How did you find your PC or chest rig?

[otang 30]

I've seen a lot of nice load out pictures here. Many of the load outs look well thought of and some simply look incredible. For those wanting to upgrade to better gear, my main question is what inspired you to chose your base level PC or chest rig? Then, what made you choose your entire loadout, including helmet, headset pouch layout? Word of mouth, internet site, video game impression, internet pictures, personal experience in the Service?

 

As for myself, I had gone through a couple cheap entry level rigs and mostly settled on a TT Mav setup because a friend was selling his gear and I thought it was a good excuse to 'level up'. Now after some years, I decided to upgrade again and run with a HSGI Weesatch because of its simple integrated functionality and cool looks. Pictures of 'tricked out' Weesatch's certainly helped with the decision.

[Random Cynic 35]

Been using my set up here since 07. Found it in Tel Aviv, thought it was a great design.

[Doc Dodge 666]

How did you find your PC or chest rig?

 

I look in basement, is hanging on a hook.

[Kilroy 263]

Lots of googling, looking at what works for other operators, knowing what works with your body type (IE: I have to have uber padded shoulders), and etc.

 

In all honesty, a lot of it is trial an error. You're not going to get the perfect best build for your needs the first time out. As Ms. Frizzle used to say, "Take chances! Get messy! Make mistakes!!"

[jazzman 223]

Yep Trial and error, and oggling other guys gear.

[TheJP 3,301]

Yep Trial and error, and oggling other guys gear.

Lots of googling, looking at what works for other operators, knowing what works with your body type (IE: I have to have uber padded shoulders), and etc.

 

In all honesty, a lot of it is trial an error. You're not going to get the perfect best build for your needs the first time out. As Ms. Frizzle used to say, "Take chances! Get messy! Make mistakes!!"

 

This ---^ Sadly it was a pretty expensive learning curve.

[PITT 90]

One of my team mates on FOG was running a Hellkat MKI and really liked it so I tried it out and have been running one ever since. My other rigs I've run came from just wanting to try out different stuff and different ways to configure. I do have a custom rig that was made on requests I made for certain things I liked from different rigs and different companies.

[Fireman-M7 24]

I think thats a benefit from "Mil-Sim" is that everyone tweaks their gear constantly. My rigs change slightly every time I go out, just all depends on the situation at hand. Sometimes a certain setup will work flawlessly, others.....not so much. That is part of the enjoyment I get from the sport...being able to research gear, buy it, try it, sell it, and start over again. As for how I pick the things I use.....mainly a little research and some trial & error. It gets expensive, but what hobby doesn't when your that far in?

[SABRE 08 62]

Well....I know I've personally run through 9 different rigs, from chest rigs to plate carriers to armor and greenside rigs like the ELCS and LBT 1195J.

 

The oldest members of SABRE will tell you the same thing, we all have run a whole mess of rigs over the past 8 years, ranging from when the MAV was new to Pointblank FSBE vests when people were just starting to learn what MOLLE was.

 

It's all about searching around. There are plenty of resources out there that can help. Forums, websites, Facebook groups even today. I guarantee you that if you research and learn enough, you will be able to pick up on the rigs that are worth your time and effort over the ones that aren't.

[Doc Dodge 666]

I actually use gear I used on active duty. What works best for me.

[dirtpro 177]

My setup is a result of about 8 years of trial and error. For those not interested in taking that approach, get with experienced players or servicemen and ask them why they run their gear a certain way.

[Metal 689]

I jumped onto the 'big loadout' wagon really early, but only after a couple games I realized that absolutely was not for me. There's absolutely no need for 12x mags, 10x 40mm, or 5x+ hand grenades (little exageration there). When you get real complicated, you usually get cluttered and too weighed down. Also, when you're cluttered you usually can't get to what you're needing when it really counts. My first real PC was my HSS rig that is allot like a Weesatch but with built in utility pouches on both of my sides. I still have and use this rig today, but it has recently been completely striped of all exteral pouches and been made into a chest rig (which it is designed to do). During running my HSS I thought about running a good chest rig. So this time I invested in a Condor so that I would dump a lot of money into something I might not like. I loved the lighter weight, but hated the lack of MOLLE realestate. So I again was looking into PC's. I knew I wanted one that was extremely light weight and dirt simple. Toadvine of the WarPigs PMed me about a guy named Alew Gellman that made custom gear and at an extremely competitive price. So I got on his site and immediately spotted things I wanted. I had min make me a PC that is somewhat resemling of the TAG Banshee with no cumberbund. A little before ordering this PC I found that I really wanted to start using battle belts more so I planned on running a battle belt in cunjuction with my PC to free up some of the weight from my shoulders. I also realized that I liked to run the HWS role which does require that you carry extra junk VS the standard rifleman role, but I didn't always need to get to all of that stuff right away, so the need of it taking up valuable MOLLE space wasn't there. So I looked into using a one day pack with room for a hydro bladder. Again, I turned to Gellman and he made me what he calls a DAAP pack and set it up to run on my PC I ordered OR a chest rig. After getting all my Gellman stuff and putting my theories to practice, I know THIS IS the rig for me.

[Blue Knight 75]

I actually use gear I used on active duty. What works best for me.

 

I too use gear that was issued to me and sat in a box for more years than I like to remember. Added a couple more mag pouches from Army surplus , since one of my old ones was torn too badly.

[WOODCOCK 67]

After researching different setups I decided on certain criteria that was important to me based off of past real world experience in both offensive and defensive combat operations. Then due to the fact that I am a husband and a father of two I must be fiscally responsible and balance durability and reality of what I am actually using it for whether it is "real steel" shooting/preparedness or pure Milsim enjoyment. Finally and most importantly to me if it doesn't work while I am repeatablly TRAINING with it then it gets "Shit Canned". I do nothing for looks or wanting the acceptance of others if it ain't broke don't fix it and K.I.S.S.

 

 

[Random Cynic 35]

This ---^ Sadly it was a pretty expensive learning curve.

 

Did the same back in the day. That's why I am not a big fan of mollee anymore for that reason. A commercial genius said to himself, 'I can charge for the pouches too?'

[Paslode 21]

No. 1, with years of life experiences under my belt of making the mistake of purchasing not exactly what I want....Tools, Clothes, Bicycles,... I won't buy cheaply made stuff, I get exactly what i want or I don't make the purchase.

 

As with anything I use, that begins with looking around, asking questions and reading what people have to say about whatever it is I am looking at.

 

With my airsoft gear like PC, Chest Rigs, Helmets, etc. the good stuff like HSGI is well built, but considering I am using it for a hobby retail is bit more than I will allow myself to spend.

 

So I look around for bargins and something I can turn around and sell for some decent money if I decide too.

 

For example:

 

*New* HSGI Warlord Chest Rig - $75.00

*New* HSGI Weesatch Plate Parrier - $75.00

*New* MICH 2000 - $125.00

 

My latest purchase was a Coyote Brown - TAG Marine Guardian Chest Rig w/ Bib which came with a lot of other stuff I can use. I like the looks of it, it is pretty simple design and it incoporates the familiar integated mag pouches and Hydration Pouch like the Weesatch PC.

[SABRE 06 17]

I won't buy cheaply made stuff, I get exactly what i want or I don't make the purchase.

 

Dude, this x1,000,000.

 

I was one of the lucky ones in that I fell in with a group of guys who've done research and performed the trial and error themselves time and again. If one thing is absolutely certain its that your mind must always be set on what you WANT from your gear. If you have the opportunity to try out a particular piece of gear before buying it, DO IT. Finger fudge the ever loving snot out of anything and everything that catches your eye or you'll never truly know whether or not it's right for you.

 

When I joined SABRE I learned a very important lesson--"Buy once, cry once."

 

Having said that, there truly isn't one way to find the right piece of gear the first time. Sometimes you just get lucky, other times, not so much. To echo the majority of thoughts here, finding the right gear really is a process of trial and error, that will always be true. However, it's entirely up to you how that process is carried out and what your end result will be.

 

Research is VERY important and there are a lot of great resources out there for one to explore and take notes. Personally, I've been a lurker on Lightfighter.net and read a fair share of articles about various bits of kit on Military Morons. On a more relative scale, websites like this, Arnies Airsoft, and other airsoft sites are great places to connect with other players and personally discuss gear.

[Paslode 21]

 

When I joined SABRE I learned a very important lesson--"Buy once, cry once."

 

 

 

I tend to think so, You may have to set what your priorities are, but even on a tight budget you can find some really nice stuff on forums that won't cost a arm and a leg. Personally I began with what I am going to use or require the most and where I could least afford a failure.

 

Top of the line Eye Pro, Reliable Rifle, Reliable Mags, a Good Functional Rig and I am good to go.

 

If you can afford it, I believe well made Rigs and PC's are worth the money when you can get something that has a warranty, and can be repaired like HSGI's gear. You break a zipper, the stitching fails they will fix it. You tear something they can repair it for you.

[Metal 689]

Top of the line Eye Pro, Reliable Rifle, Reliable Mags, a Good Functional Rig and I am good to go.

 

If you can afford it, I believe well made Rigs and PC's are worth the money when you can get something that has a warranty, and can be repaired like HSGI's gear. You break a zipper, the stitching fails they will fix it. You tear something they can repair it for you.

 

I'm of the same mind set. I know it, and my wife knows it. I'm HARD on my stuff. Doesn't matter what it is, phones, mp3 players, clothes, shoe's, gear, you name it. Mainly because I mean to get every last cent of my money's worth out of everything I buy and I use the crap out of it.

 

My dad always told me 'if you don't buy what you REALLY want, you'll never be happy with what you settle for. And sometimes you'll end up buying what you really wanted in the first place anyway and now you've spent more money and more time to get what you should've gotten in the first place.'

 

If I have to save, so be it. If I have to sell, so be it. If there's something I want, by God, I'm gonna do what it takes to get it.

[POSTMAN 65]

Spent way to much money trying manner different brands and configurations, finally a mutual friend showed me his Pantac Low profile PC. It met all of my needs and was comfortable and light weight, as well as distributing the weight of my kit perfectly while having plenty of Molle realestate.

 

I also run a Voodoo Battle belt, I have found that using a battle belt to move certain items off of your PC creates a more balanced and slimmer profile load out. As always look for another solution before you start adding more pouchs/gear to your load out. Ask your self do I "need" to carry this item into the field? Is there another pocket on my utilities ect that this item could go into ect.

 

Granted, I would say if you are of a larger physique than average this will affect you choice of PC. But if you are of average to slender build then the Pantac Low Profile is the way to go, especially for the price.

[Yogi 53]

For about a better of 4 to 5 years I been running a HSS Plate carrier I bought from Frosty. Before that I ran a Blackhawk Commando recon vest. I love the Hss vest nice and conformable I easily could wear it all day. The only thing I would add is some new shoulder pads.

[Bilbo 18]

When I first started, I had a generic Cross-draw vest, drop leg mag pouch, and drop leg holster for my spring pistol. I then got a job and started looking around for a molle vest for cheap. I found on Evike a CIRAS style vest with pouches for $120 and got it. I still have it today and run it with my woodland set up. For ACU, I just use what Uncle sam says I should, a FLC set (light over vest for over body armor). I just wish that woodland colored pouches were easier to come by. I know OD and Tan pouches work, but I'd like a woodland hydration carrier to put on the back of my PC and match it and the other vests.

[POINT 5]

I have a real basic vest that carries what I need. I like to stay light weight and have what I need to get the job done. Some times I'll take my ruck but mainly to hold my water bladder. I'm sure one day I'll get bored with it and change it up but for now it works, why change what isn't broken.

[Hat3d1 113]

So far, its an evolution of what I deem necessary, and what works for others. THe condor Vest I bought, was recommended, by several members of OKCAG, and is now recommended by me. My Molle Pouches are still in process, such as the 40mm grenade pouch i bought to hold my dead rag, it works, BUT my dump pouch is much easier to locate, draw, and replace than that pouch, its now off my rig, I am sure this will be a never ending process, but I look forward to it regardless.

[Ian 22]

My gear choice went literally from a Condor ACU plate carrier, to a jury-rigged ALICE belt with some random pouches, back to MOLLE, then back to belt setups. Right now I'm pretty much convinced that 37 pattern webbing is the thing for me, combining my choice of retro gear with the ability to carry any mags required.