Diamondback Tool Belt – Denali Rig Review

By Joe Canning on Tools PLUS!


Diamondback Tool Belts and their Denali Setup

The tool belt has been around for many years but has had quite the evolution along the way. Starting out as shop aprons, to twill lumber yard tie up nail bags to simple belts with 3 bags and a loop to hang a hammer. Then came the modern age of carpenter’s where the more you carry the more efficient you were working. With this mentality came the biggest change in the history of tool belts.

A few companies came out with belts that were meant to set the standard of quality and durability, Diamondback Tool Belts is one of these companies. Although not a big flashy store brand this company has been heard loud and clear throughout the years. In this review we will be looking at the era Diamondback Tool Belts and their Denali setup.

Materials Denali Uses In Their Rigs

The materials used in the making of the Diamondback Tool Belt bag’s is Dupont 1000d Cordura. The Cordura fabric is known for durability and resistance to abrasions, tears. This fabric combined with their triple layer sandwich style makes for a longest lifespan as possible. These are all things that have given Diamondback their durable reputation.

The Diamondback bags are double stitched, in key locations, with a Dabond2000 60lb test thread. This simply means that the Dabond2000 thread is durable and chemical resistant which is good for the longevity of the stitching, holding the bags together.

On the outside of the bag’s you will notice a black material, similar to seat belt material. This material is actually a woven fabric, often used rock climbing harnesses. This material is there to hold your bags open and also to protect the outer edge of each bag.

Diamondback also took this durability and comfort standard into the making of their belts. The belts are made of nearly 14 feet of webbing and has a Cordura wrap, foam padding, for support and comfort.

The belt itself is latched by a military grade Cobra latching system. So no more tongue and pin style belt buckle, digging into your midsection. Speaking from experience, I’ve only worn a traditional style tongue and buckle style, and this new latch buckle, is an option that I would never even have considered. I’m simply amazed at how much I have enjoyed using it.

Diamondbacks Unique Attachment

The way the bags attach to the belt is a Diamondback tool belt trademark. The use of a velcro system that is simple, and yet can hold a sheer weight of 675lbs. With this sandwich style of Velcro no one will ever have to worry about their bags coming off. This however doesn’t mean that the bags are not interchangeable. It takes approximately 15 seconds to remove and replace with a different bag if needed.

Bag size and Storage Organization

Diamondback bag come in 2 different sizes.

  • Standard Size
  • Extra Large Size

There is a standard size that will fit most needs and then there is the XL bags. I had the chance to use both sizes. In my experience the standard size would be more suiting to finish, trim carpenters setup. The XL bag’s are only 1” bigger than the standard sizing but it was 1” in the perfect places. This to me is the ideal sizing for a framing or general contractor that will be using multiple fasteners to achieve multiple tasks on a day to day.

Diamondback Tool Belt Storage

Now let’s discuss the tool storage and placement of these bags. The Denali setup is made of two pouches:

  1. Elias pouch
  2. Wrangler pouch

The Elias pouch is more on my dominant side where I mainly keep hand tools, a pencil etc. At the bottom of the Elias pouch there is a Velcro enclosed pouch that is useful for valuables, drill bits, or even an extra battery. Underneath the Elias I have the hammer sleeve. This sleeve is quick way to access my hammer.

The Wrangler pouch is used mainly for my fasteners, speed square, and tape measure. The slots for storage is well laid out, and fits everything you could need for your day to day without an issue.

Diamondback Belt and Suspenders

I have been using the 6” padded tool belt with integrated D ring for use with their deluxe suspenders. The tool belt isn’t like your standard belt system. It has a continuous strap of Cordura that is not removable from the belt like what we are traditionally used to. This in my opinion, is a better setup.

The belt will never move or shift, keeping everything where it needs to be for efficient all day use. This is all connected by a military grade Cobra buckle.

The 6” belt pad is extremely comfortable and offers a good amount of support. The Deluxe suspenders are quite nice and a new part of the Diamondback tool belt system. They have padded shoulder straps and are extremely easy to adjust.

Diamondback Tool Belt – Denali Rig Cost

  • Belt System $350
  • Deluxe Suspenders $115

Over Impression of the Diamondback Denali Rig

My overall outlook on the Diamondback Tool Belt Denali setup is definitely a positive one. It is a very well made, comfortable. It truly is an impressive and well thought out setup, and I definitely recommend them.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

About the author

Joe Canning

Joe Canning is a self-taught carpenter and framer from South Western Ontario, Canada. Joe focuses mainly on residential framing and custom homes. He loves efficiency and doing things right! Known by many as "the bearded carpenter," he is most notably recognized by his Instagram profile "Canadian Carpenter," where he shares tips, techniques and reviews tools. If you like framing and doing things right, you're gonna love reading Joe's stuff!

All posts by Joe »

Not what you're looking for?

Search for more articles here. Enter keywords like roof leak, bookcase, deck, etc to find your topic.

© Copyright 2019 A Concord Carpenter · All Rights Reserved