[RAD]

What size belts are y'all buying in relation to pants or waist size? Currently, my pants sizes are 36 and 38, most all of them (even the 36s) fitting loose enough to wear an IWB. My belts are double-thick Ernie Hill horsehide, that I wear in the last, or next to last hole w/o gun (or with an OWB), and in the middle with the IWB.

I'm actually considering a full shark belt, but I don't want to plunk down booocooo dinero and then either fat-attack or shrink myself out of it. The Hills are about one hole too big in my current assessment.

Is getting it cut with 6 or 7 holes viable?

Anybody done this?

Anybody care?

 

[Peter Loron]

One of these days I need to get a nice leather gunbelt again, but for now I just gave up and am using a Wilderness 1.5" instructor belt. Been really happy with it, and I don't have to worry about where the holes in the belt are! :grin:


_________________
-Pete

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: peterl on 2001-04-02 19:39 ]</font>

 

[RAD]

Yeah, but it looks kinda funny with suit and tie. :wink: But then, so do my folding knives!

 

[Desert Dog]

I have a range of sizes! LOL! :lol:

Not only does the waistline sometimes fluctuate with the season (like shedding excess from X-mas). I have some belts that are perfect for IWB, where as others are meant for belt slide use. Pete is correct about the Wilderness belts -- untill you run out of velcro. :wink:

For suit use, a 1 1/2" belt that tapers to 1 1/4" in the front is pretty slick. If you are wearing a suit coat, then the belt looks like a normal dress belt from the front, but you have the advantage of the extra width to help support and stabalize the gun. Having the holes on 3/4" center not 1" centers gives you a finer degree of adjustment and is worthwhile IMO.

FWIW, one of our LE friends mentioned that the shark belts scream gunleather to the more observant perps.

Don't worry about outgrowing you new shark belt -- that is what the For Sale forum is for. Care for another piece of fudge RAD?? :grin:

DD

 

[Peter Loron]

Luckily I never wear a suit! Dressed up for me is shoes instead of sandals. :grin:

 

[wewebb]

I just ordered a belt from Lou Alessi via Dane Burns. IIRC I was told to measure by laying your current perfered belt out flat and measure from the buckle to the hole you usually use.

OK Where's the moderator?, I think he has more knowledge than I in this arena.

Oh, and I like the idea of more holes but a little closer together. I would like to be able to use OBW or IBW and find a comfy spot even after dinner. :wink:

Webb

 

[Mark Garrity]

I tell my customers to provide me the measurement of a belt they are currently wearing, from the hole they use to the point wear the leather folds around the buckle post, and cut their belt accordingly. That measurement is full-proof and will not change. Other makers say to measure from the hole to the inner edge of the buckle where it meets the hole post. Buckles are different shapes and sizes. I don't know what type of buckle you've got, and the one I
provide you may be smaller or larger, throwing the measurement off if the buckle is used as the reference point. I've encountered buckles with inner edge dimensions ranging from 1/2 inch to more than two inches from where the leather folds around the post; so you can see how this could affect length. I've found this method has worked best for me and my clients. If you order from another maker, I advise you to adhere to their suggestions.

 

[Louis F. Alessi]

Mark, I use the same measurement. I don't include the measurement of the buckle either.
There is too much variance in shapes, lengths of buckles to rely on that measurement. Another safe measurement is that we ask the customer what size pants he wears. Then make the belt 2" larger than the pants size to accomodate for the thickness of the two layers of leather.
Lou

 

[Mark Garrity]

Mr Alessi,
Thanks for the invite. Being relatively new
to this, it's good to hear I'm on the right
track (regarding belt measurement anyway, and
hopefully a few other things).
Had to laugh when I read your quote about
working with stingray. It does stink! Didn't
know you worked in exotics.
Thanks for your compliment on my work.
With your knowledge and experience I hold that in the highest regard.

Respectfully,
Mark Garrity

 

[Louis F. Alessi]

Mark, Thank you very much, and please,,no need to be calling me Mr. Alessi. It makes me feel older than I need to feel.
We don't do much in exotics these days. We're just too busy with the normal stuff, but I do enjoy making something different for a chance of pace. If I can ever be of any help don't be bashful.
Regards,
Lou

 

[Rich]

Hey Luigi,

"Mr." is a term of respect, which is something young people should give old guys like us . . .

Makes me feel old too, particularly when my young detectives make disparaging remarks about my prematurely gray hair and receding hairline.

Of course, my belts have been getting larger to keep pace too . . . hell gettin old.

Rich