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Posted: 1/13/2013 8:38:46 PM EDT
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Yep, couch potato here. Just stumbled onto the gear section and have been looking at pics and reading some back-logs. I like many am just trying to figure out what I should grab for my personal / SHTF setup. It will pretty much sit in my closet and maybe get dusted off once a year unless something crazy occurs.
I'm 6'3" about 335lbs, with a beer gut, and I'm wanting to try a chest rig that allows for plate use if needed. I've been to a few sites and seen some rather pricey options, but then I see other rigs only around 150-200 bucks, although I haven't found one for that price with any type of protection level. Any fat guys out there want to suggest something that I won't have to turn around and send back out of frustration that allows armor plates and is based on MOLLE? To be honest, this pic on the first page of the porn, showing what I will only assume is a standard issue chest rig for the military is pretty much exactly the style I'm going for. Im looking to be light and tight, but I want access mainly to ammo and basic things like a small first aid kit and phone, knife, light, etc. Also want something that will hold a bladder for hydration, although I can pair whatever rig I get with a backpack that contains this feature. Appreciate any links or assistance. I don't want to start buying crap just to return it. I'd love to have less then 300 in a chest rig without the armor plates, and/or pouches, but I can go out of that price range if needed. Thanks! |
| No offense, but I'd worry a LOT more about getting in shape than buying big gear. If "something crazy occurs," then you're gonna be a lot better off in shape than you are with a PC over a beer gut. And if SHTF, I wouldn't count on effectively using gear that "maybe get dusted off once a year..." Just my 2 cents. |
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Quoted:
No offense, but I'd worry a LOT more about getting in shape than buying big gear. If "something crazy occurs," then you're gonna be a lot better off in shape than you are with a PC over a beer gut. And if SHTF, I wouldn't count on effectively using gear that "maybe get dusted off once a year..." Just my 2 cents. While I tend to agree with you, sometimes things are genetic and can't be helped very much. OP, personally I'd suggest sticking with a low profile plate carrier with large or XL plates, and then get a split front MAV type of harness. This will allow you to be far more adjustable and will put enough real estate in the front of you that you should be fine. Plus, it'll be easier to get on and off than a stand alone PC. -SleeperShooter |
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Oh dieting goes without saying. I'm constantly on a diet, but I work most of my life away and don't find the time I need to hit the gym, that and our gym was recently closed for whatever reason, lack of membership, who knows.
Either way, I need something that can fit me now, and sinch to me later when i loose a few pounds. A healthy weight for my frame is about 275, which is my goal. I'm just built huge, not alot I can do about that. A giant if you will. Anyway, I appreciate the tip. I found some backlogs of some hefty fellows, taking about the Wasatch rigs. I looked them up, and they seem reasonable, also offer a slimmer version without the mag pouches and etc. I have plenty of time to research, but right now that one seems to be on top. It's priced right and if it fits it would probably suit my needs perfectly. I wasn't aware they had an XL size in plates though, I saw the 10 x 12, pretty much assumed that was the largest. I'll stay on the grind and see what I can find. I do agree with the first poster, laying it in a closet 364 days a year is probably not the best way to familiarize to new gear, so I suppose I;ll get it out and train with it whenever possible, or take it on my range days to be comfortable in it. Not much use owning it if you can't access it fast enough. |
| There's more big guys out there, I hope you find someone who can point you in the right direction. Once you find it, train, train, train. Build that muscle memory for reloads. Ammo is at an all time high, so shoot while you can, but even just doing empty drills in a dark closet/room will be a big help, followed by reloading while moving. I've seen people fumble all over good gear cause they aren't familiar with it. Good luck on your search! |
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OK when I started buying gear, I was 6’2” 240 the best set up I found I could work with was a ‘warbelt’.
When I started using the gear, I quickly found out that there are MUCH better options at 265 (where I am now). My final goal is to get down to about 220. Currently I’m using a plate carrier but still keep most of my working equipment on a belt You will see a lot of folks dump all over Condor gear and Voodoo tactical, their stuff holds up fine. Buy your stuff a little at a time and think it through, do the head work and get stuff that will work together and you will be fine. If it doesn’t work, sell it off to fund stuff that works better. You can get a lot of stuff on the EE for great prices. |
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Call Robert at US Grunt Gear.
He will build anything you want, custom. He's a former Marine & understands how to build high quality milspec gear to fit your needs. I have 2 of his warbelts & 2 of his chest rigs. I won't buy anything else. John |
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I used a Woosatch A and they fit well on us big guys. I also got the cross back straps to use it as a chest rig. A PIG PC will fit also. I also use a HSGI Suregrip belt in XL and that fits well. So I might recommend these for you.
HSGI also does custom gear for size and mods. I'm familiar with my gear because I took it out many times to train with. You can't just use it once a year and expect to get familiar with before SHTF. |
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http://www.skdtac.com/Plate-Carriers-s/15309.htm
I would try a plate carrier, maybe a PIG. You need something with adjustable sides, armor carriers with BALCS just dont adjust very well. Also if you plan to loose some weight you dont want to have to buy a new vest in a year, a plate carrier will be able to be adjusted down in size. |
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Iv'e been there dude.
Don't know much about armor but I can recommend the surplus FLC's floating all over the place. Good, Cheap gear that is quite adjustable. Another suggestion, craigslist stationary bike. Make it your "seat" one hour a day while you watch television. Doesn't sound like much but believe me, It adds up. |
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First post here. Weird.
Hey man when I bought my chest rig I was at 315lbs. I'm down to about 270 now, plan on getting down to about 220. Anyway, I needed something adjustable but big enough to fit me then so I bought the TAG Marine Gladiator chest rig. It was adjustable enough to fit my larger frame and now has worked well tightening it up as I've lost weight. Just an idea. |
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@ Stumasters
Yes, the physical fitness aspect of pre-SHTF planning is important. As another big guy, I'm with you. I've started walking and lifting, along with eating better. But, I share your struggle. Yet listening to the advice of some skinny ass dick head who has the balls to apologize to you, right before he insults you... Well, just ignore ass-hats like that. He's likely never struggled with weight before. It can take years to get the weight off. Are you just supposed to wait to buy your gear until after you've reached your optimal weight? Bullshit! Buy it now. I give thumbs up to the guy who referred you to Grunt Gear. He has some nice stuff that you can adjust as you get thinner. It has molle on it, so you can add your mag holders, etc.... I'm going to call this guy and have him make me a plate holder, If it works out, I'll order regular sizes for the rest of my family from him. Go to: http://www.usgruntgear.com/adviwisisust.html Nice vest! If you're ever looking for regular camo wear, try bigcamo.com. They get some nice stuff in at times that's great for big guys. Good Luck!! |
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Fellow heavy roller, here. 6' 3", 290 pounds, down from 300+ and falling. Shooting for another 50-60 pounds.
At any rate, I'm looking for a low-profile chest rig with shoulder straps over which I could comfortably wear a ruck. It should hold 6-8 AR magazines as close to the body as possible, and perhaps accommodate a camelbak carrier (though not too critical). I want to be able to carry NEEDED gear for fighting, but not the kitchen sink. Since I am looking to have to pair this with a ruck, I'm leery of side pouches that would impede a ruck belt or which would prevent my arms from swinging up from my sides. Any initial ideas? Oh, and piss on those who tell us heavy guys what we already know... P.S. any advice folks could give regarding a war belt that is compatible with a ruck would be appreciated, or am I asking too much? |
| cut yourself a solid piece of cardboard at 10x12 and if it does not seem to cover what you want protected, get a xl size plate carrier or cut your cardboard at that size and see if it covers better. i bought the standard and the pocket looks small on me. im 6 foot 1 right at 300 now, i been up and down and not sure where i was at when i bought it. Maybe you can find some locals that have kit you can try on before you pull the trigger. If you get something on impulse and hate it, toss it on the EE soon after you get it, new kit tends to keep value pretty well. |
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