I have about 8 belt setups(i know i have a problem lol)

Now that being said, I think you need to ask a more specific question. Because the use case or philosophy of use for your belt determines manufacturers and setup.

So my favorite gun game(USPSA,3GUN,TACRIFLE) belt is currently my CRspeed 1.5" 2 peice belt. Its super stiff. Crspeed is an awesome belt IMO, its stiff but offers just enough flexibility to not feel like you have a hoolahoop around your waist. The Double Alpha academy belt is also very nice but VERY stiff. This belt setup gets used with either a race holster or a holster with no secondary retention for quick speed access to the gun. Im running cr speed versa max pouches which are old skool pouches but awesome and very durable. This belt setup is built entirely for speed. If your gonna do alot more 3gun matches, id recommend a safariland els belt with els mounts for being able to quickly and repeatedly swap gear around and maintain consistent location. Id also recommend a buckle strap upgrade(think of a snowboard binding strap)

Now for more of a tactical belt, which is primarily used for being very tough and being able to carry your secondary and ammo loadout plus medical. Being able to make holes and plug holes is a good rule of thumb. This belt setup is also typically used with a level 2 or 3 retention holster, your mag pouches are typically more secure. The belt isnt specifically built for speed, although with pratice you can get very fast with this setup as well. I also run a 2 peice belt for this setup. A Lead devil 1.75" full mollle belt with standard inner belt is my favorite belt to date, ive been issued the ronin senchi belt as well as the ferro bison and I like the lead devil more. Its stiffer then the bison and just as stiff as a senchi but is thinner then the senchi in design, so a happy medium. Im currently running a safariland 6354/6340 holster on a true north holster drop, with 3 essetac pistol kiwis and one rifle kiwi with a coyote tactical solutions burrito med kit. And a BFG micro dump pouch. I also add a spiritus systems jsta pouch on my weak side depending on what Im doing or if I need to carry more rifle/pistol mags and random stuff.

At this day in age, I really only see the use case for using a padded war belt for when you cant wear a 2 peice design or if its something you want to throw over your clothing while in cold weather. Like over a parka or thick insulating jacket. I ran a padded one peice design back in 06-09 and then totally transitioned over to a 2 peice belt design and never really looked back tbh. Everyone has unique use cases and requirements, so do whats best for you and what works for you. Try to not overload your belt with un needed shit and run it and have fun training!

Also you mentioned "running more involved classes"..... again it depends on what kind of class it is for. what type of belt would be best. If Im going to a pistol 1 or 2 class, im running my tactical belt with med kit and what not. But if Im going to a class hosted by a top USPSA/IPSC/ competitive shooter, then im running my competition setup.

Whatever you choose, run it and have fun doing it! Pratice with your gear and dont let any dumbass TRY to make fun of you for wearing kit, those guys are idiots lol.

Thats my long winded 2cents haha