Review on 5.11 Tactical Operator 1 3/4" Belt, Military Style, Heavy-Duty Nylon Mesh 5100Lb Tensile Strength, Stainless Steel Buckle, Fade & Rip Resistant, Style 59405 by Matthew Davenport

I really like this belt. I knew beforehand that the Velcro strap would be a bit cumbersome, and it is, but I am relieved to find out that the belt cinches up EXACTLY where you want it with relative ease. The cinching hold is done entirely with the heavy-duty buckle. The Velcro is only used to secure the extra flap. However, everyone needs to be cautioned: I doubt if anyone has belt loops on any pair of pants that will allow the excess flap to go inside the belt loop (on your right side), so you just go over the belt loop and secure it with the Velcro.If you also want to carry something on that side of your body, like a Leatherman Multi-tool with a closed-loop pouch, up toward the front (like the 1 to 2 o'clock position) where the belt has Velcro, then you have to do an extra step. Normally, this would be difficult to snake the excess belt flap because in the tight space, the two parts of the Velcro will grab. But, I found a really neat way to get around this using a simple credit card (which just happens to be the same width as the belt). First, you put the Multi-tool on the belt between whichever pants loops you want (on jeans, I carry mine between the first two loops). Then you cinch up the belt to desired tightness around your waist. Next you slide the credit card underneath the Multi-tool loop. Then you insert the loose end of the belt under the Multi-tool loop, but OVER the credit card, which effectively isolates the two parts of the Velcro. While holding the credit card in place, you simply slide the belt flap the rest of the way through. This trick will work on any closed-loop sheath that you want to carry on the belt on that side.As I had already foreseen the need for something like this before I ever purchased the belt, I did not deduct any stars in my rating.The belt is extremely heavy-duty ballistic nylon with quality workmanship (as far away from cheaply made as you can get). As long as I take relatively good care of it, I don foresee it ever "breaking down". When needed, I also will use this belt to carry my G-Code holster which has a belt slide that has 1 3/4" slots. I just tried it and it fits perfect. This nylon belt will definitely support the weight of gun and holster and just about any other gear you want to carry without getting deformed.