Belts are seldom the focus of our thoughts when we select the gear we will carry each day. I know of people who spent weeks reading about handguns before making their choice for a CCW weapon. You can spend almost as much time on lights, optics, and holsters to carry the gun in. But who thinks about the belt that will keep that gun on your side?
I didn’t until I started wearing a good-quality belt and realized how much I was missing out on. I carry IWB when I’m off duty, but I have never been able to find a holster that’s comfortable all the time; if I set the holster up to be comfortable when standing up, it’s uncomfortable when I sit down. It was a frustrating battle. After a while, though, I realized this wasn’t a holster issue but a belt issue.
Safariland sent me the EDC belt to review, but once I started wearing it, I couldn’t stop. Now, it’s my everyday belt, and I love it. I guess that’s why they call it the EDC belt, right?
Sizing and Fitting the Safariland EDC NexBelt
One of the best things about this belt is that you can adjust it to any size you want during the setup process—well, almost any size. It does have a maximum length of 50 inches, but you can cut it down to any size under that. This means you don’t have to deal with belts that are either too big or too small, and nothing is available in your size.
To adjust it, simply turn the belt over and locate the sizing on the back of the belt. Take your pants size and add at least four inches to it. Don’t forget, it’s okay if you cut it too long because you can always cut it again, so if you’re unsure, add a few more inches on there before you cut. Once you decide what length you need, cut the belt to the corresponding size.
Instead, just slide the buckle over the belt and tighten the three screws on the back of the buckle. A belt loop comes with the belt, so make sure it is slid over it until it is behind the buckle. Now, the belt is ready to test fit and make necessary adjustments. If it’s too big, remove the buckle and repeat this process again.
Using the EDC Nexbelt
When cutting the belt, you probably noticed the red line running down the back of it. The little teeth-like pieces on the back of the belt catch and secure the buckle when you put it on. Once you have the belt on, push the end through the buckle until you hear a clicking sound: the sound of the teeth locking and catching in the buckle like a ratchet. The further you push, the tighter the belt will get.
This makes it easy to put on and adjust to your liking. Traditional belts require finding the closest hole in your belt, which is often too loose or tight. If you want to loosen the EDC belt, press the silver button on the bottom of the buckle. It will release the teeth and allow the belt to slide open. This is much cooler than a traditional belt, but some may fail to see the convenience of it.
Even though it’s rigid, it’s thin, which makes it easy to put on and take off an IWB holster. I’ve worn it with shorts, jeans, and BDUs and haven’t had any problems with it fitting in the belt loops. Because the belt is rigid, it won’t try to fold in while wearing like other thin belts do.
Do you have an EDC belt?
Even if you are not planning to carry much stuff on your belt, this belt is the perfect size for regular use. It has the strength to hold any gear you need, but it’s a low-profile belt that was made for everyday carry. I’ve had several Kore belts and lots of traditional leather belts, and this is by far the most comfortable one I’ve worn.
The EDC NexBelt retails for $70, which isn’t bad for a high-quality belt. I have no doubt it will last for years and add the same quality to your belt that you look for in a handgun and holster. Besides the Safariland EDC belt, NexBelt offers a great range of belts to fit just about any need. Check them out the next time you need a modern, durable belt designed explicitly for concealed carry.
