Manufacturer:  Jones Tactical
Item:  Cobra Shooters Belt
Price:  $65

I first heard of Jones Tactical from smashy about a year ago.  Smashy had raved about a JTac sling that he had gotten.  Tactical belts are basically the same principle buckles with differeing webbing.  I had a Blackwater Tactical Riggers Belt that I was using temporarily since my everyday one finally gave out.  It made me realize one thing.  I hated the buckle.  The buckle was a pain in the ass to get out off.  For me, it was a no brainer.  I wanted a quick release buckle (if that even existed) and I wanted the webbing to be stiff so that it could be used with my firearm.  I found a few sources, but with a 6+ week wait, I gave up on it.

Through a coincidental meeting, I ran in to Jones Tactical off of a tip from smashy.  Interestingly enough, I found out that they were going to be using they type of buckle that I wanted, but in a riggers setup.  Mr. Jones and I started up a consultation in regards to what exactly what I was looking for, I ended up with the first JT Cobra Shooter's Belt.  In a few days, the custom finished product was at my doorstep.  Everything how I wanted...exactly how I wanted.

The buckle is unlike any other I've seen.  The manufaturer is AustriAplin, a company rooted in climbing equipment.  It's a very solid piece and constructed entirely of metal and is around 3/4" thick.  Inserting the male side into the female side produces a very positive click.  To release it, the two release tabs must be silmultaneously pushed in.  

I requested that the webbing be stiff.  This isn't a cheap single layer construction.  I carry 2 full 12 round magazines in a double magazine pouch as well as a SIG SAUER P229 Elite.  That's not a light load, and I've had belts that would be quickly deformed and rolled.  The Cobra Shooter is perfect.  It's not so stiff where it digs into your side and not too flexible where it rolls.  I've been comfortable even sitting in a sport seat with side bolsters, and I'm not a little guy either.  

One thing that seems to be overlooked is the quality and quantity of stitching.  This belt has both.  I've been mistakenly telling folks about the 5 rows of stitching.  In the picture above, you can see that it's actually 7 rows of stitching keeping everything together.  Note the overstitching for the critical points keeping the buckle in place.

The open ends of the webbing have been tied up.  No worries of the edges fraying and looking rough.  I'm not sure what it is that covers/seals it, but it doesn't scratch off.

I love this belt and plan to get another one when I can.  I highly recommend it.  Not sure if this is up on their site yet since it's a custom job and the first of it's kind.  However, if you're interested in getting one made, you can email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to inquire about the "Cobra Shooters Belt".  There is also a Riggers belt available for $59 (add $8 for a V-Ring).  Another thing to keep in mind is that Jones Tactical will hopefully get started up in their own forum located withing our own forum.

Jones Tactical is top notch in workmanship, attention to detail and customer service.  Keep in mind that they do more than just belts.  Check the Jones Tactical site for more information.

10.11.09

This belt is still my everyday belt.  The paint fron the buckle was finally chipping off the edges, but black touch up paint easily has taken cared of that.  The deformation hasn't progressed for some reason.  It's still just at the belt loop area which isn't noticeable, but hasn't gotten worse.  I still don't have any signs of fray on the stitching or the webbing itself.  I know Jones Tactical for putting out quality products, but I wouldn't have guessed that it'd hold up this well for this long.  I wear this belt in casual and dress and spend more than half of the day in this since I've gotten it.  I don't even have any wear on the places where my magazine and firearm holsters sit.  "Badass" is right.

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