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Posted: 12/24/2022 3:34:44 AM EDT
I am a big fan of The Wilderness Belt and have worn them for about 30 years. However since moving to AIWB carry the buckle is less than ideal. I carry a T1C Axis Elite with holster and side car mag carrier and the Wilderness buckle gets in the way.

In my research the Tenicor Zero looks like the ideal buckle and design for AIWB. It's also made by Wilderness which I like.

What do you guys think? Is this the best belt for AIWB or do you recommend something else?
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 12:14:06 AM EDT
[#1]
I have one and don't use it as the buckle is pain. Ares Aegis is the best belt. I wore a Wilderness titanium instructors belt for many years. The Aegis is much better.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 8:21:44 AM EDT
[#2]
Kore
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:03:46 AM EDT
[#3]
Cigura emissary belt
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Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:28:47 AM EDT
[#4]
I have a couple of different belts with varied buckle types. I just slide the buckle off to the side so it is out of the way.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:44:54 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Wespe] [#5]
Blue Alpha Gear works best for me.  I’ve tried Volund Gear Works, Wilderness, Ares Aegis and several others.  

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:47:59 AM EDT
[#6]
Hank
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:50:04 AM EDT
[#7]
Ares Aegis enhanced
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:58:03 AM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hydra-shokz:
Ares Aegis is the best belt
View Quote

Didn’t realize the buckles were glass filled nylon

I think you just convinced me to buy a new belt
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 9:58:15 AM EDT
[#9]
In for belt opinions. Need a new one soon, all I have used for the last 9 years is a Bianchi fancy stitched B9.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 10:17:44 AM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Jdub16:
Ares Aegis enhanced
View Quote


How much of a difference between the standard version and the enhanced?

From the description it’s just an extra layer of webbing, but I’m not sure how much structural difference that makes.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 10:31:40 AM EDT
[#11]
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 10:40:24 AM EDT
[#12]
I see a lot of people recommending the Ares Aegis which is a nice belt but in my experience, not the best for AIWB.   My issue was the buckle was so thick that it stuck out further than the grip of the gun.  The scuba webbing is very thick and stiff, and where the belt overlaps once buckled, it’s nearly a third of an inch thick.  Depending on your belt loops, you might have a difficult time getting the overlapping layers through.  Due to the rigidity of the belt, it’s pretty uncomfortable as well.

I think the Aegis is well suited for outside the waistband carry where a stiffer belt is needed to help support the pistol.  For AIWB, you don’t need a belt that thick/stiff since your pants help support the gun against your body.

Just some things to think about.
Link Posted: 12/25/2022 11:15:29 AM EDT
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Wespe:
I see a lot of people recommending the Ares Aegis which is a nice belt but in my experience, not the best for AIWB.   My issue was the buckle was so thick that it stuck out further than the grip of the gun.  The scuba webbing is very thick and stiff, and where the belt overlaps once buckled, it’s nearly a third of an inch thick.  Depending on your belt loops, you might have a difficult time getting the overlapping layers through.  Due to the rigidity of the belt, it’s pretty uncomfortable as well.

I think the Aegis is well suited for outside the waistband carry where a stiffer belt is needed to help support the pistol.  For AIWB, you don’t need a belt that thick/stiff since your pants help support the gun against your body.

Just some things to think about.
View Quote


I use the Aegis for AIWB. It works great with my Tenicor Certum 3's with my Staccato C2, G19 and G48. I don't think it would work well if you used a sidecar, but I don't carry a spare there. IMO, the buckle is fantastic. The webbing is excellent. And there's zero velcro.
Link Posted: 12/28/2022 4:03:34 AM EDT
[#14]
Been carrying with this belt from V Development group. It has a stiffener close to the buckle for AIWB but the rest is just webbing. It's very comfortable to wear but supports a full size pistol.
Link Posted: 12/29/2022 2:15:18 AM EDT
[#15]
Hey guys, I ended up trying one of the simple EDC belts from Wolf Tactical. With the current 15% holiday discount I was able to get it for about $22. I have to say my initial impressions are good. Much easier to mount my AIWB rig without the big Wilderness buckle. It also easily supports my IWB holsters at 12:00 and 4:00. I have not tried OWB with it. Tomorrow I will wear it all day and come back to share my findings.

Attachment Attached File


https://www.wolftacticalusa.com/collections/heavy-duty-belts/products/heavy-duty-simple-edc-belt
Link Posted: 12/29/2022 9:51:11 AM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 12/29/2022 10:13:13 AM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Wespe:
I see a lot of people recommending the Ares Aegis which is a nice belt but in my experience, not the best for AIWB.   My issue was the buckle was so thick that it stuck out further than the grip of the gun.  The scuba webbing is very thick and stiff, and where the belt overlaps once buckled, it’s nearly a third of an inch thick.  Depending on your belt loops, you might have a difficult time getting the overlapping layers through.  Due to the rigidity of the belt, it’s pretty uncomfortable as well.

I think the Aegis is well suited for outside the waistband carry where a stiffer belt is needed to help support the pistol.  For AIWB, you don’t need a belt that thick/stiff since your pants help support the gun against your body.

Just some things to think about.
View Quote


I ended up ordering an Aegis because of this thread.  I went with the non-enhanced version because of your comment, and I'm glad I did.

The two layers of webbing is just right.  I would not have wanted it any stiffer than that.

I don't have any issues with the buckle, but i'm in 38" waist territory with IWB carry.  I really like the look of it.
Link Posted: 12/30/2022 12:14:01 AM EDT
[Last Edit: KTM300XCW] [#18]
I wore the Wolf Tactical EDC belt all day today with my G45 and extra magazine. It worked very well. Support was great and I was able to make adjustments easily throughout the day to use the restroom, get in and out of the truck, etc. For $22 I think this belt is a heck of a bargain.

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Link Posted: 12/30/2022 7:32:19 AM EDT
[#19]
I used to wear the blue alpha gear belt and liked that but now I use the Tenicor Zero. I like that there is no Velcro in the Zero and do not find the buckle annoying. It is slightly less stiff than the Blue Alpha.  Both are worn with the buckle offset from 12 o’clock so they don’t interfere with my holster or make the gun stick out unnecessarily.
Link Posted: 12/30/2022 12:26:48 PM EDT
[#20]
As far as I can tell the Wolf EDC is exactly like the Blue Alpha, but for less money. Some of the Wolf Tactical reviews mention this.
Link Posted: 12/31/2022 6:30:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Yojimbo] [#21]
My current favorite AIWB belt is the  Blue Alpha low profile EDC belt.  It works great with my Tenicor Certum Lux 2 holster.  It makes carrying my G19 with RMR and TLR-7a effortless.  

I have no doubt the Tenicor belt is a quality item but, IMHO, at almost half the price the Blue Alpha EDC belt isn't really giving up anything.

https://www.bluealphabelts.com/product/low-profile-edc-belt
Link Posted: 12/31/2022 6:33:50 PM EDT
[#22]
Link Posted: 1/3/2023 11:54:48 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hydra-shokz:
I have one and don't use it as the buckle is pain. Ares Aegis is the best belt. I wore a Wilderness titanium instructors belt for many years. The Aegis is much better.
View Quote



The buckle gets easier to manipulate after about a day of use. It’s my favorite belt now. I can adjust it just as easily as I can my Aegis, but the Zero is much lighter and doesn’t have a giant buckle.
Link Posted: 1/4/2023 12:57:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hydra-shokz] [#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Glck1911:



The buckle gets easier to manipulate after about a day of use. It’s my favorite belt now. I can adjust it just as easily as I can my Aegis, but the Zero is much lighter and doesn’t have a giant buckle.
View Quote


I just pulled it (Zero) out. I'll give it another try. My Vedder is also a pain in the ass.
Link Posted: 1/8/2023 11:31:43 AM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By KTM300XCW:
Hey guys, I ended up trying one of the simple EDC belts from Wolf Tactical. With the current 15% holiday discount I was able to get it for about $22. I have to say my initial impressions are good. Much easier to mount my AIWB rig without the big Wilderness buckle. It also easily supports my IWB holsters at 12:00 and 4:00. I have not tried OWB with it. Tomorrow I will wear it all day and come back to share my findings.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/241166/BL8932-1Black2_1440x_jpg-2652659.JPG

https://www.wolftacticalusa.com/collections/heavy-duty-belts/products/heavy-duty-simple-edc-belt
View Quote



The Wolf Tactical belts are also available on Amazon.
Link Posted: 1/8/2023 11:39:55 AM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hydra-shokz:


I just pulled it (Zero) out. I'll give it another try. My Vedder is also a pain in the ass.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hydra-shokz:
Originally Posted By Glck1911:



The buckle gets easier to manipulate after about a day of use. It’s my favorite belt now. I can adjust it just as easily as I can my Aegis, but the Zero is much lighter and doesn’t have a giant buckle.


I just pulled it (Zero) out. I'll give it another try. My Vedder is also a pain in the ass.


I tried the Zero again. Still a pain in the ass. Ares Aegis is still The Way.
Link Posted: 1/9/2023 9:08:33 AM EDT
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hydra-shokz:


I tried the Zero again. Still a pain in the ass. Ares Aegis is still The Way.
View Quote
Had my gen-1 Ares 2 ply for about 3 years and have zero complaints, it about perfect and I can't say that about a couple of other brands I've gone through.  I could see where the newer gen-2 buckle on the Ares could save weight and if I ever catch them on sale I'd certainly fork out for one.

I'd give the zero a try if they ever had one in a size 34, seems to be OOS whenever I look, seems like a solid concept to be void of velcro.  
Link Posted: 1/9/2023 1:38:28 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By TheMercenary:


How much of a difference between the standard version and the enhanced?

From the description it’s just an extra layer of webbing, but I’m not sure how much structural difference that makes.
View Quote


It definitely is better if you carry a decent amount of weight.  I carry a G17 or G19 and spare reload or two it does not give or sag any.  I have both the variations the enhanced is much better for full size compact pistols but the standard will still do it just the enhanced does it better.
@TheMercenary
Link Posted: 1/9/2023 7:42:01 PM EDT
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By EdgecrusherXES:It definitely is better if you carry a decent amount of weight.  I carry a G17 or G19 and spare reload or two it does not give or sag any.  I have both the variations the enhanced is much better for full size compact pistols but the standard will still do it just the enhanced does it better.
View Quote


I ended up with the standard version, and it’s my new favorite belt.

Can’t carry at work, but a G19 is well supported afterwards and on the weekends.  I’ll probably order an enhanced version and dedicate the standard for work.

I don’t get the complaints about the buckle size.  It’s just fine for me.


Link Posted: 1/10/2023 12:03:38 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By TheMercenary:


I ended up with the standard version, and it’s my new favorite belt.

Can’t carry at work, but a G19 is well supported afterwards and on the weekends.  I’ll probably order an enhanced version and dedicate the standard for work.

I don’t get the complaints about the buckle size.  It’s just fine for me.


View Quote


I started with the standard and it was able to do everything I need it to but they ran a scratch and dint sale so I picked up an enhanced.  I just remembered I gave my standard to my dad but I used to use it for outside working like mowing and misc other stuff.  The complaints about the belt buckle do not make sense when cobra buckles exist but I think it relates to AIWB people who want to keep the buckle centered on the gig line instead of shifting to the side.
Link Posted: 2/27/2023 3:19:54 AM EDT
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By chadweasel:
Kore
View Quote

Link Posted: 2/28/2023 12:39:19 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Wespe:
Blue Alpha Gear works best for me.  I’ve tried Volund Gear Works, Wilderness, Ares Aegis and several others.  

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/20524/FF0F43F3-0C1A-441C-A85B-D7ABCF470E98_jpe-2648281.JPG
View Quote


This is my opinion as well
Link Posted: 2/28/2023 12:56:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: laxman09] [#33]
Mastermind Tactics Specialist



ETA: Get a carry pillow for your AIWB rig, too.
Link Posted: 2/28/2023 8:34:36 PM EDT
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History



Their belt is truly the answer and priced fantastic for the level of quality.
Link Posted: 3/1/2023 9:49:33 AM EDT
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Wespe:
Blue Alpha Gear works best for me.  I've tried Volund Gear Works, Wilderness, Ares Aegis and several others.  

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/20524/FF0F43F3-0C1A-441C-A85B-D7ABCF470E98_jpe-2648281.JPG
View Quote
This
Link Posted: 3/1/2023 10:02:26 AM EDT
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Wespe:
Blue Alpha Gear works best for me.  I’ve tried Volund Gear Works, Wilderness, Ares Aegis and several others.  

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/20524/FF0F43F3-0C1A-441C-A85B-D7ABCF470E98_jpe-2648281.JPG
View Quote


This is what I wear everyday
Link Posted: 3/9/2023 4:15:33 PM EDT
[#37]
I've been carrying with the Mastermind Tactics Specialist belt since sometime last year.  I liked it, but I carry a full size gun.  At some point I decided to try my 5.11 1.75" Operator belt (copy of a Wilderness belt) and like the added support/rigidity over the Specialist belt.  I was using metal clips on the Specialist but switched to the 1.75" plastic clips for the Operator belt and they work as well and are easier to use in my opinion.  They were just too big for the Specialist belt and allowed a holster to shift too much.
Link Posted: 3/9/2023 4:35:09 PM EDT
[#38]
My favorite belt was the Deltech Force Super Bio, it is a good belt. But I've recently switched over to a slimmer belt from North West Retention and I like the minimalist G-hook buckle a lot. It's easy to adjust in/out and it holds the weight of a full-size L-frame 686 (4" or 5") with 2 speedloaders/moon-clips (depending on what model I'm carrying).



I honestly like both and will keep both. But the NW did require me to do a little modification to the velcro, I shortened the adjustment on it a bit and resewn the velcro just to shorten the excess length of it. Also the first time I tried putting it on, it was extremely difficult because of the rubberized coating. So I drenched the belt in some silicone-lube which made slipping on my leather pancake holster a heck of a lot easier. This is probably not going to be any issue for those that run slip-on clip type holsters. But if you're like me, and actually prefer the 'old fashioned' pull through style holsters, you may find you need to add a bit of silicone to the surface to get your holsters/pouches to slip on...
Link Posted: 3/10/2023 6:37:32 AM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History


Agreed, Master Mind belt, pillow...with a JM 2.5
Link Posted: 3/12/2023 5:41:25 PM EDT
[#40]
Yes, the Zero is my favorite belt. No shitty velcro or giant buckles that make me sound like the Terminator walking around.
Link Posted: 3/27/2024 8:21:28 AM EDT
[Last Edit: WhisperPickle] [#41]
My personal favorite is the Hunter Constantine belt link,  which Tier 1 uses as their EDC-S belt. Works wonderfully with my G43 and spare mag. But for heavier guns, like my comp’d G19 with Acro and X300, I prefer a thicker belt like the Ares Aegis. I just put the buckle off to the side at about 1-1:30, in between the first and second belt loops. Works great there and solves the issue with buckle printing.
Link Posted: 3/27/2024 8:33:08 AM EDT
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By WhisperPickle:
My personal favorite is the Hunter Constantine belt,  which Tier 1 uses as their EDC-S belt. Works wonderfully with my G43 and spare mag. But for heavier guns, like my comp’d G19 with Acro and X300, I prefer a thicker belt like the Ares Aegis. I just put the buckle off to the side at about 1-1:30, in between the first and second belt loops. Works great there and solves the issue with buckle printing.
View Quote


Similar concept, but I just got an Agonic EDB to try out since the stiffness of my Blue Alpha belt around my hips and lower back may be contributing to the aggravation of issues I have from the army and LE. Unlike the Constantine, the elastic sections are sewn in cells. Their thing is you can hide survival stuff in it, but I like it because it provides a middle ground between traditional belts and a large continuous piece of elastic band that despite claims, I don't trust to hold up over time. Having it sewn in sections should provide more support to the elastic so it lasts longer. Time will tell.

Agonic EDB
Link Posted: 3/27/2024 8:55:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Britt-dog] [#43]
Vedder V3

Vedder V3 is your answer. Almost no buckle, quick on off, and you don't have to run the Velcro all the time.
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