When it comes to EDC belts, the main goal is to carry your firearm and keep your pants up at the same time. But what about the differences between two similar belts, like the Kore Essentials and the Nexbelt? CothronTrust [YouTube channel] covers this topic in episode 25 of Gear & Stuff.
Aside from the obvious fact that both companies make EDC belts that hit the main objective, they thought it would be fun to compare the two belt companies. The team tested the belts for well over six months for the comparison, with either daily or every other day wear.
Nexbelt
The Nexbelt has a ratchet system with a flush release button. They liked the fact that you don’t have to fully undo your belt to find a new hole when you sit down wearing your firearm (or after a large meal). The ratchet system allows the user to make micro-adjustments for a custom fit. Nexbelt has different buckle and belt texture options for many different combinations.
The team said the belt was more flexible, had more play, and was more comfortable right away. They said it felt more like a normal everyday belt and not an EDC.
KORE Essentials
They then turned their attention to the Kore Essentials EDC belts. They liked that there were a ton of different color options including camo patterns, carbon fiber and leather, and different buckles. The big difference is that the Kore belts come in two different width options for the EDC belts: 1.5” and 1.75”.
The Kore Essential belts also use a ratchet system and can do micro-adjustments like Nexbelt. There is a release button on the buckle that is a little larger than the Nexbelt option. But unlike Nexbelt, Kore held two patents on the ratchet systems at the time of the video.
Pros & Cons
Nexbelt
On the positive side, the Nexbelt release button is low profile so there isn’t a worry about it getting caught on anything. Also, folks like that it is softer right out of the box. That said, team members and friends used the belt to the point that it started losing its shape and became too soft.
Kore Essentials
Pros:
She likes the multitude of belt and buckle options for wear. Some people have complained that it was too stiff, but she says that she likes that it is stiff and comfortable.
She rounds up the video by saying that both belt options are solid choices, but she tends to lean more towards the Kore in the 1.5” width and that also seemed to be the consensus of people that commented on the video as well.
