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 Multicam tactical nylon gun belts, of which come in a variety of buckles and patterns.
Kore’s 1.5” Tactical Gun Belt measures 1.5” wide and is 5mm thick, with an outer layer of nylon and inner layer of “super fiber”, double stitched together around the belts proprietary “power core” shank made from a poly-core (polyurethane and nylon blend). The core enables the overall belt to support 8lb. of attached EDC accessories without sag.
On the rear 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 belt’s buckle 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. An elastic nylon cuff (aka – belt keeper) is also provided to ensure the top of the belt adheres to the belt while worn and prevents snagging.
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 OWB or CCW holsters.
Kore belts are available with a variety of belt buckles in different designs and finishes. The X6 belt buckle is available in a black powder-coat finish using a zinc alloy material. The rear of the buckle includes two hex-wrench set screws and a row of teeth that rotate on a hinge to ensure the belt is securely slotted into the buckle.
The Kore 1.5” Multicam Tactical Gun Belt is available in Multicam (featured), Multicam Black, Multicam Arid, Flecktarn, 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 $69.95, the 1.5” Multicam Tactical Gun Belt by Kore Essentials brings together traditional Cordura nylon, with reinforced polymer materials, that presents both a functional design for daily wear or use on the range/field. The low-profile 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 would be the Commando Ratchet Gun Belt ($144) from Black Beard Belts, or similar two-layer nylon-based range belts that use AustriAlpin style Cobra buckles such as Cobra’s Pant Belt ($63.95) by Elite Survival Systems, or the Persec 2” Duty Belt ($79.00). For its hardware, reinforcement, and materials the 1.5” Multicam Tactical Gun Belt was at a good price point for a range belt.
- Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort aspect, the 1.5” Multicam Tactical Gun Belt did an excellent job for use on the range as a trouser belt under a gun bet, or alone as an EDC style belt 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, belt/accessories worn over, or type of ECW 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 polymer backing were polished and rounded to avoid any harsh corners against exposed skin.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the exterior nylon was the main aspect of the Kore belt that faced the biggest concerns, abrading against other gear, hard edges, and other surfaces. Some superficial marring to the exterior nylon (scratches) on both sides were noted, but nothing was noted during range usage that penetrated the deeper layers of nylon or exposed the belt’s core. As a ratchet style belt, the matte black buckle did not receive any marring of the buckle’s exterior, nor were there any holes in the belt 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 – Good (4/5): Functionally, the design to the 1.5” Multicam Tactical Gun Belt was good for its intended use as a trouser belt under a tactical gear belt, and the buckle was easy to use with a low profile. 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 1.5” width of the belt itself accommodated most common OWB or EDC holster types and the belt itself was flexible enough to route around/through any holster style or magazine/accessory pouch. 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 holster type, the belt supported it well and performed as a trouser belt under a tactical belt even better.
- Weight – Good (4/5): 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 54” length was roughly 12.8 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 11.5 ounces. Most of the belt’s weight came down to the Cordura nylon exterior, the core and interior reinforcement material, and the buckle. In contrast, the Commando Ratchet Gun Belt (13 ounces) from Black Beard Belts (which is a single-layer belt), nylon-based range belts that use AustriAlpin style Cobra buckles such as Cobra’s Pant Belt (8.0 ounces) by Elite Survival Systems (also a single-layer belt), or the Persec 2” Duty Belt (20.08 ounces) that is a double-layer belt. This demonstrates that the 1.5” Multicam Tactical Gun Belt is at a good functional weight for a stand-alone range trouser belt, or as one that can be used as the foundation for EDC amid the market and materials used.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://www.koreessentials.com/products/x6-black-buckle-usa-multicam-tactical-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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