1.5" Beltman stiffener needed?

[Glock30SF]

I just placed an order today for a 1.5" horsehide belt from the beltman. I ordered it with the stiffener. I have read a lot of posts on their belts. I know that most say you don't need it. What I would like to know (from someone that actually has one) is if it makes it too stiff? I have a couple of new holsters on order a vs2 and a highnoone slide guard and don't want this belt to be too stiff for them. At the same time from the research I have done it seems that eventually all leather belts sag. For the $10 it cost for the stiffener if it will prevent or prolong this then it will be worth it to me. Again what I am trying to figure out is if the belt will be too stiff not really if it is needed or not. Thanks to anyone that can help.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Wasabi]

Sorry no personal experience with the stiffener (no Viagra jokes please).

Just call and talk to Jim. He is very helpful and will explain everything for you. I just ordered a black elephant belt from him last week and wanted to make some changes after my initial web order. He is great to work with and had no problem adjusting my order.

[astark]

I have a Beltman Horsehide without stiffener and it's plenty stiff, almost too stiff, but I love it.

I do not think you would need, or even want a belt any stiffer than just the plain old regular horsehide. And I would suggest calling them back and deleting the stiffener.

And another thing, my 1.5 Beltman fits my Milt Sparks VM-II with 1.5 loops perfectly and could not support my Colt Combat Commander any better.

[sass20485]

My Beltman belts do not have the stiffener and I find them to be among the stiffest belts I own.

[ccw9mm]

I've got two BeltMan belts, in 1.5" bullhide. As compared to another Kramer hosehide belt I have, they're not nearly as stiff, in terms of being able to withstand vertical "pull" from a heavy high-mount rig. But, I've gone both IWB and OWB with up to 35oz guns on the BeltMan belts, and they seem just fine. Can't imagine what "too" stiff would be. What downside to you figure, if "too" stiff? I don't see one. Wouldn't worry about it, particularly seeing as how you've placed the order already.

[Glock30SF]

What downside to you figure, if "too" stiff? I don't see one.

I guess I was just thinking if it was too stiff it might not contour to my waist properly. Also going in and out of a high ride holster if it didn't bend enough it may not pull the gun close enough in??? I know I placed the order already but it takes 3 weeks to make so I could still change it right now. I just don't want to have to do this twice as they are not exactly "cheap" as far as a belt goes

[tabsr]

My 1 1/2 bullhide is great and and would not need much stiffer belt.

[astark]

The Beltman Horsehide is stiffer than Bullhide and plenty enough stiff to support anything reasonable for carry, without stiffener.

When I said in my previous post the Horsehide was almost to stiff, I meant that it is more challenging to buckle up and feed through loops due to its natural stiffness than Bullhide.

When I said I love it I meant that it supports better than anything else I have ever worn and looks good too.

I'm wearing it right now and I would not want it any stiffer than it naturally and already is, without stiffener, but that's just my opinion and others may vary.

[bluelineman]

The Beltman's website says that the stiffener is usually not needed in Horsehide. If it were my $, I'd call him and get one without the stiffener. Just my 2¢.


10. Should I get the internal stiffener?
If you carry a heavy firearm or have a high-ride top-heavy holster you might want to consider it for the inch-and a quarter wide belts. The stiffener is not usually necessary for the wider belts unless you like it really stiff. The stiffener provides a greater degree of vertical stability but still allows the belt to take on a natural curve that any leather belt will do after it has been worn for a while.

20. Can I change my order?
Yes, you may change your order at any time until we cut leather. Since our manufacturing process usually takes about three weeks, if you lose 20 pounds two weeks after your order date, you should re-measure and let us know of any changes. However, if you wish to add the internal stiffener or Velcro liner, or make any changes where an additional charge would be necessary, please call us. Please be advised that we do not have your credit card information unless you placed your order on the phone. If you ordered through the website, CALL US (1-919-387-1997). DO NOT e-mail your credit card information!

[QKShooter]

If you're going to carry a full size/full weight firearm OWB in a High Ride rig - a good stiff belt really helps.
Horse hide is plenty stiff already.
I don't think an added stiffener would hurt anything ~ though it might not be necessary.

[cdwolf]

I got a Rock Steady belt from High Noon and they use a stiffener in theirs, I also got a Slide Guard from them! I love the belt and holstr combo! Yes it is stiff, but pulls the holster in tight!! It is also brand new. I like the fact that it don't move on drawing and it is very comfortable. I had a double layer leather that was 6 years old that flexed alot, this one feels much better! Only time will tell!! Not needed in horse, but I would keep it like you ordered it!!

[David in FL]

As said before, pick up the phone and give Jim a call. Doesn't sound like you need it, but why not let the expert help you make the right decision?

[Scott Hughes]

I have had the 1 1/2" bullhide belt for some time. It does not have the added stiffener but has retained its stiffness wonderfully. I very recently received my order of two shark belts. One is a 1 1/4" for wear with dress suits, the other is 1 1/2" for denim/casual. The shark skin is laminated to a bullhide layer with a woven polyester stiffener in between the shark and bull. I am pretty sure that this is because the shark while being super tough is not as stiff as a two layer bull or horsehide belt. I can tell that I am EXTREMELY pleased with quality of Jim's product and the level of service that his company gives it's customers. (They gladly helped me with changes I requested for my order.) Call Jim, I don't think you will be disappointed. Link below.

Gun Belts by The Belt Man

[longo244]

I have a 1.5" horsehide belt from the Beltman and I love it. I do not have the plastic insert. My belt is THICK to say the least. While I primarily carry IWB I do occasionally carry my 4" S&W 586 OWB in a leather holster and I experience no sagging. The holster stays right where you put it. I understand the plastic insert makes the belt significantly thicker than it would otherwise be. I have been wearing my belt religiously for the 2 months I've had it and I carry 90% of the time and I see no need for the stiffener. The belt serves it's purpose very well without it.

[Breakdaddy]

Mine is bullhide but is 1.5" and needs no stiffener. It holds up A LOT of stuff when I go to the range. Cell phone, supertuck (with full size XD), leatherman, and three spare mags. When not on range duty, it only holds the supertuck and 1 spare mag, sometimes the cell phone. Point being that it will hold up nicely with no stiffener