Chest rigs

[checko 180]

I guess my concern is that it just seems, for lack of a better term, weird to only keep 45-60 rounds on my chest.

 

Now I could run 2 single stack triples, throw an admin pouch on top to keep it flatter, and still maintain the same utility.

 

Now you got me thinking! I knew I liked you guys for a reason.

Keep in mind not to block your pistol draw in your strong side.

[High Exposure 5,664]

I get that it is weird with the reduced capacity mags. My rig is run for work related stuff and I get to carry standard capacity mags. This is definitely a consideration when setting your gear up. That's why the 10 speeds are so great - you can add those extra mags, but the rig is still slim when the pouches are empty.

 

Keep in mind not to block your pistol draw in your strong side.

This is important. I keep my strong side from 2:00 to 4:00 slick so nothing interferes with my draw.

[SgtToadette 59]

I'm going to make it a goal that the rig doesn't exceed a two mag thickness at any point. Hopefully BFG's helium whisper attachments will mitigate the bulk a teeny bit.

 

I'll bite the bullet on some Mayflower mag pouches and see how I like it. Worst case scenario: I'm out a bit of cash, learned something new, and have some spare pouches laying around.

[High Exposure 5,664]

I'll bite the bullet on some Mayflower mag pouches and see how I like it. Worst case scenario: I'm out a bit of cash, learned something new, and have some spare pouches laying around.

I am the same way. I have bins and tubs full of pouches....

[SgtToadette 59]

If you ever have a garage sale let me know, lol!

[checko 180]

If you ever have a garage sale let me know, lol!

Yeah if you're liquidating any ACU stuff let me know lol.

[High Exposure 5,664]

All my stuff is Target Indicator Black.

 

Working on building a MC rig now. Getting ready to pull the trigger on a Tag Banshee, already built the 1st line.

 

I will go through my stuff and see what I will part with.....

[SgtToadette 59]

Is this new rig for play or work?

[High Exposure 5,664]

It will be a dedicated training/competition rig. It will mimic my work rig as close as I can (all emergency reload pouches will be in the same place, as will any universal equipment that is crossloaded to both rigs) but the new setup will have some provisions that are comp/training focused vs. work related.

 

As it stands now, I have 3 work rigs:

PC for SWAT - MSA SOHPC - I use this the most. All classes, training, and jobs are currently done in this. I really want to get another PC for training/competitions as it is getting beat up a bit.

 

Heavy Armor Vest for SWAT - Paraclete RBAV - issued by the county. Is a great vest but I got really used to the lightweight and mobility of the PC and hate wearing it. I keep it setup and ready to go in case they mandate we wear it or we have certain jobs that require it (it has some specialty CBRNE gear on it)

 

PC for Patrol - Protech Playe Rack - This thing is cool, ultra light rig for plates only. Has 3 rifle mags and 4 shotgun shell up front and a smoke grenade and MedKit on the back. Rides in the car and comes out with the rifle. Has a cool setup for throwing it on super fast, and is setup for plates only, no backers, so you run it over the armor you already have on. The carrier rides high as we.l so it doesn't interfere with your duty belt and has minimal surface area on the sides.) http://www.copquest.com/89-1100_protech-tactical-plate-rack-carrier-tac-pr-plate.htm

[checko 180]

Out of curiosity, what provisions are comp/training based?   Obviously you wont be running flash bangs and breaching charges, what will take its place?

[High Exposure 5,664]

Some differences will be different pouches, some differences will just be different contents in the pouches.

 

Notebook, timer, more mags (limited to 10 rounds in some comps), extra IFAK (my team mates have their own, in training/comps I am usually the only one with an IFAK), sustainment gear, spare parts.

 

For example, by work 1st line has (Clockwise starting at the buckle) 3 G22 mags (Eagle FB), 1 M4 mag (Safariland pouch modded to UBL), dump pouch (CSM), IFAK (ATS), Multitool (TT with Gerber), holster with bang pouch on high ride leg shroud (Safariland ALS), small utility pouch (Maxpedition).

 

Comp/Training first line has a double G22 pouch (Eagle FB), 2 /pistol mag pouches (HSGI Taco) 2 M4 pouches (HSGI Taco), dump pouch (Crye) med pouch (BFG), holster on high ride leg shroud (Safariland ALS) double G22 mag pouch (Eagle FB).

[Blake 50]

Any experience with US Palm products?  They seem to have a decent soft armor system at a reasonable msrp.  Looks like it would be good for HD situations or as a concealable plate carrier.  I haven't ever seen one in person though.  The Defender is the soft armor vest I am referring to.  

 

They also have a sap-c vest that comes with standalone level 4 plates for a pretty reasonable price.  

[High Exposure 5,664]

I really like the US Palm PCs. Very simple and affordable. I have had hands on with a few - excellent construction in a minimalist package. The hard part is finding them in stock, especially the hard armor ones.

 

If I had a store, they would be on my short list of items to carry!

[Blake 50]

I really like the US Palm PCs. Very simple and affordable. I have had hands on with a few - excellent construction in a minimalist package. The hard part is finding them in stock, especially the hard armor ones.

 

If I had a store, they would be on my short list of items to carry!

 

We are looking to become a vendor for them, that's the reason I asked!

 

They seem to have caught up with production, as several online sites have their full line's in stock recently.  

[Purple Patrick 638]

We are looking to become a vendor for them, that's the reason I asked!

 

They seem to have caught up with production, as several online sites have their full line's in stock recently.

Keep us updated I need some hard plates!

 

 

This signature exceeds the 15 character capacity

[High Exposure 5,664]

Blake - I would also look at the TAG/Shellback Banshee. It is an execllent PC at an unbelievable price. They also have very good armor - soft and hard - at better than normal prices.

[checko 180]

We are looking to become a vendor for them, that's the reason I asked!

 

They seem to have caught up with production, as several online sites have their full line's in stock recently.

Are you looking at carrying a the plates alone as well?

[checko 180]

 

Got my armor carrier today in the mail. Looks really well put together. I made the mistake of pulling the wires holding it together without really knowing how they work lol. I got it all squared away now. High Exposure mentioned to me how the side attachments are kind off weird, and they are lol. You lift a flap up then tear away a panel to adjust. You can also adjust the tightness through the wire in the back. All in all I'm happy with the purchase, especially for the price I got it for.

[A-Tech 8]

What do you keep in your IFAK to keep it minimized? I feel like mine is bulky..

[checko 180]

Mine is pretty much busting at the seams and I think I don't have enough. The list I have is on post #61

[High Exposure 5,664]

What do you keep in your IFAK to keep it minimized? I feel like mine is bulky..

What do you have in it? A lot of people keep too much stuff in there. They use their IFAK to hold their Boo-Boo (band aids, neosporin, moleskin, crazy glue, etc...), their E&E (fire starter, compass, etc...) or sick call (Advil/Tylenol, benedryl, etc...). I you have that stuff in, take it out. The IFAK should be for immediate life saving (2nd tourniquet, bandage, quikclot, gauze, chest seal, decomp needle, etc...) and appropriate life saving support gear (light stick, scissors, safety pin, duct tape) only.

 

What pouch are you using? Either a bigger pouch or less stuff. Is anything vacuum sealed? That helps a lot with the bandages and gauze.

 

Checko has a good list. Covers all the bases.

 

You could also split it up into a bleeder kit (gauze, TQ, Bandage, quick clot) for self aid and a breathing kit (chest seal, needle, etc...) for someone else to use on you.

[checko 180]

I still have to squeeze in the decomp needle and the halo seal. I have a usgi surplus med pouch atm, gonna upgrade to something else soon and use this one for a bleeder I think.

[DirtyDigz 1,812]

FYI, shellback tactical banshee is currently $130.50 at LA police gear after coupon "labor13" for 13% off, ships free:

 

http://www.lapolicegear.com/shellback-banshee-rifle-platecarrier.html

[CageFighter 236]

FYI, shellback tactical banshee is currently $130.50 at LA police gear after coupon "labor13" for 13% off, ships free:

 

http://www.lapolicegear.com/shellback-banshee-rifle-platecarrier.html

 

anyone order one?

[SgtToadette 59]

So what's the advantage of having a separate plate carrier when you can just attach a compatible chest rig to a low-profile armor carrier?

[checko 180]

So what's the advantage of having a separate plate carrier when you can just attach a compatible chest rig to a low-profile armor carrier?

I would say comfort, molle real estate, side plate carriers.

[SgtToadette 59]

I would say comfort, molle real estate, side plate carriers.

 

If you're throwing on a chest rig you've already configured, why would you need more MOLLE? The potential weight savings would seem to offset the comfort situation. Side plates seems to be the only real advantage, but I'm just armchair quarterbacking here.

 

EDIT: Re-read my comment and it sounded snotty, which wasn't my intent. I'm genuinely curious.

[checko 180]

If you're throwing on a chest rig you've already configured, why would you need more MOLLE? The potential weight savings would seem to offset the comfort situation. Side plates seems to be the only real advantage, but I'm just armchair quarterbacking here.

 

It depends what your doing as well. I see a plate carrier with level 3 or 4 rifle plates having a dramatically different purpose than a chest rig with some level 3a soft armor under.  Depending on what armor carrier you are putting the chest rig over, it may get bulky up front or around the shoulder straps.  

 

For a LEO or Military with a PC they will likely have radio's, breaching tools, hydration systems, chem light, e&e kits, e-tools, and a ton of other stuff hanging off themselves for their purpose. Which will very likely be shot at so protection is the highest priority. 

 

For us?  I just wanted a PC cause I like them, and eventually work my way up to training where if I'm shot accidentally, it will likely be with a rifle.  Hence the larger plates.  Plus who doesnt like buying more gear lol  I have no pipe dreams of being an assaulter, so I too am speculating a bit.  

[SgtToadette 59]

Makes sense. Thank you!

[checko 180]

No prob!  I'm trying to learn with ya haha.