Introduced in 2021, the Gemini Belt by Emdom USA is the additive outer belt to the company’s inner Flex belt, released in 2020. Together, the belt system provides a rock-solid platform by which to configure the end-user’s preferred range or field belt.
The Flex and Gemini belt system are intended to work in tandem to serve as a comprehensive range or field belt. However, the Flex can be worn independently as a standard belt to support the trousers, and when needed, the Gemini can be quickly donned to the Flex’s exterior to bring its supporting equipment immediately to use.
Flex Inner Belt
Made from Type 9 nylon webbing, the Flex inner belt is a segmented design with elastic nylon material mid-way (at the back) that allows the overall inner belt to flex and move as does the wearer’s hips do. The Flex is available in either 1.5” width, or 2” width to best fit the needs of the user.
On the outward facing side of the Flex is a hook-and-loop (female) field that extends the entire length of the Type 9 nylon segments.
With the Flex Belt threaded through the belt loops of the trousers, the loose end is in turn threaded through a simple steel cinch buckle with a hook-and-loop fabric onto the outward side of the Flex. The tightening system does not involve any fold back of belt end, and thus stays slim against the body. The inward facing side of the Flex has multiple storage compartments where user can hide cash, cuff key, memory cards, or medication.
Gemini Outer Belt
The outer Gemini Belt itself consists of a two-part design, the first being a 2” wide segmented, rigid outer belt sleeve made from either Trelleborg HANK ™, or Blue Force Gear Multicam ULTRAcomp®. This material is then divided into 1.5” segments on which two rows of laser-cut MOLLE segments are then cut. To add supportive strength to the sleeve, an added layer of HDPE plastic has been stitched inside to add rigidity and maintain its overall durability.
As with the Flex, the outer belt of the Gemini has a segmented potion midway (at the back) to allot for dynamic movements of the hips and torso. The midway panel itself can be removed to expose the inner nylon belt for attaching a carabiner, parachute D-ring, or other retention devices.
The inner facing portion of the Gemini has a continual field of hook-and-loop (male) material that runs the length of the segmented portions and includes ventilation holes. This hook-and-loop interfaces with the corresponding fabric on the exterior of the Flex, and creates a rock-solid bond that allows for immediate donning and doffing.
The second part of the Gemini consists of a 1.75” wide inner belt made from extremely strong Type 13 nylon with an associated genuine AustriAlpin D-ring COBRA® ProStyle Buckle.
Specifications:
- Small:……….27″ to 31″ waist
- Medium:…….31″ to 35″
- Large:……….35″ to 39″
- Extra-large:…39″ to 43″
- Custom Size (Final Sale – No returns or exchanges)
The Gemini and Flex belt system are available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, Grey, and more.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Fair (2/5): With its initial list price of $299.99, the Gemini Outer Belt is sold separately by Emdom USA from its Flex Inner Belt companion at $29.99. Together the two make for a complete belt system, on which users can customize based on their mission needs. Given its combination of nylon and high-end HDPE materials, in an inner/outer belt design common to the market, the Gemini/Flex brings together new approaches to provide both a stable and durable product. Emdom does acknowledge its initial cost is high, but hopes in the future to lower the cost. In contrast, market alternatives would be the CHLK Belt ($199) from Blue Force Gear, the Ambush Belt System ($89.99-$99.99) by Arbor Arms, or the Trident Operator Belt ($159.56) by T3 Gear. And while they all have variances in material, the overall two-part belt design remains the same and this gave the Gemini and Flex a fair cost in its place at the upper range of the market for what it offers in terms of function.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): What set the Gemini/Flex apart in terms of comfort was its elastic segment at the back of the Flex belt. This segment allowed the belt to flex and roll in tandem with the hips, especially when taking a knee or other dynamic movements that involved the legs and hip. Its two-part design also had the observed benefit of preventing the belt from riding up during movement as opposed to the standard outer battle belt. Otherwise, the comfort to the inner/outer belt was appropriate (or of average comfort) as other platforms, and supported the overall weight of pouches and accessories well—with the combined weight riding on the upper hips as expected. The HDPE inserts did improve rigidity to the overall belt that would have otherwise been compromised by any segmentation of the belt. The hook-and-loop held an amazingly strong bond that gradually broke in slightly over regular wear, and became more comfortable to don and doff. The AustriAlpin D-ring buckle provided a solid audible and tactile lock that denoted engagement with the mechanisms.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): From a durability aspect, a lot of effort was put into the design of the Gemini to ensure it held up against abrasion. Each segmented MOLLE slot of the outer belt ensured that the weight of a pouch or item attached to the Gemini was only borne at that specific point. This was done continually over the length of the nylon belt’s sides; thus, each pouch or accessory only stressed the belt at its individual size/position. Other belt designs often form that MOLLE stitch pattern as a single line of fabric or stitching, and thus the strain of the combined pouches borne by the overall fabric itself often resulting in sagging or material fatigue. Clearly the Gemini resolved that issue. Elsewhere, extensive bartack and double line stitching was noted throughout both inner and outer belts lending added durability to abrasion while in the field. The use of Type 9 and 13 nylons, as well as a genuine AustriAlpin D-ring buckle, all lent to the fact that the overall belt was extremely strong. The only notable weak spot would be wherein the elastic nylon segment was on the Flex, as it unlikely has the same sheer strength as the other materials—but that vulnerability was offset by (and reliant on) the Gemini’s Type 13 nylon belt (with a sheer force of 6,000 pounds in Black fabric, or 7,000 pounds in Coyoye) that supports and runs the interior length of the overall outer belt’s sleeve.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the combination of the Gemini and Flex gave a good platform on which to hang pouches and accessories—while providing the wearer its intended flexibility. The material and stitch pattern held various mounting methods (ALICE/MALICE/Belt Clips) with no sign of strain or wear, and ample room. The separation of utility between the Flex and Gemini gave both dynamic utility on the range in training, and then remove the outer belt for off the range use in a more causal daily wear. The full-length of the Flex’s exterior hook-and-loop fabric allowed the wearer to find a comfortable adjustment, while the steel cinch buckle ensured no pressure point was pressing in while wearing the outer Gemini belt. The Gemini’s combination of nylon and HDPE ensured the outer belt’s strength and flexibility as was intended, while the AustriAlpin buckle helped ensure the belt remained secure regardless of dynamic movement, and gave the wearer a solid audible and tangible lock/unlock. The Gemini’s outer sleeve design also allowed for excess material from the inner belt to be tucked inside (assisted by a nylon pocket for screwdriver or pen) and presented a clean surface (vice bunching up the excess behind the Cobra buckle) that had the potential to be utilized for additional pouches. Elsewhere, the length of outer sleeve material on the Gemini was uneven, with one side longer than the other, so some fine adjusting was necessary to move the belt and put the elastic segment directly at the back while worn. Emdom stated this is due to sizing differences between Small to XL and the number of MOLLE segments, which may be uneven on some sizes to accomidate the design.
- Weight – Average (3/5): With a weight range of 12 to 14 ounces (size depending) the Gemini Belt, combined with an additional 2.2 to 2.8 ounces from the Flex inner belt, maintained an overall light weight on which to hang various pouches necessary for the task at hand. With the added rigidity from the HDPE insert, the segmented belt was able to flex appropriately with the body during dynamic movements while not being excessively burdensome or restricting range of motion. In contrast, the CHLK Belt (13 ounces for both inner/outer belts) by Blue Force Gear, the Ambush Belt System (6.4 ounces for both belts), or the Trident Operator Belt (20.32 ounces for both belts) by T3 Gear reflect the variances of how different materials, be it traditional nylon or next generation laminate, can influence the weight of battle belts. As such the Gemini and Flex combined (14 to 16 ounces) gave the overall weight of the belt system an appropriate (or average) balance within the current market of similar products.
Overall Rating – Average (17/25)
Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=EU219
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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