as a larger waisted man, I needed a belt that not only would fit around my waist, but also be strong enough to hold up to the stress.  I have had several plastic styles break.  Standard d-ring styles become very difficult to release.  This is a great belt.  I can't believe that it will ever break and I have plenty of length to fit around my large size.  The quick release allows me to quickly release and then slide it loose before buckling again.  I buckle it and then pull tight and tuck the end.