MOLLE BELTS - repost from LF.. [Archive]

View Full Version : MOLLE BELTS - repost from LF..

KevinB

11-30-07, 18:29

I started a deluge of offers after I bitched about the quality of the TT MOLLE belt here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/IMG_3496.jpg

I had been chatting to a member here about my perfect belt -- I had mentioned what I want to two members here -- and a third member came up with a model that look like all I want.

Preface I still dont have that belt yet.

Our beloved Stephen first PM'd me and mailed a used ATS War Belt to me in Iraq. Over all I was/am very happy with it -- my only problem was the damn thing does not breathe. I spent a few long hour days (and one 31 hour day) wearing it in my nomex gear - and it was getting nasty -- plus the cordura slid a bit on my nomex.
My only two alteration would be to add a mesh pad and something to grip the body on the inside of the belt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE021.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE023.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE022.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE024.jpg

I used a Pelican box as a prop - since layed out flat the belts dont give a good idea of how they wear.

However Derek (MedTech) @ ICE took all my intial desires and came up with a belt as well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE015.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE011.jpg

Also at the SAME time John Willis of SOE asked me my size - and sent me a belt too...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE020.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/EvilKev/Gear/MRE017.jpg

I will be writing up more -- but I wanted to get the intial stuff up at first.

I have some pics of the belts on me and others -- but I figured it was best to go with the Pelican box as it gives a unifrom idea on all three belts.

I have the most time in the ATS belt - followed by the ICE and then the SOE one. Its just how it worked out on how I got them - and nothing specific as I think they are all excellent products -- none however are perfect (like everything in life even me)

The biggest issue I have found is the belt "body" need a GOOD internal belt - in this respect ICE won out - since they built a specific inner belt - one thing I have noted with all these belts - is riggers betls are hard to get in and out of with these - due to the need to tuck the running end both back on itself on the velcro and under the lip of the belt opening. The "cobra" buckle solves that issue - and allows you to set the belt - and then just clip it on and off (and it wont release under pressure)

John Willis - asked me which of his two models I'd prefer - since he make a tall and short version (forgive me if I botched the terms - but one wiht a 3 row or 5 row of MOLLE). I opted for the 5 - as with the ATS belt and the ICE belt -- to get my 1911 mags under my CIRAS and useable I had to drop them down and hang them off only one MOLLE strap. On the 5 row version you can affixed them fully to the belt (I lent some pouches out after and waiting for new ones - so the belt did not have the mags and IFAK pouches on it during the pics -- but you get the idea I'm suree - failing that next week I will redo it.)

Construction
Of the three belts the Willis Belt was the BOMB -- SOE has always made it their mission to make kit that one can drag/pull/lift etc people with - and there is no exception to this - also John's stiching especially his MOLLE was flawless - and done to the 9th degree for overkill.

The ATS Belt's MOLLE was not as perfect as the SOE belt -- but still very well done - (and this was a used belt Stephen did send me as a favor)...

ICE - at first glance ICE's MOLLE looks like it was sewn by a drunk -- however ICE has contour their belt - so unlike the SOE or ATS belt - they cannot do straight line MOLLE - or the pouches would not fit.

Futher to construction all went about constructiing the basic belt in a different manner -- All seem to work - each has its own pluses and minuses.
However I had no torubles with any of the belt drop down openings -- this could be since i am using the TT 3 pistol shingle exclusively -- and it give a great deal of rigidity to the area -- however I tried all three belts briefly with a Paraclete 1911 pouch -- and had no issues -- AS LONG AS THE BELT WAS TIGHT (comfortably tight - but not loose - I dont use suspenders yet - so I am relying on the belt to stay up on its own -- I can see running it much loose can cause issues with primarily the ICE belt in combination with a non rigid pouch).

Of the three - I would suggest you pick the one that you like best --

I mentioned changes to the ATS belt already, for ICE I would add some internal velcro to keep the subload area tight to the inner belt - and a snap to that are too.

SOE -- same issues with the internal mesh for breathing.

I think the inner belt on the ICE lent a lot of love to the ICE design -- my Spectre Gear double thick riggers belts on the ATS and SOE belts - are okay internal belts -- but they are better suited for other roles - and if ATS or SOE cam eup with an internal belt to work off the Cobra buckle I think it would add a lot to user ease of use.

I would like to see an internal armor package available for all belts -- I think Crye has a leg up on that -- while it may not be needed or wanted for all users -- I am continupusly aware of the openings under my armor and would enjoy a bit more coverage especially if combined in a belt system I will be wearing already.

My primary go to belt at this momenent is the ICE belt -- for ease of donning and comfort. I will be ordering more rigs from each of the three manufacuters in order to get some layouts setup for loaner/course guns I have - i dont think you will go wrong with any - and your wants needs may be different from mine and prefer one version over another -- the only one I cannto recommend - and indeed recommend people to STFAF is the TT belt.

More to follow
Kev

Dave L.

11-30-07, 18:54

I have been waiting for someone to attack this problem.
I'm sending John an email ASAP...even though I don't think he uses mesh.

"If you build it, we will buy it"...

SuicideHz

11-30-07, 19:25

Neat stuff.

cohiba

11-30-07, 20:10

I have been waiting for someone to attack this problem.
I'm sending John an email ASAP...even though I don't think he uses mesh.

"If you build it, we will buy it"...

Dave, John replied on LF that he has the mesh now. Mine is inbound so I probably didn't get it. Strike while the iron is hot.:D

John Willis

11-30-07, 22:43

hey guys. I didnt realize this was posted here also. Dave I replied to your e-mail. Yes we are making these things every week as they are ordered.

Cohiba--I have one here for you. Extra special and all.

cohiba

12-01-07, 00:05

Harv

12-02-07, 14:23

Here are some updated pics from my ICE padded belt

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/harv24/IMG_1768.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/harv24/IMG_1767.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/harv24/IMG_1766.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/harv24/IMG_1765.jpg

I'm also a big fan of the ICE padded belt. I've had mine for well over a year and like it alot.

I'll mirror Kevin's experience about the belt used. I'm not a big fan of using a Riggers belt in a padded belt set up as it is to difficult to put on and run the excess belt material back inside the pad.

This is why I went with a GI pistol belt type belt. The GI webbing is stiffer and a bit wider and the Fastex buckle is easy to operate. In my case I picked up a Blackhawk Enhanced belt with the newer style 2 way fastex locking buckle for like $15.

It works well and has good adjustment. it also has Velcro to match the inside of the Pad so once it's inside the pad.. it does not slip around.

I also replaced my Maxpedition Rolly polly dump pouch with a CSM (way better.. deeper and my mags to come flying out when I go to prone).

I also Added a Emdom Mini Pouch that I use to keep lube, a Multi tool and Misc items in.

A small single mag pouch to hold a Light..
Two Eagle FB /M4 pouches..
A Tactical tailor 2mag Kydex pistol mag pouch.

This is my main training rig I use when ever I hit the range.
This is an older ICE padded belt without the D-rings. I don't like or need the rings as I have no plans for using LBE/Suspenders. if the rig gets that heavy where I need Suspenders, then I have to much shit on it.

This is a nice easy on/of rig that functions well for me.. does what I need and holds up well. It stays put and does not slip around.

These FB pouches also work with my BDM .22 mags so I can use this rig when shooting my .22 Adapter as well.. another nice plus.

dubb-1

12-06-07, 15:59

Good points, Kev. I have, on numerous forums, posted thoughts on the ICE Battle Belt. I had neglected, however to mention the benefits of the rubberized mesh material used on the inside of the system. In my use and abuse, I have found it to be comfortable and secure. Thanks for taking the time, Kev.

GYates

12-06-07, 16:42

Where are all the stains from the chew spit? Anyway, you have too much stuff send me anything that you are not using. I'm running strictly war belts now. I don't need carry that much shit anymore.

Dave L.

12-06-07, 17:14

Thanks for the gigantic pics Kev, this page only takes about 10 minutes to load:D

John Willis

01-08-08, 00:59

Here are some updated pictures of a belt with the coolmax. We are working on tapering the front down some and will have pics of those soon.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/johnwillis123/more%20gear/DSC01885.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/johnwillis123/more%20gear/DSC01886.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b73/johnwillis123/more%20gear/DSC01888.jpg

Hawkeye

01-08-08, 07:49

I want to pick up another molle belt. I really like my ICE one, and have considered another, but the ATS one looks good, and Mr. Willis offering looks really good as well......

KevinB

01-08-08, 08:48

FYI they are all excellent belts -- I think it has more to do what you want to be doing with the belt, and or who you prefer to support by buying their gear, as you won't go wrong with any of them.

The Cobra belt buckel used by ICE, SOE and CTOMS on their inner belts is a way better method on the inner belt than the riggers belt type buckle. That is the area where I think ATS missed the boat (but if you want an ATS belt - you can get SOE to make you an inner belt)

Hawkeye

01-08-08, 09:21

Speaking of belts.... I've always ran an Eagle duty belt with my ICE rig. Do you find a riggers type belt to work as just as well as far as stability, etc.?

Harv

01-08-08, 17:58

I run the Blackhawk Enhanced GI web belt which is pretty similar to the Eagle, and I think the GI style 2.5" web belts are way stiffer then my Wildnerness belt or riggers belts that are 1.75" wide.

dubb-1

01-09-08, 00:51

I have the same belt, Harv. It is the only piece of Blackhawk gear that I have no qualms using (I have only really put two to hard use). The "lock" is a nice touch, and it is very stiff, though not uncomfortable.

John Willis

01-09-08, 12:45

You can use most any belt in our belt sleeve. We have hook velcro all the way thru our sleeve that locks to the inner velcro on your belt.

Yes the duty belts are a little stiffer but our rigger belts have 1.5" loop on the inside so it stays right where you put it. I think some of the other sleeves might not have velco in them. The cobra belt is life support and easy to take on and off. The rigger belt has the life support ability of the cobra but isn’t as fast to take on and off. We see about 90% of our customers ordering a rigger or cobra belt with the belt sleeve but the duty belt works just as well and can save you a few dollars if you are on a budget. You can also use any belt you already have in one of our sleeves as long as it fits.

We make our belts and sleeve in two in increments. When we started we had a lot of guys complaining about not fitting perfectly into the small, medium, large that most companies where making. So I built them of my jeans and then adjusted them up and down as needed. We want the belts to have a couple of inches of adjustment up and down so they work with different layering.
John Willis
www.soetacticalgear.com

Stephen_H

01-09-08, 19:25

The Cobra belt buckel used by ICE, SOE and CTOMS on their inner belts is a way better method on the inner belt than the riggers belt type buckle. That is the area where I think ATS missed the boat (but if you want an ATS belt - you can get SOE to make you an inner belt)

It will be an option for our rigger's belt, which is designed to work with our War Belt, in the next month or two.

Stephen

KevinB

01-10-08, 01:05

Awesome Bro.

Damn you guys are smart.

SuicideHz

01-12-08, 12:19

Stephen_H

01-12-08, 16:33

Stephen- I just bought your war belt. It's pretty nice. The Molle is very tight and between that and my Emdom pouch I almost threw a fit trying to weave those heavy plastic keepers through!

Anyway, what do you have in the way of suspenders for the belt and do you have anything that integrates a bladder in the back or at least a larger upper back/shoulder area like the ICE suspenders that might have a little bit of webbing so I could attach a bladder up top?

Thanks,

Joe

All we currently offer is a set of low profile suspenders. For what you're asking I'd recommend the Eagle Hydration H-Harness here. (http://www.eagleindustries.com/prd_detail.asp?ProdID=404&CatID=59&SubCatID=16)

SuicideHz

01-13-08, 00:20

Thanks for recommending that harness but honestly it's too pricey and way too much in the materials department. I'm looking for something much much smaller all around.

armakraut

01-13-08, 02:54

I've tried a bunch of different harnesses with the various "war belts" I've accumulated. The older style GI H-harnesses with padding work OK, about the best low profile comfort available.

I was trying to get one of the modern aussie harnesses that platatac & sord makes (8-point, low profile). Unfortunately I put off buying one for too long and they're all out of stock.

The last belt I picked up seems to fit me really good, 5.11 has it under their "tactical nylon" section as the "LBE" belt. Hopefully it will hold up. Despite its diminutive size compared to other offerings, it's well padded and fits me better than the rest. Time will tell if it holds up, or falls apart.

SuicideHz

01-13-08, 11:45

Someone on Lightfighter took the Tactical Tailor X Harness and did the following:

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s246/Glorybigs/x-harness04.jpg

Looks good to me. I think I will be trying this myself.

Hawkeye

01-13-08, 13:33

Now thats an interesting idea...

k9dpd

01-13-08, 13:37

really neat idea, I wonder who can do those mods

USMC03

01-13-08, 13:46

really neat idea, I wonder who can do those mods

Try Eggroll at EGL.

-Jeff

SuicideHz

01-13-08, 13:47

Go4broke

01-13-08, 17:05

I ordered an ICE Battle Belt and Suspenders back on Dec .2 , 2007 and have not recieved them yet . I have E-mailed them with no response , does anyone
know what the hell the situation is with ICE ? :mad:

RAM Engineer

01-13-08, 17:19

Dec 2, 2007? That's no time at all in the world of nylon! I waited over a year on a vest from one small custom maker and a lot of people are still waiting.

Glorybigs

01-17-08, 21:40

Who? YOU can.

I would imagine it's ok to post the link to the thread. It's not really an explanation step by step with details but it gives you the basics. I already ordered the TT suspenders. Now I have to find a place with webbing I can use and some more buckles and parts...

http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3556008371/m/5011036543

Thanks for the words guys - that is my setup in the pic SuicideHz posted up from lightfighter.

It was not hard to do at all, get the belt; the TT X-harness and the suspenders (all you will use from the suspenders is the bungee loops/nylon straps/buckle).

SuicideHz

01-18-08, 17:38

Which suspenders? I missed that part. I've got the TT X harness with it's 1.5" straps in the front and jack $h!t else to make connections with. Can't find anything I want as far as parts go either...

David Thomas

01-18-08, 22:59

Which suspenders? I missed that part.

HSGI suspenders

SuicideHz

01-18-08, 23:23

I can't see spending $29 on the HSGI, $30 on the X harness and $35+ on the war belt... not to mention the $$30 on the stupid Specter belt i bought. Wish I wouldn't have done that...

Hoplophile

01-18-08, 23:41

I can't see spending $29 on the HSGI, $30 on the X harness and $35+ on the war belt... not to mention the $$30 on the stupid Specter belt i bought. Wish I wouldn't have done that...
No need to buy the HSGI suspenders, he said they are only needed to grab the cord at the end of each strap to attach to the belt. Just get some 550 or small bungie cord and use that.

David Thomas

01-18-08, 23:46

No need to buy the HSGI suspenders, he said they are only needed to grab the cord at the end of each strap to attach to the belt. Just get some 550 or small bungie cord and use that.

Read his post again again. I think one will need more than just the bungee loops:

(all you will use from the suspenders is the bungee loops/nylon straps/buckle).

Also, $59 doesn't seem unreasonable to get a comfortable set of suspenders.

SuicideHz

01-19-08, 12:47

You are probably right as you've had to do the shopping around yourself but this is something I really don't need to spend too much money on. It's just for fun at this point in time.

I was searching the LF threads for a good place to buy hardware. All I need is some 1.5" to 1" ITW reducers and I'd be fine but they don't make them. Maybe I'll order the 2"/1" and make those work. I wanted to incorporate buckles for disco'ing the parts but that's too much crap to be installing in the amount of space (a foot or so) between the X harness and War Belt.