Belt Advice Wilderness vs Uncle Mike's

Lone Kimono · 01-12-2013, 19:41

I'm looking for a belt and am between the original Wilderness and the Uncle Mike's Instructor. If I were basing it on quality alone I'd buy the Wilderness, but their sizing system doesn't seem as forgiving. From what I gather you really have to get it spot on.

The Uncle Mike's seems to have sizing problems as well, but I'm right at the start of their L, so it might be something that could last me longer if I gain weight.

Any thoughts?

BadPunkin · 01-12-2013, 20:08

Have two Wilderness, one for work and one for carry at home. I am very happy with both and didn't have any problems with the sizing, just follow the chart.

Providence · 01-12-2013, 20:09

I have a Wilderness belt, and I'm really impressed with the quality. Just follow the directions for measurement and you'll be fine.

OdinIII · 01-12-2013, 20:12

Get a Wilderness and just follow their recommendations about actually measuring your waist. I love my 5 stitch. I've had it forever and it's still going strong.

OMDonald · 01-12-2013, 20:24

IMO it depends on its purpose. What do you want this belt to do?

There are so many other belts from which to choose.

I have an Uncle Mike's. It is super supportive and super stiff. It is a duty belt type, and I'd not wear it to hold my pants up. I also have a Wilderness Easy-Fit Instructors Belt. Both of these are in a box somewhere. If I had to choose between them, I'd pick the Wilderness.

Currently, I wear AG Custom for leather and Volund Gearworks for nylon.

Also, check out ARES and Jones Tactical.

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Lone Kimono · 01-12-2013, 21:22

I followed the Wilderness instructions and I'm between a 38 and a 39. The older I get the larger my waist is going to be, so I could end up having to replace it soon. Oh well...the pounds are starting to love me.

For those who have the 5 stitch, is it too rigid for an every day belt if I didn't have a holster on?

OdinIII · 01-13-2013, 03:41

I wear mine everyday at work without a holster. My dad has went through 3 expensive leather belts in the time that I've had the Wilderness.

teweekley · 01-13-2013, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadPunkin

Have two Wilderness, one for work and one for carry at home. I am very happy with both and didn't have any problems with the sizing, just follow the chart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Providence

I have a Wilderness belt, and I'm really impressed with the quality. Just follow the directions for measurement and you'll be fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OdinIII

Get a Wilderness and just follow their recommendations about actually measuring your waist. I love my 5 stitch. I've had it forever and it's still going strong.

+1 here

4Rules · 01-13-2013, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by up1911fan

Volund Gearworks Atlas Belt. JRC or The Beltman for leather.

Quote:

Originally Posted by up1911fan

Untill you try an Atlas belt. Sold my Wilderness and Ares after getting my first. Currently have two of them.

For the last decade, I've worn Wilderness belts almost exclusively. The Ares Ranger belt set a new standard in stiffness, and it made me a believer, but, because of the (too-large) size of the Cobra buckle and the relative ease-of-use of the Wilderness belt, Wilderness belts remain in my daily-wear mix. The Volund Atlas' buckle and closure is very different, and I was skeptical of it's utility, but - once tried - it immediately won me over. It is fast to don, adequately stiff for the purpose, totally silent, easy to drop-trou, and totally comfortable.

As of today, if I had to choose only one belt, the Volund Gearworks' Atlas belt would be my first choice.

http://www.volundgearworks.com/

quinnt · 01-13-2013, 18:01

I also have 2 wilderness belts, 1 for work and one for carry. Both have held up great and get put through a lot.

UneasyRider · 01-13-2013, 18:16

I am on my second Wilderness here (the first did not wear out, just getting old) and could not be more pleased.

Maine1 · 01-13-2013, 18:37

The wilderness is actually pretty for giving, provided one errs on the large side- i sized mine for carrying a gun, 2 mag pouch IWB while wearing long johns..., i have both gained and lost weight this last 2-3 years, with the same belt working fine.

Wilderness belts have been my daily wear for 15 years or so, never seen a need to change.

Lone Kimono · 01-14-2013, 10:06

I'm going to place an order for a Wilderness today. Just to make sure is the 1.5 the way to go?

UneasyRider · 01-14-2013, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lone Kimono

I'm going to place an order for a Wilderness today. Just to make sure is the 1.5 the way to go?

Yes! It fits through most belt loops and holds your weapon well. I like the reinforced.

Lone Kimono · 01-14-2013, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by UneasyRider

Yes! It fits through most belt loops and holds your weapon well. I like the reinforced.

I appreciate the help, UneasyRider!

eb07 · 01-14-2013, 10:48

I bought my wilderness belt in 1996.... 1.75 original instructor, I wear it almost daily. I still am wearing it today. It is just now showing signs of wear to wear I may need to replace it in a few years. 16 years of IWB carry AIWB and strong side and this belt is still going strong.

Lone Kimono · 01-14-2013, 21:28

Well, I bought a Wilderness! Now comes the fun part of waiting for it to get here

I appreciate all the help!

OMDonald · 01-15-2013, 12:24

You made a very good choice.

It will remain snug and stiff yet comfortable for many years. I guess I should've given more details on why I don't use mine anymore. I just didn't care for the buckle and velcro although they work perfectly. I just quit using mine about 18 months ago after wearing it quite a bit for maybe five years.

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