Which tactical belt to choose? - types and model overview
A tactical belt is a key element of the equipment of soldiers, uniformed services officers and shooters. However, thanks to the possibility of conveniently carrying a large amount of equipment on it, it is equally eagerly used by military and broadly understood outdoor enthusiasts. In this article, you will learn about the types of tactical belts. We will also discuss several sample models and show you in which activities they will work best.
Types of tactical belts
The genesis of the tactical belt was the need to find a solution for practical and convenient carrying of a large number of items in an organized manner that allows them to be retrieved quickly. On the market, we can find various types of tactical belts, which will differ from each other both in terms of the materials used and the functions they offer. Our offer includes tactical belts designed for soldiers and uniformed services officers, for shooters, for concealed carrying of weapons or belts for ASG players. Depending on the model, the belts differ in terms of construction, parameters, load capacity, number and type of pockets, buckles, and systems used. In the following part of the article, we will present the features and applications of several types of tactical belts.
MOLLE tactical belt and two-part tactical belt
MOLLE tactical belt and two-part tactical belts are specialist belts with a durable construction that allow you to carry a large amount of various types of equipment. They are usually used by soldiers, officers of other uniformed services, but they can also be successfully used by employees of security companies, as well as among ASG players.
MOLLE tactical belts
The MOLLE belt is an integral part of the service equipment in the army and other uniformed formations. MOLLE tactical belts are made of resistant materials, such as Cordura, which ensures durability and resistance to mechanical damage. They are equipped, as the name suggests, with the MOLLE/PALS strapping system used, among others, by NATO military units. This system consists of rows of loops and fastening straps to which the aforementioned equipment can be attached, as well as additional pockets, pouches or drop bags. It is also worth remembering about the compatibility of the belt with a tactical vest or harness, which will additionally support it. The MOLLE belt is very often made of two belts - an inner belt and an outer belt, similar to two-part tactical belts.
Two-part tactical belts
A two-part tactical belt is a type of specialist equipment used by professional soldiers as well as units of other uniformed services. Due to its versatility, this belt is equally popular in all shooting and outdoor activities.
The outer belt is a wide, buckle-adjustable belt, most often made of Cordura or nylon. The outer belt has pockets, spans, fasteners or hooks to which additional elements of equipment can be attached. The inner belt is a thinner belt that fits directly to the body. Lightweight, breathable materials such as neoprene are often used in this belt. The inner belt is responsible for the stability and maintenance of the outer belt. Very often, the belts are connected with a velcro panel.
For example, the JB Tacticals tactical belt is a two-part belt. This is an 80 mm wide belt that also uses the MOLLE strapping system and is also equipped with D-rings to which you can attach equipment. This model uses a quick release buckle, i.e. a buckle that guarantees instant fastening and unfastening. It is also responsible for adjusting the inner belt in the range of 80 - 120 cm. The inner belt is sewn with a non-slip and soft 3D mesh, thanks to which wearing the belt for many hours will be comfortable and convenient. This model is available in our store in black and dark green.
Operational-tactical belt
It is also called a belt for concealed carry of weapons (or FBI belt). This type of tactical belt is intended for uniformed services, as well as for people with a firearms permit. These belts are very often found on police officers who perform tasks in civilian clothing.
The operational-tactical belt is a wide, flexible and very well-fitting belt. It provides full freedom of movement and does not stand out under clothing. It is equipped with numerous pockets that are adapted to carry specific equipment, for example: a holster for a weapon, a compartment for handcuffs, a flashlight or a service ID. When choosing such a belt, it is worth paying attention to the location of the appropriate pockets, for example, at the angle of the dominant hand.
As an example model, we have chosen the RedShooter Slim Belt dedicated to concealed carry of weapons. It is made of a flexible and lightweight tape with a width of 10 cm. The Velcro belt fastener is located at the front, which allows for quick putting on and taking off. The belt is equipped with 7 pockets: for a handgun (e.g. Glock 17), a magazine, a flashlight or knife, a service notebook, an ID card, handcuffs, a telescopic baton and a phone.
Rigid tactical belt for the shooter
A tactical belt for a shooter should be suitably stiff and wide. In addition, its task is also to hold the carried accessories and secure them against shifting. Very often, these models are made of polyamide or nylon and used together with a stiffening polymer insert.
A gun in a holster and various types of ammunition pouches for additional gun magazines are most often carried on a shooting belt. It is very important that these elements remain in a fixed position, because experienced shooters after years of practice are characterized by muscle memory. Due to this, they are able to draw their guns in an instant, but to make this possible, it is best for the gun to always be in the same place.
As a rigid tactical belt for a shooter, the Helikon Cobra FC45 belt will work well. This is a belt with a fairly universal use (both for carrying equipment and for everyday wear). It is equipped with the patented AustriAlpin® Cobra® FC45 buckle. The metal buckle with a snap closure ensures reliable operation and comfortable use. The belt is available in the following colors: black, olive green, coyote and shadow grey.
Webbing tactical belt and officer's leather belt
The last tactical belts are webbing and leather officer's belts. Webbing belts are characterized by a simple construction and smooth adjustment of the circumference. These are belts made of cotton or synthetic materials with a tightening metal or synthetic buckle. An example of a webbing tactical belt is the Badger Outdoor Canvas CTB belt. Canvas CTB is a lightweight webbing belt with a metal tightening buckle that will work well with both combat pants and classic trousers. It is available in sand, olive and black.
Leather belts, on the other hand, are highly resistant to mechanical damage, such as abrasion. Leather belts are belts with a classic design, fastened with a metal buckle, which are adjusted using holes (single or double row). We recommend a classic officer's belt made of 5 mm grain leather. Similar to the canvas belt, the leather belt can be used with both city trousers and combat trousers. It is available in black and light brown.
Tactical belt - how to wear it?
A key issue when choosing a tactical belt, apart from its function, is the right fit for the user. Most available tactical belts are available in several sizes, usually from size S to XL. Also check the given belt length in millimeters or centimeters. You can choose the belt size either by measuring the length of the belt you already have or by measuring your waist circumference with a tape measure.
Another issue is the width of the belt. A belt that is too wide or too narrow may not fit through the belt loops of your pants or will not stay in place properly. Such a belt will not be useful and will not look good. The easiest way is to measure the length of the belt loops in the pants you are choosing the belt for.
It is worth remembering about the possibility of adjusting the belt, for example in the case of canvas and leather belts. If you are choosing an external belt that you will wear over your outerwear, measure your circumference after putting on all your equipment.
Tactical belt - what else is it useful for?
Although tactical belts have their intended uses, their practical design means that they can also be used in other areas. What can a tactical belt be used for?
MOLLE belts and equipment belts are not only useful for carrying weapons, ammunition, handcuffs or other service accessories. They can be successfully used in the workshop to carry tools or during various outdoor expeditions to carry water bottles, flashlights, penknives and more.
Webbing belts and leather belts can be used as a makeshift tourniquet in emergency situations to stop bleeding. In other crises, you can also use such a belt to overpower an attacker or to make a temporary leash for your dog. The possibilities of using tactical belts are limited only by the user's imagination.
