Testing Two Battle Belts - Lessons Learned

Everything I know so far about battle belts, war belts, and the gear attached to those belts.
List of gear in this video:
Blue Alpha Gear Double Layer 1.75" MOLLE Belt
Safariland Glock 17 w/ Streamlight TLR-1 ALS Holster
Safariland UBL Low Ride
T.Rex Arms Thigh Strap
LBT/LBX Med-kit Blow Out Pouch
T.Rex Arms CAT Tourniquet Holder
Esstac KYWI 2 pistol + 1 rifle magazine carrier
OPS Ur-Tactical Collapsible Dump Pouch
OPS Ur-Tactical Cobra Warrior Belt
G-Code OSH Glock 19 Holster
G-Code Optimal Drop with Leg Strap
OPS Ur-Tactical Compact Medic Pouch
CAT Trap Tourniquet Holder
G-Code Scorpion 2 Rifle + 1 pistol magazine carriers
Coyote Burrito IFAK
Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma NOW
Direct Action Tourniquet Holder
Safariland QLS

[@Hoplopfheil]

Corrections: The Safariland UBL platform comes in two belt sizes, one for 2" belts and one for 2.25" belts. Almost all battle belts are 1.75" or 2" but the 2.25" version of the UBL (for police style duty belts) is the most common. The video shows a 2.25" UBL low ride; I used zip ties to fill the gap and make it work better with my 1.75" belt. Kind of a shitty hack, but what can you do. The BFG version of the Tourniquet hammock has to be used in conjunction with their med kits or certain molle pouches. It does not attach with a velcro tab like the T-Rex arms TQ carrier. The BFG carrier would not work with my belt setup, and would not work to attach a tourniquet to my plate carrier either.

[@Halal_Dan]

Thanks Hop, very cool!

[@theheretic3764]

Do you prefer the ubi or would you rather have a teklok attachment?

[@Dixie9mm]

You know g-code makes belt slide keepers to adjust that. Lol. and yes they are $9.50 plus double to ship. I understand you pain. Believe me. And i really wanted the scorpion short pistol mag pouches.

[@Scaliad]

Does the velcro hook abrade your belt loops? Do both of these belts have loop velcro on the inner belt and hook velcro on the outer belt?

[@coppertopv365]

35" Sucks buying pants, 34 little too snug, 36 a little too loose.

[@mattmckay547]

Love how he just spends shit tons of money to tell us he hates most of the stuff he buys. Saves us time and money, big thanks to u man, appreciate the work and effort u put in.

[@bozzylance3231]

9:07 "I'm civillian,and i can do whatever i want." That's the spirit.

[@sendit7922]

Yes! That’s why I make my own machine guns and suppressors and SBRs without following the NFA law or register or pay the tax stamp. Freedom is truly amazing! If you have the balls to live like a free American

[@ImperiumLibertas]

@@sendit7922 God speed bröther

[@NOPEFROG]

@@sendit7922 keep a close eye on your dog

[@gregbagel791]

@@sendit7922 *ATF taking notes*

[@sendit7922]

@@NOPEFROG don’t have one, so I guess I’m in the clear.

[@yellowdog762jb]

Thanks to the quarantine, I've increased the available real estate on my battle belt by about an AR mags worth.

[@cantsneedgaming4591]

That ain't good

[@SirTickleTots]

It’s free real estate

[@andycraig6905]

Jesus, by this logic I should be able to put Lake City's 2020 production of 5.56 around my waist lol

[@lolk4530]

Maybe replace that with a chest rig instead 😂

[@asdasd-ty9se]

Run tubby tubby, RUN

[@MrRobGodek]

"... I'm kind of fucking sick of G-Code." LOL... Gold.

[@maxjohnson1758]

For once, I'm happy about having a waist size that offers lots and lots of Velcro engagement.

[@scottp4077]

I'm a 29 32...I'm lucky I can put a holster and spare mag on my belt lol!

[@rlo5547]

I am with you on that one...LOL! 38" here, covers for most equipment needs at once! LOL

[@BangBang-hk4rg]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@vanillagorilla1807]

Birthing hips as they used to call them.

[@tightropehikes]

LOL

[@jonathanrogers9961]

8:26 Be careful with the 6 oclock position. Never put anything hard there. have heard stories of officers having a cuff pouch there, falling, and breaking their tail bone. soft items only.

[@Hinru13]

Tailbone if you're lucky. If you aren't, you could be looking at spinal-cord damage or up to paralysis.

[@samhouston1288]

Yep. Many a career has been ended by carrying something at the 6 o'clock position. That's why I am really not fan of small of back carry. One bad fall and you have back pain for the rest of your life.

[@SuppositionalBox]

This very thing happened to a friend's father when he was riding a horse overseas (don't recall the reason) and one of his tools around the 6 o'clock position damn near paralyzed him when the horse bucked him off and he landed square on it. He's in a wheelchair but he can still walk somewhat

[@davidbusey931]

Cuffs would definitely be a no bueno back there. IFAC is generally squishy enough that it shouldn't be an issue. Do whatever you need to but try and get that IFAC placed where you can get at it with either hand in case one of your hands/arms is compromised/injured.

[@nimmen]

Reading this and the replies I think I might strap a small pillow there

[@andreweshleman7359]

I found my way around the lack of velcro engagement by going to Walmart and getting some adhesive velcro strips that I put on the holster and back of my pouches.

[@Papicodone]

This is exactly what I did my belt isn't going no where.

[@dsbiddle]

That’s a good idea!

[@fresnel149]

I did the same, except I grabbed the industrial velcro from Home Depot. You know it's gonna hold good when you peel the wax paper off the adhesive backing and the chemical smell of the glue melts your nose hairs off and makes your eyes burn.

[@poweredbyeb]

@@fresnel149 I know I’m late to the game, but if you don’t mind me asking just exactly what Velcro did you buy from Home Depot. I’m looking for the exact same thing you have.

[@fresnel149]

@@poweredbyeb The stuff I got is actual Velcro brand, part number 90197, but your specific needs may vary slightly. I originally bought it to slap on the side of a cheap shotgun so I could use shotgun cards as a sidesaddle, it just worked well for this situation too.

[@john-vy1ml]

Hop: What is rattling around in the front of my tahoe? Hops auto mechanic finds 556 brass behind grill. 😉

[@jbblackley]

I find mine in the area beneath the wiper blades!

[@ChrisLoew]

Final clip shows this nicely

[@magnanimus9692]

Man I love your dry humor and overall manner in which you explain things. Honestly you could explain anything and keep my ADHD-level of attention.

[@poemanx7297]

Subbed for this exact reason, ADHD attention included

[@magnanimus9692]

@@poemanx7297 lol glad I'm not alone :P

[@majorooda782]

I third this reply @Magnan imus

[@ytty5183]

Subbed. That was an excellent narrative of the g-code experience.

[@cameronbadgwell7193]

Finally someone not afraid to throw a less than adequate company under the bus. Got a sub. Hope the channel grow to everything you want!

[@jamesmanning8795]

I love my blue alpha gear larp...I mean battle belt. I use it to run USPSA competitions and wear it while playing call of duty

[@mikuhatsunegoshujin]

草

[@jdnoggl]

That's funny

[@lonewolf8820]

Dude, remains me of a grown up version of John Connor from T2 Judgement Day

[@baker90338]

Finally a positive comment about his appearance!

[@jaytowne8016]

You are right! Plus this guy really knows his business!

[@michaelarchangelthehammer]

as he was supposed to end up..

[@zackedwards7803]

He kind of looks like a mix of young david hasselhoff and milspec monkey.

[@anon9245]

His lips are very small.

[@HotelBravo556]

Great video. After years and hundreds of waisted dollars, I finally have my setup just right for me. FWIW, my BGF micro trauma now stays put, but I’m also running the (overpriced) preconfigured advanced insert. As others have said, peel and stick Velcro is a god send with two piece belts. My rig for those curious. AWS non-MOLLE belt. No D-ring. From 12 o’clock clockwise: Soil Eater CAT holder with CAT. Safariland mid-ride with QLS, Trex strap, Ragnarok holster. Blue Force Gear Micro Trauma Trex rifle mag on Tek-Lok Two Trex pistol mag on Tek-Lok (forward one angled back)

[@lonewanderer3603]

That sounds all well and good, but what about velcro engagement?

[@thomas_jay]

This is seriously one of the best videos on battle belts and set-ups. Good job How about a similar one on plate carriers?

[@DevDog67]

Hmm. I love how you've been doing gear reviews. Nice to see videos from someone who actually tests gear and finds out what does and doesn't work so I don't have to worry about it as much.

[@colemangreene2079]

Best vid on belt setup yet. I've come back to it 3 or 4 times while setting up my current belt. Well done n ty

[@TheDUGGAN36]

This is the absolute best BBelt review I have ever seen. Thank you Sir. Well done

[@Drain09]

A tip is to add Velcro to the back of whatever your adding to your belt for better engagement. Heavy duty Velcro at Walmart is cheap and works. Agreed on the outrageous shipping charges from G-Code! I just bought a system from them consisting of the carriers and belt with inner belt. The belts good and so are attachments, but they charge the hell out of you for anything and everything. Why not include the inner belt like other companies without an additional $15.

[@v0rpalWeap0n]

Refreshingly honest, informative and at times humorous. Thank you for putting this together.

[@heavierthanairfilms]

"It's a little fucken cold out here. Beep." Man, I can feel that vibe from here.

[@infomwr]

Re: “Velcro engagement.” Just use belt keepers like law enforcement has forever. Works great even when you’re lacking in Velcro engagement. Also, we swear by Safariland QLS because it allows us to train with several weapons platforms without having to disassemble the battle belt each time.

[@gaijin_5569]

Bro i love how you keep it real and have no shame at throwing shade at companies like g-code... im subscribed, a no bullshit review and straight to the point

[@KW-ub9lz]

This was so insightful I sub'd half way through the video. Wish this video was around last year. It's refreshing to hear why something works or doesn't work in practical application rather than a "buy this new hotness" sales pitch. Thanks!

[@floridahuntsman7915]

I feel your pain . I have the blue alpha gear double belt system with molly . I run G - code scorpions,a dump pouch ,a AR500 belt IFAK ,a safariland holster with a drop leg plate and QLS ,for my Glock with a TLR-1 ,and an admin pouch for a cell phone note pad and pen . It also carries a headlamp and small leatherman tool.. I also run thin suspenders that thread through the molly . I seems to help . I’m a 36 waist so I’m lucky to be able to have the room on the belt . My only issue is loosing some Velcro real estate. I plan on resolving this with industrial Velcro tape on the inside of some of my gear that take up any of that gripping surface area. It all works but nothing is perfect . Over all I’m pretty satisfied. It is heavy though . Thank you for your channel.

[@nicklaustietje2749]

Gear has been exactly what’s on my mind lately (which is unusual for me honestly). More videos like this please.

[@txlongarm]

Good job. The only video I’ve found so far that lets you know that these systems are complicated and don’t often work together. Now I don’t feel as stupid about ordering things that don’t work with what I have. Thank you.

[@AlphaRomeoOneFive]

I wish you would've talked about Velcro more in this one 😂 I've been thinking about setting up a battle belt and this was super helpful in seeing what's worked and hasn't worked for you. Thanks Hop!

[@bakushimaru]

I like this, subbed. Liked. Its straight forward, no holds barred review. Its what you need to hear when you need to learn things quick when shtf. Great content.

[@danwesson2485]

Awesome vid! It is obvious you spent some time on it and we appreciate your candor. Snake Eater Tactical: They solved the problem of velcro engagement. Also your problem of having a small waist/real estate by incorporating a pistol/rifle mag IN the dump pouch. There are so many war belts out there..so hard to keep up and your video helped a lot, thanks!

[@shotgunboy10]

Thank you so much for going in depth into things most reviewers skip! You saved me a lot of money and mistakes

[@TheBigHeavy]

This was the most informative, straight to the point video I've seen in a long time. Well done, sir!

[@kennethhoneycutt8808]

All your talk of “Velcro engagement” is an important issue when it comes to the dual-layer belts. I didn’t even think about it until I had the same issue with my BFG belt. Wish I’d seen your video sooner. It would have helped with my mag pouch choices. Rock on, man!

[@bonfirebarry1]

Go buy velcro from Joanne's or Walmart and apply it to the pouches. Works like a charm

[@douglasakers2443]

Great vid Hop! My grab and go setup is sadly stuck in the 90’s. This is inspiration to give it an overdue upgrade.

[@ryans6699]

Damn, this was the most informational belt video with real world trials I’ve seen. Great content.

[@soundslikesight7876]

I have become quite fond of your videos Hop. Keep up the good work!

[@spiff2555]

5:53 You sir have got my sub.

[@teflondonii9298]

Just saw this and subscribed myself. I'll be watching and waiting for more info. Good stuff!

[@jtr82369]

Best video thus far explaining gear in general and it's great to hear someone is as picky as I am on the details. I look forward to watching your other videos, I hope you did one about plate carriers and chest harnesses as that has been an expensive and pain in the ass experience for me (mainly because I hate velco and Esstac discontinued their chest rigs that have the QD's and zipper/buckles)

[@spencerschuckman1108]

Your videos are denser with info I actually care about and velcro engagement is important to my set up too.

[@PeopleCallMeCraig]

I totally agree about Velcro engagement but my solution was to place adhesive Velcro strips to the back of any components that had a hard, smooth surface on the back like a clip. That took care of the problem.

[@cgoodiefunk]

i like your videos not just for the info and insight, but for the humor as well. thank you

[@AGeekNamedRoss]

Great video packed full of great info. Thanks! QLS is good for competition rigs since you can change up gear to shoot in a different competition class without the extra money required to maintain multiple belt rigs.

[@Lovenlife139]

One of the realist channels on the tube.. new sub here from west texas

[@patricklee5576]

Bro !!!! You are the man!!!!Most solid reviews thanks for honesty which so many in this realm wont do bc of free stuff Thanks!!!

[@Glock_Lesnar_]

I’m not gonna lie you drop some great knowledge like that zip tie trick when I first starting watching KZbin gun videos you struck me as James little brother who’s mom told that if he wanted to make KZbin videos he has to help you make them too but you grew on me man to one of my favorites 🙌🙌

[@awhoot1]

This was a fantastic video! And I totally agree with the Velcro mentions. That’s actually one of my worries as I order stuff, losing structural integrity. I appreciate the insight amigo

[@mrwashur1991]

Me: “yeah my belt has molle” My friend: “that’s pretty coo…” Me: ‘railing a line off my belt’ “fuck yeeeeahhhh”

[@F3lloww]

I appreciate your info dude! Being a veteran, I never watch civilians talk about weapons, but your shit is awesome.

[@jonathanchigges7658]

Holy crap. This video was top notch. I've never heard of you, but after this video, you earned a follow from me.

[@jondoe9718]

Lol g code holster sounds like a nightmare. Best overall belt video so far. Very detailed and informative

[@BParker55]

In the army I used a blackhawk patrol belt. Made my load out much more comfortable especially with a pack. Had three mags a drop pouch and a utility pouch on there. It also doubled as a bandolier type system if needed. Oh and a pillow at times!

[@awaw7133]

Good funny commentary. I like how you are just like us trying gear out. Good info

[@rhettshepherd4245]

Underrated channel here. Good work m8

[@thejosh0205]

Didnt know about your channel until now, like it, keep it on with this good job!

[@aljgreer]

I've watched this video probably 10 times so far now that I'm building a gunbelt of my own. Appreciate ya.

[@poodlenoodlesoup1]

Fantastic vid. Very informative. Thank you.

[@kurtbaier6122]

I liked your vid. As a cheaper but acceptable alternative I run the following. A nylon Condor gun belt. I removed the their pistol mag pouches. On the right I put a Sherpa level one holster to secure the weapon and make the movement of the belt during removal of the firearm minimal. Behind that I have a single MOLLE 556 pouch with bungee retention, again with minimal movement of the belt during removal of the mag. That pouch has 1 inch pals web on the front allowing a frag pouch to be attached to it for small binos, etc. Following that an IFAK. I leave the rear slick but have been attaching a Vietnam Nam style buttpack to it for other kit priorities. On the left side of the belt I have a side by side double AR mag pouch with Kangaroo pistol mag pouches attached with bungee retention of the mags. Then a dump pouch. Roughly 3 lbs on either hip. Water is carried in a small back pack pack which can be removed. My DIY front chest rig / Dynema Battle steel level 3 plate carrier carries 3 additional mags. The plate can also be stored in the small back pack when not needed. Rain Jacket and or mid wt warmth layer ( Wiggys field coat liner ) goes in the pack. Police belt keepers can also attach the Condor belt to you regular belt.

[@yeoldmetalhead6592]

Love your reviews man, subscribed

[@EazyBoBeezy]

Awesome review! New to the channel first video and subscribed half way through..

[@davidmojonnier1034]

Outstanding. Very condensed and concice. Gonna watch again. Thanks

[@butchhaight]

I’ve never thought much about a battle belt. I’m a spunky old man but really concerned now about the SHTF. Your video is good at giving out the info of the items and the honest review of each. Gives me a direction where to start!

[@coopers1716]

A good friend of mine served and when he got back he gave me some BDUs and a Crye AVS warbelt. I did not realize what it was worth but I'm extremely grateful that he removed the picking process. The ability to throw it on over anything and go is great and there's just naturally crazy room.

[@Widemouth1832]

One of your best videos man. I wish i found this video before I bought a GCode belt.

[@roguedefensefirearmsllc6194]

I run the g-code w/ thigh strap and blue alpha belt. I put a piece of industrial 3M stick-on Velcro onto the inside of the rig. That piece of Velcro gives Velcro engagement to the inner belt, it works great. You can do the same thing with other pouches. Kinetic Consulting and Flatline collaborated on the best dump pouch ever made. It mounts behind any other pouch, using the other pouches molle or one-wrap. Rolls up tight under it when not it use and has a quick release tab. It also has interior features that convert it to an additional gear pouch if needed. I've been running it for a few months now and love it. It takes up no additional belt space and doesn't affect Velcro engagement. I highly recommend it.

[@dannyhousley2000]

Always love your videos.

[@cglarsen26]

Really enjoy these witty no-b.s. reviews. Well done.

[@jasoncox3402]

I have the Blue Force Gear belt with Esstac mag holders, set up just about just like yours and LOVE IT. Good video

[@natmad]

Awesome vid man. Saved a lot of people time and money with this one I reckon!

[@rafaelhelel3595]

Love that this video saves me time and money as well love your humor

[@jimmyjames3220]

I'm looking into setting up a belt and found this very informative. Thanks for the info!

[@jasonlommen4769]

Great video. Direct, informative and to the point. New sub.

[@clutchclipperjk5169]

Stellar video man!

[@Jay1019Gordon]

Loved your vid! To the point and informative. So glad you skipped right by the dump pouch.

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

Why do you not post more videos? Your format is way better than the other gun channels. Quick and to the point. These are the best reviews.

[@spartan11375]

I personally use Velcro One Wrap to attach all my pouches so I don't lose any velcro engagement. Works for me. Secondly the best reason to have a QLS (as a non pewtube reviewer) is to be able to remove your holster when going to public ranges. Some that I've been to won't let you even have an empty holster on your belt, but if you take it off with the QLS you can still practice reloads from the belt.

[@ehmsicksteen8018]

Thank you for this testing and data sample!

[@kaizerkhan2293]

WOW, straight to the point and very knowledgeable.

[@CivilitaryMinuteman]

Good content, dude. Very informative and well put together, keep it up...

[@straightcheez2892]

Love your vids...always straight to the fuckn point

[@halolvr101]

Solid video. Regarding the Velcro engagement issue you can get adhesive backed Velcro strips and cut them to fit on the pieces covering the belts Velcro. Onewrap straps can be used to mount some pouches.

[@Cowboybounty]

Just found your channel man , you make excited to get my belt going. Thanks for the insight brother.

[@1GruntZPOV]

I fuckin love you dude, you need way more subs, your channel is what the community needs, someone who will have a conversation rather than talk at me. Love your content make more

[@TaxationIsTheft69420]

Super informative video.

[@SeanTownsendStormrider]

Use velcro one wrap to attach molle pouches to the belt, you will get 100% velcro engagement all the way around and it's rock solid. It works really well with Esstac Kywi pouches.

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

This is the gods honest truth. ^^^

[@NWShooters]

I think I've been to that camp site @ 6:32 ! Great video Just the content I was looking for.

[@larryprice6321]

Love the honesty

[@fin_jan]

Good stuff! Thanks for putting in the time.

[@joshturner5165]

Nice. Glad I found your channel. Instant Subbed

[@Roshanimani]

You ever going to do a video related to your various AR's / setups? Looks like you have a few different ones so I think it would be interesting to hear what you have to say about what you like / don't like about them.

[@Hoplopfheil]

Yep I plan to at some point.

[@dkba27]

I'm here for the brutal honesty.

[@jimhovater8755]

My wife and I both use Condor's SLIM battle belt. It's AWESOME. She uses a Safariland holster and medium drop UBL, while I use a Blackhawk Serpa with a Blackhawk medium drop jacket slot belt loop.

[@pirate604]

If you are concerned about velcro engagement you can used adhesive velcro strips on the clips/ belt loops of pouches to engage with the inner belt. I have done this with the various tecklocks that I use on my duty belt and it works very well.

[@Jackson480]

I started buying tier 1 holsters for my ccw and I absolutely love them. Started putting together my battle belt and went with a owb tier 1 and so far it’s pretty nice.

[@nelsonsridge]

Really informative video and it helped me make a decision. Thanks!

[@saltykrug]

Good info. I bought a cheap belt with a drop leg holster just to see what having a belt would be like and to help me decide what I really wanted when I bought a good one. Thanks for the help.

[@nickfitz9800]

Thanks for the honest info. Subbed.

[@cxmi7o]

Thanks for the content

[@NocturnalYetti]

How do you only have 4K subs? Keep up the quality... more of us will come