Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsEven better than expected
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2014
Like many other reviewers have mentioned, this product was featured on Shark Tank, which is how I heard about the company. I thought it sounded like a genius idea; I hate traditional belt loops, because I always feel like I would be more comfortable between one or the other, and on some belts, the holes do begin to stretch out some over time. I've been burned by Shark Tank products before though (looked great on the show, ordered them, and they don't perform nearly as well as advertised).
This has not been the case with this Mission belt. By far, this is the best belt I have ever owned or used. I chose the "Vader", the black belt with the black and chrome buckle. It arrived quickly from Amazon, and ships in a small box. The packaging is simple but adequate. I love that they include a small set of "instructions", both for how to operate the belt and also how to trim the belt shorter if you ever want to cut the excess down. Also, inside the box is a truly handwritten note from someone at Mission, thanking me for the order; a very nice touch. I also had no idea that the company donated $1 from each belt purchased to charity, which is a huge plus, and I guess the reason for the name "Mission".
The packaging is nice, but you'll forget all about it once you see the belt. My first and instant reaction was that I couldn't believe how gorgeous the buckle looked and felt. It is a very solid, weighty piece of metal. It feels like you could run the buckle over with a tank and it wouldn't take a scratch, it is SOLID feeling. The leather is also of a higher quality than I expected. It's thick and feels great, and the stitching around the edges looks nice as well.
As for the ratcheting mechanism of the belt, some other reviews complained about problems with it, but so far mine has been flawless. It is fun to hear that ratcheting sound every morning when I put the belt on, and even nicer to be able to get it to the exact length I want on that particular day. The release mechanism is designed very well; in a way where it is highly unlikely you'd ever activate it by accident, but it's very easy to activate intentionally with the flip of a single finger (and without needing to see it). It's hidden away on the side of the belt that faces down to the floor, which is nice because it keeps the part of the buckle you or anyone else will see looking smooth and sleek.
Love this belt, and I now need to buy it in more colors and with more buckles so I can replace all of my other belts as well. I've paid more money for belts before in the past that haven't been half as nice as this in looks and certainly no where close in design. Unquestionably a five star product for me.
