FAQ: MagLock® Belt by Distil
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

What size belt should I order?

After the campaign has ended, we’ll send a survey out to all Backers – this is when you’ll select your color(s) and size(s). Check where your waist size lands in the following ranges:

XS (US/UK Pants 24-28 = 26-30 inch waist = 66-76cm waist) S (US/UK Pants 28-32 = 30-34 inch waist = 76-86cm waist) M (US/UK Pants 32-36 = 34-38 inch waist = 86-97cm waist) L (US/UK Pants 36-40 = 38-42 inch waist = 97-107cm waist) XL (US/UK Pants 40-44 = 42-46 inch waist = 107-117cm waist) XXL (US/UK Pants 44-48 = 46-50 inch waist = 117-127cm waist)

Check our fit guide here: https://hi.switchy.io/kd7G If your pant/trousers/waist size goes in-between ranges, we recommend that you size up.

The general rule of thumb is to add 2” to your pant size to find your actual waist circumference. Measure your waist size (which is shockingly not your pant size), but during our testing it was pant size, not waist size, that everyone is already familiar with so we have the conversions available for you. But please do measure your waist size for accuracy. Here’s a video showing how to measure: https://youtube.com/shorts/0GPAs59mOvQ?feature=share

Last updated: December 11, 2025 12:30

Do you have any video FAQs?

Yes! See our YouTube channel for this handy playlist where we talk through the most common questions about the MagLock Belt. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyGlUFS_UKUP3vP5oj2GdUDkRUWia_7Gc&si=Ag6hgiFzw6iOpFFu

Last updated: December 04, 2025 19:43

How does a Kickstarter "pledge" work?

Unlike websites like GoFundMe, Kickstarter works on an all-or-nothing crowdfunding model, meaning we can only go into production if we achieve our campaign goal.

So while a “pledge” or a “reward” is very similar to a pre-order, if we don’t meet our fundraising goal, you won’t be charged, and the MagLock Belt will not go into production.

Read more from Kickstarter in their Guide: https://updates.kickstarter.com/a-backers-guide-to-crowdfunding/

Last updated: September 02, 2025 18:56

How do I select a color?

After the campaign has ended, we’ll send out a survey out to all Backers – this is when you’ll select your color(s) and size(s).

Last updated: October 20, 2025 15:31

Will magnets mess with my phone, credit cards, or pacemaker? (no, no, and keep a safe distance)

No worries there on your phone - these are static magnets, similar to what’s already in your phone case or headphones. Phones these days are full of magnets, and feature solid-state memory and screens that aren’t affected by magnets. Credit card chips are not affected by them either.

However, if you do have a medical condition (like one that requires a pacemaker or hearing aid affected by magnets), please follow your doctor’s advice.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 17:21

How does it work with a holster? (IWB, yes)

The MagLock Belt is a bit too flexible for an external holster, but works great for concealed carry. Earlier prototypes were more rigid, but comfort won out. If you’re carrying inside the waistband, you should be good to go. Appendix carry folks may find it especially appealing because you can easily rotate the “buckle” section away from the front through loops.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 10:51

Do I still need to remove it for airport security? (yes, but easy)

Yes, you’ll still need to pop it off at TSA. We haven’t figured out how to remove the metal from magnets yet… The good news? It’s super quick to take off and snap back on, so you won’t hold up the line.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 17:21

Will it hold up for active or heavy use? (yes!)

We’ve been wear-testing it for over a year - everyday living, moving boxes, squats, pushups, building a deck, hiking the Izu peninsula in Japan – the works. It’s not a powerlifting belt, but it holds strong and stays comfortable all day.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 17:21

Will it slip or dig in like other belts? (no)

It holds really well! The low-profile design means no buckle bulge, and the flexible build moves with you. No digging, no slipping - just click, go, and easy adjust. If you do run into a slip, it’s likely your waist needed the relief. Hashtag buffet belt.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 14:17

What if I work around metal or grinders? Will it attract metal dust? (maybe?)

Maybe skip it when you’re on the job with flying sparks or metal dust. Save it for the game, or happy hour. That being said, we haven’t found an issue with it collecting metal bits during our tests – and we’ve even sharpened our mower blades with an angle grinder while wearing it.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 17:21

Where’s it made?

TL;DR made in China. We work with a global team of professionals whom we’ve trusted for years: Designed in Fairhope, Alabama. Shipped from Charleston, SC. Crafted in China using hides that are ethically traced from the U.S., Europe, and South America. Photographed in Tokyo, Denver and Iowa. Animated in India. Videoed in Canada. Customer-serviced and marketed from Charleston, SC. Social media’d from Iowa. Not to mention the postal workers who hand it off to ya – all of this effort just to bring to life a belt made on Earth by humans using hands and machines!

Last updated: October 20, 2025 23:19

What’s your warranty if something goes wrong? (Worry not!)

We’ve got your back with our Worry-Free Guarantee. If the belt fails due to a manufacturing defect, we’ll fix it or replace it up to three years after purchase - simple as that. If it fails because you lost it or damaged it, we’ll replace it for half off up to three times within the three years from purchase.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 14:17

Why not add a false buckle for looks? - We now have a couple of options!

Check the survey for two cool options. We have a very low-profile version and one with a stash pouch. They’re 3D printed for this round, but we may later do cast metal versions after we deliver Kickstarter.

Last updated: December 08, 2025 18:23

Will it fit my pants' belt loops?

The width of the belt is 1.38in (35mm), so it is slightly more narrow than standard. This allows you to fit both formal wear and casual wear pants. It’ll even fit pants like Dickies which are notoriously difficult to belt.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 14:17

Will there be sizes for kids, or adaptive versions?

We’re starting with these adult sizes/styles first, but it’s a great idea for kids and folks with arthritis or motor-skill challenges who could benefit along with everyone else. It’s a delight to use for anyone with a waist, IMHO. We’d love to explore kids options down the road, here’s hoping this is just the beginning for MagLock Belt :)

Last updated: October 20, 2025 14:17

How hard is it to operate a buckle? Why reinvent it? (Designers designing)

Belts have worked fine for centuries - but as designers, we can’t help asking, “Could it be better?” The MagLock replaces the clunky buckle with clean, self-aligning magnets that just ~click~ and hold.

It’s really about improving a product we all take for granted, especially ones with problems that we assume are just the facts of life. Not today, Buckle!

Last updated: October 20, 2025 14:17

Who is this belt for?

Nearly everyone will benefit from an easier to use and more comfortable buckle-less belt! Men, women, folks with dexterity issues like arthritis or limited use of hands, guitarists who are sick of buckle rash, mechanics who don’t want to scratch up the cars they’re working on, responsible concealed-carry folks who want to go as low profile as possible, hikers who are tired of the backpack vs belt buckle battle, Star Trek fans, Star Wars fans, nickle-allergy sufferers, magnet aficionados…

We’re so looking forward to getting this out into the world and hearing from you and your particular situation, and how a MagLock belt hopefully makes your life a little bit easier.

Last updated: October 20, 2025 14:17

How much is shipping? and duties?

Shipping is estimated with a range shown in each pledge level. We honestly aren’t sure about duties at this time; depending on your country, you may be responsible for tariffs upon receipt of goods, however, we’re going to try and ship delivered duties paid. In this case, we’ll need to add a charge for duties ahead of shipment.

You won’t be charged for shipping or duties until all of your items are ready to ship.

Last updated: December 08, 2025 18:24

Shipping Updates
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!
No shipping updates are provided.
BackerKit FAQ

What is BackerKit?

BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!

The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.

How does BackerKit work?

After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.

I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?

The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.

Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.

To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.

How do I update my shipping address?

BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.

When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?

That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.

I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?

As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.

Terms and Conditions

Distil Union — Backer Survey Terms & Conditions

Thank you for supporting our Kickstarter project. Please review the following terms, which help ensure clarity for both you and us as we move toward production and fulfillment.

1. PROJECT GOAL & FUNDING

Funding Process:
When you backed the project, your pledge was authorized—not charged. You were only charged once the campaign successfully reached its funding goal by the stated deadline. If the project was funded, your full pledged amount was collected shortly after the campaign closed.

If the Goal Is Met:
Once the project is funded, Kickstarter collects your pledge and transfers the remaining amount to us so we can begin production and fulfillment.

2. CREATOR COMMITMENTS

Fulfillment Promise:
Distil Union commits to delivering the rewards you selected during the campaign. If a reward cannot be delivered despite our good-faith efforts, we will offer an appropriate remedy, which may include a refund.

Honesty & Transparency:
We will provide clear communication about progress, potential delays, and project risks as they arise. Manufacturing and logistics can be unpredictable; if timelines shift, we’ll explain why and keep you updated.

Not an Investment:
Backing this project is a purchase agreement for the reward(s) you chose. No equity, ownership, revenue share, or securities of any kind are being offered.

Permitted Rewards Only:
This campaign does not offer prohibited items, including (but not limited to) medical claims, gambling, weapons, hateful content, or other restricted goods under Kickstarter’s rules.

3. BACKER RESPONSIBILITIES

Accurate Payment:
Please ensure your payment method has sufficient funds when the campaign ends so Kickstarter can successfully process your pledge.

Providing Information for Fulfillment:
The survey collects only the information needed to ship your rewards—such as your name, address, size selection, or other relevant details. We will keep this information confidential. If we ever wish to use your info for anything beyond fulfillment (such as joining our newsletter), we will request your explicit consent.

Ongoing Communication:
We’ll share updates throughout production. Responding to messages or surveys in a timely manner helps ensure smooth fulfillment.

4. KICKSTARTER PLATFORM RULES

This project operates under Kickstarter’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines, which prohibit fraud, misrepresentation, harassment, and other forms of abuse. Both creators and backers are expected to follow those rules.

5. RISKS & CHALLENGES

While our goal is to deliver rewards in March and April of 2026, unexpected issues can occur in manufacturing, quality control, or global shipping. If anything impacts production or timelines, we’ll communicate changes promptly and clearly.

6. REWARD CLARIFICATION

Each reward tier corresponds to a specific product or bundle described on the campaign page. By completing this survey, you confirm the selections needed for us to fulfill your reward. Rewards represent a product, not an investment in the company.

7. DATA PRIVACY & LEGAL NOTES

Data Privacy (GDPR/CCPA)
• We collect only what’s required to fulfill your reward.
• We do not sell or share your information with third parties for marketing.
• If you choose to opt into additional communication (e.g., newsletters), separate consent will be requested.
• You may request data deletion after fulfillment is complete.

Legal Classification
Your pledge forms a purchase agreement for goods to be delivered at a future date. It does not grant you ownership rights, securities, or financial returns related to Distil Union.

Local Consumer Protection Laws
Where applicable, the consumer protection laws of your jurisdiction may provide additional rights. These terms are intended to work alongside those protections.

RETURNS/REFUNDS

If you’re interested in having your collected pledge refunded, you’ll need to reach out to the Distil Union directly. If the funds have already gone towards producing or shipping rewards, then a refund may not be possible. However, we may be able to offer you another form of resolution, such as a discount on future products, a digital reward, or some other offering.

8. Exchanges & Size Adjustments

We’re happy to help with exchanges if you need a different size or variation of your reward. Because Kickstarter funds go directly toward production and fulfillment, we’re unable to cover additional shipping costs for exchanges.

Exchange Policy:
• Exchanges are allowed once your reward has been delivered.
• The product must be returned in new/unused condition.
• Backers are responsible for the shipping cost to return the item and for the shipping cost of the replacement.
• We can provide prepaid return labels in the US only upon request; the cost will be deducted or invoiced before sending the replacement.

We’ll do our best to make the process smooth and quick - our goal is for you to end up with the right size and the best experience.

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