It’s ok, I can admit it; I’m rocking the dad bod. Although I am totally killing it, there is one inherent problem dad bods suffer—finding a solid concealed carry belt that fits properly. It seems like the perfect fit is always between holes. Of course, you can always add more holes, but that doesn’t help with changing diameters throughout the day. And we won’t even talk about Thanksgiving. However, I have found the solution to my problem in Nexbelt.
Nexbelt Concealed Carry Gun Belt
I have always preferred a good leather gun belt as a part of my daily attire. But as I mentioned, they almost always require punching new holes. While that has always worked halfway decently, I never really had an exact fit, especially after adding my daily carry. And adjusting it after a big dinner requires undoing your belt, which isn’t cool in mixed company, like a restaurant.
For this reason, I decided to go with the 5.11 TDU belt, which worked well for me for a long time. However, although the nylon webbing is stout, it was rather flimsy for a concealed carry belt. As a result, I always felt like my pistol was sagging and not holding tight to the body as it should. This, in turn, would pull down on my pants, making them uncomfortable and causing me to adjust constantly. That is something that you don’t want to do when you are carrying concealed.
Then, about five months ago, I came across the Nexbelt booth at Blade Show. Although I had seen them before, this was the first opportunity to get my hands on one. After watching the demonstration and feeling how stout they are, I decided this was the way to go. So, I got a couple.
The Nexbelt Solution
The nylon Titan Black PreciseFit EDC is constructed of a super-high-density microfiber material, which is an advanced composite of ultra-fine polymer fibers. As a result, the 3/16-inch-thick belt is incredibly stiff and robust, capable of holding its shape regardless of loadout. Of the two, it’s by far the stiffest and would be good for competition or full-size pistols.
The USA Flag Embossed Pewter Aston Black EDC is constructed of high-quality leather and is nearly 3/16-inch thick. Although not quite as stiff as the nylon belt, it is still very stiff and can easily accommodate daily carry. However, for OWB carry, it is better suited to a compact pistol or smaller. Although it can accommodate a full-frame pistol, like a 1911, it will pull away from the body slightly.
While having a good, stiff gun belt to keep your pistol tight to the body is already a good selling point, where the Nexbelt really shines is in the ratchet-style system.
Earning the name “the belt with no holes,” Nexbelt utilizes a ratchet system as its tightening mechanism. With a tooth every ¼-inch, you can adjust the fit all day long in small increments for an exact fit. Where this really comes in handy is when you opt for IWB carry one day and OWB the next. Regardless of which carry method you choose, the belt will fit perfectly.
Likewise, making adjustments to the sizing is easy and fairly discreet. Just pull the lever on the bottom of the buckle and slide the strap out slightly for a looser fit. Or push the strap in a little more for a tighter fit. It can be done anywhere, and no one is the wiser. However, initially running the belt through the buckle can be a little loud. Especially in a public restroom.
Sizing the Nexbelt
Both belts can accommodate waist sizes up to 50-inches and below. Although the markings on the belt only go down to 25 inches, I see no reason that you wouldn’t be able to make it shorter. From the looks of it, you could probably take it almost all the way to the panel of ratchet teeth.
To adjust the size, remove the buckle via the clasp on the back. Then, using the sizing marks on the inside of the belt, add two inches to your pant size and cut. You can use scissors or a knife. Finally, place the buckle back onto the belt and lock down the clasp, and you are done. It really is that easy.
Although the directions recommend adding two inches to your pant size, they (and I) recommend starting with 4 inches. You can always cut more off if necessary, but you can’t add more back on. Plus, keep in mind that you want your belt to be longer to accommodate IWB carry.
If you would like to ensure that the buckle stays tightly clasped to the belt, you can place the two provided set screws in place. However, I haven’t used them since I got the belts and have never felt they were necessary for typical EDC. I have found the buckle remains tightly in place without them.
To be honest, I actually prefer leaving the set screws out. A benefit to leaving them out is that you can easily and quickly remove the buckle while wearing the belt. Where this comes in handy is if you forget a piece of gear on your left side, whether EDC or competition. Instead of undoing the entire belt, just take the buckle off, place your items on the belt, and put the buckle back on.
Final Thoughts
I know I played up the dad bod angle a bit, but Nexbelt really does solve a lot of problems I often experience with other belts. I really love the fact that it can be discreetly resized without having to undo it. Not to mention the ability to resize it in such small increments. No matter how I am carrying or not carrying, the Nexbelt is the exact right size every time.
Likewise, these belts are so stiff that I never have to adjust my concealed carry. It is always tight to my body and held securely in place. This is even after almost six months of daily wear. They just don’t seem to want to break down.
One thing I would like to see is the addition of a belt loop. Since I keep mine a little longer for IWB, when I am carrying OWB or not carrying, the excess strap sticks out a bit. Although it’s stiff enough to stay tight to the body, my watchband catches on it when I access my pockets. A belt loop would help pull it closer to the belt and keep it out of the way better.
Would I buy Nexbelt again? I have to be honest, I’m not sure I will ever have to. But if I were to need another belt down the road, I would absolutely get another Nexbelt. Would I recommend it to a friend? All day long.
For more information, please visit Nexbelt.com.
Source: www.personaldefenseworld.com