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Police officer’s duty belts are diversified, heavy, full of surprises for the bad guys. We carry all kinds of tools which help us in our jobs while keeping us safe. Duty belts add significant weight which can cause health problems, including lower back pain and knee injuries. Photo by Jordan on Unsplash Recently officers have been looking for alternatives to reduce the weight they carry. Some have chosen to move part of their gear to their vest or load-bearing vests. However, the price of these vests can go from $150 up to $1500, depending on the model, brand, and specific features. Other officers opted to change their duty belts. I changed mine from leather to nylon. The reduction of weight wasn’t significant, but it helped my back for sure. Another alternative is to change the holsters we carry our tools. More officers are using Kydex as an alternative to leather or nylon. I’m sure you’ve heard about Kydex before, but if you haven’t, here is some information. In Wikipedia, Kydex is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride composite which it’s used for aircraft bulkheads, firearm holsters, sheaths, and knives. Kydex is really strong and highly moldable. If you Google “Kydex,” you’ll find hundreds of videos, blogs and other materials for this particular material. Many people love to make all kinds of things out of Kydex, and some are impressive. For police officers, the use of Kydex holsters is an excellent addition to the duty belt. A well built Kydex holster can be durable, reliable, and lightweight. I started researching Kydex, and I found two ways to obtain Kydex holsters. One, I could learn how to make my holsters. I would have to buy the materials and tools. Also, the learning curve and research I would have to do. Second, I could find a company out there which already had Kydex holsters for sale. I started researching for companies, and I finally found a suggestion in a Law Enforcement Group which I’m a member. Many of the members suggested Omega Holsters. I looked into it and found out this company is based in Texas and run by a law enforcement officer. I thought this was great since I like to support other officers. The first thing I asked the owner was for a handgun/AR-15 magazine holster combo. I was looking to add an AR-15 magazine to my belt since I work in a remote area (THE MORE ROUNDS, THE BETTER!). The owner immediately contacted me and sent me a link to a product he already produces. I was like, SOLD! Omega Holsters Products I purchased the magazine combo, flashlight, OC Spray & Tourniquet holster with my order. The magazine combo and Tourniquet are attached to my belt with a Blade-Tech Tek-Lok. It’s easy to use, pull the lever down, and push the two ends of the locking mechanism. The clip can be adjusted to fit different belt thicknesses. For the OC Spray and flashlight holster, I ordered the malice clip which slides through either end of your duty belt to the desired position for comfort and tactical position Omega Holsters was a great purchase, and I’m happy I chose it. Here some of the Pros and Cons of the products I purchased. Pros: Lightweight Handgun/AR-15 Magazine combo Durable Cons: Since you’re carrying more rounds with the magazine combo, whichever side you carry it, you’ll have extra weight, and the weight will ride the holster down. OC Spray holster will tear down the can’s label Whichever Kydex product you chose, remember to go with a business who knows what law enforcement needs. Remember, some little aspects as retention, durability, and others are essential in law enforcement. As I mentioned above, many Kydex makers vary from amateur to full-size businesses, but each focuses on different products and aspects of each product. I went with Omega Holsters since the maker is a police officer and knows what’s essential for us. Side note: If you purchase from this business, read the instructions, or you’ll end up doing a big “oops” as I did here. DISCLAIMER: I wasn’t paid to promote Omega Holsters. I believe these products are made with quality materials and at a reasonable price. The value of the product exceeds my expectations. https://youtu.be/wjOixJsgeH4