I've combined surplus ALICE, PLCE and German KTS gear to make the one lbe to rule them all. I have even sewn the adapters for the German pouches etc. myself and spent countless hours tweaking just to arrive at something that's comparable to the DZ-Rig lol
As someone who's played for 7 years from skirmishes to 24+ milsim I have to say that I agree with everything in this video. Also, the delivery is excellent: consistent, easy to digest and straight to the point. Best airsoft channel by far
Again with a 10/10 truth. Last two games I started experimenting with belt and harness after i ditched them 8 years ago. Man I didn't know i missed them so much.
I only recently rediscovered your channel and I have to tell you in the airsoft-specific space you’re probably the single best combination of useful info and engaging presentation style and writing.
You guys never fail to dissapoint in how you talk about the topic at hand. To the point with enough nuance to make me think about relative items i use. As always great vid
Reduces heat dissipation capability. Having played in 40°C heat and near 100% relatively humidity last summer and last weekend on Taiwanese beach front operations. Can confirm. The exhaustion onset is definitely a thing too... Once you drag said gear and yourself and rifle up a 70° sandy incline that's constantly crumbling away and you can barely breathe as a result. 🤔🙁
Guides and reviews like these save people from buying hundreds of dollars in ugly, inefficient gear only to find out they don’t work for them! Thanks EE dudes. Taking some notes.
this video is probably one of the must helpful videos on airsoft equipment. not only for beginners but also for experienced players so thanks. now i will share this video with my friends:)
Awesome vid! I went down a rabbit hole when I was searching for gear and ended up getting a Crye AirLite Chest Rig with 5 HSG Tacos to fit any mag with 3 pistol mags. For a belt I went with an Esstac to hold a side arm and dump pouch.
Awesome video! Sums up all the different gear types incredibly well! Got a couple things to add as options, though: 1. Low profile X straps on a battle belt take up a couple of molle spots, but will take more of the weight off the belt and fit very comfortably under a plate carrier. A fully loaded battle belt could be a bit uncomfortable, but mine only has a bit more on it than yours (the way it's set up in the video) and I have way less rubbing on the hip bones, despite the velcro under-belt being quite padded. That definitely wouldn't work for a full-load belt like a smersh or something off a load-bearing web system, but it serves as a cool in-between that pairs nicely with pretty much everything on the upper body. Notably plate carriers. 2. I also have that knock-off Haley flatpack and, paired with a micro-rig, I really, really liked it! I think it's comfortable with the max gear that I'd put in when I used it, but beyond just a tank and a couple water bottles, I see how it's uncomfortable on its own with really heavy loads. But I found a use for it... I've been putting together an Osprey vest for some heavier larping and it's comfortable, but the issue is getting to the stuff on the back and I solved it by attaching belt buckles with simple straps and molle attachments so that it clips on up front and on the sides and can be both removed and put back on by myself alone fairly quickly. No need to remove the whole vest, just unclip it. Then when putting it back on, clip the fronts, flip it over my head, and clip the straps! A regular backpack with straps isn't the same and this is a sweet out-of-the-way solution! 3. But what I'm most pleased with is my 7.62 Rig. I got ahold of a Parashooter Volk and combined it with the Spiritus Thing and the LBV Expander. The Thing is intended to sit up on the chest, and the Expander as a buttpack to clip onto their LBV split rig, sitting lower down at the hips, but I combined the two and made it sit much higher. Sounds weird but it's incredibly comfortable! When I ran that Haley micro rig / flatpack setup, I realized how important it was to balance the weight on the front and back. Without that, having a heavy chest rig, and being crouched forward probably more than half the time, the rig would bash me in the chest no matter how secure I made it. My Vietnam Stabo rig rides pretty high on my stomach above the belt and it's very comfortable because of that. My 7.62 Rig uses the same concepts for ease-of-access in the front, weight distribution and placement, and it's now the best, most comfortable and coolest looking rig I've made! A bit expensive and not the most incredible for carrying tons of mags, but it's flexible. Works great with a belt and still comfortable while wearing a small pack.
We might have omitted a 'in the US' there, sorry. The Brits never stopped using harnessed belt kit for dismounted patrol, and it’s no surprise that their issue gear (PLCE) and commercial iterations (Dragon, JayJay's) are significantly more evolved than their American counterparts, which are now playing catch-up.
@@TheHalcyonTwilight things like custom PLCE from JayJays or tropical DPM unifrom from Taiga can be considered as Gucci, at least at my side (Europe) of an Atlantic pond, not everybody has to be a "high speed" operator kitted out with Cryes
For airsoft I used a battle belt for a long time, then went to a chest rig and absolutely love the chest rig setup. I pair it with a hydration bag, or with an assault pack for longer games. I also run hpa mostly so I need the bag to carry the tank. Also I understand getting a plate carrier for the look but I don't understand why soooo many airsofters insist on plate carriers. The harness belt kit/chest rigs are really the best you can get for airsoft.
10:14 I like my Haley Flatpack but only in it's very specific niche: You can plug it into your chest rig in place of the harness so you have one less set of straps tying you up. As a stand-alone backpack it is atrocious, but if you use it as a "webbing buttpack, but for your chest rig" for that "soon" category (raincoats, snacks, spare ammo) it's really nice.
One thing I used to do with my webbing like the crossfire DZ rig was to take the plastic dividers from 5.56 ammo liners and bend them in a u shape and put in to the utility/sustainment pouches, was very good for packing softer things in the pouches and allowed easy access. Avoided it on harder items as they could induce some rattle unless your gear was wrapped in a cloth
While plate carriers do reduce your ability to dissapate heat, here in texas we all use Bodyarmorvent, which is a pad that velcros to the inside of the carrier to give you air channels between your body and the carrier. I use them in combination with a qore performance ice plate and it works wonders
The OR is my favorite chest rig I've owned out of seven or eight, from Condor to Crye. Sewn for stability, eight magazines, solid construction, and plenty of space for a radio if you're a milsim nerd like me. Layers well with an assault pack or ruck too.
10/10 content. I'd love to see you guys tackle a video on setting up GBBRs used as DMRs and in general what internal upgrades/attachments that would be suitable for long range play, there's still a lot of people doubting the DMR/sniper capability of something like a WE SCAR-H and SVD due to the perceived inconsistency of gas guns and misconceptions, i've seen both platforms outsnipe expensive bolt actions when done correctly.
That DZ Crossfire is very tasty. ABsolutely validates the PLCE being the best surplus belt kit in my mind. As for the video you guys are absolutely the best in terms of killer information to filler nonsense ratio out there.
it is kinda interesting, being an medieval armor enthusiast, seeing and confirming that carrying weight on the hip is more optimal. Chainmail chausse were designed to be attatched on the hip for example
excellent video and great examination of different types of load-bearing equipment, which rightfully starts with the base question of "what are you supposed to carry", adding "what are you supposed to do" and then going for the "how are you supposed to carry" Just one small pointer: you forgot one style of load-bearing system, that was all too common from the early 2000s all the way until the mid 2010s when the Plate Carrier completely replaced it That being the Battle Jacket, or Tactical Vest, or Combat Vest (or however you want to call it) It offers the same surface to distribute weight as a plate carrier and often have belt loops to integrate a combat belt. It does have the same drawbacks as a plate carrier (locking in body heat and moisture, shifting the body's center of gravity) and most jackets aren't as padded as a plate carrier (so it might feel a bit more uncomfortable if at capacity), but on the other hand, it has less bulk and less weight when carrying the same amount of stuff, and can integrate a belt much more easily. And sure, most vests come with pre-installed pouches, but things like the FLC and the modular 5.11 and Blackhawk MOLLE vest do exist I DEMAND THE RETURN OF THE HUMBLE TACTICAL VEST SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF THE EAGLE TAC-V1, THE ARKTIS 1601, THE PLCE ASSAULT VEST, THE P83 BATTLE JACKET AND ALL THEIR BRETHREN JUSTICE FOR THE COMBAT JACKETS! BRING BACK THE LATE 90s VIBES!
I am very happy with my combo of Battle Belt (dump pouch, utility pouches, sidearm, grenades) + chest rig (8 mags, radio, TQ, flashlight) with a very small minimap-style backpack attached directly to the chest rig, which only contains my 2L hydration bladder and maybe a gas bottle, small tools and a spare battery.
I have a smersh and added clips to the front straps so i can clip a chest rig directly on if i need to carry more stuff. works really well and removes some strap layering
No wonder I like all sorts of webbing equipment and chest rigs :) But, no joke; I didn't know all of the advantages of webbing that you list. Great video man
What pouch do you use to hold your Bernzomatic propane cylinder on your ALICE rig? I've been running ALICE for years and I found with proper weight distribution and replacing the metal clips with MALICE clips for large pouches and paracord for smaller ones really improved the old design.
For the Q&A Whats you opinion on the LevAR-15 , also would you recommend gbbs for a younger teen like 14-16? If so is there a specific gun you'd recommend? Sorry if these questions are dumb, but i absolutely adore your content, these guides are extremely informative and helpful, keep up the great work :)
great video, over the years I've tried every method discussed, imo in airsoft the chest rig is king, but for longer games (4hr plus) the LBE starts to make sense. I tried the new gen Smersh but for me it's way too bulky, now I use an Alice rig with LBV or a British PLCE
I'd love to get a breakdown of your metal gear v set up as I'm making a pease walker kit myself. Been struggling to find the shoulder things and would love to see how you made them or where ya got them. More larp kit breakdowns would be cool as well as you all have alot of cool gear.
There's a kit list as a comment reply on the FNC video that ought to help. The brassards (shoulder things) are just EVA foam cut to shape and with one-wrap glued on- kind of halfassed in a hurry for the sake of the video. Pantac makes repro deltoid protectors that ought to fit the bill but weren't available in time.
By far the most universally excellent load bearing gear so far is the Russian SSO Smersh. Any gun, any mag and the buttpack takes an HPA bottle. Plenty of routes for radio cabling, plenty of space for dump pouches etc.
For the Q&A it would be cool to see a little more on how you run your grenades and what products you recommend. I've just gotten a hold of flamingo custom's design and am seeing how it compares to thunder Bs.
Webbing’s definitely on the way back in as we pivot from GWOT back to more conventional warfare Really good for heavy Bergens/rucksacks due to the weight transfer aspect Also, works really well with light to medium scales of armour
I run the qores in my plate carrier but I use their IMS versa and run foam plates with them to EMBRACE THE LARP. They're good but unless you have a way to re freeze them or bring 3 you'll melt them all in 6 hours. I actually bought a freezer for my suburban just so I can swap and freeze them between matches.
I swapped out those god awful haley straps on my pack with the enhanced pack straps from mission spec. Super comfy on account of the padding. They also have elastic loops for attaching coms and running a hydration tube through as well. I had to get a cross strap custom added to these for me.
An interesting bit of tech i seen from the russians is a mechanism where theres something like a big battle belt around the waist and ridged bits going up from it to the body armour/plate carrier distributing weight from shoulders to the waist. Could be a not bad idea to diy something like that for a milsim or such. Anyways great video as usual👍
@@wick5888 your not wrong but I was referring to a bit of new kit that kinda recently came out in their market where it's a whole proper set of body armor. Search up "defense mod 4". they've got a few different kind of models of this stuff.
I think the renewed interest in belt kits / webbing is due to video evidence from all the recent conflicts, with Ukraine being the biggest one and the closest thing to a 'near-peer' situation, which made some people rethink their gear. Almost everyone in said video evidence seems to be equipped with a belt kit + plate carrier / body armor combination of sorts. Maybe due to the uncertainty of resupplies or the high amount of ammunition seemingly needed for a single engagement.
So we excised a paragraph from the script about this because, frankly, the video has too much static imagery already, but yeah. The long and short of it is that the current paradigm of plate carriers as primary LBE was developed for mechanized operations, and particularly in urban terrain. What we're seeing in Ukraine- and aware could happen in Southeast Asia, hence that Business Insider video- is a lot of multi-day patrol and occupation by dismounted infantry in austere environments, with high equipment and ammunition requirements. Without vehicular transport or ready resupply, there's a need for comfortable, efficient load-bearing equipment for hauling materiel long distances, and the belt kit + slick armor combo is proving popular. It's worth noting (as we would have, if we hadn't cut another paragraph- noticing a theme here) that the British never stopped making use of that particular combo for foot patrol, hence the availability of mature PLCE derivatives from companies like JayJay's or Dragon Supplies that are designed to integrate well with body armor. (Is all of this directly applicable to our innawoods make-believe larp games? Not really, but it's useful context)
Yeah I endeded up landing on a battle belt setup for myself given that 2 hour plus games Are kind of rare. I also combed a slightly larger backpack then in this video for longer games, as I was finding even with the ice plate the PC was getting to be too much for the length of the games I was playing
I have found that chestrig is best for me. I dont want to wear a plate carrier because i sweat so much and im too skinny for belts to be comfortable. Currently i have a invader gear molle chestrig with 3 double ak mag pouches in the middle and two general purpose pouches on both sides. About same number of pouches as i had during my military service so should be more than enough for weekend games. I also dont have pistol nor dump pouch so i dont need a belt anyway which is good because i dont like how they pull down on my pants. If i do get a pistol im gonna keep it on my chestrig or put a holster on the belt on my pants.
I use an alice rig because I'm poor. There's rust on the suspenders fraying on the grenade loops on a mag pouch and red marks on the belt. But I can still carry nine mags six grenades sustainment in a butt pouch a holster for a handgun reloading supplies and so on. I don't let budget restraints confine me because I want something that I see my favorite youtuber use. Its always better to buy something that is used and within your budget then something that puts you in debt.
Personally, Im more used to a plate carrier and battle belt combination rather than chest rigs and Smershes, even for those 2hr long battles Ive never fought for longer than 3 hrs so certian problems suxh as food and night vision are problems i've never had the chance to encounter, but i do have a bag on my platw carrier so i think i'd be able to fit my stuff there
The reason I use a plate carrier because i got shot on my sternum by a sniper in my first game and still have a scar from that, and I play pretty frequently so it would have been just a matter of time till it happened again. In conjunction with my battle belt i feel pretty comfortable
I always enjoy using a harnessed belt rig over a plate carrier or chest rig, it's just a problem getting everything I need onto just the belt and the one good setup I have is in tan (as opposed to my otherwise very green gear). That DZ rig is $350, though. Also: thoughts on keeping a first aid kit? I've got a former EMT friend that helped me build out one and strongly encourages everyone in the team to have one just in case, but it's THICCC.
I’d like to see a video on the MGCR 5.56 from G&G. Just recently got it and I’ve had one game out of it so I haven’t had much time to have an opinion on it, but I’d like someone who knows what they’re doing take a look at it and see if there’s any way to make it better. Or if there’s an HPA conversion possible.
I would like to see how yall pack for a 24+/Milsim/MilsimWest events with gbbr. More so on dealing with a gbbr instead of a AEG for these type of events. I know there's enough videos for Milsim AEG users, not so much for Milsim gbbr users. Also I've done enough FTXs/camping trips to know what I need to bring in a ruck for 48+ hours but some people might not know.
Good, great.. The discs in your spine are totally going to get stronger from that and not be degraded for the rest of your life like whats happened to every other human being on earth ever
I like the belt and small chest harness setup, I'm researching all this because I'm thinking getting into the sport/hobby. I will probably go with a vector ans most likely a maxim 9. The vector has slim but long mags, is there in the market any padded belt and small chest harness that can hold properly that type of mag??
Does anyone make a piece of gear that combines a chest rig and the harness to a belt? That combo is amazing but having two sets of shoulder straps is just annoying
I currently rock an older, non-molle smersh that I've pretty heavily modified to include a dump pouch off my right hip instead of the typical double AK pouch that would be there. I've actually been looking into upgrading this to the arktis smersh or the crossfire DZ that you mention in the video. Having access to a dump pouch is pretty non-negotiable for me and I am curious how you've affixed yours to the DZ. Just tied into a molle loop underneath the pouches or something I am not seeing? Also, as a long-armed half ape man, I've also been considering running a 2-part belt under the rig belt, specifically to mount a drop leg holster. Any insight on running a belt under a belt? Love the content as always!
The DZ-Rig has molle loops on the sides of the pouches, so mounting small accessory pouches or a dump pouch is viable. And stacking a harnessed belt rig over a two-piece belt is technically possible, but will significantly detract from comfort and weight-bearing capability.
What face and eye protection do you guys use? Got any recommendations especially for those who use prescription glasses? Additionally what about helmets and the like? Both would probably be a great follow-up to this vid alongside elaborating on rucking
Great choices, can't be any worse than a body armor anyway, except if the rules grant you a bonus for wearing such bulky stuff like an extra life or something.
Crossfire is Austrialian, If you want a superior American made system. Veloctiy Systems makes the Jungle rig, I have one its nice but accessing gear is comically slow
They exist to clear body armor but became a popular range ninja accessory with the near-knee-height cowboy low draw setup. The mid-ride is a modern take on what the drop-leg is supposed to do- just low enough to clear your gear, /not/ so low that it flops around on your leg every time you run. Adding a strap to the mid-ride is acceptable but pushing it IMO. Keep weight off your leg when possible, it's extremely kinematically inefficient.
I like drop legs to balance out a harnessed battle belt. A belt will ride down as you put stuff on it, the harness makes it ride up, so having some form of drop-leg will help everything ride in the middle. Mid-ride holster like Catgutt said, but then something like a Condor MOLLE piece (the one with a D ring) for the other leg. Just make sure they have swivels.
@@ExplosiveEnterprises thanks ! Unless I'm larping old school, I'm clearing my legs. I however like my holster to be slightly lower than belt level. For that purpose I use a low ride adapter and strap it to my upper leg. Very nice video as always. You're methodical, to the point and interesting. With the right dose of même 😘👌
"Mission Dictates Gear"
This is so *Factual*
wHY WhAt you mean no ALICE for everything everytime?
Drip > function
Why
One might even that it’s METT-TC dependent
Hey I’ve seen you before!!!1!1! Your an appeal to Heaven viewer I think
Man I absolutely love your voice, it is a cherry on top for your videos
He's not gonna let you hit
@@rookie.9175 heartbreak
Fr. I love the dry sarcastic comments too
I've combined surplus ALICE, PLCE and German KTS gear to make the one lbe to rule them all.
I have even sewn the adapters for the German pouches etc. myself and spent countless hours tweaking just to arrive at something that's comparable to the DZ-Rig lol
Webbing my beloved
PLCE gang
As someone who's played for 7 years from skirmishes to 24+ milsim I have to say that I agree with everything in this video. Also, the delivery is excellent: consistent, easy to digest and straight to the point. Best airsoft channel by far
Explosive Enterprises mentioning Hop? What a great day to be alive
Lost some weight? Lookin good, man
I was thinking the same thing
@@PrivateDerpy I thought it was a different guy doing the modeling this time haha
Weightloss and the shave threw me off
Again with a 10/10 truth. Last two games I started experimenting with belt and harness after i ditched them 8 years ago. Man I didn't know i missed them so much.
For the Q&A:
What upcoming product(s) are you most excited for and why?
Also love your videos keep up the good work fellas!
I only recently rediscovered your channel and I have to tell you in the airsoft-specific space you’re probably the single best combination of useful info and engaging presentation style and writing.
Catgut looking like an absolute chad here 9:55.
Congrets and props to your fitness journey!
you're the #1 educational airsoft youtuber out there IMO, keep it up dude!
Hop mentioned!!
I've got a milsim west in November and it'll be the first one. I'd really treasure a video on your take for that event.
You guys never fail to dissapoint in how you talk about the topic at hand. To the point with enough nuance to make me think about relative items i use.
As always great vid
Reduces heat dissipation capability.
Having played in 40°C heat and near 100% relatively humidity last summer and last weekend on Taiwanese beach front operations.
Can confirm.
The exhaustion onset is definitely a thing too... Once you drag said gear and yourself and rifle up a 70° sandy incline that's constantly crumbling away and you can barely breathe as a result. 🤔🙁
Guides and reviews like these save people from buying hundreds of dollars in ugly, inefficient gear only to find out they don’t work for them!
Thanks EE dudes. Taking some notes.
this video is probably one of the must helpful videos on airsoft equipment. not only for beginners but also for experienced players so thanks. now i will share this video with my friends:)
Awesome vid! I went down a rabbit hole when I was searching for gear and ended up getting a Crye AirLite Chest Rig with 5 HSG Tacos to fit any mag with 3 pistol mags. For a belt I went with an Esstac to hold a side arm and dump pouch.
Awesome video! Sums up all the different gear types incredibly well! Got a couple things to add as options, though:
1. Low profile X straps on a battle belt take up a couple of molle spots, but will take more of the weight off the belt and fit very comfortably under a plate carrier. A fully loaded battle belt could be a bit uncomfortable, but mine only has a bit more on it than yours (the way it's set up in the video) and I have way less rubbing on the hip bones, despite the velcro under-belt being quite padded. That definitely wouldn't work for a full-load belt like a smersh or something off a load-bearing web system, but it serves as a cool in-between that pairs nicely with pretty much everything on the upper body. Notably plate carriers.
2. I also have that knock-off Haley flatpack and, paired with a micro-rig, I really, really liked it! I think it's comfortable with the max gear that I'd put in when I used it, but beyond just a tank and a couple water bottles, I see how it's uncomfortable on its own with really heavy loads. But I found a use for it... I've been putting together an Osprey vest for some heavier larping and it's comfortable, but the issue is getting to the stuff on the back and I solved it by attaching belt buckles with simple straps and molle attachments so that it clips on up front and on the sides and can be both removed and put back on by myself alone fairly quickly. No need to remove the whole vest, just unclip it. Then when putting it back on, clip the fronts, flip it over my head, and clip the straps! A regular backpack with straps isn't the same and this is a sweet out-of-the-way solution!
3. But what I'm most pleased with is my 7.62 Rig. I got ahold of a Parashooter Volk and combined it with the Spiritus Thing and the LBV Expander. The Thing is intended to sit up on the chest, and the Expander as a buttpack to clip onto their LBV split rig, sitting lower down at the hips, but I combined the two and made it sit much higher. Sounds weird but it's incredibly comfortable! When I ran that Haley micro rig / flatpack setup, I realized how important it was to balance the weight on the front and back. Without that, having a heavy chest rig, and being crouched forward probably more than half the time, the rig would bash me in the chest no matter how secure I made it. My Vietnam Stabo rig rides pretty high on my stomach above the belt and it's very comfortable because of that. My 7.62 Rig uses the same concepts for ease-of-access in the front, weight distribution and placement, and it's now the best, most comfortable and coolest looking rig I've made! A bit expensive and not the most incredible for carrying tons of mags, but it's flexible. Works great with a belt and still comfortable while wearing a small pack.
Belt kit rocks! I personally love my smersh both for the LARP reasons and the comfort it offers in longer games and when getting low to the ground.
Trailblazer footage goes hard in an excellent video. Couldn't have explained it better.
>Increasing popularity of belt kits
>Meanwhile Brits or any other European nation have been using belt kits for at least last 70+ years
We might have omitted a 'in the US' there, sorry. The Brits never stopped using harnessed belt kit for dismounted patrol, and it’s no surprise that their issue gear (PLCE) and commercial iterations (Dragon, JayJay's) are significantly more evolved than their American counterparts, which are now playing catch-up.
PLCE surplus is also so cheap here but people turn their nose up at it in exchange for more "gucci" options
@@TheHalcyonTwilight things like custom PLCE from JayJays or tropical DPM unifrom from Taiga can be considered as Gucci, at least at my side (Europe) of an Atlantic pond, not everybody has to be a "high speed" operator kitted out with Cryes
For airsoft I used a battle belt for a long time, then went to a chest rig and absolutely love the chest rig setup. I pair it with a hydration bag, or with an assault pack for longer games. I also run hpa mostly so I need the bag to carry the tank. Also I understand getting a plate carrier for the look but I don't understand why soooo many airsofters insist on plate carriers. The harness belt kit/chest rigs are really the best you can get for airsoft.
10:14 I like my Haley Flatpack but only in it's very specific niche: You can plug it into your chest rig in place of the harness so you have one less set of straps tying you up. As a stand-alone backpack it is atrocious, but if you use it as a "webbing buttpack, but for your chest rig" for that "soon" category (raincoats, snacks, spare ammo) it's really nice.
I love that the DPM PLCE I used as a cadet fifteen years ago is now prime Gucci tactical shit again
Never felt so excited to learn some about proper planning for you builds and never have been called out this much on multiple planes....
One thing I used to do with my webbing like the crossfire DZ rig was to take the plastic dividers from 5.56 ammo liners and bend them in a u shape and put in to the utility/sustainment pouches, was very good for packing softer things in the pouches and allowed easy access. Avoided it on harder items as they could induce some rattle unless your gear was wrapped in a cloth
While plate carriers do reduce your ability to dissapate heat, here in texas we all use Bodyarmorvent, which is a pad that velcros to the inside of the carrier to give you air channels between your body and the carrier. I use them in combination with a qore performance ice plate and it works wonders
The OR is my favorite chest rig I've owned out of seven or eight, from Condor to Crye. Sewn for stability, eight magazines, solid construction, and plenty of space for a radio if you're a milsim nerd like me. Layers well with an assault pack or ruck too.
10/10 content.
I'd love to see you guys tackle a video on setting up GBBRs used as DMRs and in general what internal upgrades/attachments that would be suitable for long range play, there's still a lot of people doubting the DMR/sniper capability of something like a WE SCAR-H and SVD due to the perceived inconsistency of gas guns and misconceptions, i've seen both platforms outsnipe expensive bolt actions when done correctly.
I have a P83 battle jacket i plan to use for some games depending how i want to theme my loadout
Ran into this dude irl. Played a few matches. Super chill.
That DZ Crossfire is very tasty. ABsolutely validates the PLCE being the best surplus belt kit in my mind. As for the video you guys are absolutely the best in terms of killer information to filler nonsense ratio out there.
it is kinda interesting, being an medieval armor enthusiast, seeing and confirming that carrying weight on the hip is more optimal. Chainmail chausse were designed to be attatched on the hip for example
Just picked up an SSO Smersh Repro, glad I did since it's a really cool departure from the plate carriers I've tried before
excellent video and great examination of different types of load-bearing equipment, which rightfully starts with the base question of "what are you supposed to carry", adding "what are you supposed to do" and then going for the "how are you supposed to carry"
Just one small pointer: you forgot one style of load-bearing system, that was all too common from the early 2000s all the way until the mid 2010s when the Plate Carrier completely replaced it
That being the Battle Jacket, or Tactical Vest, or Combat Vest (or however you want to call it)
It offers the same surface to distribute weight as a plate carrier and often have belt loops to integrate a combat belt.
It does have the same drawbacks as a plate carrier (locking in body heat and moisture, shifting the body's center of gravity) and most jackets aren't as padded as a plate carrier (so it might feel a bit more uncomfortable if at capacity), but on the other hand, it has less bulk and less weight when carrying the same amount of stuff, and can integrate a belt much more easily.
And sure, most vests come with pre-installed pouches, but things like the FLC and the modular 5.11 and Blackhawk MOLLE vest do exist
I DEMAND THE RETURN OF THE HUMBLE TACTICAL VEST
SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF THE EAGLE TAC-V1, THE ARKTIS 1601, THE PLCE ASSAULT VEST, THE P83 BATTLE JACKET AND ALL THEIR BRETHREN
JUSTICE FOR THE COMBAT JACKETS! BRING BACK THE LATE 90s VIBES!
I am very happy with my combo of Battle Belt (dump pouch, utility pouches, sidearm, grenades) + chest rig (8 mags, radio, TQ, flashlight) with a very small minimap-style backpack attached directly to the chest rig, which only contains my 2L hydration bladder and maybe a gas bottle, small tools and a spare battery.
1:47 metal gear 5 grunt? look nice tho
That FMG as a backup is a total flex
Great video, allways nice to remember the basics
Helikon groundhog is so good, competing for the number 1 spot with the camelbak Mule. The m81 colored micro rig looks dope. Great video.
I have a smersh and added clips to the front straps so i can clip a chest rig directly on if i need to carry more stuff. works really well and removes some strap layering
No wonder I like all sorts of webbing equipment and chest rigs
:)
But, no joke; I didn't know all of the advantages of webbing that you list. Great video man
Not enough videos point to the specifics for airsoft. Well done 👍
What pouch do you use to hold your Bernzomatic propane cylinder on your ALICE rig? I've been running ALICE for years and I found with proper weight distribution and replacing the metal clips with MALICE clips for large pouches and paracord for smaller ones really improved the old design.
It's a radio pouch that we haven’t been able to conclusively identify.
My god I’ve been waiting forever for this!! Alice kit for the win 🔥
Fantastic video - I am not a fan of chest rigs but thanks to your video I am going to look at getting a decent chest rig
For the Q&A
Whats you opinion on the LevAR-15 , also would you recommend gbbs for a younger teen like 14-16? If so is there a specific gun you'd recommend?
Sorry if these questions are dumb, but i absolutely adore your content, these guides are extremely informative and helpful, keep up the great work :)
great video, over the years I've tried every method discussed, imo in airsoft the chest rig is king, but for longer games (4hr plus) the LBE starts to make sense. I tried the new gen Smersh but for me it's way too bulky, now I use an Alice rig with LBV or a British PLCE
I'd love to get a breakdown of your metal gear v set up as I'm making a pease walker kit myself. Been struggling to find the shoulder things and would love to see how you made them or where ya got them. More larp kit breakdowns would be cool as well as you all have alot of cool gear.
There's a kit list as a comment reply on the FNC video that ought to help. The brassards (shoulder things) are just EVA foam cut to shape and with one-wrap glued on- kind of halfassed in a hurry for the sake of the video. Pantac makes repro deltoid protectors that ought to fit the bill but weren't available in time.
@@ExplosiveEnterprises Hey thanks a ton!
Chicom will do
By far the most universally excellent load bearing gear so far is the Russian SSO Smersh. Any gun, any mag and the buttpack takes an HPA bottle. Plenty of routes for radio cabling, plenty of space for dump pouches etc.
I have it, can definitely agree
For the Q&A it would be cool to see a little more on how you run your grenades and what products you recommend. I've just gotten a hold of flamingo custom's design and am seeing how it compares to thunder Bs.
Webbing’s definitely on the way back in as we pivot from GWOT back to more conventional warfare
Really good for heavy Bergens/rucksacks due to the weight transfer aspect
Also, works really well with light to medium scales of armour
I run the qores in my plate carrier but I use their IMS versa and run foam plates with them to EMBRACE THE LARP. They're good but unless you have a way to re freeze them or bring 3 you'll melt them all in 6 hours. I actually bought a freezer for my suburban just so I can swap and freeze them between matches.
Would love to see you guys cover comm setups too
I swapped out those god awful haley straps on my pack with the enhanced pack straps from mission spec. Super comfy on account of the padding. They also have elastic loops for attaching coms and running a hydration tube through as well. I had to get a cross strap custom added to these for me.
An interesting bit of tech i seen from the russians is a mechanism where theres something like a big battle belt around the waist and ridged bits going up from it to the body armour/plate carrier distributing weight from shoulders to the waist. Could be a not bad idea to diy something like that for a milsim or such. Anyways great video as usual👍
Yes this is the « smersh » it’s basically a harness but with big pouches and very confortable look at 14:00
@@wick5888 your not wrong but I was referring to a bit of new kit that kinda recently came out in their market where it's a whole proper set of body armor. Search up "defense mod 4". they've got a few different kind of models of this stuff.
I think the renewed interest in belt kits / webbing is due to video evidence from all the recent conflicts, with Ukraine being the biggest one and the closest thing to a 'near-peer' situation, which made some people rethink their gear.
Almost everyone in said video evidence seems to be equipped with a belt kit + plate carrier / body armor combination of sorts. Maybe due to the uncertainty of resupplies or the high amount of ammunition seemingly needed for a single engagement.
So we excised a paragraph from the script about this because, frankly, the video has too much static imagery already, but yeah. The long and short of it is that the current paradigm of plate carriers as primary LBE was developed for mechanized operations, and particularly in urban terrain. What we're seeing in Ukraine- and aware could happen in Southeast Asia, hence that Business Insider video- is a lot of multi-day patrol and occupation by dismounted infantry in austere environments, with high equipment and ammunition requirements. Without vehicular transport or ready resupply, there's a need for comfortable, efficient load-bearing equipment for hauling materiel long distances, and the belt kit + slick armor combo is proving popular. It's worth noting (as we would have, if we hadn't cut another paragraph- noticing a theme here) that the British never stopped making use of that particular combo for foot patrol, hence the availability of mature PLCE derivatives from companies like JayJay's or Dragon Supplies that are designed to integrate well with body armor.
(Is all of this directly applicable to our innawoods make-believe larp games? Not really, but it's useful context)
a fellow clover airsoft enjoyer, hell yeah.
Looking really good catgut!!
Just bought a spiritus rig for my recce kit! Thanks, EE!
Yeah I endeded up landing on a battle belt setup for myself given that 2 hour plus games Are kind of rare. I also combed a slightly larger backpack then in this video for longer games, as I was finding even with the ice plate the PC was getting to be too much for the length of the games I was playing
Q&A: multiday milsim ruck sizes and do you use gbbrs if so what do you bring?
I have found that chestrig is best for me. I dont want to wear a plate carrier because i sweat so much and im too skinny for belts to be comfortable. Currently i have a invader gear molle chestrig with 3 double ak mag pouches in the middle and two general purpose pouches on both sides. About same number of pouches as i had during my military service so should be more than enough for weekend games. I also dont have pistol nor dump pouch so i dont need a belt anyway which is good because i dont like how they pull down on my pants. If i do get a pistol im gonna keep it on my chestrig or put a holster on the belt on my pants.
Good video. You forgot to cover assault vests however. The SADF P83 and Bundeswehr KSK assault vests are fine examples for their class.
I use an alice rig because I'm poor. There's rust on the suspenders fraying on the grenade loops on a mag pouch and red marks on the belt. But I can still carry nine mags six grenades sustainment in a butt pouch a holster for a handgun reloading supplies and so on. I don't let budget restraints confine me because I want something that I see my favorite youtuber use. Its always better to buy something that is used and within your budget then something that puts you in debt.
Very informative as always!
Whelp, time to order that Crossfire DZ-Rig and see how it runs. Couldn't have asked for a better endorsement. :)
That Smersh looked good, may I ask which brand is it? I've been thinking about getting one, also, yes, suspended battle belt supremacy
You doing a video on the T-191 or nah?
Personally, Im more used to a plate carrier and battle belt combination rather than chest rigs and Smershes, even for those 2hr long battles
Ive never fought for longer than 3 hrs so certian problems suxh as food and night vision are problems i've never had the chance to encounter, but i do have a bag on my platw carrier so i think i'd be able to fit my stuff there
The reason I use a plate carrier because i got shot on my sternum by a sniper in my first game and still have a scar from that, and I play pretty frequently so it would have been just a matter of time till it happened again. In conjunction with my battle belt i feel pretty comfortable
Just wear a stiff field shirt and keep the collar in the up orientation to protect your neck. We all ruin our back for nothing
I always enjoy using a harnessed belt rig over a plate carrier or chest rig, it's just a problem getting everything I need onto just the belt and the one good setup I have is in tan (as opposed to my otherwise very green gear). That DZ rig is $350, though. Also: thoughts on keeping a first aid kit? I've got a former EMT friend that helped me build out one and strongly encourages everyone in the team to have one just in case, but it's THICCC.
Finally someone who actually uses a brain and not just larps.
What is the pouch you used to hold the propane tank in your alice kit and where could I find one?
I’d like to see a video on the MGCR 5.56 from G&G. Just recently got it and I’ve had one game out of it so I haven’t had much time to have an opinion on it, but I’d like someone who knows what they’re doing take a look at it and see if there’s any way to make it better. Or if there’s an HPA conversion possible.
I would like to see how yall pack for a 24+/Milsim/MilsimWest events with gbbr. More so on dealing with a gbbr instead of a AEG for these type of events.
I know there's enough videos for Milsim AEG users, not so much for Milsim gbbr users.
Also I've done enough FTXs/camping trips to know what I need to bring in a ruck for 48+ hours but some people might not know.
What pouch are you using on your load bearing rig for the gas bottle?
What grenades are you using here? I’ve been looking for primer fire ones over co2 and from the sound of the vid they seem metal
full juggernaut all the time
Mr.XE, are you gonna do the VFC AK 74m?
For the fashionsoft!
I wear a plate carrier with weighted plates during indoor skrims for the gainz bro
Good, great.. The discs in your spine are totally going to get stronger from that and not be degraded for the rest of your life like whats happened to every other human being on earth ever
I like the belt and small chest harness setup, I'm researching all this because I'm thinking getting into the sport/hobby.
I will probably go with a vector ans most likely a maxim 9.
The vector has slim but long mags, is there in the market any padded belt and small chest harness that can hold properly that type of mag??
Do you have a mind reader I was just thinking about LBE’s
Does anyone make a piece of gear that combines a chest rig and the harness to a belt? That combo is amazing but having two sets of shoulder straps is just annoying
I currently rock an older, non-molle smersh that I've pretty heavily modified to include a dump pouch off my right hip instead of the typical double AK pouch that would be there. I've actually been looking into upgrading this to the arktis smersh or the crossfire DZ that you mention in the video. Having access to a dump pouch is pretty non-negotiable for me and I am curious how you've affixed yours to the DZ. Just tied into a molle loop underneath the pouches or something I am not seeing? Also, as a long-armed half ape man, I've also been considering running a 2-part belt under the rig belt, specifically to mount a drop leg holster. Any insight on running a belt under a belt? Love the content as always!
The DZ-Rig has molle loops on the sides of the pouches, so mounting small accessory pouches or a dump pouch is viable. And stacking a harnessed belt rig over a two-piece belt is technically possible, but will significantly detract from comfort and weight-bearing capability.
Could you link the store for the Recce Rig?
What face and eye protection do you guys use? Got any recommendations especially for those who use prescription glasses?
Additionally what about helmets and the like? Both would probably be a great follow-up to this vid alongside elaborating on rucking
Find a good pair of goggles/glasses and get prescription inserts.
very practical
Great choices, can't be any worse than a body armor anyway, except if the rules grant you a bonus for wearing such bulky stuff like an extra life or something.
Whats your thoughts on pistol mag pouches? What are the differences? What do you prefer?
Ah yes, the good Scho-Ka-Kola.
Crossfire is Austrialian, If you want a superior American made system. Veloctiy Systems makes the Jungle rig, I have one its nice but accessing gear is comically slow
What's your take on drop legs ?
They exist to clear body armor but became a popular range ninja accessory with the near-knee-height cowboy low draw setup. The mid-ride is a modern take on what the drop-leg is supposed to do- just low enough to clear your gear, /not/ so low that it flops around on your leg every time you run. Adding a strap to the mid-ride is acceptable but pushing it IMO. Keep weight off your leg when possible, it's extremely kinematically inefficient.
I like drop legs to balance out a harnessed battle belt. A belt will ride down as you put stuff on it, the harness makes it ride up, so having some form of drop-leg will help everything ride in the middle. Mid-ride holster like Catgutt said, but then something like a Condor MOLLE piece (the one with a D ring) for the other leg. Just make sure they have swivels.
@@ExplosiveEnterprises thanks !
Unless I'm larping old school, I'm clearing my legs. I however like my holster to be slightly lower than belt level. For that purpose I use a low ride adapter and strap it to my upper leg.
Very nice video as always. You're methodical, to the point and interesting.
With the right dose of même 😘👌
Hey, what attachments have you got on the top of the FMG at 12 minutes?
TLR-7 HL-X, Monstrum carry handle, and a Holosun HS407C.
@@ExplosiveEnterprises Awesome, thanks.
I don't think i'll be able to find that carry handle in the UK though :(
2:16 What is that slickster? Can u give a link or the name???
He literally says in the video it's a ferro slickster did you watch it?
What kind of propane or green gas is that?