Beginning in 2013, Kore Essentials began working to make and refine some of the industry’s most durable conceal carry and field/range belts. Unique to all its belt designs is an easily-adjustable buckle and customizable sizing using Kore’s track/locking mechanism. Among its product line, are Kore’s daily-wear leather gun belts, of which are a variety of buckles and grain colors.
Kore’s 1.5” Leather Gun Belt measures 1.5” wide and is 5mm thick, with multiple layers of top-grain quality leather, double stitched together around the belts proprietary “power core” shank that is made from a poly-core (polyurethane and nylon blend). The core enables the overall belt to support 6lb. of attached EDC accessories without sag.
The leather processed by Kore into its final product is mineral tanned, which gives the material more water resistance and less prone to surface scratching.
On the interior of the belt is Kore’s unique 10” track that is integrated with the belt’s core, and uses more than 40 grooves for the buckle’s locking mechanism to secure into. Adjusting the buckle’s position is done via a spring-loaded bar that allows the buckle to slide along the track, then lock into position when released. This allows for adjustment in the belt by ¼” increments without necessitating holes in the belt itself.
Oppositely, on the other side of the belt’s rear are printed trouser size increments. These are used when cutting the belt to size upon receiving. Kore recommends to find your trouser size, then add an additional four inches before making the cut. This allots for the inclusion of attaching various belt-loop CCW holsters.
Kore belts are available with a variety of belt buckles in different designs and finishes. The X3 belt buckle is available in a electroplated gunmetal finish using a zinc alloy material. The rear of the buckle includes two hex-wrench set screws, and a row of teeth on a rotating hinge to ensure the belt is securely slotted into the buckle.
The Kore 1.5” Leather Gun Belt is available in Black (featured), Brown, or Tan top-grade leather, and comes in sizes between 24”-44” and 44”-54” (the belt can be trimmed to fit by end-user).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With its MSRP of $59.95, the 1.5” leather gun belt by Kore Essentials brings together quality leather with reinforced materials that presents both a classic formal appearance, while still being able to support an EDC carry as needed. The locking mechanism of the belt’s ratchet-style buckle also ensured positive retention, with quick removal as needed. Market alternatives to this style of ratchet belt (though not necessarily for formal appearance) would be the Peacekeeper Ratchet Belt ($130) from Black Beard Belts, or the more traditional 1 3/8” Black Bond Belt ($79.99) by Nexbelt. Countless other EDC belts are on the market that ascribe to the traditional buckle design, such as the Tejas Gun Belt ($49.95) from Magpul, but these lack the ratchet style mechanism and internal support. For its hardware, reinforcement, and materials the 1.5” leather gun belt was at a good price point for an EDC belt.
- Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort aspect, the 1.5” leather gun belt did an excellent job for daily wear or formal, allowing the end-user to easily find a custom fitment. With the ratchet adjustable in ¼” increments it was simple to adjust, or loosen, as needed based on the day’s events or type of EDC holster used. The release mechanism of the buckle necessitated both hands (one to hold the belt/buckle and the other to engage the release mechanism) and allowed the belt to move freely when needed. The edges of the leather were polished and rounded to avoid any harsh corners against exposed skin.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the leather was the main aspect of the Kore belt that faced the biggest concerns. Some superficial marring to the exterior leather (scratches, buff marks, etc.) on both sides were noted, leather IS a softer material, but nothing was noted during daily usage that penetrated the deeper layers of leather or exposed the belt’s core. As a ratchet style belt, the buckle did not mar the belt’s exterior, nor were there any holes to stretch from wearing/tightening over time. Continual donning/removing of the belt also showed no signs of excessive wear on the polymer “teeth” of the 10” track that are needed to maintain a specific lock at a position.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the design to the 1.5” leather gun belt was appropriate (or of average) for its intended use, and the buckle easy to use. The process of trimming the belt was simple, and it is recommended end-users take a slow approach at trimming the end and begin with the recommended +4” suggested by Kore, then adjust the length as necessary to find a comfortable and functional sizing before setting the hex screws. Once the length is cut, there is no way to put it back on if the size ends up being too tight. The width of the belt itself accommodated most common EDC holster types and the belt itself was flexible enough to route around/through any holster style. However, there was a notable sag when the weight of the gun/holster was added (which is common). The reinforced core of the belt prevented rolling or folding of the material, and the tightness of the belt around the waist mitigated any excess movement while drawing. Regardless of the EDC holster type, the belt supported it well. Aesthetically, while not specifically an element in the review process, for representing a classic dress/formal belt the 1.5” leather gun belt and X3 buckle did present a good visual appearance without drawing an excessive amount of attention as a tactical-purpose belt.
- Weight – Average (3/5): The final weight of the overall belt was determined by how much of the excess gets trimmed by the individual, but the weight of the initial 44” length was roughly 10.5 ounces. As the excess was trimmed, the weight decreases minimally. For this review, once the belt was cut down to 40”, the weight of the belt was roughly 9.5 ounces. Most of the belt’s weight came down to the top-grain quality leather, the core reinforcement material, and the buckle. In contrast, the Peacekeeper Ratchet Belt (10 ounces – which uses a similar ratchet style buckle) from Black Beard Belts or the Tejas Belt (6.4 ounces – which uses the traditional buckle) from Magpul both demonstrate that the 1.5” leather gun belt by Kore is at the higher end of EDC belts on the market due to its reinforcement and quality materials, but appropriate for its design.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.koreessentials.com/products/x3-gunmetal-buckle-leather-gun-belt-1-5
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, 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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