The R.O.V.E.R Gun Belt - IDPA

OVERVIEW

This project is a 1.5-inch IDPA-focused competition gun belt designed to be manufactured on a consumer FDM 3D printer and assembled using inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware. The goal was to create a lightweight, modular, repairable belt that can be built entirely at home while remaining comfortably within current IDPA equipment rules.

As of the 2026 IDPA rulebook, belts may not exceed 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) in width or 5/16 inch (7.94 mm) in thickness. This design fits comfortably within those limits.

Version 5 is the current release. Do NOT mix V4 and V5 links. Although they appear similar, the hinge geometry changed between revisions and the two versions are mechanically incompatible.

MECHANICAL COMPATIBILITY

These links are NOT compatible with DAA Lynx components.

While both designs use an articulated link system, the dimensions, hardware, and intended use are different.

The pin diameter, hinge spacing, and overall geometry are different enough that components from the two systems cannot be mixed.

DESIGN GOALS

This project was designed around a few simple engineering goals:

• Lightweight without sacrificing durability

• Fully modular with individually replaceable links

• Easy to resize by adding or removing links

• Uses inexpensive, commonly available hardware

• Printable on consumer-grade FDM printers

• Simple assembly using basic hand tools

• No proprietary hardware beyond the ratchet kit

BILL OF MATERIALS (BOM)

Roll Pins

I used a 50-pack of Excel-brand M2 × 35 mm spring pins purchased from Amazon for approximately $8 USD (January 2026). Any equivalent M2 × 35 mm spring pin should work.

Ratchet Kit

I used the DAA Ratcheting Belt Kit from Ben Stoeger Pro Shop, although it is available from several competition shooting retailers.

https://benstoegerproshop.com/daa-lynx-belt-ratchet-kit/

LINK TYPES

ASSEMBLY

Each hinge contains one reduced-diameter pin bore. This acts as both the installation stop and the access point for pin removal.

1. Orient each link with the reduced pin bore facing downward.

2. Assemble the links and insert an M2 × 35 mm spring pin from the top.

3. Drive the pin until it is flush with the top surface.

4. Using a 1/16” punch, lightly seat the pin until it bottoms against the reduced bore.

5. Repeat until the desired belt length is reached.

Removing Pins

Insert the punch into the reduced bore from the bottom of the link and drive the pin upward.

Depending on your printer tolerances, the reduced opening may initially be tight. This is intentional to help retain the pin. If necessary, lightly clear the opening with the punch before removing the pin.

RECOMMENDED PRINT SETTINGS

These settings were used throughout development and testing and provided the best balance of strength, stiffness, and long-term durability.

LUBRICATION

Lubrication is optional but highly recommended.

After roughly ten IDPA matches, I found that applying a small amount of lubricant between each rotating joint noticeably improves articulation. The belt conforms more naturally around the waist and is easier to put on, remove, and adjust while wearing it.

Use any lubricant that is compatible with your chosen filament.

FIELD TESTING

The current V5 design has been my primary competition belt through approximately 10 IDPA matches.

Results so far:

• No broken links

• No cracked links

• No pins walking out

• No measurable hinge wear

• No issues during movement or stage transitions

The current design has performed exactly as intended under normal competition use.

REVISION HISTORY

Version 5

• Redesigned rotating hinge geometry

• Increased hinge strength

• Reduced overall weight

• Improved articulation

• Tighter dimensional tolerances

Version 4

• Increased overall link strength

• Easier assembly and maintenance

• Replaced circular relief holes with diamond geometry

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

This project will continue to evolve as I collect more match time and long-term wear data. Any future improvements will be documented here so existing users can easily determine compatibility between revisions and whether upgrading is worthwhile.