REVIEW: First Spear Assaulters Gun Belt

It doesn't always have to be massive: Sometimes less is more or the intended use requires more hidden features (low vis). First Spear offers a compact Riggers Belt - the AGB (Assaulters Gun Belt) - with the possibility to transform it into a full-fledged Battle Belt.

Battle Belts or MOLLE Belts are abundant in countless variations. While these were quite common in the last Iraq War, the trend has shifted more towards Riggers Belts. Why? It's hard to say exactly, but the following pros and cons help to understand:

Advantages of Battle/MOLLE Belt:

• Unbeatable load capacity

You can equip it with countless pouches

• Optimized load distribution

Excellent load distribution on the hips due to the wide construction

Disadvantages of Battle/MOLLE Belt:

• Configurable mobility

The belt slides up and down because it lacks fixation.

• Bulky

Typically very thick due to padded variants

Can be cumbersome when wearing with plate carriers

Heavy construction

Advantages of Riggers Belt:

• Flat construction

Does not interfere when wearing a plate carrier

Can be worn covertly

• Usually attached to the pants

Fixed in place by the belt loops

• Good for emergency rappelling

Most Riggers Belts are designed for securing during abseiling, etc.

Disadvantages of Riggers Belt:

• Cannot be heavily loaded

Becomes uncomfortable quickly with high loads

• Can't be quickly discarded

Cannot quickly remove the belt due to fixation on the pants

As you can see, the characteristics of the Riggers Belt fit better in current scenarios. In Afghanistan, more emphasis was placed on mobility and flexibility, meaning it has to be lighter and more agile.

Therefore, Riggers Belts typically only have a Blow Out Kit (a stripped-down version of an IFAK, containing only the necessary items for stopping bleeding), pistol holster + spare magazines, Dump Pouch, possibly a multitool/knife, and a lanyard for security.

First Spear has now tried to eliminate the disadvantages of the Riggers Belt with a simple feature: Velcro. This is attached to the inside and allows for wearing an Innerbelt with hook and loop closure to fix both belts together. This concept is not new, law enforcement has been using it on duty belts for years. However, the usual configuration has Velcro and hook and loop closure switched - with Velcro on the inner belt and hook and loop closure on the duty belt. The advantage of First Spear is that you can also wear the outer belt like a Battle belt over a jacket without completely ruining it with the hook and loop closure. Simply flip the inner belt with hook and loop closure so the "soft" side is outside and protects the clothing.

The Velcro of the AGB serves another purpose: to fix the First Spear "Missing Link Adapter" and the "6/9 Beltlink Adapter."

Furthermore, there is a "Sleeve" for the belt, the "Padded AGB Sleeve" - this allows the use of the Riggers Belt as a fully modular Battle Belt (see the First Spear video below).

Otherwise, the belt is kept quite simple, as you won't find, as usual, a D-ring or a loop for lanyards. On the First Spear website, only the variant presented here is available, but Pol-Tec in Germany also sells a version with a V-ring.

The closure is an AustriAlpin Cobra Buckle - tested and can withstand a load of 11kn. More specifications on the Austrialpin website.

The belt is 4.5cm wide and can fit through all common belt loops if worn solo.

This First Spear video nicely demonstrates the different components of the AGB belt:

CONCLUSION: So, if you are looking for a sturdy Riggers Belt at a good price, take a closer look at the AGB. The internal Velcro opens up countless possibilities, and if you don't necessarily need a D-ring, you've found the perfect First Line belt.

The belt comes in Black, Khaki, and Multicam and is available at POL-TEC (remaining stock) for about 40 euros. Here you can also get a version with a V-ring and the Padded AGB Sleeve.

Alternatively, it can be requested through TACWRK.