The belly band holster is a less traditional method of concealing a firearm. A majority of carry arrangements require that the person wear pants with belt loops, a gun belt and some type of holster. This gear can not only be expensive, but it can also make it difficult or impossible to wear in certain environments. A leather belt and jacket can be dangerous if you live in hot areas or engage in any kind of physical activity, such as jogging. Many people who want to keep their belts on in such situations have turned to belly band holders, which are a retention system that wraps around the belly. There are many styles, materials, and prices available, so there isn’t a consensus on whether they are worth it. Some see them as a gimmick for people who don’t know better. Others see them as an innovative solution to the problem of carrying in less-than-ideal clothing. Before you judge, there are some things you need to know before you buy one. You can carry your items inside or outside your waistband. All holsters require a pants with belt loops and a belt to work properly. Because belly band holsters are self-contained, the user can simply attach it to their body. A belly band holster’s main advantage is that they can be worn with more than a gun. You can also carry spare mags, tools and your phone in these holsters. Depending on your gun and body type, you can conceal them with a tshirt. While belly band holsters make it easier to carry in hot conditions or when engaging in strenuous activities, there are some cons. A belly band covering your torso can make it hotter and more sweaty than the rest of you. These holsters are designed to be worn snugly by the wearer. This can make drawing more difficult than with a traditional setup. Clearing one’s clothing if it is higher than the beltline can be more time-consuming and difficult. A cheaper belly band holster may not be fitted for a particular pistol. This means that the pocket intended for the gun may not be able to support it well or allow for easy draw. The best models are available in many sizes. However, the larger models were not designed to be worn high up on the torsos of people with large bellies. These holsters are not impossible to wear, but it will limit your options for positioning it lower than your beltline. Best Belly Band Holster OptionsThere are some things you should look out for when choosing a model. First, many cheaper options include a generic-sized holster that will fit most firearms. These holsters are usually equipped with a thumb-break snap to ensure retention. These are not ideal as they don’t always retain the firearm well and add another step to the already tedious process of drawing from the belly band. A holster designed for your gun is worth the investment if you have decided that this type of holster will work well for you. The holster should fit the gun in a Kydex sheath, or just a properly sized pocket. It should be secure enough to keep it safe but also allow for easy one-handed draw. These are three options for belly band holsters worth looking at:Galco Underwraps 2.0
Galco’s belly holster is similar in design to the cheaper, simpler designs, but it is more thought out. Galco’s belly band is made of leather and elastic nylon. It comes in four sizes and two colors. They can accommodate a wide range of makes and models. These include two leather pockets that can hold the firearm of your choice, as well as many nylon pockets for other items. MSRP $64.Crossbreed Modular
Crossbreed’s bellyband is modular and can be purchased as either a package or separately. This style uses Kydex Holsters that are tailored to your gun’s model. This style is limited in what gun you can carry, but it offers the best draw and retention of all the styles. You can purchase holsters for different guns individually and have them installed on the modular bellyband system. These can be ordered left-handed or right-handed, and come with an option of an extra mag carrier. Crossbreed’s bellyband MSRP starts at $69.95 and can go up depending on the options. Alien Gear Low-Pro
The Alien Gear bellyband is similar to the Crossbreed, in that both use Kydex hoists, but the Alien Gear model is positioned at a different angle. Alien Gear’s belly bands are better suited to cross-draw than other models. This belly band is more suitable for carrying at torso height. This belly band, like the Crossbreed can be ordered in a variety weapon models, different sizes, and a right- or left-hand draw. MSRP: $87.88. Parting ThoughtBelly holsters aren’t the best method for concealed carry, but they can work well for certain people and situations. It doesn’t matter if you use it as your primary concealment method or if you just use it to mowing your lawn, a holster that is comfortable and supports your gun well will work for you. While belly bands have their place, and some may be ideal for you, others will not. However, for most people, a belt and holster set is the best choice. Storm Tactical’s impressive target pack includes 62 printable targets. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Perfect for long-range shooting! Get free targets
