ultimate why settle for less. Good point though. The keepers would do the job.

Well, thanks for the info. I just hate the aesthetics of the buckle belt, too "barney fife" for me... LOL

[72na55]

Barney

Well, thanks for the info. I just hate the aesthetics of the buckle belt, too "barney fife" for me... LOL

I'm not talking about the silver Santa Claus looking buckle. I don't want SILVER shining on me ANYWHERE. I'm talking about BLACK plastic that matches the belt and gear. Its comfortable and doesn't poke me when I sit down. I wouldn't give you 1 cent for the silver buckled gear belts. Safariland makes a great belt (see galls.com) in a black plastic buckle or connector (not really a buckle) that I wear. It is perfect for all aspects. Comfort and safety being paramount. The connector is like those on a back pack. Doesn't stick out, looks good and feels good.

[jeeper]

Bianchi's new triple retention "buckle" is AWESOME. I also don't like the stupid Santa Claus looking belt and really don't like the aesthetics of the buckle-less belts. Uncle Mike's also makes a nice triple retention buckle for their gear.

[72na55]

Uncle Mike's

Bianchi's new triple retention "buckle" is AWESOME. I also don't like the stupid Santa Claus looking belt and really don't like the aesthetics of the buckle-less belts. Uncle Mike's also makes a nice triple retention buckle for their gear.

The belt I wear is an Uncle Mike's Mirage....had to get naked to see the inside of the belt for the brand last night.

[EMTFirefighter]

I'm not talking about the silver Santa Claus looking buckle. I don't want SILVER shining on me ANYWHERE. I'm talking about BLACK plastic that matches the belt and gear. Its comfortable and doesn't poke me when I sit down. I wouldn't give you 1 cent for the silver buckled gear belts. Safariland makes a great belt (see galls.com) in a black plastic buckle or connector (not really a buckle) that I wear. It is perfect for all aspects. Comfort and safety being paramount. The connector is like those on a back pack. Doesn't stick out, looks good and feels good.

That's why I want to go with the buckleless leather. I can't stand nylon (or imitation leather) and that's the only style of belt you can get the plastic buckle in, AFAIK.

[EMTFirefighter]

Our department only buys us the leather belts with the silver buckle (gold if you're a sergeant or above), so I'll wear that in the academy but ditch it for the buckleless leather on day 1 of FTO.

Thanks for the input folks.

[redneck41]

I wear basketweave leather, actually Bianchi Accumold Elite. All of my gear is "hidden snap", so there is no chrome on the belt at all. The buckle is the standard type found on most leather duty belts, but mine is finished in black instead of chrome. I'll have to look for the web page I found it on for you.