Don't know if the Raptor breaks belts more then the Fastrak, but mine is a 2002 model and has yet to need a belt. When I bought it I asked if I should get a spare, the guy says it will dry rot probably before you break it, so far he was right
Belts left open fully in a cool dark place will last forever.
Most people hang them on the wall where they get sunlight on them and the UV hardens the rubber and they set hard in the wound up position so crack & break when fitted.
Belts are made in runs of thousands or they would end up costing $ 500 each so a lot of the "fresh " belts bought from a shop will be anything up to 10 years old before you get your hands on them.
OEM exact replacement belts at a more realistic price are available from Oregon, Rotary , Prime Line & Stens dealers .
A fresh belt will open up full round when unwrapped with no kinks.
About 1 in 50 that I fit are fresh and yes fresh is better.
It is good practice when fitting a belt to fit it, leave it for 10 minutes or so, run it no load for another 10 minutes or so.
This allows the belt to get hot and the plasticisers in the belt to restore full flexiability and proper shape to the rubber before you put a heavy load on it.