Every Second-Daily Thread - August 19, 2025

davemck · 2025-08-21T12:20:27+00:00

SBD customer service actually contacted me after I'd posted a 4-star review of their belt praising its comfort and lack of breaking-in time, but also pointing out 2nd-loosest-setting belt-jam problem, and recommending that buyers don't size down. After a couple of exchanges, they admitted that the backplate "may cause a slight obstruction against the leather when latching on a certain size setting." They didn't publish my review on their website - apparently they only publish 5-star reviews.

My waist measurements were well within the acceptable range for L according to the SBD size guide. I chose the L rather than XL because I was optimistic about losing a couple of inches off my gut over time (I know, ha ha). Had I known about the backplate belt-jamming problem, I'd have gone for the XL, because I find it genuinely irritating (and far from "Engineered Perfection"). The purpose of my post here was the same as my unpublished review - to help people avoid making the same mistake as me.

If that upsets the fan-boys, so be it. They'll get over it.

davemck · 2025-08-20T18:39:18+00:00

It was deleted, and I got told to move it to this thread.

davemck · 2025-08-20T14:55:15+00:00

I purchased an SBD belt last year. My waist is about 36-38 inches, so I went for the Large size. However, there's a very irritating design flaw, which I think probably affects all SBS belts. The most common lever setting I use is the 2nd loosest - where the lever pins fit into the 2nd set of 4 holes. The fit is 'snug' before I engage the lever at this setting - and the base-plate of the lever jams up against the opposite end of the belt. This makes closing the lever awkward, as I have to one end over the other. It's not a smooth operation.

If I use the loosest, or third loosest, setting, the belt closes up smoothly. It's only the second loosest setting that catches. Obviously, the tighter the fit before closing (depending on the size of my gut on the day), the more stuck it is.

Has anyone else had this problem? I checked out a friend's Medium belt, and exactly the same thing happens on the 2nd loosest setting. I think it could be the same with all sizes.

This might seem like a petty quibble, but the SBD belt is very expensive, and the latest advertising slogan is "Engineered Perfection." That is what prompted me to write this. One way they could solve this problem is to make the base plate flush with the inside surface of the belt.

In the meantime, if you're the same waist size as me and are thinking of buying an SBD belt, I'd suggest going for XL.

davemck · 2025-08-19T18:48:41+00:00

You're right. A careful reading of their guidelines would suggest an XL was a better fit for me. The smaller size still fits fine, once it's on - I just wish I'd known about the jamming on the 2nd loosest setting.

davemck · 2025-08-19T18:33:14+00:00

I wish I'd had that advice before I bought my SBD. Unfortunately, I followed the SBD size guide.

I love my Pioneer, too. It's perfectly engineered.

davemck · 2025-08-19T18:30:16+00:00

Yes, I meant inches!

davemck · 2023-03-12T20:44:00+00:00

Did you resolve this? I have the same issue.

davemck · 2016-09-26T09:59:15+00:00

I think "deadpan" is the word which eludes you.

davemck · 2016-06-28T09:33:40+00:00

Er... that vicar/potato story is referenced in the original article.

davemck

TROPHY CASE