I'll attempt to conduct this, and all future reviews on products I buy, using the following criteria: Quality (Perceived and Actual), Durability, Price (in comparison to similar products), Relevant technical specs Quality: The quality of this belt is very high, and the components used are top-notch as well. The leather is a smooth, fine-grain leather. The belt is two pieces of leather with a PermaStiff insert sandwiched in between, which is what gives this product its superb ability to carry weight without sagging or bending. The buckle is lightly brash-polished and the matching fasteners (that hold the belt together) give it a touch of class. Verdict: 5/5 Duability: I purchased this belt on Amazon because the local retailer didn't have it in stock, nor were they able to order it anytime soon. I previously purchased a 5.11 Basketweave leather belt from a local retailer for my concealed carry and daily use, and I'm never going back to another belt! The perma-stiff insert has held up for quite a while and is still stiff, but obviously has loosened up due to daily use in the most commonly-bent areas (near the insert holes, etc). You can see this in the attached pictures as I compare my old (black) belt to the new (brown) one. The black belt has lasted me well over a year and the only signs of wear are on the leather itself from my old holster's (Crossbreed) metal clips --- no fault of the belt manufacturer at all. I won't comment to the specific durability of this (brown) belt, but since the black belt is almost identical and has held up well over the past year, I expect the same from this new belt. Tentative verdict: 5/5 Price: The price is right on point. Local retailer had this belt for $40 + tax and Amazon had it for about the same ($38.73 as of November 2014). I've seen belts go for as low as $20 to well over $100 (some of the Galco or other "high end" belts), but I firmly place my trust in this product. For a belt that I expect to last me years, $40 is a very small price to pay. Verdict: 5/5 Fitment: Since this is an article of clothing, an additional category describing fit is important. I am a 5'10.5" Male, 25 years old, with a weight of 170lbs. I wear a size 34 pant with a 32 inseam. By all observations I'm a very slender/athletic guy, and buying a belt online was a bit of a gamble as I wasn't sure it would fit right. Since I previously own a 5.11 belt, I purchased the same size (Large) for this belt. I haven't had any issues with the belt being too large or too small -- if anything, I have room on either side of my current belt loophole for growth/shrinkage. I currently use the 3rd/4th hole (counting from the middle of the belt, not the end) depending on whether or not I am carrying my holster. Verdict: 5/5 I wanted to choose a belt that would look great in my work clothes or alongside a suit, but still rigid enough for me to carry my firearm (either Glock 23, .40S&W (13+1) or S&W M&P Shield in .40S&W (7+1). This belt has served great in that purpose and I'm thrilled! I plan to purchase the black version of this belt once my current basketweave one wears out, and perhaps keep a spare on hand just in case! Never again will I be swayed at a gun show by a fast-talking salesman to buy a "premium" $50 belt that didn't even last 3 months ;) Long story short: BUY THIS BELT!! You won't regret it!
