Hey guys, I'm about to order a beltman belt. Should I get the "internal stiffener" for ten extra bucks?

Thanks for the input.

I didn't, and I love my belt. I've only had mine for about 4 months though.

I purchased two belts from the company last year and the are of excellent quality. I did not order the extra stiffner. The do the job and with care will last a long time. They are made extremely well and for the money, you can't go wrong.

Nick

This thread was just a couple weeks ago, I commented in it. Add Stiffener to a Beltman Belt or Not?

I did and, wish I hadn't.

Why?



5678910 oops that 11 aww darn it!!

I have a Beltman without one. I don't really think you'll need it unless you are carrying a really heavy gun. I don't have a problem with it when I carry my 5906 and it's pretty heavy.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

In addition to gun weight another consideration is belt width. If you were getting the 1.25" width, I'd probably suggest getting the internal stiffener, or possibly going with horsehide. With a 1.5" width the stiffener probably isn't necessary, depending on how big and heavy the gun you're planning to carry is, as well as if you're going to carry IWB or OWB (OWB always seemed to need a little more support for me, YMMV).

I have both 1.25" and 1.5" Beltman belts, and if I get another 1.25" belt I'd probably get the stiffener. I've even thought about getting the 1.25" horsehide w/stiffener.

Another suggestion I'll make is to get the 7-hole option. It gives you a little more range of adjustment which can be useful if you carry both IWB and OWB with the same belt, or if you'd like the option of wearing the belt without a gun. Both of my belts have 5 holes and my next Beltman belt will definitely have the 7-hole option.

I have and wear daily an 1&1/2 inch belt without a stiffener and regularly carry a Gov't Model or 3in. L-frame and could not be more pleased. Beltman's belts are truly first rate.

ContinentalOp, this is an excellent summation!

I have the 1.5" horsehide. Great belt.

I compete with it and have worn a 5" N-frame and 8 8-shot moonclips all day with no need for greater stiffness.

No idea if the bull hide 1.25" would suffice.

I've been wearing one of Jim's belts for years. No stiffener. Carry a Sig229 daily, no problems.

I own a 1.5" 5-holed bullhide Beltman belt with no stiffener. I've carried my M&P 5" 9mm on it with 2 extra mag case...no worries whatsoever. Fantastic belt - need to get another in a different color.

I have both a Beltman 1 1/4" and a Kramer 1 1/4" belt in Horsehide. While I feel the Kramer belt is better quality and a bit stiffer, it is also twice the price. FOR THE MONEY you can't beat the Beltman's Horsehide. I use these belts with J and K frame revolvers and so no stiffener is needed. If you were using the belt for a heavier gun say like a M586, 1911 Gov't Model, etc. you might want to call Beltman and talk to them about the stiffener.

Chief38

Ditto.

I also have the 1.5" horsehide and can't imagine a stiffer belt. No stiffener was necessary.

I have the standard 1.25 inch wide horsehide with no stiffener and it's been great. I use it in IDPA matches monthly and done so for years.

I DID.. I DO... AND I'M GONNA AGAIN!!
Either way you can't go wrong with a Beltman..

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

I have an inch and a half and an inch and three quarter belt from Jim and have worn them alternating days for over a year. I carry either a full size Government Model .45 or two "J" frame snubbies. I have never found a better belt for carring concealed. I would not get the stiffener, as I am quite happy with both belts. They will last a lifetime. I also bought an inch and a half belt for my son and he carries a Para PDA compact .45 with no issues.

De Oppresso Liber

Read his FAQ, he states no stiffener is needed for a horse hide belt.

I thought elsewhere on his site that I read for a 1.5" belt stiffeners aren't typically recommended either.