The Groove Life Belt - a review from a bigger guy

[@kasenlambeth4537]

Big guy here (6'2", 300 lbs). I use one of these belts for EDC of my firearms (J-frame airweight, Colt King Cobra 3 in, springfield hellcat w/ holosun 507k and olight PL2). This is easily my favorite carry belt for OWB and IWB. I like to pair it with a versacarry leather holster for OWB, or a quality kydex for IWB. I have even used this belt for heavy pistols such as a long slide m1911 and a 686. Once you properly size and adjust the belt, your pants and weapon always stay in place. You don't sweat like you would a heavy leather belt, and you don't deal with the "stretching" or maladjustment of the belt when you wear it. at $60.00 and with many colors to choose from, I find it to be a versatile belt, suitable for formal and informal wear. When wearing it, the belt contours to your body and stays put. I have other belts such as NEXBelt, Heavy leather magpul belts, etc., but they are now relegated to range day. The only con is that the belt can "scratch" in that if it brushes against something rough it leaves an imprint.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Excellent feedback Kasen! I've been wearing mine since I did this video and like it more and more it seems. Thanks for watching!!

[@kasenlambeth4537]

@@HillbillyMusings Thanks!

[@tizben]

Wait,I don't get it. If it's stretchy for the belt, how does the elasticity help the pants stay in place if it stretches? Shouldn't start pulling your pants down if it's loaded with equipment if there is some give on the belt?

[@dylnfstr]

I know this is a year later, but do you still stand by your comment? I used to wear a Kore Essentials belt and it worked great for many years but the ratchet system broke so I replaced the belt in a different color and it was never the same. It either kept my pants up or supported my concealed carry, NEVER both. I then bought a Blue Alpha Gear low profile edc belt and it has never been comfortable. I'm looking for a new belt so that I can carry more comfortably without my gut being stabbed by a buckle and hurting like hell within a couple hours and be able to both hold up my pants and my firearm.

[@buckeyeblaster]

I appreciate your unbiased review! I have yet to see anyone discuss the cons of this belt until now. Not that its a bad belt, but its important to know how elastic it really is while equipped.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!

[@wbwills2]

A little thicker and it would be better. IWB leather holster with snaps & straps or something like a cnc’d or good fitting,barrels & flowers or something on Amazon and some soft loops with 365xl is what I’m looking to try with this and comfort for no gun if that doesn’t work. Magnets and belt tag in back is good idea. Kydex holster with scrap leather glued on back. Start with too big and let it find its own shape before trimming too much. Larger oval. Just an opinion. , rough out if you want it not to move flip it if you want small adjustments.

[@ladytejas]

Yeah! How refreshing your video is. I so appreciate that you have a Hanks belt. This alone adds an incalculable amount of validity to your review. And that you’re a regular guy. Sure, the cosmetic muscle fellas have some helpful, informative videos. But I feel that you bring a relatable perspective to this topic. Thank you.

[@HillbillyMusings]

I appreciate the kind words and Thanks for watching!!

[@derekslifer7774]

Love your honesty, it hard out here for us big guys especially reviews in this type of field.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@lukeouellette9739]

hard to find a review video that isn’t a paid promotion😂 thanks for the video. i’ve broken 2 crappy belts in the past 6 months and i want something that’ll last but that’s still comfortable for work. this looks nice, i think i’ll try it out

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@shawng6415]

This has to be the best review on the net for this belt. Thx man.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for the nice comment! I need to do a follow up, I've been wearing mine pretty much non-stop since I did the video and it's working fine. Thanks for watching!!

[@MalaklypsetheElder]

Actually bought this to use it as a lightweight low-profile low-vis EDC carry belt for in the waistband carry but I decided to just wear it as a regular belt and I've been wearing it over a year now. I like the idea this belt and I like the way it feels but I have to say if you're someone like me who's got some extra padding like the creator of this video and you doing a lot of sitting up standing sitting down getting in and out of cars this thing does not stay tight it just slips back to a point a couple millimeters or more from where you had it set for a good tightness or a good snug setting. I've seen other people talked about using like Ranger bands in addition to the nonsense little band they put on this thing that doesn't do anything to keep it from slipping back but I haven't gone that route yet. It is an extremely comfortable belt and I love it but anytime I sit down stand up I have to readjust this thing with means unbuckling and messing with my belt in the workplace or in a public place and it's literally the biggest nuisance. I honestly think I should have just taking my money and bought like a blue Alpha gear velcro style Viper clip or something else maybe an extra next Bell which is an excellent carybell although not that comfortable because this thing is just such a hassle it's unbelievable. I kind of thought I had to break the thing in for a while which is why I never contacted the company and I just sorta waited too long probably passed the return policy stipulated date or the time frame to do a return exchange so I never ended up contacting the company about the problem and at this point I just wear it as the stupid belt that I throw on for work that I know is a hassle but at least it's comfortable and I just have to mess with it all day long and I've just kind of learned to live with it but it's not a belt I would recommend it's just it's just nonsense and it does not work the way they told you it works as far as staying tight. I don't understand how anyone can use this thing expected to stay tight. The upside that I did not mention yet is that this is very easy to unlatch and remove as compared to other belts and with all belts or waist accessories like this it makes an excellent and quite dangerous impromptu improvised weapon if one would take it off and swing it at an opponent. I never really here a lot of people talk about this much in the EDC your self-defense world but I learned about this years ago when I read Paul Baylor's book Mercenary, and a story about two Marine Corps infantry who had to go into a bar somewhere in the Philippines to stop a bar fight and retrieve their fellow Marines who were being badly beaten in this particular establishment. The story plays out that the two marines came in took off their dress standard issue belts with the wide metal belt buckles and use those things as some of the most lethal swinging weapons with range to beat off any attackers or people engaged in this fight so that they can retrieve their fellow Marines. A belt is an excellent impromptu weapon if you don't have anything else on you and it also provides distance and range from your opponent combined with the ability to inflict some pretty serious lacerations especially if you hit someone in the hand face head or neck.

[@HillbillyMusings]

I'm actually having the exact same issue with mine, where it'll slip about half and in or so throughout the course of the day. I tried wrapping some Gorilla tape around it and it did hold for a while but then started slipping again. Agree 100% they need to find a solution for that, some sort of locking buckle or something possibly. I did contact Groove about it and they did acknowledge it was a 'known' issue with bigger guys. They didn't have a fix, but they did send me a $65 coupon for their website which paid for an extra belt. Gotta give them a thumbs up for their customer service. Thanks for watching!!

[@FrozenRev]

I've only bought department store belts (the last of which broke yesterday) and hadn't heard of Hanks. I can tell from this review that the Groove belt isn't what I need for carrying stuff, and I am now looking at the Hanks options. Thanks.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Absolutely can't go wrong with a Hanks. thanks for watching!!

[@SinfulGFX]

I'm around 250lbs 6'6" and I don't use or carry a holster so no extra weight on the waist. I was thinking about picking this belt up and giving it a try since I've been using another gimmick belt for years called the Slidebelt which worked great for a while but I have been having issues with it for the last year so was looking for a good belt to replace it. I appreciate you taking the time to review this belt. Also have you tried the Slidebelt yet, it may be more up your alley since you use a holster and the belt uses a sort of ratchet system to adjust the waist and it doesn't loosen unless you want it to. The issue I had with it was that when they first came out they used real leather which made the belt last 3-5 years but now they're made with imitation leather which break down every 1-2 years.

[@HillbillyMusings]

I appreciate the comment! I will definitely check out the Slidebelt. So far, the Groove continues to work out pretty good for me, it's not perfect but it is definitely comfortable for summer pocket carry so far. I love that it 'stretches' with me throughout the day, much less buckle bite by the end of the day. Thanks for watching!!

[@chriscowles3743]

Did you buy the groove belt? If so, how do you like it? I'm 6'5 230 and I'm thinking of buying this belt.

[@jsfbay1]

In a comment (I think) he said he kept it. He may have a follow up video, I haven't checked yet.@@chriscowles3743

[@jonathanklassy7275]

Excellent video! Thank you. Also congrats on the weight loss thus far!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jsfbay1]

Great video! I've been contemplating one of these for a couple months now. Today I was looking around and saw something called "Grip6" and wondered if you had heard of that brand? It doesn't do what this belt does, and you do have to "re-size" it every time you need to take your pants down (no harder really than picking a hole on a regular belt, but there are no holes so it's infinitely adjustable.) It's "only" $39.99, but since it doesn't do the stretch thing, I'll probably get the Groove belt. Thanks again.

[@HillbillyMusings]

I'm still wearing the Groove just about every day now and it seems to be working good. Once in a while I have to tighten it up a little as it 'slips' occasionally. I need to make a follow up video at some point. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!!

[@wbwills2]

⁠​⁠@@HillbillyMusingsthought about putting a couple stitches in the belt .2-3 close to the buckle would keep it from slipping I think. & could snip the thread and if you have to adjust it. I’m waiting for the belt to go on sale again. $39 last Valentine’s Day sale. Do it then because they sell rings..maybe.?.

[@nozoki11]

100% agree with the cinching of the belt. 17:06 Big guys need that option. I don't like the lack of thickness . I'm now going to look at Hank's belts lol Thanks

[@HillbillyMusings]

Can't go wrong with Hanks, I wear the Xtreme I believe is what they call it. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!!

[@davidgedigian5270]

Have you tried to thread the adjustable end in a reverse manner so that the tail is on the exterior rather than the inside? I’m thinking that would allow a better degree of on the fly adjustment. Your thoughts?

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thats a really good idea, I may try that! Thanks for watching!!

[@jamesmcroy8970]

very good video. you expressed all my concerns. I am not a big guy but have a little belly and like to adjust my belts up or down on the fly depending if I am walking or just finished eating a big meal. I think I will get the belt but am skeptical. Thank-you

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching Mr McRoy! Let me know how you like the belt.

[@markchristy9704]

First thought: "Hey, he's built like me! What are his thoughts on this belt?" Thanks for your thoughts. You mention not feeling like it had good security for an OWB holster. What about IWB? Do you think it would work any better in that case? Thanks!

[@HillbillyMusings]

thanks for the comment! I honestly never carry IWB, so I can't give a good honest opinion on how good it feels. With that said, I "think" it may work out ok though giving the extra support from your waistband?

[@EUSA1776]

Just ordered one of these to carry w my Glock 45, I carry IWB for the most part. Really I just needed something to keep my pants up while carrying my holster. Think this should work just fine, I have thicker leather belts for OWB and I usually only open carry like that on certain occasions anyway.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!

[@lesgarten]

@Hillbilly Musings I use Anson, have you used one of those?

[@HillbillyMusings]

I haven't tried an Anson, but a quick Google shows they look interesting. I'll check them out. Thanks for watching!!

[@lesgarten]

@@HillbillyMusings They dont have these problems

[@martinsamuel3444]

I am a skinny guy and my groove belt buckle unlocks when I bend over sometimes at work. Otherwise it is nice with shorts but I do not carry with it.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@relaxandsleeptime5769]

I was 250 at 5'6''-5'7'' i got down to 190 im back around 215 im looking for a new belt because I got belt rashes under my gut and its annoying.

[@HillbillyMusings]

The Groove belt is still going strong for me. Occasionally it'll "slip:" a little at the adjustment and I have to tighten it back up again. Other than that it's working nicely. Thanks for watching!!

[@abelacosta6593]

If you don’t mind, what is your pant size, so can use for comparison .. thanks

[@HillbillyMusings]

Typically I wear a size 40 waist. Thanks for watching!

[@gwaccola]

Just tried mine this morning. I like it!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@lorianntaylor8394]

My husband is not a small guy & has a great non flat butt. However, I really don't want half of it on display every time he bends over. We keep buying belts that look tight all the way around (as crazy as that sounds). They seem to only hold his pants up in the front 🤷... Did this belt totally work all the way around & keep you from flashing folks or only keep your pants up in "the front" so to speak? Thank you in advance for your response!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Well I have no butt to speak of, totally flat :( But with that said this belt is the best one I've had to keep me from assaulting the vision of others when I'm bending over. thanks for watching!!

[@andrewzy]

Would it work good with Tactical pants and Uniform shirt tucked in ? Im looking to buy one. Im a Dispatcher and sitting for long oeriods of time i need a comfy belt that keeps a good hold

[@HillbillyMusings]

I wear it with my Apex 5.11 pants and it seems to work fine. I actually prefer it when sitting as it will 'stretch' to accomodate my big belly. Less buckle pinch throughout the day. Thanks for watching!!

[@andrewzy]

@@HillbillyMusings would my uniform shirt come out if it stretches out

[@HillbillyMusings]

@@andrewzy Yep, it will. But have you heard of a Shirt Keeper?? if you haven't and you're a bigger guy, they are a god send. Here are a couple of links to two I've used both with good results: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081QKHCFX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@HillbillyMusings]

and this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07257XTLF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@happyguy1148]

Thanks for the great review

[@HillbillyMusings]

My pleasure! a 6 month follow up is coming soon. Thanks for watching!!

[@chrispysaid]

bigger guy here, I love mine so far!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@joeym6730]

Good review. Thank you!

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching Joey!!

[@jachoreefer]

Try the kore essentials is a pretty good belt, maybe for you?

[@HillbillyMusings]

I've heard some good things about the Kore, I may check them out. Thanks for watching!!

[@NaturallyGourgeous]

Does it roll out of place? Considering buying this for my husband

[@HillbillyMusings]

Hi Luciane, sorry for delay in my reply. The short answer is no, it doesn't roll out of place for me. But I have noticed sometimes my cargo shorts will occasionally pull out from under the belt in front. Probably because I wear them so loose. Thanks for watching!!

[@danielsmith-kp3ce]

I appreciated the Arkansas math comment lol being from Arkansas I totally felt that 10:58

[@HillbillyMusings]

:) Thanks for watching!!

[@HamiltonOutdoors]

That's a great looking belt

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching Rob!!

[@wbwills2]

Yo hillbilly.liked & subscribed. I’m into guns & stuff like to. I am not in perfect shape right now either but on the down slope . I am going to try this belt out. The gun thing with it is secondary right now. I want to be comfortable & work on my (& my daughters day to day diet & health) I’m around 5’10”have been up over 230 before.right now 210 maybe. Just like you& everyone else on earth getting older.52. Not planning on lifting weights or anything but going to get more active. Simple wide leg squats & things I was reading about yesterday on Mayo Clinic site. Maybe an add or something. It was simply a grid of cubes that had drawings of women with age groups 42-46,46-48 ect. Was looking up some dam side effects of a laxative it took that might have been a little too strong. Eating too much pizza and fast food that 10 yo daughter likes and not enough apples ect. My name is Burke.Got my girl Mary a iPod & now I have a cat with dots on it & a girls name. Who knows what she’s done in settings but to have your own account you have to be 13.?.?.not going to teach her lying about-age or anything-else is ok. Enoughof that. I just want to get pants that are looser & them not come down. Fish & had a pair of “wrangler angler”tan pants. They were comfortable as could be with cool pockets on them. They still make them I am pretty sure.they had a short(4” or so) of elastic on each side. I had more of a rear end & was in good shape then.just dressy looking enough to wear to church in a pinch & go fish below a dam afterwards. They might be dated style wise with pleat or 2 in front.?.I’ll have to ask my 2 nieces & nephew about that.comfort was 2nd only to overalls.My younger brother is 49ish loaded,in good shape,has a wife of 20-25 years that has a body of a cheerleader . I don’t notice any more but that was hard not to look at when they first got together. Were all human. Any they work at it more than me so that makes sense. the LCP 22 is mor accurate and reliable than you might believe. Just saying.. don’t know if you are 380 but we tend to go with the “experts “advice on gun stuff. I don’t want to be shot with a BB gun. Have & it doesn’t feel good. I took mine out of the box & shot most of a brick of cci mini mags .no clean,other than wipe off exterior & brushed the barrel twice I think. I don’t like mag disconnect & bought a Sigurd short reset trigger & the springs SS guide rod ect. Should have left it alone.Boogerd up a roll pin or 2 working with the wrong tools tired & It’s now in pieces in a cigar box. For a year.?. Will get it together ASAP. This is all over the place at this point. A few opinions..Takem or leavem,brother is fit but as a little gut like most ppl get when they get older. He loves golf. Daily (likes guns too but I’m not getting back into that.except the fact he gave me a S&W 66-2 ,2.5 “ a good while ago after I showed him my Glock 33 with night sights.he went all simi auto m& p on me. I don’t care for glocks personally,striker fired I’m trying to get comfortable with in general.sig365xl.)he wears a nice underarmer grey golf shirt or similar over the top of overalls and swears by it. Game improvement,comfort & doesn’t look bad. His buddies never noticed. .another thing. Years ago I read never self degrigate .say I apologize rather than I’m sorry & such. & your certainly not disgusting. I wouldn’t say that even when I am at times. I have been working with that advice for many years & thought my little girl. Subconsciously it’s bad to put your self down.?.it can’t hurt right.?.& holsters. Don’t have one yet but shop them more than guns. Or as much some times. R.grizzle leather in ga.GS2 is my next purchase. Snaps on /off. I have Garrett industries stx,not 2.0 version,w snaps & snaps for the chunk of SS I mentioned. W vz smooth 320s I can wear it with kore nylon ,leather would probably have been fine. My CabEllis roller buckle leather belt I got before I got gun crazy almost did the job & it was old. Respond & I’ll tell more if you like. Older video & it’s almost time for school. Woke up early & getting after it today. Take care & get back to me if you want. Later

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for the sub and comments. Hope the belt works out ok for you! Thanks for watching!!

[@wbwills2]

@@HillbillyMusings thanks for getting back w me. I’ll let you know how it works out. $ is tight right now but I’ll afford one soon.

[@donald6837]

my groovy belt buckle keeps popping open. my stomach is making it open and I am larger (220) but not huge.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Can't say I've ever had this one pop open, and with a big belly like mine it's seem some stress. Call Groove, you may have a defective one? Thanks for watching!!

[@andyzamboknee]

How does the Groove do as far as 'stabbing the gut?' I tried the Magbelt 2 and liked it but it's buckle is so thin that it was 'cutting' into my belly overhang. And for that matter, how does Hanks belt do for this as well? Thanks for the video

[@HillbillyMusings]

Hi Andy. The Groove isn't bad actually. The edges are somewhat rounded, plus the elasticity of the belt gives some relief from 'gut stabbing' (I like that term btw!) since it'll let the buckle tilt a little. The Hanks is actually pretty comfortable too, using a well rounded buckle that is just a bit wider than the belt itself helps. For what it's worth, I've been wearing the Groove almost exclusively since I did this video with good results, although keep in mind not using it for a holster. Just a key ring and leatherman most days. Thanks for watching!

[@Ganimeworld]

This is a good question, I was wondering the exact same thing.

[@jonathangutierrez9624]

I own this belt and am a big guy as well. The belt WILL cut into your gut if you wear it below the stomach like I do. I have to be constantly adjusting the belt while I wear it so it isnt cutting me. When it comes to the belt staying the same size, it doesn't anymore. Ive had it for almost 2 years and every day it ends at a different size. I do in home sales and wear a tape measure at my belt. The tape measure loosens the belt and starts pulling down my pants. So if you pull out the tape measure during a home visit, your pants will be drooping due to the tape measure stretching it out. Ends up giving you a wedgy. Overall, I love the look and convenience of belt. After 2 years belt looks like it was brand new. Worth the price for the durability. For bigger guys, it can be very uncomfortable as it cuts into your stomach. Cleaning is not as easy. Washing it with a toothbrush will get the outside fibers, but the belt needs to be streched to clean the inner fibers. Very difficult to do. I give this belt a 7 out of 10.

[@jasonfreitas6845]

Thought that was my dog. I paused the video. Before you said that.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Many times my dog has heard a dog on KZbin and went running outside to say hi :) Thanks for watching!!

[@deshawn8162]

Buckle is too big and wont fit thru for my holster and buckle un locks to easy. Congrats on the weight loss. Keep going.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Senator-Wary]

I carry a full sized handgun with a light unfortunately the weight makes it loosen slightly making it flop a little but without the holster it works great for me

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@paulvega9893]

Thanks for the Hillbilly truth.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Thanks for watching!!

[@robertwhite386]

If it’s leather maybe it’s stretching cause it’s warming up.

[@HillbillyMusings]

I'm sure my massive gut isn't helping things either :) Thanks for watching!!

[@robertwhite386]

I’ve been looking for a new belt to replace my duty belt. It’s just to heavy. And it honestly stops me from bending over. I think it’s cause the duty belt is vary ridged and hard to bend. Just wish there was something I could hang all my kit on and still give me a range of motions

[@brentreeve7554]

@@robertwhite386 look into biothane belts. They're my favorite by far and have bought 2 (only because I unfortunately outgrew the 1st). I’m only considering these Grooves because a few patients like them a lot, and because I was intrigued by the flexibility/stretch of them whether or not they'd be good for patient care and still EDC.

[@jonathanmcvay4499]

How about the fact this belt is embarrassingly ugly? It’s the Crocs of belts.

[@HillbillyMusings]

I'll admit it ain't the best looking, but I've seen worse :) And I admit Crocs are ugly but I wear them too...sometimes with socks!! Thanks for watching!!

[@jesseorozco5030]

It’s meant to hold your pants up, not get you a date lol