Your Belt Will Injure You. Best Battle And Duty Belts

[@IronInfidel]

Are you stuck carrying old style?

[@grassshadow1]

Yes. Basket weave. Collar brass. Brass catches on underbrush on tracks...reflecting when it shouldn't.

[@cainmarko335]

are you a fan of chest rig or plate carrier I hope you include that in your vidz someday

[@alexdavis3641]

Still required to wear leather duty gear and class A uniform on patrol, at my agency. We are the only agency in our County (a capital county mind you) that is still dressing this way. All other municipalities have made the switch.

[@blkstang4830]

Our large agency is stuck wearing a traditional uniform and leather duty belt. It will probably never change. I think it looks nice but not very comfortable for daily patrol. I’m lucky and work a special unit who gets to wear all the Gucci gear, but even we have to get into the regular patrol uniform from time to time. Hopefully we find a happy medium for all the guys at the tip of the spear and can keep a professional and functional look.

[@DC-bk6ep]

Yes, stuck with a battle over the Sam brown belts. Currently trying to get a medical waiver for a nylon style belt

[@mopesrus7266]

Mike, I retired from LE in 2018. Back when I started in LE basketweave leather in 2" was standard issue. Over the years, I had lower back problems. I started seeing a Chiropractor who was recommended by an officer friend from another agency. While in the chiropractor's office it never failed, I would always run into other LEO's who were there for the same lower back pains. Sometime in the late 90's equipment became more modernized and practical. Slowly the lower back issues went away. Since I retired, they've resolved completely. Life is good. Peace out.

[@IronInfidel]

Awesome man.

[@manofaction1807]

100% THIS! You don't get a VA Medical percentage for sitting on your ass. You can walk on water, and leap tall buildings in a single bound- but YOU are going to pay for the privilege. I've worn a LEO rig, and honestly I don't know how they do it.

[@alancranford3398]

Thanks for the education. I am retired and in my late sixties so this is mostly academic for me, but I try to learn new things daily. My battle gear included WW2 stuff because when I was a Marine some of the older issue was still "current issue," I had a mixed military career of 27 years over 35 years and also worked contract security for three decades. My military specialties ran through communications and electronic warfare, and I had significant work in logistics and small arms training. I used to have a leather Sam Brown but for a five-year armed security contract outside the USA my company provided a BDU-style uniform and nylon duty belts (Uncle Mikes) for our Beretta M9 pistols. Mission creep set in and the contract expanded from sixty armed guards to three times that number and we were also armed with M16A2 rifles with 120 rounds in magazines (and drove armored patrol vehicles with M60 machine guns). Add in a Motorola Sabre radio, handcuffs, MagLite, and flak jackets (later replaced by Interceptor body armor) plus helmet and gas mask and the nylon duty belt was injuring people. I got the contract to switch to the ALICE gear mostly on the grounds of cost. The BDU-style uniforms precluded using belt keepers. Without belt keepers, the thumb-break belt holsters required two hands to get at our pistols. The M12 holsters we could sign out for free and provided better weather protection to the pistol. Later, I deployed with a National Guard unit to Operation Iraqi Freedom II and our old ALICE gear was swapped for MOLLE during mobilization. We attached everything to our armor except for the gas mask carriers. I've seen local police and some on the Internet going to a load bearing vest. Mission creep is putting a lot more stuff on Barney Fife--he had a gunbelt and holstered revolvers (and one "bullet" in his shirt pocket). Today's law enforcement officer may have a pistol with 40 to 60 rounds in three magazines, an impact weapon, flashlight, cell phone, two-way radio, body cam, first aid kit (at least a bloodborne pathogen kit), handcuffs and flexcuffs, a multitool, possibly a magazine or two for the patrol rifle, possibly a TASER, a can of pepper spray, and the total gear weight may be in excess of 20 pounds. The old gunbelt was for no more than five pounds in the old days and the revolver was around two pounds with 18 rounds of 38 Special (perhaps another 10 ounces) and a set of handcuffs (another 12 ounces). Add in some keys and maybe a night stick and the old school leather Sam Brown belt was featherweight compared to what today's law enforcement officer carries. It's past time to rethink the entire battle belt concept. Seat belt use became common in the Seventies and mandatory in the Nineties but the duty belt and modern car seats are not compatible. There is an image problem--outfitting police with modern gear makes them look more like combat infantry than a night watchman. I'm lucky to be retired because my solution would be trading Batman's utility belt in for Sergeant Saunder's magic tanker jacket. The TV series COMBAT! followed an American infantry squad through France in 1944. Sergeant Saunders was the squad leader and he preached travelling light (excellent advice from a fictional sergeant). He did have a pistol belt for his .45, but everything else he needed was stashed inside his jacket, out of sight but with the magic of television quite handy--K-rations, binoculars, map, grenades, and when his tommy gun ran dry he'd pull a magazine out of his coat and reload. Putting a cover garment over the vest can hide all the junk for a more "officer friendly" appearance while spreading out the weight and organizing the gear better. As I said, I'm retired and lucky to be retired--someone will gripe that it makes the officers look rotund instead of sleek and sexy. Taking a page from the old trench coat, attachment points more modern than the old D-rings could be used to clip on additional gear as required. Thanks. I learned something. Perhaps my suggestions are useful.

[@IronInfidel]

No problem hope you are enjoying life.

[@Toms2ATime]

I finally made the switch from my old battle belt...just started running the Kore.. luckily, I don't have to worry about patrol vehicles anymore.

[@knewsome69]

Love my Kore! Nothing like an adjustable buckle going through the day!

[@IronInfidel]

Nice

[@Whiskey11Gaming]

My agency has no belt style requirement beyond it being black and pouches on it must match. We have molle outer vest carriers. My duty belt is an "old" 2" leather belt but without the buckle (Velcro with hooks) but it only carries my Taser, Tourniquet (mounted on the Taser holster), and my Glock G45. Vest carrier has everything else on it, including 2 AR mags. Used to wear rifle plates, but I tweaked my lower back years ago and that came back as siatica about 7 months ago. Pulled the plates out and am back to Kevlar....

[@IronInfidel]

That is honestly the better way to go with just matching to belt since different kit fits people different.

[@Whiskey11Gaming]

@IronInfidel my current department is far more open to officer choice in gear than the previous was, for sure, but there are oddities. The OVC being unique is fine but our handcuff pouches have to be covered because exposed handcuffs or hanging cuffs is "too aggressive". More likely that certain policy changed quicker and it hasn't been changed yet. It's not enforced. Pretty much everyone at the department runs the same HSGI pouches on our OVC and in almost the same places. I've talked to a few officers about moving pouches so they can go prone easier and some made minor changes, but there is no layout or gear requirement on the OVC.

[@chrislyons5031]

@IronInfidel love the content very informative. Side bar that red square body in the background is bad ass. Keep up the great content sir.

[@IronInfidel]

Much appreciated.

[@rustytaylor7708]

10-4 on the square body first thing I noticed lol.

[@Paul_Howe0216]

I wish I had this info when I was still working. I retired in 2022, before I retired I started suffering from lower back and "holster hip" as my doctor referrred to it. I switched over to SafeLife Defense which was a great belt but still 2". I also started wearing a "suspender type system" that could be work over or under the uniform. It helped alot, I also petitioned our uniform committee for load bearing vests/carriers systems. Our agency was still issuing 2" nylon belts when I retired. I've been out for almost a year and a half and there still discussing the vests. Govt. work is slow, but you already know that.

[@IronInfidel]

Yup, All of that stuff can cause a big issue.

[@jonathanrockstar1]

Good video. Department still issues 2" leather for the academy with all leather pouches. After the academy, issued bladetech plastic pouches and few get blue alpha gear battle belts. Not enough to go around. Allowed to wear whatever belt you want as long as its black.

[@IronInfidel]

Sounds like your department is in the process of making the move towards modern gear. I'm a fan of the plastic pouches - super comfortable and durable!

[@alfredrobinson184]

Ditched the leather years ago and used the regular nylon style belt. Recently switched to the Blue Alpha 2” molle duty belt lite. Absolutely love it.

[@IronInfidel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@thatdude5322]

I have absolutely no ass whatsoever, like a cellphone in my pocket makes my pants sag.. so my most comfortable way to rock a “battle belt” is the old 2 piece thick belt with suspenders

[@IronInfidel]

Yup those help as well

[@bmo6475]

Bbl?

[@Ashton_Speaks]

And squats. Never seen a person with no butt who can squat 400+ pounds.

[@RocksNRuts4]

@@Ashton_Speaks also take Noassatol pills !

[@blackbeard0323]

Generally, the issue lies in your hips not back. Belt + gear pushed the hips forward, the vest/plates further arch your flex the back and over rotate the back. Then the belt with all the gear pushes the hip forward even more plus all the pressure points/nerves the belt compresses while sitting in your ride. However, yes your belt recommendation is valid.

[@IronInfidel]

Hips cause back injuries . It all works in unison.

[@blackbeard0323]

@IronInfidel is true, but you have to identify the problem source area, or you are constantly focused on the back and never address the source of the problem. I don't know how long I went thinking my back was the problem. Once I got my hips right and started stretching, focused on hips, then my back issues went away. Is the same for many of my co-workers.

[@TTime685]

My legs go numb just sitting on the toilet for 5 minutes.. I couldnt imagine trying to walk after sitting in patrol car wearing a 2"+ duty belt for 20-30 minutes at a time

[@IronInfidel]

I know right

[@175jfs5]

And now you have "kids" wearing full tactical vests to carry everything on duty. If they fall in a fight or in any body of water deeper than 3 feet they are toast.

[@IronInfidel]

I'm not a huge fan of overly loaded carriers

[@johnklabechek8470]

I remember when we changed out our leather for new leather every year, that belt looked like a Indy car road course!

[@IronInfidel]

Ahahahahh.

[@AngryGunNut11]

Went to nylon belts and IOTV style carriers with plates under previous chief LEO. Now we are returning to 2.25 inch basketweave leather under the new agency head.😢

[@IronInfidel]

Oh my lord.

[@twiggybones7040]

I dig that truck. I think my dad had one. ‘83 or ‘86? Something of that realm.

[@IronInfidel]

Thanks that's a 78

[@andrewcopeland1517]

Defense mechanisms belt. Has molle on the inside so it looks smooth. Super light, thin and sturdy

[@IronInfidel]

Yup its great

[@dalestark3343]

Nice! Good video Mike.

[@IronInfidel]

Much appreciated.

[@joesavoca5959]

So why can't we wear a 1.75 leather duty belt for a compromise? Why does it have to be nylon?

[@IronInfidel]

Material isn't per say the issue its more weight, width and load bearing ability. Leather is just not a great option compared to other materials.

[@rickbowden809]

You mean to tell me that wearing a 2.25 inch black basket weave gun belt for my entire career……is the reason I now have laminectomys from L2-L5 and fusion at L4-L5. Damn it !!!!!! Who woulda thought !!!

[@IronInfidel]

Yup, definitely part of why for sure.

[@johnmacias01]

Awesome information bruh! Thanks

[@IronInfidel]

No problem 👍

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

I was told for the military, they use 2 inch + belt because their issued pants and their belt loop size? Is that true? *edit, maybe i'm mistaken. I checked company like Ronin . They use 1.75" belt, but they offer standard 2 inch inner belt because of military pants. So I guess military does use 1.75" outer belt.

[@TheTopherloaf]

I am not law enforcement but this raises a question I find thought provoking; what do you recommend for the Texas Rangers where the leather “Ranger” belt is part of the look, daily, on purpose? This may be a can of worms but, I’m curious to what they could switch to and still maintain the look.

[@IronInfidel]

Well aome agencies are fashion over function. Keep the hats uodate the belts.

[@TheTopherloaf]

@@IronInfidel I agree. And holsters. Leather break opens? Don't get me wrong, love my Rangers and the look is cool but....needs a practical update. Heck, with modern manufacturing of textiles, I'm surprised there isn't already a replacement that looks the part. Just my open thoughts. Great video, great content on both channels!

[@oscarr8415]

A lot of agencies are very specific to what type of belts are available for officers. The belts that you are using for your videos are more for tactical teams, not your typical beat cop. My previous agency did resort to load bearing vest towards the end of my time there.

[@IronInfidel]

Many agencies are stuck in the past.

[@RocksNRuts4]

that HR notice part was interesting....I was avoiding cobras evn tho I know that r better, the military plastic style is ez n comfortable but maybe Ill give in lol. cops gotta look at the military our gear updates through time, n for the better.

[@IronInfidel]

Gear changes.

[@RocksNRuts4]

@@IronInfidel i was so jealous of the gear Infanrty had after I got out...

[@charlesl5226]

Cobra or alpine buckle is a great choice.

[@IronInfidel]

yes.

[@МихаилАгафонов-л4с]

Does anybody know where Alex is gone? Is he ok?

[@IronInfidel]

Well Alex is living life. He just needed help running the channel with all the day to day operations for the company.

[@thePrussian]

You mean I can ditch the LBE setup (except for competing in classic division)? What’s the most durable brands for Brutality type matches?

[@IronInfidel]

Aws gear, hsgi

[@thePrussian]

@@IronInfidel thanks brother

[@WisSota_Boy]

Mike I’d like to see you do a review on the new HSGI Elastic pouches.

[@IronInfidel]

I have some in now and they are solid. I will be doing some kit videos coming up.

[@WisSota_Boy]

@@IronInfidel awesome. Looking forward to seeing the review!

[@Peter_LaGreca]

I wonder if, with the right proofs, it might be considered a reasonable accommodation under some states’ discrimination statutes.

[@IronInfidel]

I am sure if you talk to the right people at HR changes will be made.

[@UmiDgaf]

what type of belt would you recommended ?

[@danielsimpson1225]

Great content! How do you feel about the blue alpha gear battle belt lite?

[@IronInfidel]

I ran one for a bit its light but I still prefer the beefier ones.

[@mikev8075]

Hey,off topic but what optic was mike running on his AR?

[@IronInfidel]

Holosun SCS

[@unlikemuffin4439]

@IronInfidel how are you setting up your outer vest for patrol (not SWAT call-outs)?

[@IronInfidel]

Heavy armor is set up much differently. It really depends on if you are talking plate carrier kind of kit or full heavy armor with shoulder, side armor and pelvic protection.

[@unlikemuffin4439]

@IronInfidel correct. The soft armor patrol vest is what I'm having trouble with finding ideal setup. Sometimes it feels more cumbersome than my plate carrier.

[@GS-PR1]

Man! That Glock looks good! (SMART GUY) KEEP IT up Brother great video like always

[@IronInfidel]

Much appreciated.

[@evox8632]

What comp is that on the AR ?

[@IronInfidel]

Jmac Keymo muzzle device.

[@jmatt1981]

I can’t wait for the new Agilite Magnetix belt to drop.

[@IronInfidel]

I need to test one

[@ltx383]

I love the content but man im a Nissan fanboy. Can you do a video on your truck and how you like it.

[@IronInfidel]

Coming soon! I need to get it rigged up all the way.

[@DavidOrtiz-b5t]

Still wearing 2 1/2" Sam Brown. Recently approved for LBV with mle battle belt throughwork placeaccommodations. Your video will help in effort to have battle belt approved for all. Thank you.

[@IronInfidel]

That is literally the worst option in the market.

[@Sdukes001]

Love my blue alpha belt top notch 👌🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@IronInfidel]

Great Stuff.

[@Itsdamnitjeremy]

Looks like I need to lose my 2 inch belt and get a 1.75 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@IronInfidel]

It's way more comfortable

[@jasonmcclish2580]

Nice pickup. 79 c10 ?

[@IronInfidel]

Close eye that one is a 78

[@jasonmcclish2580]

@@IronInfidel very nice. I had a 79 c10 step side .

[@jayt5346]

Psoas syndrome is a symptom of crappy usmc battle belts

[@IronInfidel]

Truth.

[@yomamasbeefcurtains]

Even better than a Cobra is a ratchet belt. Those who have Kore belts know. I’ve been wearing their EDC belt for 2 years and recently bought their 1.75” 2 piece battle belt for my school security job to replace a Wilder Tactical cobra belt that I hated due to sizing issues and lack of support, and let me say, it made a world of difference!

[@arlissyoung8899]

I love my Kore belts. I been using them for 3 or 4 years now and they are great belts.

[@yomamasbeefcurtains]

@@arlissyoung8899 Yes they are. Everyone wants to screech about shills until you try one…

[@IronInfidel]

They are good for edc but that belt style isn't great for duty work. I tried it failed

[@yomamasbeefcurtains]

@@IronInfidel Really? What issues did you see? Were you using the 1-piece or 2-piece?

[@arlissyoung8899]

@@IronInfidel That's what I use them for EDC not duty / service.

[@Lead_Ache_5]

It's government and always the cheapest.

[@IronInfidel]

For the most part yes.

[@sniper161718]

Department brass... has left the chat

[@IronInfidel]

Truth

[@sniper161718]

@@IronInfidel I was an instructor and I tried for years and all on deaf ears

[@MichaelPCarr10]

H harness Vietnam You’re welcome

[@IronInfidel]

Old school for sure

[@cornejo1931]

Shit we're still wearing uncle Mike's shit

[@IronInfidel]

Jesus you are kidding right.

[@cornejo1931]

Yeah man I work contract currently on an ICE CONTRACT ...we can only wear issued gear

[@paul7754]

I'm not nor ever have been LE but I would think that LE groups across the country would have moved to the vest/PC type equipment set up like the military did in the early 2000's. Vests are so much easier for vehicle exit/entry patrol and the physical activity requirements of the job. I would think LE officers would only like to wear the weapon (handgun) and a few mags on the belt - minimizing the weight and discomfort while vehicle mounted.

[@Whiskey11Gaming]

A lot of agencies have. Mine and my former department both have. The former department was a surprise given how much push back we received before I left. My current one had them before I came here. My duty belt has my Taser, Tourniquet (mounted on Taser holster), and handgun on it. Vest carrier has everything else, including two AR magazines.

[@IronInfidel]

Many agencies have. Problem is most people over load them and cannot get over a 4 foot fence .

[@resolute123]

What spurred you to do this video all of a sudden? Not that I'm complaining.

[@IronInfidel]

Well it's something I did some research on for my agency a while back and they allowed new belts. Thought I'd share

[@waterhead1359]

Yes doing that will get new gear and fired lol

[@IronInfidel]

I'm still around.

[@marklyons4999]

Hard to kill sacred cows

[@IronInfidel]

So true

[@joshuastenzel8101]

I think I’m done with these videos with these montages of shooting and running around, reloading and shit all geared up waist down but their coolest shmedium t-shirt. Where’s the video of standing around for 10 fucking hours? Maybe sitting during a lunch break?

[@IronInfidel]

Actually that shirt is an XXL but thanks for noticing. LOL.