If you are in a combat job or a tactical job, you should be running a belt. Everyone has his or her preferences but I prefer mine to be small, well-constructed, and well thought out. I was sent the Operator Belt in a size large but with my combat pants on and inner belt (since the operator belt has Velcro on the interior to stay linked in with your usual belt) the belt was extremely tight. I ran it through some testing and then handed it off to my old 18B (Weapons Sergeant) to run during a week-long sniper competition. I am going to give you my opinion and then his. It prices at $99.00.
I ran this belt with an inner belt that I used on my personal combat belt, if you are looking to order United States Tactical’s inner Velcro belt (Base Belt: http://unitedstatestactical.com/base-belt/) it will be an additional $29.99 which is actually pretty cost effective. I did not use theirs so I cannot attest to its construction or capability. But you will definitely need to run an inner belt and that belt holds this belt in place so it is solid and not sagging down your legs by the end of a long mission.
The construction was high quality, as with all of their equipment. The materials used were used to take a beating and the stitching was well thought out and properly placed. It was a craftsman that put this belt together, or a high quality machine. The buckle is 4,000 lbs rated Cobra buckle, should you find the need to keep a small elephant from moving this belt can do the trick. The two 3.5” attachment points on the back of the belt were great for connecting my lanyard to with ease for use on FRIES infiltrations.
The webbing was set up with 2.5” “utility loops” which caused the only issues I had with the belt. I run MOLLE gear and all of my pouches are MOLLE pouches. When I attempted to mimic my current configuration my magnet pouch (for retaining my shotgun while moving) slid back and forth as did all of my pouches. This was only an issue to me because I want everything in a certain spot without any movement. My 18B also had the same issues with MOLLE pouches not working well for him. You might be better going back to ALICE clips to add more friction to minimize the movement.
The belt, besides the utility loop set up, worked well or my 18B during his competition as he could change his set up easily from rifle, to rifle and pistol, to stalk configuration. One of the great things about combat belts is that you can have a rifle magazine, a pistol magazine, or two, an IFAK, and your drop pouch with you at all times. If something popped up that you needed to move now, you at least had all of that on you. It also takes some weight off your kit, which in turn takes the weight off your shoulders.
Ultimately, my 18B was happy with the bet, I was unhappy with the belt but that is where your personal preference comes in. The two attachment points on the back were awesome additions that I wish other belts utilized, but the spacing on the utility loops were the turning point for me. If United States Tactical changed the utility loops to MOLLE spacing, I would probably be running one of these belts with my personal set-up. Until then I will probably stick to what I am running now.
Test it out, visit their site, and see what works for you. Find what matches up to your mission set. If you find that some movement in the pouches does not bother you and this belt has the design, function, and solid construction of what you need, go for it. If you are looking for a MOLLE design that will keep pouches tight and allow you the same versatility, keep looking.
The Operator Belt is compatible with most accessories. The utility loops secure items and allow the belt to be removed leaving your gear attached. The Operator Belt works best with our Base Belt.
- 4,000 lb-rated COBRA buckle
- Extra-rigid reinforced dual-layer 1.75″ webbing
- Fully Velcro lined for 100% contact to Base Belt (Base Belt not included)
- VELCRO lined 1″ nylon webbing tail
- Integrated 2.5″ utility loops
- Two 3.5″ rear attachment points
- Priced between $99.00-$109.00
- Colors: Black, Tan, OD Green and Multicam
Cost 4/5
Comfort 5/5
Durability 5/5 So far so good!
Functionality 4-5/5 depends on what you want it for
Weight 5/5
Overall Rating 23/25
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site. Our Green Beret writer is an active duty soldier and it was difficult to get images for this article. If we happen to acquire them in the future we will post his loadout in this article. The images above are of Jeff Kyle of United States Tactical
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