I have used a dozen or more battle belt setups throughout my career. I have used them in urban close-quarters environments and rural and maritime settings.
As the years went by, new models and types were issued to us and put to good use. I received the GRID belt from Blue Force Gear (BFG) and have been testing it for several months.
Let’s see how it held up…
BFG has two versions, the GRID and the Combat Helo Load-Rated Kit (CHLK) belts. They are practically identical, but the CHLK belt was made for helo operations as it features hardened points required to tether oneself to the aircraft.
Though this review will focus on the GRID belt, much of it applies to the CHLK belt as well.
$249.95 at Blue Force Gear.
(Best price at time of writing this review.)
Remember, if you need a load-rated belt, make sure to get their CHLK Belt.
What is the Blue Force Gear GRID Belt?
The Blue Force Gear GRID belt is a tactical gun belt or “battle belt” intended for overt tactical use by professionals or “end users.”
These end users include law enforcement and military tactical teams that take ground while conducting close-quarters combat or “CQB.”
However, the GRID belt is also used by civilians interested in having a belt with capabilities similar to the types sought by end users.
GRID Belt Features
The GRID belt is based on a two-belt inner-outer system. Each belt is made using Blue Force Gear’s ULTRAcomp high-performance laminate.
The inner belt is cushioned and is worn directly on the pants through the belt loops. It can actually make for a good EDC belt on its own. It uses an upgraded G-hook for a more secure fit and connection.
The outer belt uses a laser-cut system known as MOLLEminus. The MOLLE slots are laser cut into the ULTRAcomp material of which the belt is made.
This eliminates the possibility of stitching failures with standard pouch attachment ladder system (PALS) loops on many other battle belts.
In addition, the MOLLEminus system gives users more mounting options for gear than what is possible with traditional MOLLE systems.
When worn together, the two belts utilize the velcro hook and loop system, which provides a stable and secure battle belt setup for getting after it as needed.
The GRID belt’s inner and outer belts feature a 32-degree curve designed to mimic the contour of the human waist. The belt also has a subtle outward cant from top to bottom for a more comfortable fit at the waist and the hips.
There are two buckle options to choose from. The GRID comes standard with a simple one-piece buckle that uses the belt itself as the fitment point.
You can, however, upgrade to the COBRA two-piece buckle system. I went with this, as I’ve used COBRA buckles on other setups in the past and liked them.
GRID Belt Technical Specifications
- MOLLE Attachment Belt Style
- Two Piece Belt System
- Internal Frame Type
- Weight 12.5oz
- Fits 30-44” Waist
- Width 2”
- Multiple Color Options (Black, Brown, Green, Multicam)
First Impressions and Belt Setup
I received my GRID belt, a COBRA two-piece buckle, and a BFG holster adapter.
The COBRA buckle install was easy enough and works well. After I put the adapter together, which took a bit more time than I expected, I added a ten-speed double pistol mag pouch from BFG and a small med kit I already had.
I first noticed how flexible and lightweight the outer belt was compared to previous belts I’ve used.
The inner belt was a big upgrade from previous makes. Instead of a strip of reinforced velcro to wear as an inner belt, this new inner belt was designed as a stand-alone belt to be worn without the outer belt.
I attached my equipment to all the usual places. Pistol attachment point at three o’clock. Pistol mag pouches at eleven-ish o’clock. The medical or blowout kit, as they are called, is at six o’clock for ambidextrous reach. I also added a small dump pouch at eight o’clock or so.
Putting it on for the first time, I instantly realized what I’d been missing. I generally don’t change my gear unless there is a significant enough improvement in functionality.
This belt system more than qualifies for an upgrade.
Build Quality and Comfort
Blue Force Gear is known for its quality-built products.
I haven’t had this setup for very long, only a few months, nor have I put it through any military-grade blocks of training.
But, from what I’ve seen so far and from my experience with other popular battle belts, I’d say this belt system is quite robust and will last a long time.
So far, the material has no sign of fraying or wear. The ULTRAcomp laminate used in the inner and outer belt construction is quite light and comfortable during heavy use.
The 32-degree curve of the belt makes it far better suited for long-term wear than typical flat-profile battle belts.
The outer belt is noticeably more flexible yet seems able to take the same level of abuse and wear while being lighter.
I find this to be a great improvement and advantage over its contemporaries.
I also like how the outer belt has the MOLLEminus laser cuts and is two inches wide. They hold gear more securely on the belt than traditional PAL webbing.
Belt Sizing
Blue Force Gear has detailed instructions on belt sizing on its website. I highly recommend reading their sizing guide before buying to avoid any sizing issues.
Watch My Video Review
$249.95 at Blue Force Gear.
(Best price at time of writing this review.)
Remember, if you need a load-rated belt, make sure to get their CHLK Belt.
My Opinion of the GRID Belt
All and all, I am impressed with the Blue Force Gear GRID belt.
I’ve used a lot of battle belts during my career with the teams, such as the popular Ronin Senshi belt and the Crye Precision MRB 2.0 belt, and the GRID belt fits better, is lighter, and is noticeably more comfortable.
I highly recommend the Blue Force Gear GRID belt to anyone who is into tactical shooting or operates professionally.
Remember that for in-the-field situations, including climbing, crossing waterways, etc.; I recommend going with the Blue Force Gear CHLK belt instead of the GRID belt.
For these in-the-field situations where defying gravity comes into play, an on-belt anchor point, like that on the CHLK belt, is a tactical requirement.
If I were in a tactical situation, I’d switch to a CHLK-rated type system.
BFG is a great company with many innovative products built for end users. You will love the GRID or CHLK belts.
