vests/chest rigs

[StagLefty]

Looking for some feedback from you guys on what your using and what you think works best.Looking for SHTF gear for carrying extra AR mags and sidearm/mags.There's so much stuff out there I'm getting a migraine..[Dunno] Thanks for the feedback.

[car-15]

I got mine from centerfire systems, I was worried because of the price that it would be junk, but it has held up well, and I use it at least once or twice a week.
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1559

[StagLefty]

Thanks-the only problem is there's something on the left shoulder where I'd shoulder my AR. Everything else would work fine since I only shoot my long guns from the left side.

[Ridge]

I almost picked up a Molle vest at the Tanner show today, but I was looking like 5 minutes before the show closed so nobody was there to give me a price...

[roman gnome]

These are made decent for the price.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE305-19884-1572.html

Just add what you want.

[Ridge]

Those are the ones I saw at the show...I saw black, desert and ACU...

[BadShot]

Well, if we're lucky KellyTT will pipe in, he's most likely one of our best resident gear guru/*****s :)

What exactly are you thinking you'll want to carry and how much do you want to spend? If it's just AR mags, then I'd recommend some sort of RAC, if you think you're going to add armor, then a Plate Carrier with cumberbun. With either go MOLLE and add the pouches you think you'll need. Going with the fixed positioned pouches you'll see on a lot of the "tacticool" vest is for most a complete waste of money.

Don't make the rookie mistake of thinking you can tote 20 AR mags and a ton of other gear. It might help if you do so research and get an understanding of 1st, 2nd and 3rd line gear layouts.

[Aardvark]

I was at the show yesterday looking at vests: prices ranged from $40 for the bare vest w/out pouches (like the cheaperdirt advert), $45- $49 with various pouches, then up to $65 and $85 with full kit. They looked ok, seem durable enough for us average joes, I like the colors but hate black. I just wish that crazy redhaired lady would get some vests with a multicam pattern.

[Tora]

I would try as many as you can before you get your own. I've used the LBE, LBV, chest ridgs, and vests. They all have good and bad points, and you don't want to spend the money on something that doesn't work for you. I have a bunch of the stuff you can try, and I'm sure others will let you try theirs. PM me if I can help.

[chrisguy]

Thanks-the only problem is there's something on the left shoulder where I'd shoulder my AR. Everything else would work fine since I only shoot my long guns from the left side.

FWIW Galati has at least one vest (http://www.galatiinternational.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GIO&Product_Code=GLV547B) roughly that style available in southpaw. Note there are some other options at the bottom of that page.

Happy hunting, let us know what you get!

[StagLefty]

Thanks Guys-Looks like the best way is to buy a bare M.O.L.L.E. vest and customize it to my specs.[Beer]

[mightymouse]

Ok, well, I have a book on this very subject in the works but not til next year sometime.

Generally speaking, I dislike any gear thats not from a reputable maker. Tactical Tailor, Eagle, SpecOps Brand, Spectre, etc.

Condor, that shit you see at Tanner and Crossroads, etc, is junk, and if you're really serious about SHTF and possibly relying on this gear to save your life are you certain that you trust that 40.00 vest to hold up? Someone said above that their vest has 'held up' for range sessions once or twice a week and been ok and thats fine until we get a Katrina/LA Riots situation and under stress that 40.00 vest craps the bed.

A good example is the Tactical Tailor modular tac vest. Yes its over double the price (110.00) but is from a reputable vendor, American made and warrantied for life.

http://tacticaltailor.com/ProductImages/vests/350/23024-1_front_350x350.jpg

For the record, I especially hate those vests with the crossdraw holsters mounted permanently. They're no configurable and laid out in a pattern that worked in the 80's if you were carrying an MP5. But, if you're not going to wear armor and plates, then a vest that you can customize is probably the best solution (which you seem to be contemplating anyhow).

If you want armor, then there are some good options, for custom gear, I've been using Coyote Tactical in Arizona with good luck. If you need more info, just PM or email me.

[StagLefty]

wow-esp Kelly-I just got through looking at a Mini-Mav by Tactical Tailor. Good pricing and looks like a nice lightweight way to go and still have some options to add on.Easy off and on and can throw a camel back on if wanted. Looks like it's at least a good starter for now.

[mightymouse]

The MAV's are excellent starter rigs. Its hard to beat TT's MAV for the price. I'd suggest the rear X-harness to go along with it. It'll make it a lot more configurable/comfortable.

[Driftwood]

The MAV's are excellent starter rigs. Its hard to beat TT's MAV for the price. I'd suggest the rear X-harness to go along with it. It'll make it a lot more configurable/comfortable.

What are your thoughts on Blackhawk vests?

[mightymouse]

What are your thoughts on Blackhawk vests?

Depends on the model. By and large I'm not a fan of their vests and current generation of plate carriers and most of their vests aren't customizable, with the exception of the STRIKE Elite or Omega Vest (very pricey for what you get at 150 - 170.00) and I'd still choose a TT or HSGI one instead. The commando recon was one of my first plate carriers and I hated it in not so many terms. Their new generation of plate carriers will be US made and is MUCH improved design-wise and I should have a review on those in May or possibly Jun.

[BadShot]

See I knew Kelly would pop in and offer his sage advice. He's a bigger gear snob than I am :)

[mightymouse]

See I knew Kelly would pop in and offer his sage advice. He's a bigger gear snob than I am :)

LOL filter gotcha!! Was that the musing of a Govt. worker bee? ;)

[DocMedic]

http://www.bayonet.net/clip_art/images/lbe.gif
There ya go :) can pick it up at any Army surplus store

[Hoser]

Not even an Air Force guy would fall for that...

[Tora]

Have a look at this one.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=55CR00&C=C1261

It's the "Low Profile Chest Rig" from Blackhawk. I think it would work the best for what you are asking about.

[mightymouse]

http://www.bayonet.net/clip_art/images/lbe.gif
There ya go :) can pick it up at any Army surplus store

Very state of the art. In the 1950's. Offer the man a pilum or heck, upgrade to a musket.

Just because its cheap and available doesn't mean its a good idea. ;)


Have a look at this one.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=55CR00&C=C1261

It's the "Low Profile Chest Rig" from Blackhawk. I think it would work the best for what you are asking about.

Couple of problems with that rig. The pistol mags are on the wrong side for him, since he's left handed. The rifle mags are ok on what will be his weak side, but theres not an area for a dedicated I-F-A-K/Medical kit. And since it's all sewn in place, it can't be reconfigured without some difficulty.

Ok, stupid *** question, why does the filter bust a gasket over F-A-K (without the dashes)? All it stands for is First Aid Kit.

[StagLefty]

Kelly-found the TT modular tac-vest for $90 atTexas Tactical-looks like a good deal-Thanks to everyone for the feedback-Didn't realize this would be almost the can of worms of deciding which AR to buy !!![Bang]

[Tora]

Couple of problems with that rig. The pistol mags are on the wrong side for him, since he's left handed. The rifle mags are ok on what will be his weak side, but theres not an area for a dedicated I-F-A-K/Medical kit. And since it's all sewn in place, it can't be reconfigured without some difficulty.

Your right, my bad.

Try this one.
http://www.spectergear.com/mk2_chest_rig.htm

[StagLefty]

Thanks Tora-that's another good option. [Beer]

[Tora]

For what you have stated as your needed ueses, I like this kind. I'ts low profile (easy to hide under say a windbraker) and you can drive with it on. It's not alot of ammo, but you should't need that much, and you can have other things that may be needed; IE cell phone, camera...

[westy1970]

I know this has been beaten to death already, but I will pipe in anyway.

I am a fan of the older Blackhawk stuff and I have not seen any one their new generation, so I won't comment on it.

I did just pick up an Eagle chest rig from SKDtac. It seems well made and will carry just enough so you are not overloaded for daily type work. This is not a field peice however as there are no provisions for carrying a lot of stuff, so you need to be close to your support or carry a bag with you. I bought the thumbreak option so I can carry 6 mags and a pistol with a light on it. The front pouches appear to be able to hold pistol mags or a flashlight, but I have not tried that as of yet. I think for the price, it is a good option.

http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36

[John Moses Browning]

If it's of any interest, there's also Russian made chest rigs. They seem just as versatile as the more expensive American made ones, but at much less cost.

Here's a couple of sites:

http://www.redsoldier.com/All-Products/Tactical-Vests;jsessionid=0a0108421f43695a57e5452f4dfca95af d6af0d1de8d.e3eTaxePaNqNe34Pa38Ta38Ta3r0

http://www.russiancombatgear.com/

The second site seems to be having some display problems, just click the "View All Products" tab on the bottom left to sift through their inventory.

So far, here are a handful of ones I've been contemplating:

http://www.russiancombatgear.com/product_details/Pioneer_M23_(Splav).php (http://www.russiancombatgear.com/product_details/Pioneer_M23_%28Splav%29.php)

http://www.russiancombatgear.com/product_details/Tarzan_M32_(Splav).php (http://www.russiancombatgear.com/product_details/Tarzan_M32_%28Splav%29.php)

Those two are made for AK mags, but here's one for AR mags, however, it's a bit more expensive since it's American made:

http://www.redsoldier.com/T-A-G-Rifleman-Chest-Rig?sc=2&category=454

[StagLefty]

I know this has been beaten to death already, but I will pipe in anyway.

I am a fan of the older Blackhawk stuff and I have not seen any one their new generation, so I won't comment on it.

I did just pick up an Eagle chest rig from SKDtac. It seems well made and will carry just enough so you are not overloaded for daily type work. This is not a field peice however as there are no provisions for carrying a lot of stuff, so you need to be close to your support or carry a bag with you. I bought the thumbreak option so I can carry 6 mags and a pistol with a light on it. The front pouches appear to be able to hold pistol mags or a flashlight, but I have not tried that as of yet. I think for the price, it is a good option.

http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36
Thanks Westy-this is the same one I've been leaning to.

[westy1970]

I played with mine a little more today. Don't bother with the thumb break thingy for holding a pistol. My 1911 flopped around and my Glock bit little better, so it's not worth the money for the "upgrade". For the front pockets, you could hold 4 double stack mags or 8 1911 mags plus 8 M4 mags. I tried my flashlight but it didn't fit, but a shorter one would. The only thing I would do different is a better back strap, like on the BH commando chest rigs. Still, well worth the money.

[StagLefty]

Good info on the thumb break because I would have ordered that-Thanks

[westy1970]

If you want to try it, let me know and I will send it to you. If you like it, you can pay me for it, if not send it back.

[BadShot]

I played with mine a little more today. Don't bother with the thumb break thingy for holding a pistol. My 1911 flopped around and my Glock bit little better, so it's not worth the money for the "upgrade". For the front pockets, you could hold 4 double stack mags or 8 1911 mags plus 8 M4 mags. I tried my flashlight but it didn't fit, but a shorter one would. The only thing I would do different is a better back strap, like on the BH commando chest rigs. Still, well worth the money.

Well there is enough MOLLE there for you to add a holster if you wanted, but I'd classify this as second line gear and because of that if it were my preferred rig, I'd run a belt with holster and other first line gear on that in conjunction with something like this panel.

For the back strap, and I'm just kinda reaching here, I'm wondering if the Tactical Tailor X-Harness would work in place of the current straps.

[westy1970]

I will call this morning and find out. That looks like it would work very well.

[BadShot]

The only thing I don't think it'll cover is the waist strap.. I know that thing is designed for the MAV harness. Which looks to be my next attempt at a manageable non-armored platform! Let us know how it works out..

[westy1970]

I talked to Andy at TT yesterday and sent him some pictures. The X-Harness replaces the shoulder straps and not the back strap. Back when I was selling Blackhawk stuff the Commando Chest Rig had a wide strap with some MOLLE attachments. It never occured to me but if one were to use them it would pull down on the vest wothout much support. As for wanting stuff on or near my back, I will figure something else out. Really, the only stumble is where to put a first aide kit.

In looking further at their site, I think this may do the trick for me;
http://tacticaltailor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=11

[StagLefty]

Badshot-I'm considering the idea you gave jetsiphon about a war belt and going from there for a nice light weight rig for bare essentials-mags,holster,and small utility pouches. Looks like a great idea !! + We're giving our local guy-Bower's Tactical some business. Thanks

[Sucka]

Some good info here guys.

Lets see if you can point me in the right direction:

I'm looking for essentially a good rig to hold mags, maybe modular so other things could be added.

This would be something i would want to use for training classes, at the range, and just while out shooting. I don't want to look tacticool, or mall ninja. I don't know a lot about gear, but i know i don't want a full chest setup. Just something that goes over the shoulders, and holds a decent amount of mags around the waist area.

Suggestions?

[Ridge]

Sounds just to me like you are looking for a bandolier...

[BadShot]

you want a solid riggers belt (stiff!!! like a Wilderness 5 stitch) and the ATS warbelt that goes over it... That's what Stag was talking about. I'm ordering mine today.

As for the RAC.. I'm stumped right now, but a little but of lightfighter.net reading should help..

[westy1970]

http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36

This is what I have. It holds 8 mags plus 4 pistol mags and I added an I-F-A-K and a blade. Simple, not too expensive and a little room to add.

I also have a GI vest with an I-F-A-K and 6 mags worth of holders, with lots of room to add more stuff. I think I paid less than $50 for that rig with the I-F-A-K on Ebay.

[Tora]

Some good info here guys.
I'm looking for essentially a good rig to hold mags, maybe modular so other things could be added.
This would be something i would want to use for training classes, at the range, and just while out shooting. I don't want to look tacticool, or mall ninja. I don't know a lot about gear, but i know i don't want a full chest setup. Just something that goes over the shoulders, and holds a decent amount of mags around the waist area.

Suggestions?

You may have a problem there. To some if you don't put your mags in your pants pocket then you tacticool. I would not care what others think. The gear as a reason for being there. That being said... you don't need to have 12 mags and 50lbs extra hanging on you. Most SWAT teams in this country only have a total of 4 AR15 mags on them, do you need more then that for a class or going to the range? No. As for what kind to get...I think you should rethink the chest rig. Shoulder bags just don't work that well, as a back up their OK, but trying to ues them a your main mag supply. I think you will find them hard to get in to on the move, they move around to much. If you still want to go down this route then I would go with one of these, or something like them;

1) http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=37CL81&C=C1266

2) http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=60BB02

3) http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=60TH00&C=C2189

[westy1970]

You may have a problem there. To some if you don't put your mags in your pants pocket then you tacticool. I would not care what others think.

+1 By the very fact that we are not Military or LE the use of any type of system will make you look like a mall ninja. That being said, accept it, move on and train with your gear. A bandoleer will not be stable while on the move. Your gear needs to reflect what you plan on using it for. If you are unsure and only get one peice, then it needs to fulfill all possibilties, at which point you will be unable to move under the weight. Start off with a simple chest rig or plate carrier and add to it what you need.

Or, you can use a 5.11 vest. It will get you through a carbine course and not look to out of place.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/5tave.html

[mightymouse]

http://ttellc.net/evaluations.html

check the second article down, the suspenders one.

If I was going to choose a belt, I'd either want a totally custom one, from say John Willis (SOE gear) or David Bosen (Coyote Tactical). If I was buying off the shelf, I'd go with SpecOpsBrand for the belt because then you can move the MOLLE/PALS panels around and add/subtract panels as needed.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=66



1) http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=37CL81&C=C1266

2) http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=60BB02

I have articles on these items as well if you'd like to see them.

[Sucka]

Interesting. I suppose anything on a civi is going to look "mall ninja/tacticool" to a casual observer. I was browsing through arfcom's gear **** thread in the Armory, and some people (the non military ones) had some serious gear. I wasn't interested in all that. I don't need armor, i don't need kevlar, i'm not looking to deploy here or anything lol.

I like what westy1970 posted, something simple, but functional. But at the same time, KellyTTE brings up the good point, i only really need the ability to carry a few mags on me for my purposes. This stuff isn't cheap, and since i can't see most of it in person/action, it's tough to make a decision.

Found a vendor on arfcom selling this, looks simple, what do you guys think of this?

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-10/1281122/DSC_0130.JPG

[mightymouse]

I like what westy1970 posted, something simple, but functional. But at the same time, KellyTTE brings up the good point, i only really need the ability to carry a few mags on me for my purposes. This stuff isn't cheap, and since i can't see most of it in person/action, it's tough to make a decision.

Found a vendor on arfcom selling this, looks simple, what do you guys think of this?

Looks good, I'm not a huge fan of either multicam or acu, but if its from a reliable vendor then it might work well.

I also will put up a standing offer, anyone that wants to see/use/roll around in any of the gear that I have, I'm happy to help (here or at range time with me). I also have an airsoft AR here for FoF and so forth. Its a POS but it'll give you an idea.

[westy1970]

looks like the eagle vest i have. it should work well for you.

[Tora]

Found a vendor on arfcom selling this, looks simple, what do you guys think of this?

This is great. I have 20 year using this type on gear, and I have see alot of changes. For what it's worth, this is what I think you and any other non mil or LEO should have for classes, TEOTWAWKI... Start with a chest rig like you found. Then if you feel you need more gear get one of the new battle belts and a drop leg for your pistol. Then get a small backpack for extra gear, not to big, a 3day pack is fine.

P.S.
One last thing, Never say never to body armor. You don't have to be in combat to shot by accident, and a VOK is a must for any shooter no matter what you are doing. What you have picked out, and what I have said here, will fit over body armor if you get some down the road.

[Sucka]

Thanks for the replies fellas, this thread has been great.

I think i'll give that rig i posted a shot. I'm going to grab it in tan, i'm not a huge fan of those colors either.

I think for plinking, practice, classes ect that rig should meet my needs.

What other gear do you guys have/suggest (KellyTTE)? I wouldn't mind a good bug out bag, or a nice pack for hiking/carrying range gear. I Really only want functional gear. As i mentioned, i'm not in the military, and won't ever be so all gear is geared for personal use. I don't want to be "that guy" who shows up with kevlar at the range and looks like i just roped in off a blackhawk helicopter lol.

[mightymouse]

Thanks for the replies fellas, this thread has been great.

I think for plinking, practice, classes ect that rig should meet my needs.

What other gear do you guys have/suggest (KellyTTE)? I wouldn't mind a good bug out bag, or a nice pack for hiking/carrying range gear. I Really only want functional gear.

Well, a lot of this is personal preference I like having various platforms for various situations. I have a BH tactical go bag thats 'sorta' resembles a briefcase, I also have a Maxpedition manbag for hiking, etc, etc.

At the VERY minimum, I try to carry at least 1 additional magazine for each weapon, 1 trauma kit, 1 extra bandage, a less lethal option like OC, and a method of restraint (theres a quick 550 cord trick that takes a 3' piece of paracord and 3 seconds to make field expedient handcuffs). Even when I go to the range or a competition, I always have a med kid ON me or within a yard or so.