Concerns about carry belts which won't open under a load...

[Aglifter]

AKA, how tough is "scuba webbing"?

I need some smaller belts, and while I've usually used Wilderness tactical for work - easy to clean, etc - I've been thinking about getting an Ares belt.

But, I'm a bit concerned about getting stuck by one - how do you get it off? Can shears cut scuba webbing?

(Note to self: get more of those, and stock them in various places around the plant.)

[Jered]

Something like Comp-Tac's belt?

[Aglifter]

Link

[Yogimus]

A guy around these parts uses seatbelts reinforced with a plastic spine for home made web gear. Looks ugly as sin, but seems to be functional.

[Aglifter]

By smaller, I mean I dropped 95# from last year at this time, and I bought another Wilderness tactical belt - which is too big, again - and I need a replacement.

All my pants, except my dress ones, take 1.75" belts.

Its not that I'm concerned about it opening under a load - its that I was concerned about being snagged, and not being able to get free - I REALLY, REALLY don't like being stuck. Its one of those "monkey" triggers on me, which instills panic.

I suppose what I really think I might like is something like a Brass Monkey Competition Belt, which I could shed when I run in someplace where I can't carry - although I'm usually changing for those anyway.

I used to carry snap holsters, but those seem to wear out, and not hold as well as the Phantom style holsters.

[Yogimus]

It seems to me that your problem is a quick release, over belt strength. Any belt worth its salt would be strong enough to hang yourself with. If it is a work related belt requirement, (as opposed to dress belts) I would recommend military surplus. They have a quick latch release.

http://www.amazon.com/Quick-Release-Gai ... B000Y4M9WE

(googled quick release belt)

[JAG2955]

So you want it to not open under a load, but still be able to release yourself if your belt is snagged? Because a cobra buckle on there will not release if there is tension on the belt. I'd think that's not what you'd want on there if that's your concern.

[Aglifter]

Sorry - its a confusing thread title.

Ares, and Wilderness both, advertise how their belts won't open under a load - the Ares certainly will not.

In my life, it is much more likely that I might become snagged, and unable to open the buckle, than having to use my belt as an improvised emergency harness.

So, I was seeking information from people with either experience working with such buckles, and how to get out of them, or people familiar with cutting the material use to make the belts.

[TheIrishman]

I have the Ares Ranger belt. No, the cobra buckle will not open under load. Remember though, the buckle is not attached to the scuba webbing. It is a attached to the much lighter webbing surrounding the scuba webbing. The other issue is lacing the belt through your loops. It's not too wide to fit through any belt loops I have, but the buckle must be removed from the adjustment end to lace it. As for rigidity, it don't budge. I hung 6 loaded AR mags and a pistol with 2 mags on it and it didn't flex at all.

[Termite]

Heavy weight webbing is very difficult to cut with a knife..........

A serrated Spyderco Endura, Police, Military, MAriner(now called the Rescue), or even the Delica(with effort) will cut heavy webbing or thick rope easily. However, except for the Mariner/Rescue, there is also the chance that you will stab yourself while sliding it under your belt.

A seat belt cutter like firemen/paramedics carry is generally better.