Wilderness tac or Ares ranger belt?

I've used wilderness belts for awhile now. I know them, I love them, they get the job done. The only thing I've never liked about them was the velcro closure, as sometimes, I would get the tab caught on something and it sounds like I tore my pants or something, drawing a lot of attention. Not a really bad thing, but what evs.

On the other hand, I have no experience with the Ares belt, what so ever. I've looked at a couple vids, read a lot of reviews. Heard that it's super stiff which I like, but still haven't really seen how you put it on? Is it similar to the wilderness? The closest thing I've seen, was a youtube review vid, where you feed the tab through like any other similar type of belt. That got me thinking... why the hell is the buckle 2 piece, then?!?!?

Basically, I'm looking for you guys to spend some of my money for me.

I would stick with the Wilderness. I run the Frequent Flyer and the Instructor in 1.5, 5 Stitch. I have used these belts for a long time and I could not be any happier. Quick turn around time and great CS. I truely believe that the Ares Belts ( and their copy's ) are a fad, and we all know how those go. I also have the same thoughts on the buckle, what gives? Then again, this is just my two cents.

Pack

I just picked up the Ranger belt so in about 4-5 weeks Ill let you know what I think.

They're both good belts. I use my ARES every day and couldn't be happier. I wear the Wilderness Frequent Flyer when I fly. Again, no complaints. It's a preference thing more than anything.

Full Disclosure: I am personal friends with Jake Sebens, owner of Ares Gear.

I have been wearing my Ares Gear Ranger Belt for the past 16 months or so. With the exception of when I'm wearing a suit, it's the only belt I wear.

I ran a Wilderness belt for several years prior to acquiring a Ranger belt, and at first, I too thought that a gun-belt with a Cobra buckle was nothing but a gimmick. However, now that I have had time to wear it daily for almost a year and a half, I can tell you that the design is a dramatic improvement over the previous gold-standard set by Wilderness. It is easier to put on and take off, easier to re-dress after using the bathroom, and is much more supportive of a heavy load of guns, magazines, lights, and other EDC gear.

Ares Gear invented this design back in 2007, and its popularity in the "professional gunslinger" community is testimony that it is considerably more than just a "fad."

Besides being more supportive than my old Wilderness, it also eliminates the age-old problem of "I'd like to wear this pouch further forward but I can't because the Wilderness belt's damn velcro tail is getting in the way."

Also, while functionality is my primary criteria for gun-related gear, the Ranger has the bonus attribute of being better looking. Wilderness belts look downright weird to anyone who isn't active in the gun culture. The Ranger, while certainly not a "fashion accessory," is, without a doubt, vastly more aesthetically acceptable to the general population.

My vote is for the Ares Ranger.

Thanks for the replies guys. I have a feeling I'm going to treat myself to the Ares belt. Along with it carrying my EDC junk, I think it would also make a good belt for work. I'm a land surveyor and it will probably make easy work of carrying hammers, too pouches, field books and the like. Since they are made of scuba webbing, I'm assuming they are able to take some submersion? I'm in south florida and sometimes I find myself nipple deep in swamp, flag ponds, canals, yadda yadda!

I bought my first Ares Ranger belt about 2 years ago and I've worn it just about every day since. Quality gear and has held up extremely well.

I like the Ares Ranger belt, but I don't like how it only comes in a 1.5 inch width. I think this is because scuba webbing only comes in 1.5 inch widths.

I recently bought a 1.75 cobra riggers belt from Ares gear and I find that it's not super stiff. My HSGI rigger's belt is stiffer. However, in my experience the belt is stiff enough for my carry purposes. In my opinion the most stiffest materials for carrying is leather and scuba webbing.

This will probably get me killed in here with all the Ares fans but Jones makes some good belts too In sizes other than 1.5" too.

+1 for the Jones Tactical belts. I have the 1.5" Every Day Belt and it is top quality in every way!

I have read a few reviews and see that it is also a very high quality belt. The only thing that turns me off is the velcro, which is honestly the only reason I am not just buying another wilderness CSM belt and considering the Ares. I've also read that it is not as stiff as the Ares, anyone know of any truth to that?

The only reason I went Ares over Jones was because the wait time looked like it was shorter. In my use of the Ares Cobra rigger's belt, I found that it's adequate for supporting my G26 and the aggregate weight of all the other things I carry.

I can't imagine that the Ares is any stiffer than the Jones Tactical unless it is made of steel! It is VERY stiff. Personally I prefer the velcro to 6" of loose belt flopping around.

It is well documented that Jones tactical ripped off Ares gear.

Stick with the original and support theinnovators, not thieves.

I've read a thread about the stiffness question I asked, if I can find it, I'll link it, although, Jake from Ares said that the scuba webbing that is used on the Jones belt is from a different manufacturer and it's not as stiff, and this was confirmed by Jones Tactical.

Either way, I placed my order with for my Ares belt this morning. Then 4 hours later, Jake released a coupon code for 10% off, good through Columbus day. (Still valid, of course, code is Columbusday2011). After reading about that I shot Jake an email and asked for the 10% off my order, and literally within 5 minutes, I got a reply from him confirming that it would be made so! Great CS if you ask me. I also, before I placed my order, asked that if in the future, I need the belt re-sized (as I have lost 85 pounds and am currently losing more!), if that would be a problem. He assured me that it wouldn't at all, and all that was needed of course was to pay shipping and they would even front load the belt in the queue of manufacturing. So I ordered a size smaller then my current belt is.

All in all, I think that I make the right choice with my order. I have emailed him 3 times, and have gotten replies within an hour of all 3. Got a discount that was released that I wasn't aware of, and have been assured that this belt will fit me for the rest of my life. The current lead time is 4 weeks (apposed to Jones 7 week), so I am really looking forward to a new belt!

The velcro thing, to me, isn't necessary, if you have an extra 6 inches of web hanging out, your belt is obviously too big, and you could also always, you know, tuck it in your belt loops. I've seen a few people wearing ares belts, and have never noticed an access of webbing hanging down.

I've worn this belt everyday but 1 since April and it is the greatest gun belt I've ever worn. I also ordered some patches that did not come and he shipped another one immediately. However, they never arrived (I think my neighbor stole my mail, cannot confirm) and he still sent me another patch. 2 to be exact. Freebie. I will always support his company and I am planning to get different variations of the Ranger Belt. Plus, nothing looks as nice as an Ares Ranger Belt supporting a Raven Concealment Holster. They're like peanut butter and jelly.

By well documented you mean passed around third party style....hmmm...

Back on topic...

The "deal" with the buckle is it gives you the security of riggers style hardware with the convenience of not having to UN-thread when nature calls.

JT

Just got the shipping notice so this was 20 days, not bad at all. cant wait for the man in brown to bring it.

I take that back its going USPS.

Got my shipping notice yesterday, shipped USPS Priority. So that's 17 days. Props to Jake! I can't wait to wear this thing to work with all my gear!

I just went over this for about a week trying to pick a belt, and I'm going with Ares for a couple reasons. I prefer it, I also like the fact that the belt size is a large gap, and not as exact as the others, as I see it I think the large Ares is like a 34" to 40" and the XL is 36" to 42" as opposed to everyone else being only one or two inches out of size. I too have severe weight swings, the fun with having spinal tumors. I can go from stocky 6'5" 250lbs. to 200lb. skinny death camp survivor in a month if my Syringomyelia feels like it.
I like buying quality, not just good enough, but the best I can get within reason.
I looked at Wilderness, Jones, SOE(close second) but the Ares Ranger is my first choice, and with a stated lead time of 4 weeks, and a poster stating their order went out in 20 days....that seals it.

I want the 1.5" so it will fit all of my pants, and I can order a high quality OWB kydex from Pitbull, Raven, or one of the better makers of tight hugging holsters. With my first Son on the way I want to be able to carry my Sig 228or P220 ALL the time, and not rely on my 5shot J-Frame just because it hides so easily.

I'm also hoping that the stiffness in the belt will help with my lumbar spine pain, I've got one crushed disc, and another torn to the anulus sack.
Ares makes a riggers belt that is around 40 bucks and a backpackers for 50, that they offer in 1.75 for those who want it. 80 Bucks is a lot for a belt, but when you think of what you spend on guns, I think that a quality belt/holster combo is a must.

I've got a similar thread under carry issues if you want to check it out.

post man came today so I have only worn it out for a few hours but so far I like it.

Just an FYI a place called Weapon Outfitters has the ares belts available in (i think) most sizes.
I ordered and received shipping notice same day.

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