"Tactical" Sub-Load Gun Belt Basics

[ZeroHour_Outfitters]

Over the last several weeks we had a pleasure of helping several individuals with their dilemmas regarding gun belts, specifically, for lack of better words “Tactical” Sub-Load Belt, also known as Combat, War, or Operator Belt. We just want to create post to share with you some of the things that we shared with them and hopefully contribute something useful to the users of this forum. Some of the contents of this post can come across as basic knowledge. For those that it does, please be considerate for those it does not, after all, when it comes to your safety, money, and investment there is no such a thing as a stupid question. Finally, these are our opinions based on experience and knowledge and are not a point of view of nor promote any one particular manufacturer.

This post we address following topics:
-Difference Between a “Tactical” Sub-Load Belt and Duty Belt.
-General Features of a Sub-Load Belt
-Belt Size Selection
-Belt Placement
-Belt Adjustment
-Attachment of PALS (MOLLE) Components

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “TACTICAL” SUB-LOAD BELT AND DUTY BELT
Gun belts generally fall into three categories: Sub-Load Belt (Tactical/Mil), Duty Belt (Police Patrol), and Conceal Carry (Pants Belt Reinforced). The Sub-Load Belt is also referred to by various manufacturers and military departments as a Combat, War, or Operator Belt. For the purpose of this post we will refer to it as a Sub-Belt. Sub-Belt and Duty Belt have the same primary purpose, which is to provide the end user with a load carrying capability for various pouches and equipment. However, where they differ is in appearance, which influences the method of belt employment, i.e. how you wear it. The Duty Belt is the primary means for Police personnel to carry their duty load, as it provides a more conservative nature to carry equipment that can be perceived by public to be intimidating, i.e. handgun, baton, etc. This is important for the Police as they have to be approachable by the public. Just think, if every Police officer was dressed as S.W.A.T. or H.R.T. officer the public will likely be deterred from approaching them and possibly even accelerate public’s fears of threats, which then spin-off into issues from second and third order of effects. Because of the conservative appearance nature of the Duty Belt, Duty Belt is mounted to the pants belt and secures via straps, Velcro, or combination. There are Federal government funded studies to improve the comfort and load distribution of a Duty Belt in order to reduce work related injuries stemming from the Duty Belt, most notably one contracted to Blackhawk Products Group to conceal suspenders within the uniform. The conservative nature is not important for the Sub-Belt, thus it is more mission specific and worn for comfort and practicability, this typically translates to padding and suspenders. Another difference between the Sub-Load Belt and Duty Belt is the modular nature. Typically, the pouches designed to attach to the Duty Belt can only be attached to the belt and not any other load carrying platform. The pouches being attached to the Sub-Load Belt are designed to be interchangeable between various platforms, such as Plate Carriers, Drop Leg Panels, or Vests/Chest Rigs. Additionally, Sub-Load Belt is typically designed to be able to wear independently or in conjunction with Plate Carriers, Vests/Chest Rigs, and/or Rucksacks/Backpacks, based on the needs of the end user.

GENERAL FEATURES OF A SUB-LOAD BELT
-They are designed to carry heavy loads, which can be further supported with the suspenders.
-Most are foam padded and typically includes a mesh on the inside of the belt for comfort and breathability.
-They typically include rectangular rings for suspenders, harness, and/or backpack attachment.
-They are typically secured via plastic buckle on a fully adjustable waist strap.
-Some are compatible with Rigger Belts or Cobra Buckle Belts, meaning they are just a padded platform that you need to provide your own belt for or are designed to allow for removal of the waist band in order to put in a belt desired by the end user for various purposes, ranging from preferred locking method to rigging abilities. Most notable belt, that allows such configuration are:
1. Eagle Industries - Operator Belt
2. Crye Precision - Blast Belt and AVS Belt
3. Blue Force Gear - SOC-C Modular Padded Belt
4. First Spear - Padded Sleeve for Assaulter Gun Belt (Belt Not Included)
It is important to note that these belts are still not designed to be worn with the pants belt, instead they provide an alternative method of securing the overall platform.
-They are designed to provide a carrying platform for drop leg holsters and panels.
-They provide an alternative load carrying platform to Plate Carrier or Vest/Chest Rig
-They typically provide PALS (MOLLE) attachment point for a minimum of 75% of the belt surface.

PALS Background: PALS stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) that was designed by U.S. Army. It is a grid of 1 inch webbing used to attach components to a load bearing equipment. Socially and in some civilian markets PALS is often, almost always, referred to as MOLLE. However, MOLLE is a designation of a set of load bearing components. MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Loadbearing Equipment (MOLLE). MOLLE was designed to replace the Vietnam Era All-Purpose Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (ALICE). First generation of MOLLE was issued to both U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It was subsequently improved and adopted by U.S. Army, designated as MOLLE II, while U.S. Marine Corps developed specific set designated Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) and subsequently updated to Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE).
Other widely used and/or known load bearing sets that use PALS include, but not limited to:
-Special Force Load Carrying System (SFLCS); issued to U.S. Army & U.S. Marine Corps Special Operating Forces.
-Maritime Load Carrying System (MLCS); issued to U.S. Navy SEAL, SWCC, and EOD units.
-Defensor Fortis Load Carrying Kit (DFLCS); issued U.S. Air Force security forces.
-Full Spectrum Battle Equipment II (FSBE II); issued to U.S. Marine Corps reconnaissance, EOD, and Security Forces.
Several of manufacturers have attempted to improve the PALS and in the process developed their own patented variations of PALS, most notably Blue Force Gear’s Helium Whisper and MOLLEminus and First Spear’s 6/9 and 6/12 Modular Pocket Technology.

BELT SIZE SELECTION
The Sub-Belt sizes are general in nature as they are not made to be worn over a pants belt like the Duty Belt. The general sizes are based on pants waist measurement and typically are bracketed ranges. Some manufactures do not list the actual ranges, thus when purchasing one it is best to try it on or ask the reseller for the ranges. If the ranges are unknown by the reseller, try the manufacturers website as some manufacturers have a product data sheets and/or standard sizing charts available for download or viewing. Following are general sizes observed for Sub-Load Belt that allow for proper use of suspenders with the belt:

Label/Waist Range
Small/28-31
Medium/32-35
Large/36-40

Please Note: For demonstration purposes, throughout the remainder of this post, we used the Sub-Load Belt manufactured by Propper International and part of Eagle Industries designed standard issue U.S. Marine Corps Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE). Some methods depicted below may or may not work with your belt, based on the design of the retention of the waist band/belt and suspender.

When fitting for the belt, the buckle of the belt should not tighten to the point where the pads are overlapping (PIC 1). This will ensure that there is enough room for flex, as well as avoiding discomfort and irritation due to two pads rubbing and/or pressure from overlapping pads.

When fitting for the belt, the suspenders should not pass the front of the arm when you place it straight down the side of your body (PIC 2).

 

[ZeroHour_Outfitters]

BELT PLACEMENT
When figuring out the placement of a load bearing belt, there is not really a write or wrong other than ensuring it feels comfortable, does not rub against hips or cause ay irritation, balanced for proper weight distribution, and attached pouches and/or equipment do not poke or rub, causing irritation or discomfort. Below pictures and descriptions (PIC 3) provide how to figure out proper placement when wearing the belt as a standalone component, meaning without a Plate Carrier or a Rucksack.

When you bend forward there is going to be a natural line where you belly folds (PIC 4A), that should be the highest point you should place your belt, meaning you should not wear you belt any higher than that. By doing so, this will ensure mobility when you move, bend, or sit while wearing the belt. Additionally, this will provide the most support, much so like the lumbar support belt. Same can be done when you bend straight down on either side, a natural bend occurs (PIC 4B), which should be the highest point you should place the belt.

BELT ADJUSTMENT
Once you figured out the proper placement of the belt, simply pull on the ends until the belt tightens to a desired level (PIC 5); this does not apply to Sub-Load Belts that use a Riggers or Cobra Buckle Belts as a securing method. Prior to storing away the access waist band, it is a good practice to tighten each end additional ¼ inch. This will composite for weight and starching under full load.

There are two options for stowing away the excess waist band.

First Options: Role-up the excess band until it reaches the buckle. Than secure the excess to the buckle strap. On this model of the Sub-Load Belt, Velcro securing strap are sawn on to the end of waist bands. Other options include rubber band, elastic strap, and for field expedient version Duct Tape. However, Duct Tape is not necessary on this model as this Sub-Load Belt includes an improved buckle, which uses a spring loaded band retention compared to regular models that rely on overall belt tensions for retention. The rolled up excess waist band should not be left loose pass the opening of the belt (PIC 6A).

Second Option: If a lower profile is desired, the excess band can be tucked away inside the belt. For ease of things you will require a stick, flat head screw driver, or anything that is approximately 10 inches long. Starting from the buckle, align the excess strap to the belt opening (PIC 6A). Using the object you selected, push the access inside the belt, forming a simple fold. Once the entire excess band is inside the belt, pull out the stick. By doing it this way, it will ensure that you can easily pull out the waist band by having the end of the waist band located right by the opening of the belt.

When it comes to adjusting suspenders, it is best to do it with a friend, as they can observe from a distance to see imperfections in weight distribution and placement. They can also tighten and secure the straps and bands while you hold the gear in place, which comes useful when adjusting the rear straps. However, if you have to adjust the belt suspenders on your own, start with the rear strap first. Once you have the desired placement of your belt and you secured the waist band, loosen the back overlapping suspender straps and let it hang (PIC 7A). Then move the securing ring as high as possible on the strap (PIC 7B). Then stand in front of a mirror and turn sideways. With one hand reach back and progressively place tension on the strap to the desired location. Once at the desired tension, with the other hand, move the securing ring to the rectangular D ring (PIC 7C). If you cannot reach that far back, simply mark the point where the strap meets the rectangular D ring with a piece of Masking or Duct Tape, which will allow you to remove the belt and secure the straps without losing the desired tension point. Once the back is adjusted, follow the same steps to adjust the front. With the front suspenders straps, it is important that they are equally adjusted in length in order to promote proper balance. Just like the waist band, it is good practice to tighten additional ¼ inch to compensate for weight and stretch. Keep in mind you may have to go through this process again after the first time you use the gear under load in order to fine tune your adjustment for maximum comfort and utilization.

ATTACHMENT OF PALS (MOLLE) COMPONENTS
The PALS (MOLLE) attachment system can be extremely secure and stable when properly used. To properly attach a pouch/pocket, choose the desired attachment point on the vest panel. Line up the top of the pouch evenly with the top of the nearest horizontal one-inch webbing that goes across the panels. Insert the pouch attachment strap down the 1 inch then behind the 1 inch on the back of the pouch. Continue weaving the attaching strap behind the horizontal webbing on the vest and the webbing on the back of the pouch until the pouch is secured along its entire length (PIC 8).

TIPS FOR ATTACHING PALS (MOLLE) COMPONENTS TO SUB-LOAD BELT
Prior to attaching any pouches to your belt, you should first take a moment to consider placement of pouches and/or equipment based on FUNCTIONALITY while maintaining a good WEIGHT BALANCE of the belt. For example, if you are right handed shooter, place the magazine pouches on the left side (non-shooting hand) and your holster on the right side (shooting hand) (PIC 9). The weight of the ammunition and pouches on one side will balance with the weight of a pistol and holster on the opposite side, while reducing reloading time. In case the belt is being used to carry sustainment or specialized ammunition, such as 40 mm rounds, then it is best to use it as a bandolier, lining the rounds all the way around.

Once you have a general idea where you want to place the pouches and/or equipment for function and weight balance, do a dry run. This is as simply matching the MOLLE/PALS strapping between to components to ensure compatibility. The vertical straps on a pouch should be routed under horizontal traps and the snaps secured (PIC 10A); this will give you more accurate idea how the strapping will line-up. Then simply line-up the straps between the two components (PIC 10B).

Sometime, when attaching PALS (MOLLE) components on the new gear, it can be difficult due to the stiff nature of the strapping that has not yet had a tensioned load in order to stretch to tolerable/projected stretch specifications. In this case, using a butter knife or liked item can assist getting creating a gap to start the securing process without causing damage to the strapping and ballistic thread (PIC 11A). Do not use a sharp knife or a knife with a serrated edge as you may damage your components. To get started simply insert the knife in to the desired slot, tilt it approximate 45 degrees upwards and insert the vertical strap of the merging component (PIC 11A). Due to the securing snaps on the vertical strapping of PALS (MOLLE) components, the snap has a tendency to get caught on the next horizontal strap or unintentionally be routed under a undesired strap (PIC 11B). In this instance use the butter knife as guide by simply inserting the knife from the bottom, ensuring you push the knife past the securing snap of the vertical strap (PIC 11C).

As you continue to weave the strapping and get to the last horizontal strap, at times the vertical strap has a tendency to be difficult to pull through in order to snap in the securing strap. In this instance use a multi-tool or needle nose pliers to pull the strap through (PIC 12A). When using the pliers to pull the strapping, only grab the strap with the pliers as far left or right possible in order to avoid damaging the securing snap located at the end of the vertical straps and centered in the middle of the strap (PIC 12B).

Thank you for reading and we hope this was of some use to you. If you would like to see more posts like this from us please let us know on here or our Facebook Page, where we often post various gear descriptions.

ZHO
www.facebook.com/zerohouroutfitters

 

[Jestik]

You are definitely not accounting for my huge gut!

 

[jakerz]

Come blazing out of the gate with "how-to" post. I like it.

 

[ZeroHour_Outfitters]

Thanks brother, we appreciate it. We figured we might as well start with a bang and contribute something useful. We got another one cooking that we will most likely post mid next week. It is a review of a light weight 7.62 chest rig.

 

[SMS]

New sponsor?

 

[gmar]

Good info. Should be helpful for the Pawnee Run n Gun in June.

 

[Grindstone]

Thanks for the info. I have a 1st line setup already, but I'll be making some adjustments based off of these considerations.

 

[jakerz]

Thanks for the info. I have a 1st line setup already, but I'll be making some adjustments based off of these considerations.

The best thing to do is get out there with your gear. You'll figure out what works and what doesn't quick.

 

[Surveyor1653]

ZHO are the real deal and are solid gold good guys.