They're not always kept in the loop (5)

I believe the answer is:
belts
(Other definitions for belts that I've seen before include "Waist bands" , "Fat controllers perhaps" , "Moves quickly" , "Leather bands" , "Hits" .)
I believe the answer is:
belts
(Other definitions for belts that I've seen before include "Waist bands" , "Fat controllers perhaps" , "Moves quickly" , "Leather bands" , "Hits" .)