Have you heard of the Black Beard belt before? I had heard of them a while back but never got around to trying one out. I go through belts faster than I should because I don’t like it when they start to wear out.
The Belt Shrinks, or the Belly Grows?
Let’s be honest, finding a good belt is harder than it should be. You buy one that fits perfectly, and six months later, it somehow doesn’t. Of course, the belt didn’t shrink; the belly just grew. But blaming the belt is easier than admitting you’ve been eating too much barbecue, right?
If your belly out grows the belt, we have some other articles for you to read on how to… correct this. But, if your issue is the belt breaking down or wearing out, you should take a look at the Black Beard Ranger.
I’ve had belts before that looked great, but it didn’t take long for that to change. The material starts to unravel, tear, or the bucket itself just breaks.
When none of that is an issue, the next problem is getting it to fit comfortably. A lot of companies tend to make the adjustment holes far apart. I’ve never understood this. If the belt is too loose, the next hole may be an inch away, making it too tight.
There are so many things that can go wrong with a belt that it’s almost annoying. But luckily, there are some companies out there making high quality ones that hold up great. Especially for those who carry a concealed firearm, the Ranger from Black Beard is an awesome design.
Who is Black Beard?
No, it’s not a pirate selling tactical gear (though that would be cool). Black Beard is a company dedicated to making some of the toughest, most reliable belts on the market. They specialize in high-quality belts designed for everyday carry (EDC), law enforcement, and outdoor gurus.
Black Beard Belts was founded by people who understand the frustration of cheap, floppy, or uncomfortable belts. They recognized that a good gun belt must do several things:
- Be strong enough to handle a holster
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
- Stylish enough not to look out of place with jeans or tactical pants.
Unlike big-box store brands that cut corners, Black Beard focuses on using premium materials and precision craftsmanship. Their products are built to last, with durability that stands up to daily wear and tear.
The company offers multiple styles, colors and designs to choose from. But today, we are looking at the Ranger Gun Belt.
Ranger Gun Belt from Black Beard
The Ranger series offers a few different colors and designs, but the fit and function are the same. Built with a ratchet system, Black Beard Belts engineered this patent pending buckle from 304 stainless steel.
For the belt itself, they made it from grooveless polymer-coated polyester strapping. This makes it extremely durable, and it doesn’t stretch over time. It also has a diamond-coat texture to help it stay in place and not slide around on your waist.
Sizes can be ordered from 32 all the way up to 52. But if it’s too long, you can cut the belt down to the correct size and reattach the buckle. To make things easy, Black Beard even provides a pair of special scissors just for this.
When it comes to a carrying an IWB or OWB holster, you want the belt to be strong but not too thick. When the belt is too thick, the holster is harder to attach and even harder to adjust. My calipers showed the Ranger to be about 5mm thick which is just about perfect for most holster systems.
The Ranger is rigid, but still flexible at the same time, an odd combination for a belt. It’s about
What Makes It Strong?
As I mentioned above, the Ranger is built with high-strength materials that won’t stretch, sag, or roll under pressure. Unlike traditional leather ones, which wear down over time, this one will hold its shape even under the weight of a full-size firearm. This means better support for your holster and less discomfort throughout the day.
Buckle System and Adjustability
The buckle system allows you to easily adjust it without the hassle of traditional belt holes. Instead, it uses mechanism that allows for micro-adjustments on the go. Each hole in the belt is ½ inch apart so you can get a precise fit.
Black Beard also used metal grommets in each hole to ensure they do not stretch or tear over time. So, whether you just ate a big meal or need to tighten up for a more secure fit, it’s easy to do.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Reinforced construction for extra durability
- No-stretch design that won’t sag under weight
- Heavy-duty buckle system for secure closure
- Micro-adjustable for a perfect fit every time
- Works with IWB and OWB holsters
- Stylish and rugged design suitable for everyday wear
Is It Worth the Money?
The Ranger Belt retails for around $90, which might seem high compared to a $30 belt you can grab at the department store. But let’s break it down:
Durability – A cheap belt might last a year or two, but the Ranger is designed to last a lifetime. This is why Black Beard offers a lifetime warranty for the Ranger. When you add it up, the Ranger Belt is actually cheaper in the long run.
Support – A standard belt can’t handle the weight of a firearm without sagging or deforming. The Ranger keeps everything secure, reducing discomfort and improving draw consistency.
Warranty – Black Beard offers a lifetime warranty, meaning if anything happens to your belt, they’ll take care of it. That’s peace of mind you won’t get with a budget belt.
Performance – When carrying a firearm, you need reliability. A failure in your gear is unacceptable, and the Ranger Belt ensures you have a solid foundation for your EDC setup.
Compared to other premium EDC belts that cost $100–$150, the Ranger Belt offers excellent value. You’re getting a belt that will last for years, perform under pressure, and provide unmatched support for your firearm.
The Last Belt You’ll Ever Need
A good belt isn’t just an accessory, it’s an investment. Whether you’re a concealed carrier, a law enforcement officer, or just someone tired of buying flimsy belts that fall apart.
There are some great companies out there making quality belts like the Safariland EDC Nextbelt, 1791 Gunleather, Galco and others. But the Ranger is one I find myself drifting to on a regular basis. I like the look, feel, and durability of it. Plus, the lifetime warranty is kind of appealing too. This kind of makes it a no-brainer, doesn’t it?
If your current belt is sagging, stretching, or mysteriously “shrinking,” it might be time to upgrade. The Ranger Belt won’t let you down, unlike your last diet plan.