Two of the four plastic cleats appear to be longer than imported ones, actually don't mind paying "a little more" to keep American companies from outsourcing their products and all the useless junk that goes into China is made to keep away from here. However, this belt and buckle cost about three times the price of imported junk, but over the years as Thomas Bates' price has risen, the quality has declined. Thomas Bates now claims "Made in the USA" (from world materials). Love the buckle design and need a strong strap. This network is pathetic! Much thinner than their old ones. No doubt to save on manufacturing costs, although there is an unnamed imported version with an even weaker buckle but a thicker woven strap. They include two buckles and a nylon sling (strap not included with TB) for about 1/3 the price. I guess I'll have to buy both to get what Thomas Bates once did. Everyone has their own hand, but very few are willing to pull it off!