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The best gun belt allows you to carry your gun around while keeping your gear organized and safe. Gun belts have been used for centuries as a convenient way to carry firearms, magazines, and other gear.
With over 15 years of experience in the firearm and gun belt industry, I’ve used and tested a wide range of gun belts from dozens of manufacturers. This has allowed me to try out the different gun belt types and see how they perform and feel in day-to-day scenarios.
Based on my experience, the Eagles Industries Operator is the most-recommended gun belt out there when it comes to durability and comfort. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider other options based on your needs.
But with so many brands, types, and price categories, it can be hard to make a choice. So to make things easier for you, I’ve reviewed 9 of the best gun belts you can find on the market.
| Gun Belts | USP | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Industries Operator | Best Overall Choice | Click here |
| 5.11 Trainer | Best Value Pick | Click here |
| Helikon-Tex Cobra Range | Versatile Pick | Click here |
| JUKMO Tactical | Budget Pick | Click here |
| Elite Survival Systems Sidewinder MOLLE Battle | Best Premium Pick | Click here |
Here Are the Best Gun Belts (Our Picks)
Alright, now let’s explore some of the best gun belts on the market and uncover what each of them has to offer.
1. Eagle Industries Operator – Best Overall Choice
The Eagle Industries Operator Gun Belt is one of the most well-rounded belts out there. It boasts an innovative Velcro construction that works over anything, including warming layers and wetsuits. This is a SEALS-level belt that can withstand anything with grace.
Also, the Velcro is loop-side on the inner belt, not the hook side. This provides a more secure fit while also protecting clothes from abrading. However, if you’re coming from another belt with a hook-side Velcro, you’ll need a new inner belt.
Featuring MIL-W-4088 Nylon webbing and stiffened with high-density polyethylene, the Eagle Industries belt is very durable. Additionally, it’s equipped with an aluminum quick-release buckle for easy on/off functionality.
Takeaway
The Eagle Industries Operator Gun Belt is one of the best gun belts on the market. It should work well for most users, and it comes at a reasonable price. Not to mention, it’s very durable.
2. Condor Tactical – Runner Up
The Condor Tactical Belt can fit waistlines up to 44 inches, making it an excellent choice for bulky guys with a high waist measurement.
It boasts four adjustable belt loops that make it easier to customize the attachments. For instance, if you want to add an extra pouch for a gun or other gear, it’ll be quick and easy with the included loops.
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What’s more, it comes with two removable pistol magazine pouches, allowing you to carry your magazines in tactical situations.
The quick-release buckle is very secure while also being easy to unfold. In addition, the Condor belt is made of high-quality nylon, which isn’t only strong but also flexible and resilient. Finally, it’s worth noting that the clips are made of reinforced plastic for extra strength.
Takeaway
If you’re a big guy with a 40”+ waistline, the Condor Tactical will make an excellent choice for you. It’s customizable, robust, and won’t take forever to unfold.
3. 5.11 Trainer – Best Value Pick
The 5.11 Trainer Belt is one of the most value-packed gun belts out there. This gun belt combines functionality and casualness into one, being able to function as a tie-down, carry strap, or emergency harness.
Featuring a ripstop nylon mesh and heavy stitch reinforcements, the 5.11 belt is built to last. It won’t even sag when you load it all with items.
The buckle is made of stainless steel, providing it with top-notch strength and form-keeping. In addition, the hoop and loop closure system, coupled with Velcro, provides the belt with excellent stability.
As its name says, this belt can hold a maximum weight of 5.11 lbs, so it should easily accommodate a sidearm, along with standard police gear.
Takeaway
The 5.11 Trainer Belt is great for operational and recreational outdoor use. It offers a high level of functionality without compromising comfort.
4. Helikon-Tex Cobra Range – Versatile Pick
The Helikon-Tex Cobra Range Belt is a versatile gun belt that can handle anything you throw at it. It works great for dress wear, competitive shooting, and law enforcement.
It flaunts laser-cut 500D Cordura nylon, providing it with unmatched strength, flexibility, and wear resistance. In addition, the double web construction increases the belt’s overall stiffness without adding unnecessary weight.
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Moreover, the quick-release buckle enables you to put it on and off in a blink of an eye. The belt also integrates a non-slip comfort pad and suspenders for sag compensation.
The cherry on top is the PALS/MOLLE-compatible external layer that allows you to add modular pouches to carry more items. It’s also compatible with Tek-Lok buckles and many other mounting systems.
Takeaway
Whether you need a gun belt for tactical use, competitive shooting, or casual day-to-day use, look no further than the Helikon-Tex Cobra Range Belt. It’s also highly adjustable and durable.
5. KORE Tactical – Value Alternative Pick
Unlike the other gun belts on the market, this isn’t a single gun belt; the KORE Tactical Gun belt is a bundle of two belts, each with its own set of uses and features.
One of them, the Nylon KORE 2.0, is intended for field use. It’s also the higher-end one of the two and can carry two firearms along with other items.
The other one, aka the leather version, is designed for day-to-day casual use. This means that you don’t need to compromise the function of tactical gun belts while also having an option for casual concealed carry. However, its capacity is far off from the nylon version.
Both belts have a reinforced power-core center, which allows you to load up the belts with many items without causing them to sag or stretch.
Moreover, the two belts utilize the ratcheting gun buckle that’s big enough to carry your gear while also being small enough for quick gun withdrawal.
I also like that the buckles are spring-loaded to prevent unwanted jams in the fastening system.
Takeaway
The KORE Tactical Gun Belt is suitable for those who need a nylon belt for tactical use and a leather one for casual everyday use. Both of them are durable and easy to put on and off. They’re also powerful.
6. Condor LCS Cobra – Top Duty Choice
The Condor Outdoor LCS Cobra Tactical Belt is an excellent belt for survival and tactical operations. It utilizes military-grade aluminum alloy that gives it a high level of strength while keeping weight within a reasonable range, so it can definitely take a beating.
Thanks to the laser-cut MOLLE-compatible strap, you’ll be able to attach modular pouches for extra gear concealment. And since this belt isn’t heavy, you won’t feel bothered even if you fully load it up with equipment.
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It even has a SCUBA webbing layer that allows it to carry a heavy load without breaking a sweat. However, make sure that you avoid keeping it at its maximum capacity all the time to prevent hip pain.
The Condor LCS belt is also equipped with a Cobra buckle that makes releasing the belt quick and easy.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for a gun belt that’s a replica of the ones used in the military, the Condor Outdoor LCS Cobra Tactical Belt would be a great pick for you. It’s very durable and lightweight while also being easy to put on and off.
7. JUKMO Tactical – Budget Pick
The JUKMO Tactical Belt offers a high level of adjustability that makes it suitable for sport, law enforcement, and other uses.
It features a nylon design that provides the belt with a great deal of strength with enough elasticity to maximize comfort and make sliding your gear into the pouches feel convenient.
What’s even better is that its dimensions aren’t that different from a regular leather belt, so it won’t hinder your mobility in tactical situations.
In addition, the JUKMO Tactical Belt utilizes an aluminum quick-release buckle that lets you customize the belt length with little to no effort. Compared to conventional leather belts, putting this belt on or off is much less of a hassle since you don’t need to keep trying to tug it to take it off.
Takeaway
The JUKMO Tactical Belt is comfortable, durable, and easy to use. It makes an excellent belt for tactical operations.
8. JASGOOD Nylon Military Tactical – Best for Summer Use
The JASGOOD Nylon Military Tactical Belt is not like any nylon belt on the market. It integrates a breathable strap, in addition to a secure buckle clip, allowing you to use it comfortably in hot and humid weather conditions.
The nylon webbing, in particular, can be quite handy when used in wet situations. What’s more, the buckle is made of sturdy plastic, and it should provide a solid and secure fit even in tactical situations. Not to mention, you get an extra buckle right in the box, just in case the built-in one gets damaged or bent.
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The strap is quite easy to customize based on the length you need. You can even use a razor to cut it if you need to. It’s also worth mentioning that this belt is just 0.5” thick, so it won’t feel like a WWE belt on your clothes.
Takeaway
The JASGOOD Nylon Military Tactical Belt is an outstanding belt for hot climates. It’s breathable, lightweight, and durable.
9. Elite Survival Systems Sidewinder MOLLE Battle – Best Premium Pick
The Elite Survival Systems Sidewinder MOLLE Battle Belt is specifically intended for field use. It’s not something that you can wear on a daily basis or in competitions.
It integrates a powerful MOLLE system that lets you hook up extra pouches and accessories to accommodate your tactical gear.
The belt utilizes a 1000 denier nylon construction for extra stretching resistance. It’s also robust enough to resist fraying at the seams.
At first glance, the Elite gun belt doesn’t look like it even has a buckle. However, it does have one, but it’s made of multiple external and internal parts that make it not so apparent.
From the outside, there’s a Velcro tracking system coupled with a three-point CopLok locking buckle. Both ensure easy release and maximum security.
As a general rule of thumb, the Elite tactical gun belt can take two magazines, a sidearm, and some extra items.
Takeaway
If you don’t mind the hefty price tag, the Elite Survival Systems Sidewinder MOLLE Battle Belt leaves little to be desired. It’s made of excellent materials and has an innovative buckle system.
What to Look for in a Quality Gun Belt
There are some factors that you need to consider when choosing a gun belt. With so many brands, price ranges, and types, pinpointing the right gun belt can be tricky. Here’s what you need to look for:
Purpose of Use
When choosing a gun belt, the first thing you need to think of is its purpose. Yes, a gun belt is designed to accommodate your gun and supplementary gear, but that doesn’t mean all belts are meant for the same purpose.
For example, some gun belts are designed for concealed carry, which allows you to carry the gun in a “stealthy” way when in public. This is important since many states allow citizens to only carry their guns in a concealed manner to avoid legal claims.
A concealed-carry gun belt should be comfortable while also keeping your gun hidden under your jacket. It should also fit your style of clothes.
On the other hand, a gun belt that’s intended for duty must comply with the requirements of your job, whether you’re military personnel, cop, or security man.
Also, if you need a gun belt for competitive shooting, you probably won’t care much about concealment more than speed and gun accessibility.
Core Material
The core material of a gun belt is what takes the majority of the weight of your gear. It’s basically the base that’s used to hold your attachments. Some gun belts use polyethylene, while others utilize thermoplastic.
SCUBA webbing gun belts are also pretty common. A few types of gun belts even use steel for maximum strength and stability, but they tend to be heavier than other types.
MOLLE Webbing Material
The webbing material is where all the magic happens. A gunfighter belt looks and feels very similar to an ordinary web or rigger belt while also having what it takes to accommodate MOLLE accessories.
These belts are flexible for the pouches to go through without compromising strength and tension resistance.
The webbing material should be cut so that it’s easy for you to attach the pouches when you lay the belt flat. Additionally, the loops must be capable of tightening up when you wear the belt while also keeping the pouches in place.
Buckle
Gun belts have different types of buckles, which include:
Standard Hole Buckles
Standard hole buckles have multiple horizontally-arranged holes over the length of the belt strap that help you adjust the waistband size for the perfect fit. This is the most common buckle type found in standard belts.
Quick Release Buckles
Quick release buckles comprise a group of loops and clasps that secure the strap to your waist. This provides top-notch security while also allowing you to undo the belt quickly with the built-in tabs.
The quick-release buckle is one of the best types of buckles out there, and the Cobra company is credited for inventing it.
Military Slide Buckles
Military slide buckles utilize a roller that allows the unfinished end of the belt strap to slide under it. This provides stability for the strap and lets you make some slight adjustments, but it’s not as adjustable as standard hole buckles, for instance.
V-Ring Buckles
V-Ring buckles combine the function of quick release and military slide buckles into one. A V-Ring buckle consists of a tension rod that’s used to secure the belt strap.
Retention Material
Retention material is a key aspect when it comes to a gun belt’s stability. It’s used to hold the belt onto the inner belt, so you can smoothly pull your pistol or magazines.
Many inner belts utilize Velcro as a retention material or a rubberized friction pad. Some belts also have belt keepers that attach to the back part of the inner belt.
Weight
Tactical gear is already heavy, so you don’t want to carry the extra weight of the belt itself. So, before deciding on a belt, make sure that you check its weight.
Types of Gun Belts
There are many types of gun belts, which include:
All-Around Gun Belts
All-around gun belts are strong, twist-resistance, and easy to use. They can be used in operations and for everyday use. In addition, they’re perfect for concealed carry. Most all-around gun belts utilize quick-release buckles.
Tactical Gun Belts
Tactical gun belts are primarily designed for field use. They can carry many items, even if they’re heavy. Not to mention, a tactical gun enables you to add more pouches for your items.
Tactical gun belts usually have quick-release buckles for ease of use.
Concealed Carry Gun Belts
Concealed carry gun belts are designed to allow for concealed gun carry without compromising comfort. They’re usually thin and lightweight. As opposed to tactical gun belts, concealed carry ones prioritize comfort over functionality.
A concealed carry gun belt provides the comfort of a concealed carry holster while also offering a higher level of functionality.
Dress Gun Belts
Dress gun belts are meant for formal events. They allow you to carry a gun while also keeping your style in check. They also look great from an aesthetic point of view, and they’re usually made of leather to complement your suit.
Nylon Gun Belts
Nylon gun belts combine flexibility and strength in a single package, making them the most versatile out of all gun belt types. They’re lightweight and sturdy but also have enough flexibility to fit nicely around your waist.
FAQ’s
Gun belts are expensive because they’re made of premium materials that can withstand many years of abuse. A gun belt is designed to accommodate your gun, magazines, and other equipment every day, and without a solid construction, it won’t last more than a few months.
But if you opt for a premium gun belt, it should last for many years with minimal signs of wear. Nevertheless, you can still find good gun belts that carry reasonable price tags, especially if they’re on sale.
Final Verdict
So that was everything you needed to know about gun belts.
The Eagle Industries Operator is probably the best gun belt for most users. It’s secure, durable, and easy to put on and off. Not to mention, it looks quite stylish.
Compared to other gun belts on our list, the Eagle Industries Operator makes no compromises. It’s strong without being too heavy. It’s also very secure, but you’ll still be able to put it on or off within a second.
And while some belts may show signs of wear when repeatedly exposed to rain or saltwater, the Eagle Industries Operator can easily withstand wet conditions.