Stormrider Underlord Gear Belt

Written By: Zane M.

Probably the most overlooked part of everyday carry (EDC) gear is the belt.  You can't truly appreciate a good belt until you've worn a good one for any length of time.  About 8 months ago I began my quest for a new belt, as the old instructor belt I'd worn for years had seen better days, to say the least. There was one problem: I'm not a fan of the cobra buckle and cobra buckles are all the rage these days.  

  Enter Stormrider gear's underlord belt. The underlord is part of a belt system that uses an inner and outer belt. The outer is ideal for duty, training, and/or competition without the need for belt keepers. The inner belt, affectionately referred to as the underlord, makes an absolutely wonderful choice for a stand-alone belt for your EDC. 

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  The belt has no buckle to speak of; instead it uses hook and loop to "lock" the end in place. The belt also sports loop (or the fuzzy side of the brand name Velcro) around the circumference of the belt. This is for use with the outer belt part of the system, called the overlord. This also works well with certain accessories that utilize hook and loop attachment points, such as mag carriers, medical kits, and of course moral patches. Stormrider gear offers belts without the loop, but for the same price and on recommendation from a trusted friend in the gun community, I saw no reason to forgo it. 

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  The belt is stiff, as expected, and does support the weight of my EDC gear. I have carried in several different configurations during the last 6 months and regardless of how I carried, the belt supported each setup very well. I typically carry a Glock 17 and at least one spare magazine every day. For concealed carry the gun is kept in an appendix holster in the waistband with a spare magazine right next to it at about 11:00. For open carry, I use a duty type holster with active retention with a belt slide attachment (not a paddle) and belt slide duel mag carrier on the support side. I've also carried the same gun at about 3:30 in the waistband. The only time the belt ever became uncomfortable was during extended wear “hotspots” would develop right on my hip bones. It's worth mentioning that I have this issue with all thick webbing type belts and attribute this to my thin build.

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  The belts are 1.5" in width and Stormrider gear boasts several color options on their website, to include the ever popular Kryptec patterns. I went with Kryptec Typhon and solid black loop. There is a sizing chart on their website and they warn "do not use your pant size.” 

  If you are someone who trains a lot with a full set up or needs the ability to quickly go from low profile CCW to full on duty rig (“kit up” for the tactical Timmy’s out there) the underlord is a perfect base to start with.  As long as you chose an outer belt that has hook attachment, you'll be good to go. 

  This belt is a great overall choice for the concealed carrier, as it is sturdy, comfortable, and very functional. The best part is, the underlord won't break the bank at sub $50. I've worn belts twice the cost of this and didn't gain much by way of comfort or usability. 

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS - 8 KEY POINTS

CLAIM TO FAME:

Buckle-less design 

1" loop the entire circumference 

TARGET MARKET:

Concealed carry

Law enforcement/security personnel 

Anyone who needs a stiff, ridged belt 

FNBS (FEATURES & BENEFITS OF THIS PRODUCT):

Loop attachment points 

Very reasonably priced. 

Alternative to the cobra buckle (for those like me that aren't a fan) 

WHAT OTHER AESTHETIC OPTIONS OR FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE?

Base color:

Assassin black

Coyote brown

Foliage gray 

Ranger green 

Wolf gray 

Multicam

Kryptec highlander 

Kryptec typhon

Kryptec yeti

multicam black 

Loop colors:

Assassin black

Coyote brown

Foliage gray 

Ranger green 

Wolf gray 

Just brown

 What others are saying:

"I FORGOT I WAS WEARING IT!

 This belt is stout in construction but flexible enough that I forgot I had a belt on. When loaded up it feels like it distributes the weight well and resists bending outward very well. I can't wait to get the overlord to go with it. The buckle-less design is a huge comfort factor and is what lead me to give this belt a go. Was worth the wait!"

 -Review from storm rider gears website.

Price point:

 MSRP = $46.99 Add $3 for kryptec or multicam 

 Retail = $46.99

I need it now availability:

I was only able to find in on stormridergear.com

Lead time is 8 weeks at the time of writing

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Super stiff
• Very comfortable 
• Hook and loop fasteners
• Very reasonably priced

Cons:

• More difficult to sit down in the restroom than with a traditional belt buckle. 
• Hotspots can build up on the hips (you probably know what I'm talking about. If you don't it's probably a non issue)
• Looks odd with a shirt tucked in

Score: 8.0 Great

SuperBio IndestructiBelt

   As most people who conceal carry know, a good belt is a necessity. I had heard somewhere about the IndestructiBelt SuperBio by Daltech Force. So as any reviewer would do, I ask them if they would like me to review one. A few days later a brown one arrived for me to test. 

  The Daltech Force IndestructiBelt SuperBio belt is not your run of the mill carry belt. Instead it is made from a thermopolymer polyurethane with an internal polyester webbing. Basically this is a polymer belt that looks a lot like leather. But don't stop there. The SuperBio belt also is very strong, it is stated to have a 6000 psi tensile strength. The belt is also quite stiff, so don't worry about it sagging. I think you could carry just about any gun you wanted and not have to worry about it pulling on the belt. Since the SuperBio belt is made from polymer, it will resist oils, water, sweat, and other stuff that will destroy a leather belt. To clean the belt,  all you have to do is wipe it down with some soap and water. 

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  As with most quality belts, it comes with Chicago screws to hold on the buckle. The one they sent me has a nice stainless roller buckle on it, but they also offer a brass buckle. The buckle can always be switched out if you don't like it. The belt comes with 9 holes spaced 3/4" apart. This comes in handy when adding or subtracting gear. At 5/32" thick it is about the same as a single thickness leather belt. Mine is 1.5" wide, but they also offer it in a 1.25".

  After wearing the SuperBio belt for awhile, I found it to be almost too stiff. It is just not as slick as a cloth or leather belt, so I don't think it moves with the fabric of your clothes as well. Did it support a gun? Oh yes, I even carried an all steel 1911 on it for a few days.

   As far as sizing goes, the SuperBio belt is easy to order. All you do is add 2" to your waist size. So for me I went with a 38 belt size because my waist is 36". With belt sizes ranging from 30" to 80", yes that is 80", Daltech Force makes it for just about any size person. 

  The SuperBio IndestructiBelt is a pretty good belt option. If you need something that resists harsh environments or you are looking for a very stiff belt, you might give this a try. It doesn't really look like leather close up, but from a foot or so away you can't notice. The belt will hold whatever you can put on it and is very adjustable to fit your needs.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Tough Rigid Belt for CCW

Target Market:

Concealed carriers, competitive shooters, or those wanting a belt for harsh environments

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Thermopolymer Polyurethane

• 1.25" or 1.5" width

• Strong

• Resists Oil, water, Sweat, or other harsh environments

• Zero Stretch

• Will not Sag

• Stainless Buckle

• Chicago Screws

• Large sizes available

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

• Black
• Brass Buckle
• Metal Keeper
• 1.25" width

What others are saying?:

Dan @ DaltechForce 5/5 stars

Can't believe how well this belt held up! I've had my first one for almost two years and it has been through everything. It has been on multi day hikes with dripping sweat, it has swam in salt and fresh water, its my daily belt for both my office job and my weekend belt for recreation. If I showed you this belt you would swear I just pulled it out of the packaging! Fortunately/unfortunately I've lost a significant amount of weight in the last year and I am back to purchase this belt again! One thing that I would recommend is to put some thread lock blue on the screws as soon as you get it. I've read of others losing a screw and they include a spare, but better safe than sorry. Otherwise a really maintenance free, good looking, and long lasting belt that is rigid and does a great job holding my CCW without it flopping about.

Amazon reviewer 5/5 stars

This is a great belt! I love it! I like to carry a lot of stuff in my pockets and on my belt. With this belt, I no longer have to keep hiking my pants up. I wish I had ordered one sooner. It really does make a big difference.

Price point:

MSRP = $69.99

Retail = $59.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Daltechforce or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Strong

• Won't stretch

• 9 holes at 3/4" spacing

• Stainless roller buckle

• Chicago Screws

• Will not sag

• Resists about anything it will come in contact with

• Easily cleaned

Cons:

• Too stiff

• Doesn't move like Fabric or Leather

• Doesn't really look like leather (But no one will know)

Score: 7.5 Good

Chad's Favorite Link: AR-15 Podcast

SOG Snarl Knife

The SOG Snarl knife found its way into my shopping cart pretty quickly, almost automatically. I had no intention of even browsing the knife section during the grand opening of Washington State's first Bass Pro Shop location. As I was making a B line to the firearms counter, this precocious little blade caught my eye, and I knew it would be a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas... for myself! I own plenty of knives, but none designed for EDC, or everyday carry.

Sure I have pocket knives, in fact it seems every other year I lose one and have to replace it. Folders end up getting left in pockets, or borrowed and never returned. With the frequent disappearance of my knives, I fell out of practice of carrying one each day. Upon seeing the Snarl by SOG, I had a feeling I was going to hold onto my next knife for awhile.

The Snarl is a fixed, very small tactical claw. It is constructed from a single piece of 9CR18MoV Satin finish stainless steel thats been CNC machined into a "sheepsfoot" style blade with two round finger holes for versatility in grip. The design of the knife comes from a custom knife maker named Jason Brous, more famous for his "functional fantasy" knife designs. Right away you can tell the inspiration for the knife came from brass knuckles, however it's very difficult to use the petite Snarl in the same way, and you would probably break a finger or two if you tried to use it that way.

I picked the Snarl up for myself because I saw its potential as a multi-role knife. The sheepsfoot design makes the Snarl suitable as a skinning knife, box cutter, scraper, and concealed self-defense blade (in a very desperate, less than ideal situation due to its size.) You're not likely going to intimidate an assailant if you brandish the Snarl, because its not really a face-to-face fighting knife. The nature of the Snarl is to be concealed and deployed covertly and accurately, much like a pocket pistol in a small, relatively under-powered caliber. When close enough, the grip design of the Snarl facilitates punching, jabbing, stabbing, and slashing... a real nasty tool if you are trained / proficient in extremely close quarters, extremely aggressive tactics. If you are neither of the above and concerned about self defense use, you may be better off getting a larger knife thats more traditional like a Kabar or boot knife.

Depending of the size of your hand, some positions for holding this knife will be more comfortable than others. If you have big monkey mitts, the Snarl may be entirely uncomfortable to hold and use. The two and a half finger holes suggest a three fingered grip for firmest hold, however this strains the hand. I found it best to put my index finger through the first finger hole and middle finger in the outer half circle hole. The spine of the Snarl has large line serrations for positive grip, which also aids in unsheathing from the belt line or included neck chain. Be warned, the outer half hole doesn't have enough of a bevel to keep your finger from sliding up and getting sliced.

The Snarl comes paired with a hard nylon sheath thats able to be clipped to the belt in a horizontal position, or hung from the neck with a supplied ball necklace. The sheath's belt clip is also reversible for left or right handers alike. I found the clip to be less than confidence worthy as it doesn't clamp as securely to the belt as I'd like, and is easier to remove or slide around than it should be like an Uncle Mike's basic holster. Its best to position the clip behind a belt loop, so it stops the sheath from sliding forward when drawing the Snarl. A tighter clip or dual smaller clips would probably perform better.

The retention of the blade is very solid and hasn't yet loosened noticeably. Re-inserting the snarl into the sheath is still a bit hard to get used to do to its curved spine and size, but the mouth of the sheath has a round inlet that frees the front finger hole, so two to three fingers can be used to draw with a very firm grasp.

This knife and sheath combo are small enough to be unnoticeable, yet the knife is just big enough to be useful. For some with bigger hands it may actually be too small to be comfortable in the hand, and impractical for self defense. However for me, it perfectly fits the role of an EDC blade. The edge has held up well after a light honing from day one. I've used it to open stubborn plastic packaging, sharpen sticks, and cut bailing twine.

I really do enjoy this knife, even though it is a mass-produced blade that is more at home stuffed in a Christmas stocking than a Bug-Out bag. While I don't see it as comparable to other "tactical" knives in utility, construction, or comfort in the hand its petite design will be on my side or under my shirt for the foreseeable future. For the price point, it makes a great functional and unique gift to mostly anyone who practices the EDC lifestyle.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Jason Brous designed a "functional fantasy" Snarl knife that features a 9CR18MoV stainless steal blade. It's like a brass knuckles/SOG mash-up.

Target Market:  Every Day Carry, Concealed Carry, Outdoorsman (Fishing, Hunting, Camping)

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• 9CR18MoV Stainless Steel, Satin finish
• Sheepsfoot design
• 14 horizontal serrations on spine for better grip
• RC. 58-60 hardness
• 4.3" overall length
• 2.3" blade length
• 1.90 oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: None, satin stainless only

What others are saying?:

"I was pretty excited to receive this SOG/Brous collaboration. It's a solid little knife, thick piece of steel and feels like it could take a beating. The sheath has good retention and easily clips onto your belt. The included clip only supports horizontal carry -- maybe a small teklok would provide other options (although I'm not sure about that). Despite liking the knife, I just can't get used to it. I know this is a very popular Brous design, but I just can't figure out a way for me to hold the knife comfortably. I've tried various grips but I don't feel as if I have control of the blade with any of them. I have pretty regular sized hands but whatever I do it's just pretty awkward." Amazon User Review

"The blade comes a little dull, I intentionally dulled it even more along with wrapping/burning 550 cord around the rear finger hole. Reason being, this "knife" is more of a high stress weapon. This is meant to be used in conjunction with gross motors skills I.E. punching, jabbing (nasty up close inside fighting). Considering the draw and striking style used, I could see me cutting my middle finger so I dulled it down. I wouldn't dare do this to the silent soldier II but hey, this is only thirty dollars. Pros: Awesome sheath very secure, quality steel. Cons: Potential weak point at base of blade (should be beveled outward) and the sheath clip can only be mounted for a side draw, which I love but some wouldn't." Amazon User Review

Price point:

• MSRP = $55.00
• Retail = $32.99

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online at Amazon or other SOG dealers

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Versatility: designed be held in multiple ways and carried in two ways, praised as a neck knife
• Blade edge has held up well
• Thickness of blade spine adds to durability and controllability / helps make up for short overall length
• Sheath has good retention and is reversible for lefties / righties

Cons:

• No matte black finish option
• Short grip area and medium finger holes may prevent use from larger handed users, or cause hand fatigue
• Metal thins near bottom of blade/first finger hole (potential weak point if used to pry)
• Edges of finger holes need cordage wrap or dehorning as edges are pronounced
• Sheath's belt clip is limited to horizontal orientation
• Belt clip doesn't secure to belt enough, prone to sliding or easily coming off belt

Score: 7.0 Good

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Concealment Solutions Python Gun Belt Review

When I began to carry concealed, I was wearing a thin leather belt that I had bought from Target for $14. I had seen people rave about having a good, sturdy belt for carrying, but I thought mine was great for it. Eventually, I decided to see, first hand, what all the talk was about, and MAN, was I wrong. The Concealment Solutions Python Gun Belt is an amazing belt for carry. It is made of two thick pieces of leather, sewn together, which make it very rigid and sturdy. It is 1.5” thick. The buckle is all metal, with no physical gaps, which prevents it from eventually spreading. I wanted a greater range of adjustment, so I asked for the holes to be spaces closer together at .75” rather than 1” and Jason, the owner of Concealment Solutions, happily obliged. The thickness of the leather keeps it from twisting, folding and sagging under the weight of the holster and firearm. I do with there were more buckle options and tooling/pattern options, but I’m sure if you contacted Jason, you may be able to work something out. For added rigidity, Concealment Solutions offers a Kydex lined model, but I didn’t feel it was necessary, for me. I have been wearing this belt for over two years, and it is still just as good as the day I got it. I recently did have to buy a new one, but that is only because I have lost weight, and it was beginning to wrap around my waist. My experience was just as great the second time as the first. You can also expect very good and quick service from Jason. If anyone needs a great leather belt for concealed carry, I can definitely recommend the Python Gun Belt.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: “Simple designs with exceptional functionality”

Target Market: Concealed carriers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Two layers of leather
• Kydex lined (available)
• Metal buckle
• Sturdy

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: There are five colors available: Black, Mahogany, Light brown, Dark brown, and Tan. The colors can be seen here. I do wish there were other buckle options and tooling/pattern options.

What others are saying?: ”It’s very sturdy. The construction is very well done. It’s very comfortable and does what it’s supposed to do.” My 2nd Amendment Journey blog

Price Point:

• MSRP = $54.99 - 64.99 for the leather
• MSRP = $74.99 - $84.99 for the Kydex lined

I need it now! Availability: Concealment Solutions products are only available from their website.

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Double-thick leather
• All metal buckle
• Removable buckle
• Comfortable
• Sturdy
• GREAT customer service
• Quick shipping
• Looks good with business or casual attire

Cons:

• No different buckle options
• No options for tooling and patterns in the leather

Score 8.5

Ares Gear Ranger Belt Enhanced Review

By Gary Taylor

The most important, and often overlooked, part of any EDC firearm rig is not the gun itself, or even the holster, it’s the belt!  A good belt can make all the difference in the world in how comfortable a concealed carry weapon is going to ride on your hip.  You can have your favorite gun inside the best holster money can buy, but if you put it on a crappy belt, then you will be cursing your rig before the end of the day.  Over the years, I have found a few belts that work okay and a decent leather belt that works fairly well. However, the Ranger Belt by Ares Gear is, hands down, the most comfortable belt that supports my firearm.

The exact version I have is the “Enhanced” version of the Ranger Belt, which means that it is a little stiffer than their normal Ranger Belt. A quick test for any belt you pick up is to see how easy it is to fold the belt over from the top edge to the bottom edge. If it folds, then the belt will give when you place the weight of a firearm on it. I doubt the Ranger Belt would even start to fold if you put the damn thing in a vice! The belt is so stiff that I can wear my Glock 19, with a Surefire X300 Ultra attached, in an OWB Raven Concealment Holster in complete comfort. No sag. No Drop. No Bend. On hot summer days, when I want to wear just a t-shirt as a cover garment, my Glock 26 in an OWB Raven Concealment Holster, completely disappears on my hip to the point I do not even notice it is there. The belt is so stiff, but yet comfortable, it balances the weight of the gun perfectly.

Outside of how stiff it is and the overall quality of the belt, another great feature is the buckle itself. The Ranger Belt uses a QR Cobra buckle that allows for exact customization of exactly how tight you might want to run your belt. It is also very easy to make quick adjustments for those times that you might have eaten too much for lunch or are sitting in the car for a long period of time. Then, when you need to make the belt a little tighter, give it a quick tug and you can snug up the belt just the way you need it. When you first get the belt, you might wonder how to thread the QR Cobra buckle through your pants belt loops since the buckle itself will not fit through your belt loops.  It really is very easy. Just remove the female end and then clip it into the male end (just to free up your hands). Snake the belt through your pant loops and holster, then reconnect the buckle.  Once you do it a couple of times it becomes quick and easy.

Overall, this is a fantastic belt and a great investment. As with all good quality products, you get what you pay for and the price point on this one is not cheap, but it is worth it as the belt wears very well over time. Order yours early as the lead time is still running about 4 weeks. They offer a range of color options for the belt and the buckle so you can customize it to fit your needs. Be honest with yourself when it comes to ordering your size!!!  You want to make sure the belt is going to fit you right, especially if you plan on carrying IWB.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Best CC Belt on the market!

Target Market: Concealed Carry

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Excellent Stiffness
• Wide range of Colors
• Great Buckle System

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Ares Gear Ranger Belt Enhanced is available in many colors and patterns, including black, coyote brown, blue, red, OD green, desert tan, digital desert, digital woodland, multicam, and urban grey.

What others are saying?: “Best belt I’ve ever had I have tried others and nothing beats Ares. I use all my gear hard and this belt his not let me down.” - Robert, Ares Gear Customer Review

Price Point:

• MSRP = $94.99 + Options
• Retail = $89.99

I need it now! Availability: You can get these belts from a few retailers, including LaRue Tactical, Weapon Outfitters, and directly from Ares Gear.

Our Rating: + Very stiff + Great buckle

- Pricy - Long wait time

Score: 8.5 Great