I love my mission belt.  I bought it the day I saw the Sharks TV presentation.  It arrived with a soft, smooth, matte-finished leather strap that exuded quality.  I was in complete agreement with "Shark" Robert Herjavec - it was a high quality belt.  Fast forward a couple years, and the belt strap began cracking in a couple spots (otherwise it still looked fantastic).  I decided to order a replacement.  The new straps are terrible.  The leather is weird and glossy (look and feel cheap) with a lot more texture.  The stampings on the back are not as nice, and it now sports the "Made in China" logo.  Not cool.  Given the cost of the belt, I'm truly disappointed in the leather change.  The old leather was brilliant.  This new strap is ugly and feels cheap.  I had been considering other ratcheting belt systems... thanks for helping push me in that direction.