[BikerRN]

Walking into work today I noticed that one of my co-workers had a belt that was looking the worse for wear.

He told me he got it cheap about six months ago from one of the "Cop Shops". The dye was rubbed off in numerous places, the edges were rolled and it looked like crap. I thought to myself that it was a good thing that the thing he generously called a belt was under his duty belt.

Then I showed him my belt. IIRC it's at least two, closer to three, years old. It shows some minor wear, but the dye has not rubbed off. It has conformed to my body, but the edges aren't rolled. Compared to his, it looks new. I have one Gibson Belt for work, and one for off duty. Both look good and are holding up well.

For the sake of easy math, let's say they cost $100. In two years my co-worker will go through four belts and need another. That the cost of one Belt right there. At the rate my Gibson Belts are wearing, and they are the only Belts I wear, on duty or off unless I'm wearing a suit, and that's only three time a year or so, my Belts will last another five years easily.

In short, while the initial outlay of cash is more, it will last longer and wear better than the cheap belts available at the "Cop Shop". It's true, "You get what you pay for."

I don't "baby" my gear, and truth be told, I'm hard on my equipment. Both belts are holding up very well, and while they have taken on some character, they don't look wore out and ready for the waste basket. My Duty Belt alone is significant weight. Off Duty I carry a full size gun, Hi Power, and two reloads as well as a BUG.

So, if you are asking yourself, "Do I need a Gunbelt", decide for yourself. Longterm economics would say you do.

Biker

 

[varob]

Well said. You can't beat a good quality product.

I, as many have, learned that the hard way.

 

[ccw9mm]

... got it cheap ... dye was rubbed ... edges were rolled ... looked like crap ...

While every belt and each person's use is going to be different, it's true that a belt designed to withstand the rigors of daily "hard" use will do so in ways that aren't evident for months or more, depending.

In the past 4yrs, I've purchased four belts. The way they're holding up, it's almost certain they'll last another several years. Each cost north of $75 each, but I can completely rely on all of them to perform, not degrade, look good.

By comparison, I've also had numerous "department store" grade belts that simply aren't the same. At a third the price, or less, they're still not the same value, given the lack of performance, poor looks in a short period of time.

Though it seemingly costs a bit more up front, in the long run it need be no m ore expensive to go the route of quality and performance.

 

[kpw]

BikerRN, I couldn't agree more. I have a number of belts I use so most don't get daily wear and they all look practically new. I could go a couple decades and not need a new one. I'd still like to have a Gibson belt or two.

 

[BikerRN]

There are many good belt makers out there, and in the interest of fairness and full disclosure I think it's only fair to let everyone know my connection to Bruce Gibson.

He's been a friend, confidant and bull rope maker whose ropes I'm proud to say I've used back when I used to get on snot slinging bovine critters. I've known Bruce for about twenty years, and we swap Emails and phone calls regularly.

Biker