Takes getting used to because it threads into itself differently than any other belt. That said, I love how light and comfortable they are. I have both weave style belts and find that the original weave is smoother to tighten than the Element style. The buckles are very light weight but stylish. I own 4 of them. The copper buckle has "normal" blemishes on the backside that are from electroplating the copper to the buckle. I found this out after contacting customer service which by the way is great and courteous. Thanks to you all. I gave 4 stars not 5 because of how different the Element belt made tightening the belt a bit strange, but I am getting used to it.