I have been wearing a new belt for the last 3 months. The Cobra Rigger Belt (Diamondback) from Snake Eater Tactical is one of the many Cobra belts available on the market. There is certainly no shortage of choices but this one has a combination of features that I like quite a bit.
Overview
All of Snake Eater Tactical’s Cobra Rigger Belts are made from two layers of resin treated 1 3/4″ Type 13 webbing. They add 5 rows of stitching that run the length of the belt to stiffen it. Then, depending on the pattern that you choose, they add some additional stitching that is both decorative and serves to further stiffen the belt. The result is a belt that is more than rigid enough to carry a full size handgun comfortably all day but more flexible than a belt with a stiffening insert.
The subject of this review features their Diamondback stitch pattern. It consists of 2 interlocking zig-zag stiches that form a diamond pattern, not unlike a tooling pattern that you might see on a leather belt. I think it looks great.
The belt features an AustriAlpin Cobra Buckle that is very, very durable and makes it extremely easy to don and doff. If you are a go fast type who might actually need a rigger’s belt for more than just holding up pants, the Cobra Buckle is suitable for extremely heavy loads and there is a 2” open slot in the belt next to the Cobra Buckle where you can add the carabiner of your choice.
Observations from Use
This belt is extremely comfortable. 5 stitch pattern belts like this aren’t new. Wilderness Tactical has been using this method to stiffen their excellent riggers belts for use and it may have been used before them. This type of stiffening system works. It provides an acceptable level of rigidity while remaining more flexible than belts with plastic stiffening insert. This belt is more than rigid enough to keep a G19 or G17 comfortable when carried inside the waist band all day – even when I am on my feet and moving for most of the time.
The decorative Diamondback stitching looks great. I can’t test how much additional rigidity it adds but it really doesn’t matter since the 5 rows of stitching are more than sufficient. The Diamondback pattern’s job is to look good and it does that well. It also does a good job of reinforcing the Velcro panels which can tear off with time and use if they are only stitched around the edges.
This belt is very well made. The stitching is even and straight which is great because it is very noticeable when it isn’t straight on these long, full length stiffening stitches. There is reinforcement where there should be reinforcement and the sizing is true to measurement.
Snake Eater Tactical was easy to work with. If your belt doesn’t fit right, they will return or exchange it. I didn’t need to do that because the fit was perfect. They offer several different stitching/webbing color combinations and several different buckle colors. They also offer a version of this belt without the costly Cobra Buckle.
Wrap Up
There are other belts on the market with Cobra Buckles but I like the combination of quality components, stitch stiffening, and good looks that this Snake Eater Tactical Cobra Rigger Belt offers.
Check out the Snake Eater Tactical Cobra Rigger Belt.
