ARCADE {Hardware} Alu Belt Evaluation: Robust, But Comfy

Robust and cozy belts don’t exist, except you need to lay our a fortune. That may have been the case, however not anymore. I’ve been carrying the ARCADE {Hardware} Alu utility belt for a number of months, and it rapidly grew to become certainly one of my three favourite belts to put on whereas working within the yard, for EDC, and farm work. I’ll inform you why on this ARCADE {Hardware} Alu belt evaluate. 

Specs & Core Options

• Width: Commonplace (1.5”) 
• Size: Commonplace (30” – 40”) and Lengthy (38” – 50”)
• Colours: Black, Charcoal, Coyote, and Olive
• Supplies: Plane-quality aluminum buckle and 85% post-consumer recycled REPREVE polyester and 15% rubber webbing

Match & Consolation

The {Hardware} Alu is much less stretchy and extra sturdy than the Atlas, so it’s rather less snug, particularly whereas sitting for prolonged durations, nevertheless it’s not at all uncomfortable whereas out and about.

It does have some stretch to it and is definitely adjustable, so you may guarantee a comfortable match all through the day. My pants don’t budge once I’m carrying this belt, even when I’m hid carrying my S&W Protect. 

Ranking:

8/10

Buckle Design & Usability

This belt has rapidly turn out to be my favourite to put on. The distinctive metallic buckle design makes it look just a little extra rugged and jogs my memory of a few of my inflatable fishing kayak straps, which I’m very keen on (kayak fishing that’s). The buckle is fast to latch and stays safe till I launch it. I haven’t had any issues with it up up to now. 

Ranking:

9/10

Rigidity & Load-Bearing Functionality

I put on this belt once I want one sturdy sufficient to safe my holster or instruments, but nonetheless be snug. It’s the best belt for working. If I nonetheless labored on the coal mine and rock quarry, the ARCADE {Hardware} Alu can be round my waist day by day, whether or not I used to be working a frontend loader or serving to the mechanics repair a damaged machine. 

Ranking:

8/10

Adjustability & Match Choices

There are a number of methods to regulate the belt, from the slip loop on the buckle to the three loops connecting the ends. This design ensures you get a belt that completely matches you, in contrast to a standard leather-based belt with holes that could be too huge or too small and drive you to punch one other gap.

Ranking:

8/10

Sturdiness & Supplies

After carrying this belt for yard work, farm chores, and round city for a number of months, I can confidently say it’s very sturdy. It doesn’t present any indicators of fraying and nonetheless appears new. ARCADE strengthened the place the loops connect, an space that’s extra prone to rapidly put on out, so I’ve no doubts I’ll be carrying this belt as my EDC and yard work for years. 

Ranking:

8/10

Versatility & On a regular basis Use

The {Hardware} Alu is a piece or utility belt, so except you don’t thoughts wanting such as you simply stepped out of the woods or off the jobsite (I positively don’t), it’s not a belt to put on on a date or to church. The colour choices are rather more restricted than the ARCADE Atlas, however all the colours are proper up my alley as an outdoorsman.

It positively has a tactical look, so it matches in once I use it whereas hid carrying. Nonetheless, it’s fashionable sufficient not to attract an excessive amount of consideration once I don’t have my holster or EDC gear connected.

Ranking:

7/10

Worth & Competitors

The ARCADE {Hardware} Alu is priced inside almost each funds at $50, and it’s price each penny. Whereas it’s not as sturdy as an obligation belt, it’s nonetheless sturdy sufficient to assist my pants and a holster, nevertheless it nonetheless provides some stretch after an enormous meal. You gained’t have to purchase a number of belts for each exercise you partake in, however at this value, you’re greater than in a position to and nonetheless have cash left over.

Ranking:

9/10

General Ranking: ARCADE {Hardware} Alu Belt Evaluation

Due to the metallic buckle and elevated stiffness, I gained’t be carrying the {Hardware} Alu whereas touring, however I’ll pack it in my bag on mountaineering and searching journeys. It’ll be wrapped round my waist every time I step out the door with my pistol and spare mags as a result of I discover it simply sturdy sufficient but snug, and it goes effectively with my nation boy look. 

Ranking: 

8.1/10

Wesley Littlefield

| Christian | Husband | Father | Outdoorsman | Freelance Outside Author & Content material Creator | @KayakKid on YouTube |