Tactical vests help! - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Tactical vests help! (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 10/26/2010 12:29:32 AM EST

So here's the deal. I just purchased a brand new Molle II FLC vest that is apparently current government issue ( i think). It came with all sorts of pouches, and is the acu camo pattern that I like and have invested in. Unfortunately I dont know if I am digging the vest itself though. I bought the whole thing for like 47 bucks brand new. I am looking at the BlackHawk Tactical S.T.R.I.K.E. Commando Recon Chest Harness. What I am confused about, and it is because my limited knowledge is that they have a camo called arpat. Is this an acu pattern. I am curious if the arpat pattern will match my acu pouches off my flc vest. Heres the link to the vest. http://www.opticsplanet.net/blackhawk-tactical-s-t-r-i-k-e-commando-recon-chest-harness.html

Can you guys give me the low down on this stuff. I have no idea what I am doing but it seems like this is the vest that the special forces units and seals are using. I have a hard on for the genuine stuff. If I am wrong please tell me and direct me and tell me what vest the seals are using right now. If you have not guessed it yet. I am a big fan of the S.E.A.L.S. I know I know I am a wanna be dork. But, thats fine I dont care. Its what I am into.

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:19:55 AM EST

[#1]

Some google-fu brings me to this site:

http://www.kamouflage.net/camouflage/00199.php

Posted: 10/26/2010 6:25:48 AM EST

[#2]

I will give you a shot at a legit answer atleast as well as I can answer.

Buy the best gear you can get your hands on. Buy once cry once. There are 10,001 different tactical nylon makers out there. It gets hard to pick the "best one" or the "right one"

I like Tactical Tailor, I grew up down in Lakewood, I knew the owner (he passed a few years back) I know a bunch of teh guys that work there know, for me they are good people. Tactical Tailor is right outside of Fort Lewis and directly in front of Surplus Ammo and Arms, another place you must visit.

As for gear selection, I chose a 2 piece MAV set up. It gives me enough real estate to carry what I need and more with fitting comfy. Vest either don't hold enough or move around too much during movement for me.

My current load out is this:
6 Pmags, 3 1911 mags, medical bag, dump pouch, and a small field repair kit (weapons), 1 smoke cannister
I run rifle league every week with this, run pistol and carbine classes with it and have a second set up in my car set up in my Get Home Kit. I can tell you from experience at Rifle League, a few of us would wear gear. There was always someone snickering about the non-military guys wearing military gear, until they saw themselves fumbling for a mag out of their back pocket or trying to holster a weapon in their crotch. (that happened once) A good load bearing set up for you weapon and kit is just like a carpenter wearing a tool belt on a job site. It gives the guy working all of the tools he may nor may not need to finish the job and get home.

You will probably get varying answers but this is what I believe. If you wanna see 10-15 different kits being run, hit up a FNRL in Bellevue on Friday nights or IM me.

As for camo patterns or stuff the SEALS use, I buy my stuff in Coyote Brown, it just looks the best . I could care less what teh SEALS are running, what they do is 100% different then what I do.

Posted: 10/26/2010 7:07:40 AM EST

[#3]

Does this vest make my butt look big?

Posted: 10/26/2010 7:14:19 AM EST

[#4]

It's not the vest

Posted: 10/26/2010 7:17:55 AM EST

[#5]

Quoted:

Does this vest make my butt look big?

That thigh rig really hides your...uh..thighs.

Posted: 10/26/2010 7:22:20 AM EST

[#6]

From elswhere on that site,,, ARPAT, make sure you select, or hover over the ARPAT ruck, it looks like the digital to me.

+1 to bigsrun/TT review.

Posted: 10/26/2010 8:29:23 AM EST

[#7]

All my stuff is from TT.

Reminds me, I need to get it out and make it a tad smaller.

Posted: 10/26/2010 8:33:14 AM EST

[#8]

Quoted:
All my stuff is from TT.

Reminds me, I need to get it out and make it a tad smaller.

Good on ya man!

Posted: 10/26/2010 8:55:12 AM EST

[#9]

Blackhawk's arpat is the same as the ACU pattern; they just call it by a different name. There's no true industry standard as to camouflage naming conventions. There are a couple places around town that sell that rig and if yer gonna get it off of optics planet you could at least go try it on and see if it's gonna even fit you (even though it's one of those adjustable multi-fit rigs that doesn't necessarily mean its gonna work for you)
IMHO there are several things that blackhawk does right but i still think i'd prefer a TT MAV over anything BH puts out.

Posted: 10/26/2010 9:09:35 AM EST

[#10]

Quoted:
I have a hard on for the genuine. I am a big fan of the S.E.A.L.S.

I understand LBT (London Bridge Trading) is pretty popular with those guys. I have some of their gear. Very good, quality stuff (read $pendy). Check 'em out.

Posted: 10/26/2010 11:28:26 AM EST

[#11]

SOOOO much Tactical cool........

...

I have two sets....one an Issue LBV with TT pouchs for when doing mounted operations....the other a 1 piece MAV, with attached upper chest piece/ 3-2 mag TT pouchs and behind that 3 single shingle pouchs(ability to load out 9 Mags)...left side one large TT pouch for those essentials, like maps, pens, compass, power bars etc...and an IFAC per SOP on the far right side, seatbelt cutter, gerber pouch..

...I then throw on a Mule Camel back, that will have my NODs, chemlights, gloves, stocking cap, more power bars, extra socks and other Misson dependant/weather type items(attached to that are 2 more 3 mag ammo pouchs for when your loading out abit more ammo heavy).........you dont want to much bullshit on you...Ive been light Infantry, you want to spend the money, get the lightest gear that will do the job...your gonna have to hump all that crap sometime and every ounce counts.....especially if its hot and you got to front load alot of fluids.............we dont get pistols, so no drop legs and if issued one, I would put the pistol on a belt or on my vest, drop legs rub your legs raw once you get wet from sweating...and they are ghey...

Ive tried, the cheaper stuff..Spec-ops, standard issue pouchs..Ive had some TAG as well...., for the money I really like Tactical Tailor, good gear, the Customer service has always rocked and they are local........

Posted: 10/26/2010 12:18:27 PM EST

[#12]

The thing with buying gear is you have to try it out and see whether or not it really works for you. In my case that meant starting out with a vest, then a one piece standard MAV. Through use, I eventually decided that a Tactical Tailor Mini MAV and a Blue Force Gear belt works best for me.

Everybody has thier preferences so until you try out different setups it is hard to say what will work for you. My advice is get good quality gear, Tactical Tailor, Eagle, HSGI, Blue force Gear etc. I use a combination of those and I pretty much am satisfied with what I have. Also go with a modular system using the PALS webbing so you can change up where you want your different pouches, again, through use you are going to find that maybe you don't want your mag pouches in a certain place or maybe you just want shingles rather than a 2 or 3 mag pouch. That is the beauty of a modular system, if you get a chest rig or vest with sewn on pouches you are stuck with what you have.

Posted: 10/26/2010 1:33:22 PM EST

[#13]

The other thing I just remembered also, go to www.lightfighter.net and register. They are a lot more selective on who they let in and what they allow then Arfcom but they have an area call the stubboard that has hundreds of different guys set ups posted. They also have a section for 1st line, 2nd line and 3rd line gear. Very informative. Just make sure to make a formal introduction post in the intro section before asking questions. They are really cool but do not put up with shenanigans over there.

Good Luck. Bryan

Posted: 10/26/2010 3:44:40 PM EST

[#14]

Get a South African LBV and be the coolest kid on the block.

Posted: 10/26/2010 3:53:42 PM EST

[#15]

Funds provided, Tactical Tailor is one of the best you can get IMPO. My TT kit lasted three full deployments. The only reason it didn't make it four was due to eternal factors. Like an IED.

Solid colors like OD or Coyote Tan are fine. The stuff is going to get dirty and the colors will dull in any case. Blackhawk! Gear tends to get washed out and fray/fall apart when exposed to sun light and heat for a long time. At least that's what we found out about 4 years ago.

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:24:07 PM EST

[#16]

Quoted:
Get a South African LBV and be the coolest kid on the block.

Rhodesian for the win......

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:27:25 PM EST

[#17]

Okay so what do you guys think of this. I I have all the pouches and it looks like there is alot more room to customize with. I am thinking about having something where I can get my holster on my chest and my blades on my waste.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/modularplatecarrier.aspx

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:36:00 PM EST

[#18]

What are you going to be using this for?

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:42:58 PM EST

[#19]

It will be a shit hits the fan deal, and also recreational shooting, and training for when/if the shit hits the fan. Really though, I just want one just to have it. Stop asking me questions my wife asks. I dont know why I want it fuck I just want it, and I want quality. I want to be a big fake poser.

If I could have served I would have. I tried getting into the marines and the army after that but the M.E.P.S station in seattle disqualified me for a hearing loss. I was pissed.

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:50:23 PM EST

[#20]

Quoted:
Stop asking me questions my wife asks.

If your pimp hand were stronger, this would not be an issue.

I dont know why I want it fuck I just want it, and I want quality. I want to be a big fake poser.

Good enuff for me.

If I could have served I would have. I tried getting into the marines and the army after that but the M.E.P.S station in seattle disqualified me for a hearing loss. I was pissed.

Not questioning your manhood... I did my thing, others did theirs. I dont play that game.

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:51:50 PM EST

[#21]

Quoted:
It will be a shit hits the fan deal, and also recreational shooting, and training for when/if the shit hits the fan. Really though, I just want one just to have it. Stop asking me questions my wife asks. I dont know why I want it fuck I just want it, and I want quality. I want to be a big fake poser.

If I could have served I would have. I tried getting into the marines and the army after that but the M.E.P.S station in seattle disqualified me for a hearing loss. I was pissed.

same exact thing happened to me in 1980.

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:52:01 PM EST

[#22]

Do yourself a favor, drive down to Lakewood to Tactical Tailor and try the stuff on. They are very cool and will not run you out for trying stuff on. They also have an onsite custom shop if you need something modded. They are open on Saturdays.

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:53:47 PM EST

[#23]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Get a South African LBV and be the coolest kid on the block.

Rhodesian for the win......

I specifically want a SADF M-83 vest.

Although it would be cool to make a sort of fireforce vest.

I think some of the coolest gear came out of Africa during the bush war, considering there where multiple companies marketing to civilians who actually needed the gear do to active fighting they were engaged in!

Posted: 10/26/2010 4:58:28 PM EST

[#24]

Realy do not see myself needing a plate carrier though.

Posted: 10/26/2010 5:03:22 PM EST

[#25]

Quoted:

Realy do not see myself needing a plate carrier though.

Do you have plates?

Posted: 10/26/2010 6:11:38 PM EST

[#26]

Nope. Do not really see myself buying any either. Do not think I can get approval from the banker for that one. Thats why that black hawk vest was turning me on. I masturbated about it.

Posted: 10/26/2010 6:40:33 PM EST

[#27]

Quoted:
Nope. Do not really see myself buying any either. Do not think I can get approval from the banker for that one. Thats why that black hawk vest was turning me on. I masturbated about it.[img]http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_tongue.gif[/img]

and there the thread went...

Posted: 10/26/2010 7:10:12 PM EST

[#28]

Shit, someones gotta spice things up.

Posted: 10/26/2010 8:27:07 PM EST

[#29]

Quoted:
Nope. Do not really see myself buying any either. Do not think I can get approval from the banker for that one. Thats why that black hawk vest was turning me on. I masturbated about it.

It only took you 210 Posts to get banned?

Posted: 10/26/2010 8:31:19 PM EST

[#30]

I'm partial to Tactical Tailor gear...but I might be a little biased

If your not planning on purchasing plates then the Modular Plate Carrier might be a bit overkill for your needs.

Either the MAV 1pc or MAV 2pc with the X-Harness, or the Mini MAV are good choices for a basic load out.

I know a few people that have multiple Mini MAV's set up depending on different weapons they are using.

They have one for 5.56, another one for 7.62, and some have a Shotgun set up too.

Posted: 10/27/2010 9:25:14 AM EST

[#31]

Quoted:
If your not planning on purchasing plates then the Modular Plate Carrier might be a bit overkill for your needs.

Either the MAV 1pc or MAV 2pc with the X-Harness, or the Mini MAV are good choices for a basic load out.

I know a few people that have multiple Mini MAV's set up depending on different weapons they are using.

They have one for 5.56, another one for 7.62, and some have a Shotgun set up too.

RBarker, you beat me to the question, I went with a plate carrier, 'cause one day I want the option of putting plates in.
As homieD stated he has no intention of going the plate route,, your advise above is spot on.
In true Arfcom fashion, i'll one day have a mini set up as well. (1st/2nd/3rd line mentioned previously,,, kind of)

Posted: 10/27/2010 9:59:42 AM EST

[#32]

Quoted:

The other thing I just remembered also, go to www.lightfighter.net and register. They are a lot more selective on who they let in and what they allow then Arfcom but they have an area call the stubboard that has hundreds of different guys set ups posted. They also have a section for 1st line, 2nd line and 3rd line gear. Very informative. Just make sure to make a formal introduction post in the intro section before asking questions. They are really cool but do not put up with shenanigans over there.

THIS is very good advice. The StudBoard has some of the best gear reviews I've ever read. And done by people that USE the gear. Not just "I liked it because it looked just like the one I saw in MW2!"

Posted: 11/1/2010 6:15:48 PM EST

[#33]

Thanks for the advice guys. I ordered a new vest and well see how it fits. If I do not like it then I will just return it. If this one does not fit right then perhaps these companies do not intend for fat asses like me to wear vests. Worst case scenario I need to loose 50lbs. Atkins here I come.

Posted: 11/1/2010 6:17:02 PM EST

[#34]

Quoted:

Thanks for the advice guys. I ordered a new vest and well see how it fits. If I do not like it then I will just return it. If this one does not fit right then perhaps these companies do not intend for fat asses like me to wear vests. Worst case scenario I need to loose 50lbs. Atkins here I come.

What, no indication of what you decided to order? How in the hell are we supposed to dogpile you for not specifically taking each and every one of our advice?

Posted: 11/1/2010 6:26:19 PM EST

[#35]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Thanks for the advice guys. I ordered a new vest and well see how it fits. If I do not like it then I will just return it. If this one does not fit right then perhaps these companies do not intend for fat asses like me to wear vests. Worst case scenario I need to loose 50lbs. Atkins here I come.

What, no indication of what you decided to order? How in the hell are we supposed to dogpile you for not specifically taking each and every one of our advice?

Cause I know you guys will give me alot of shit for what I ordered. I dont even know if this vest is going to order for me. Besides I am still recovering from my anal rapping from the other day.

Posted: 11/1/2010 6:34:14 PM EST

[#36]

Alright alright you asked for it. And, showing you this I think i am asking for it too.

http://www.condoroutdoor.com/mpcmodularplatecarrier.aspx

Like I said. We will see how it goes.

Posted: 11/1/2010 6:43:25 PM EST

[#37]

Condor!=Tier1

Posted: 11/1/2010 6:59:54 PM EST

[#38]

Quoted:
Condor!=Tier1

Apparently I hear they are tier 1 for airsoft but this vest had some really good reviews from the law enforcement side.

Posted: 11/2/2010 7:28:55 AM EST

[#39]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Condor!=Tier1

Apparently I hear they are tier 1 for airsoft but this vest had some really good reviews from the law enforcement side.

Let's be honest, it was the price that convinced you.

Posted: 11/2/2010 7:51:40 AM EST

[#40]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Condor!=Tier1

Apparently I hear they are tier 1 for airsoft but this vest had some really good reviews from the law enforcement side.

Let's be honest, it was the price that convinced you.

We all did it at one point. "buy once, cry once."

Posted: 11/2/2010 7:55:41 AM EST

[#41]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Condor!=Tier1

Apparently I hear they are tier 1 for airsoft but this vest had some really good reviews from the law enforcement side.

Let's be honest, it was the price that convinced you.

We all did it at one point. "buy once, cry once."

Oh, Absolutely. I was lectured at length about NC Star... I still bought one. It sucked. Especially when I tried to take the sun shade off and the front lens came out.

Posted: 11/2/2010 12:36:42 PM EST

[#42]

Yes, the price really was the nice thing. Seems after draining all of my bank account on my a/r project my budget is now very small but I still am wanting to get a shit hits the fan system ready as soon as possible. Sooooo, I am hoping that buying this vest will hold up just fine hanging in the closet.

Posted: 11/2/2010 12:41:32 PM EST

[#43]

Quoted:
Alright alright you asked for it. And, showing you this I think i am asking for it too.

http://www.condoroutdoor.com/mpcmodularplatecarrier.aspx

Like I said. We will see how it goes.

I considered ordering that once. Then I realized all the reviews were by 16 yr old airsoft commandos. So instead I ponied up the cash for a PIG carrier from SKD.

Posted: 11/2/2010 1:25:15 PM EST

[#44]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Alright alright you asked for it. And, showing you this I think i am asking for it too.

http://www.condoroutdoor.com/mpcmodularplatecarrier.aspx

Like I said. We will see how it goes.

I considered ordering that once. Then I realized all the reviews were by 16 yr old airsoft commandos. So instead I ponied up the cash for a PIG carrier from SKD.

Yeah, there are alot of airsofters using this. What helped me put up the money was that it is really popular amongst swat and law enforcement agencies. Talked to my brothers buddy in Los Angeles s.w.a.t and he gave it thumbs up for my application.

Posted: 11/2/2010 6:00:08 PM EST

[#45]

Quoted:my application.

will certainly work fine for hanging in the closet.

Beats a burlap sack.

Whatever happened to a Claymore bag over the shoulder?

Posted: 11/2/2010 6:18:53 PM EST

[#46]

Quoted:

Quoted:my application.

will certainly work fine for hanging in the closet.

Beats a burlap sack.

Whatever happened to a Claymore bag over the shoulder?

I do not exactly have any idea yet how I can get out and train with my gear yet. That is my ultimate goal though. I really want to find some place where you can do competitions, or just recreational training. Untill I get around to getting out and getting social, the rig will be in the closet waiting.