By spending a little more upfront for higher quality materials, you get to enjoy a well-built product that won't crack, peel, warp, sag, or fade as you wear it through the years. It wont be ripped easily and holds up fantastically as it is thick and truly heavy duty; plus the belt does not stretch. This Under Armour model doesn't have any major flaws, but it doesn't stand out in any particular metric, either. Made by Skilled Amish Craftsmen our USA made belts are here to stay. The Fairwin Tactical Rigger is a heavy-duty, military-style model made from durable nylon webbing and one of the strongest rated buckles in our lineup. We've done our research, stretched, rubbed, and even smelled each model to determine the highest quality, and wore them throughout our daily life to confirm their style, versatility, and ease of use and help you find the best option for your needs. Genuine leather typically consists of the middle layer of a hide after the outer layers have been removed and often has an artificial texture added to it. The premium nylon strap is strong enough to withstand 500Kg weight with no deformation. Full grain leather is 1 piece leather cut right from the hideplus a 100% Nickel Free Alloy Buckle made by experienced Artisans to deliver the finest belt that last longer than you can image. It's also available in a wide range of fun and stylish colors and prints. The simplest design seems to be the traditional prong design, where the tail of the belt threads through the pant loops, slides through the buckle, and the prong latches through one of the holes. Simple and durable one-piece construction. Perhaps the only notable downsides to the Main Street Forge Bootlegger are the typical tradeoffs that you might expect with high-quality natural materials. You are using your belt for work and carrying tools or other gear on your belt. All Rights Reserved. We found the plastic sheath on the end of this belt helpful when threading belt loops, but the buckle is challenging to cinch down tightly. You know you are getting a durable belt becase of the 10 year garantee As a quirky bonus, the buckle doubles as a bottle opener for those impromptu beverage sessions. Traditional leather models are typically very versatile and look at home in both formal or casual occasions, as well as during travel or general daily use. While many models look similar at first glance, materials and construction quality can greatly differ, and it can be challenging to guess which products should truly last and which will likely peel, crack, or fade over time. 1.5in Wide, Single Prong Buckle Satin Nickle Finish. Most people probably wouldn't wear this model every day or during casual or more dressy occasions unless the style speaks to them. As the tail passes through the buckle, the bar engages the teeth and grabs the leather for a snug and secure fit. The leather is strong and thick enough to carry anything such construction tools or a concealed weapon that will not fold due to its weight. It can pass through the metal detector in the airport without having to take your belt off. Style is subjective, and some testers considered the look of this model a bit distracting with the little Arc'teryx logo (a dinosaur skeleton) front and center on the buckle, while other brand enthusiasts considered it cool. We appreciate the convenience of the plastic quick-release buckle, but the Ranger is one of the only models we've seen without a metal buckle, which raises some concern about long-term durability. This design is easy to adjust and tighten, and the plastic end piece makes threading your belt loops with one hand a cinch. 22" thick these belts will never fail and will fit through most belt loops. Overall, once you dial in your correct size, no further adjustment is needed, and the quick-release buckle makes this a comfortable and convenient option. None of these products are necessarily difficult to use, but a high-quality belt should be easy to thread through your pant loops, simple to buckle and unbuckle, and convenient to adjust on the go. Simple designs with classic colors and materials can usually be worn in a variety of situations. Constructed with high-quality materials, we would expect the Bootlegger to last multiple years of use. Either way, should you choose this model, you'll have a slick-looking, durable option that indeed holds your pants up. Need a belt that won't stretch and sag when carrying your tool pouch? The Under Armour Webbing 2.0 is a lightweight, sporty model with a classic style. HEAVY DUTY LEATHER BELTS 100% American 100% Quality GUARANTEED NO BREAK BELTS! Top grain leather is similar to full-grain leather, except the top layer has been sanded or polished to remove any imperfections or unevenness. Most manufacturers of traditional prong styles recommend ordering one or two sizes up from your pant size. CONCEALED CARRY / EDC Our tactical belt is stiffened to support any IWB or OWB holster without rolling over. The Arc'teryx Conveyor Belt shown here requires you to order a specific size because of its plastic end piece. We put each model on and took it off several times, weaving it through our pant loops, buckling and unbuckling it, and practicing finer tightening and loosening. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Comes with a 1 year limited warranty. The Lavemi Ratchet model is easy to adjust with its intuitive ratcheting buckle system. You can throw anything at it and it will continue to look great. Its width is 1.75 and compatible to big and tall sizes up to size 80. The unique pass-through buckle design is a simple single piece of metal with a slot on each side. In this review, we bought some of the highest-rated and best-selling options available to compare them side-by-side. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. A potential problem with reversible styles or trim-to-fit sizing is that the connection to the buckle can be a weak point that might fail as the material undergoes wear and tear. Made From 100% Full-Grain leather, the Roughcut can take anything you throw at it and continue to look great even with age. It has a great classic style that is timeless. The Everyday Work Belt is accented with our super tough blackpowder-coated buckle that is held on with two black oxide tactical screws so you can easily swap the buckle out.So stop wasting your money on belts that only last six months, don't hold your pants up, or sag and stretch. The Bootlegger has seven holes for adjustability, and the basic metal buckle is held in place by a doubled-back leather loop with removable screws. Choose 1 size larger for everyday/casual wear. The Bootlegger is one piece of full-grain buffalo leather, two rivets, a tail holder, and a two-piece buckle. Nylon options like the Mountain Khakis Webbing model and the Arc'teryx Conveyor have a simple double pass buckle, and the Arc'teryx option features a rigid plastic sheath on the running end to make threading through pant loops easier. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. The classic lightweight design is part of Under Armour's golf equipment but would be equally useful for hiking, general outdoor use, or everyday casual wear. The Grip6 sports a unique slide-through buckle where the tail-end of the webbing passes behind the buckle. We think these performance metrics are the most important qualities to look for when searching for a new belt, and we will try to point out the most suitable options for your needs and priorities. The military standard BOM plastic buckle belt is lightweight, nickel-free, anti-allergic, wear-resistant, sturdy, and travel-friendly. While we didn't have any problems during our testing, the plastic is thin and light and could potentially be broken if accidentally mishandled or torqued. One of the most unique and innovative models we tested is the Lavemi Leather Ratchet Dress Belt. The Bootlegger is a little bulky out of the box, but lays flatter and becomes more supple over time. Full Grain Extra Thick Leather Belt: 100% Genuine Leather belt. Great belt for going out or just kicking around. Also, the interface between the webbing and the buckle can feel a little awkward or bulky at first, but we expect this to lessen as the material softens and becomes more supple over time. It has a high level of adjustability due to its no hole as you find in leather belts. It can repel water and sweat and dry quickly. It is thick and durable while remaining soft and pliable, becoming even softer and more supple after a couple weeks of breaking in. We hope we can help you find the right option to meet your needs. One of the unique buckle designs is the ratcheting style on the Lavemi model. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Although the buckle is marketed with a strength rating, we did not do any force tests and cannot speak to the accuracy of the ratings. We still found this to be the easiest style to use, and it is found on the classic leather models in our lineup, including the Main Street Forge Bootlegger and Marino Leather. Micro-adjustments are achieved by gently pushing on or releasing the ratchet. This is a very functional belt that is perfect for hiking or trekking pants.it also works well with casual wear, khakis, tactical pants and business pants. No ads. Simple designs are usually better, and special features like reversible designs, trim-to-fit sizing, or tails that pass underneath the buckle seem to add to the difficulty. The spring-loaded securement clip is one of the most effective we've seen for a reversible or trim-to-fit product. This simple and sleek model doesn't have any major flaws once you get used to the unique buckle design. We've come to believe that simple is better when it comes to belt construction. Ideal for more dressy occasions, the Lavemi Ratchet is a sleek and stylish option. We were able to cut it to our size and seal the trimmed edge without too much effort, but this is an extra step that some consumers may not be experienced with. Hanks everyday leather belt comes with three different colours, black, brown and oak. This is one of our favorite buckle designs that we appreciated for dressier occasions. While we appreciate these benefits, the plastic is noticeably more fragile than the other metal buckles, and we are a little concerned about accidental breakage. This review is brought to you by Nick Bruckbauer. Looking for the latest and greatest sewing machine? With each model in hand, we paid close attention to the thickness, rigidity, texture, and feel of the materials, along with the weight and density of each buckle. Available in a variety of leathers and a huge assortment of buckle colors and styles, the Lavemi has a sleek and modern style with a slightly thinner width and a square buckle. It is 1.5inch wide available for waist sizes of 34 44. Today's marketplace includes some intriguing buckle designs in addition to the classic prong style. Well, here you go.The Everyday Work Belt from Hanks Belts will take whatever you can throw at it or hang on it. No sponsored content. After scouring the market, we bought and hands-on tested 9 of today's best belts to bring you a side-by-side analysis. Bonded leather is like particle board, whereby tiny scrap pieces of hide are bonded together with chemical agents. Wish the belts were cheaper but I don't mind paying for quality. It can be worn or low or high waist depending on your preference. For example, if your pant size is 34, then you should look for a size 36 or 38 for your belt. 1 1/2" width belt fits virtually all pants, At .20" -. High speed gear has the highest level of comfort, functionality and versatility that is designed to perform many years of hard use. With its thin profile, soft and flexible material, and sleek and stylish metal buckle, the Marino looks the part and is ready to complete your stylish outfit. While the Bootlegger's natural material may pick up character marks through normal use, it will also mold to your body as you wear it and likely last much longer than its synthetic competition. We appreciate its versatility for active use and for everyday wear. A kind of belt that will last due to its thick, stiff, heavy, real and pure leather from a great company that wont let you down. The spring connection mechanism that connects the webbing to the buckle is also one of the most effective designs we've seen in an adjustable or trim-to-fit model. Full-grain leather models have materials and construction and could make a great choice that should last a very long time. NO BEND, NO SAG. It is less bulky compared to other belts and great to support for everyday carry. It also sports a weathered and rustic finish that's perfectly at home in rugged outdoor settings. Simply push the tail through the buckle, and the ratchet automatically catches and maintains a snug fit. to ensure proper fit and comfort of your new Hanks Belt: Everyday Work Belt Has 6 Holes Spaced 1" On Center. Don't let words like "basic" turn you off to this model. In general, full-grain leather is the thickest and most durable variety and has not been sanded or altered from the original hide. This leather work belt won't sag, stretch excessively, or break at the holes like leather department store belts. The full-grain leather option that we tested also has a high-quality buckle connection. After trimming to the correct size, the leather reconnects to the buckle by a lever that sinks a small row of metal teeth into the material. Measurements are from where the leather folds over the buckle. For a simple product meant to help hold up your pants, quality might not seem like a high priority, but we've found that better quality materials and construction techniques can be the difference between a product that loses its luster after a few months and one that lasts several years, or even decades. You can even leave the whole thing on your pants through the washer and dryer for easy cleaning on the go. Save up to 85% on Children's Back to School Accessories, 1-888-355-2358 Its great to pair with nice jeans, and could be worn with chinos or slacks. The Under Armour Webbing 2.0 is a basic reversible nylon design available in a few classic color schemes. Overall, our favorite leather option, the Main Street Forge model, offers a great combination of classy and hip styling, though it may not quite pass as formal wear. The Mountain Khakis Webbing is one of the easiest models to adjust to a precise circumference with its double slide-through buckle. Will hold up to your toughest jobs. If using your belt for concealed carry, or as a work belt to carry items on, we recommend buying 2 sizes larger than your pant size.EX: 36 pants, buy a 40 belt.For use without carrying items on the belt, buy one size larger than pant size.EX: 36 pants buy a 38 belt.ngth in measurement. The rustic full-grain leather can show scuffs and scratches pretty easily, and it's also bulkier than other materials like nylon, canvas, or lower-grade leathers. Similarly, the Under Armour Webbing 2.0 has a slide-through clamp style buckle, where any specific sizing can be achieved, and adjustments are likewise simple. The length of this belt is good for 28-56 inch waist sizes. All leather is not the same. One of our favorite versatile styles is the Arcade Ranger. A casual belt made from leather that can also be used to carry a concealed weapon. It is also a travel friendly belt that will let you go through metal checkpoints without problems. Ideal for both casual use or active use in the outdoors, this is a simple yet effective belt, and one of the strongest nylon models that we tested. The Fairwin Tactical Rigger has a high strength quick-release buckle and is ideal for military or tactical use, while the Mountain Khakis Webbing, Under Armour Webbing 2.0, Arc'teryx Conveyor, and Grip6 are a little bit lighter and would be ideal for active outdoor use or casual wear. Powered by Shopify, 3 D Belt Company Men's No Scratch Mechanics Belt, Aquarius Leather Garrison Uniform Work Belt, Berne Men's Reflective Reversible Work Belt, Boston Leather Men's Basketweave Leather Ranger Belt, Boston Leather Men's Basketweave Mechanics Belt with Hook and Loop Closure, Boston Leather Men's Fully Lined Sam Browne Leather Work Belt, Boston Leather Men's Heavy Duty Leather Ranger Work Belt, Boston Leather Men's Leather 1 5/8 Inch Garrison Belt, Boston Leather Men's Leather Garrison Belt with Hidden Elastic Stretch, Boston Leather Men's Leather Movers & Mechanics No Scratch Work Belt, Boston Leather Men's Leather No Scratch Work Belt with Hook and Loop Closure, Boston Leather Men's Leather Work Belt with Reflective Safety Stripe, Boston Leather Men's Sports Officials Leather Belt, Dickies Dickies Men's Reinforced Leather 1 1/2 Inch Work Belt, Dickies Men's 38mm Industrial Strength Work Belt, Dickies Men's Leather Covered Buckle Mechanics and Movers Belt, Dickies Men's Leather Logo Buckle Industrial Strength Work Belt, Dickies Men's Work Belt with Hex Roller Buckle. Traditional prong belts typically have a series of five to seven holes for sizing adjustments, but often a wearer can fall between sizes if there is a large enough gap between holes. EX: 36 Waist Buy a 38 Belt - In between sizes round up. The heavy-duty nylon webbing is ideal for attaching tools or equipment for easy access while on the move. GearLab is reader-supported. It's a little tricky getting used to the unique pass-through buckle on the Grip6, but it becomes intuitive once you get used to it. We recommend leaving a little extra length when you trim to your size, so there is some extra slack to re-trim in case the connection weakens later on. The system makes it very easy to dial in a snug fit across a wide size range and is easy to engage and remove. Several of the nylon options in our lineup are well-made with high-quality materials and simple and strong construction. It wont bend easily that can support holster with weapon. The buckle system works differently than most other products and takes some getting used to, but it's pretty simple to use once you get the hang of it. Its great to pair with nice jeans, and could be worn with chinos or slacks. We use cookies on our website to give you the best shopping experience. It's simple to tighten and loosen and make micro-adjustments while on the go. The belt is made from strong skirting leather and is creased, rather than stitched, giving it a classy look. It is recommended to purchase 1-2 sizes larger that your pants size. A Classic style with straight edge cut, and can handle anything you want to hang in it like hammer holder.it is wide and thick enough that it wont roll if you have something a little heavy. The Ranger has some of the softest and stretchiest material of any product we tested, and a flat plastic buckle, making it comfortable and convenient for travel. It is sturdy enough to not crack or break easily due to its good load bearing tolerances and is great as a heavy duty work belt for police, fire fighters and construction workers. They don't make 'em like they used to is what you usually hearHank's is making like they used to. It is hole-less and has a removable buckle that you can easily trim the strap length to fit your size. The Mountain Khakis Webbing Belt is a basic 1.5-inch webbing design with a simple slide-through metal buckle. Its straight edge cut design can complement most attire and is suitable for casual wear, work wear, and formal wear. Let us know! CUSTOMIZABLE Add pouches or single tool holders to create a custom work belt, Whether utilized by military, law enforcement, or responsibly armed citizens, High Speed Gear products are designed to perform to the highest levels of comfort, functionality, and versatility. The Marino's model has a thinner width for dressier occasions. This construction method seems very durable and versatile and allows you to remove and replace the buckle, those you'll need to take care not to damage the finish on the rivets when unscrewing them. Fewer parts mean that there is less to break. In this product category, simpler is often better. However, the reliance on a spring mechanism makes us hesitant to call it a favorite for the long haul. The classic design is lightweight, comfortable, and unobtrusive. Both have buckles that can be used as a bottle opener in a pinch. We put our lineup to the test and rated each model to determine the best materials and construction, buckle hardware quality, ease of use, adjustability, and style and versatility. It is made from a solid 13 oz steer hide. It also offers a rich leather smell instead of the chemical odors found on other artificial materials with cheap, plastic finishes. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. The 1 brass plated buckle is attached with Chicago screws allowing for easy removal and replacement. The belt has rough side finish with a touch of cowboy style. All trademarks property of their respective owners. A slew of belts prepped for the rigors of our hands-on testing process. It is easy to tighten, loosen, or make minor adjustments on the go. 100% FULL GRAIN LEATHER ONE PIECE NO FILLERS These 1.75 Width Stitched WORK belts will never split like cheaper versions of this belt will. The material is strong and lightweight, and the overall product has a very clean and sleek aesthetic. The most notable downside is that it comes in one size and then must be trimmed to fit. It is recommended you order 1-2 sizes up from your pants size Also great for everyday carry tools or survival gear. It should also be noted that this buckle relies on a spring mechanism, and moving parts are susceptible to breaking, which could threaten this product's long-term durability. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. For the uninitiated, such an elegant-looking belt may seem out of place coming from an "outdoor" company, but be assured that this model holds its own on the links as easily as it does in the mountains. Working persons 18401 heavy leather features a single prong buckle with satin nickel finish. The Main Street Forge Bootlegger buckle is attached with a double-backed leather loop and removable screws. Love the feel. Our go-to for more formal occasions when you're striving to look good is the Lavemi Ratchet. Having a favourite buckle is not a problem with Hanks Everyday belt as the belt buckles is easy to remove and replace with any buckle you choose. Your input is very much appreciated. The Fairwin Tactical has heavy-duty nylon construction and a durable metal quick-release buckle. A comfortable belt that can carry heavy weight and is durable is a must for challenging work conditions. This buckle has a spring-loaded bar that connects to a row of teeth embedded within the end of the leather. Choose 2 sizes larger for work or carry use. Because the loose end of the webbing connects by passing behind the buckle, it can be a little more challenging to achieve a snug fit. Its Cobra buckle is 1.75 web with interior Velcro. Looks great too. The thick leather is fairly rigid to hold its shape well and becomes softer and more supple over time with use. Comes with four different colours, and it sizes varied from small to extra extra-large frame size. The Arcade Ranger features a unique plastic quick-release buckle that is meant to be airport-friendly and washer and dryer safe. It can be worn by everyone of any age or gender. HEAVY-DUTY Heavy-duty 2-inch webbed work belt fits most tool pouches and accessories Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We cut the trim-to-fit models to our preferred size and wore each model with a variety of outfits on various occasions. Finally, we rated each product across five different performance metrics to help you identify the best option for your needs. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Its design is certainly impressive but note that we didn't perform any force tests to confirm the Fairwin's strength ratings and recommend having proper training and protective equipment for any tactical scenarios. Although we really liked wearing the Lavemi, there were a couple of notable downsides. The nylon webbing passes through a simple square buckle that is easy to close for a snug and secure fit. It does a good job balancing heavy-duty nylon construction with a straightforward buckle design and a low overall weight. Can be used as a gun belt; very stiff, rugged and sturdy yet comfortable. Looking for the latest and greatest WiFi router? For those familiar with the Arc'teryx brand, the combination of luxury styling and materials with durable and pragmatic design found in its Conveyor Belt should come as no surprise. A strong YKK buckle can be used for ten years. It's pretty easy to adjust most of the traditional leather models that we tested, but with a standard prong buckle, you run the risk of being stuck between sizes. It also has some of the softest and stretchiest material out of any model we tested, which makes it ideal for long travel days. While most of us hope to only jump between a couple of different belt sizes in our adult lifetime, having a wider range of adjustability is a nice feature. No need to worry about allergies as the buckle is 100% nickel free. The material looks nice initially and will hold up against general wear and tear, but you shouldn't expect the durability or longevity of higher-grade leather materials. The Lavemi Ratchet model has an intuitive ratcheting design that provides simple adjustability through a wide range of sizes. For starters, the solid rectangular buckle is bulky and heavy, which can sometimes feel awkward. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. It has oval holes for easy fasten. You might even be interested in a crocodile leather belt as well. Perfect for any job, just clip on the pouch and adjust. Designs with fewer seams, connections, or moving parts are usually easier to use and will typically last longer. Its metal hardware is well made making its hook and loop design very strong. We expect the models we tested with inferior leather materials to wear out quicker in the punch holes, making the fit less precise over time. With over a decade of experience as a professional engineer, Nick brings an analytical and scientific approach to his reviews and is an expert across a wide variety of consumer and outdoor products. The webbing is attached to the buckle with a spring mechanism that is easy to use and provides a more reliable fit than most other adjustable models. If you work in construction, police, farming / agriculture, military, multi-weather environments, etc. Whether you're working in the office or out in the yard, you won't be disappointed with the quality and style of the Bootlegger. With its superb quality this product it is utilized by military, law enforcement, responsibly armed citizens and people working in tough environments. You won't find a better belt construction. This may be the last belt you ever need. The Fairwin Tactical Rigger has one of the most impressive buckles, with a metal quick-release design and a very high strength rating designed for military or tactical scenarios. Overall, we were surprised how much we liked this model during testing, especially considering its low price tag.