new possible vest ..
 

http://www.arkarmysurplus.com/index....t&Itemid=10145


thoughts, comments, suggestions...?

lots of nylon for not many pouches
you could get a chest rig for no much more, lots more pouches.
suggestions depend on what you're looking for, though...

What is your budget like? I bought a Pantac 6094 PC vest which is one of the best value MOLLE vest's out there IMO. Got mine for $134 off of redwolfairsoft.com . Be prepared to pay duty though. Also you will need to buy all of the pouches and what not since it is MOLLE and comes bare bones which is nice because you can customize it as you please. Since I don't know your budget this is all just my advice. Make sure you vest is made with 1000D Cordura and it will last a lifetime of use. The Pantac vest I speak of is the best option without buying the real deal IMO.

http://www.arkarmysurplus.com/compon...20Vest%205.JPG

Are those suppose to be PALS webbings or they are just for decoration and "MOLLE looking"?
PALS webbings with only one line of stitching? That won't last more than few hours. Probably even before the game, when you try to put the pouches on.

If your on a budget buy Condor. It's cheaper than Pantac, better made, and cheaper.

honestly in my opinion, you might as well get a plate carrier with proper MOLLE real estate instead

I think it looks pretty cool... maybe it doesnt have alot of real estate, but maybe you want a lighter setup... I dig it

Cue the apprentice theme music:
Molle molle molle molle..... MOLLE!

I'm not personally a fan of fixed rigs, I would rather have the adaptability of a molle rig.

My recommendation:
Condor MCR4 OPS chest rig add pouches as desired.
OR
Condor MCR6 Ops chest rig. If you use stanag mags this is also a decent option.

Both of these options are high speed light weight and will help keep you cool. You may also want to look into an RRV type rig which is basically the same thing with a flip-up chest panel. Paired with a backpack or a simple hydration carrier you can carry all you need and access it quickly or drop the weight at a moment's notice. A large vest or plate carrier weighs more and doesn't breath very well.

Of course more expensive higher quality options exist but these options are in keeping with the vest you linked.

P.S TACO's are amazing!!! (HSGI taco pouch)

Better than Pantac.....don't quite agree with that but everyone has their own opinions. It is cheaper but I wouldn't say it's better made. Also depending on your size Condor fits REALLY big. At least the PC's do.

i noticed alot of rigs "pre" equipped rigs have stuff i dont really need admin pouch pistol etc .. id like to keep it under 100 bucks

Everyone is definitely entitled to their opinion, but I've owned a fair number of both. Condor gets their material direct from Crye, and oddly enough is cheaper than Pantac by a margin. Pantac is replica of real steel gear, and is very well made for replica. Condor does fit large, but only on very small frames. Two of our players are smaller gentleman, I'd say in the 5' 5", 140 lb range; and they both wear Condor. We did have to get a little creative to get them to fit; but they do. Then again, our big Croatian friend wears the operator rig, and it fits well. He's about 6', and probably a good 250 lb.. The defender is large, but the operator can be shrunk down a bit more.

That's why we need MOLLE or PALS...
But it need to be good MOLLE/PALS...

Under $100
http://ascmart.ca/product_info.php?c...products_id=62
Also under $100
http://www.oneshottactical.com/Merch...tegory_Code=CR

Also under $100
http://www.wonderairsoft.com/1000D-M...-Cam_p_53.html

See with the one that i posted if i can double stuff the mag pouchs i would be perfect .. i like the whole collar kind of thing i can have one pouch to have a bag of bbs and speed loader and the other for misc... no need for admin pouch.. dumb pouch would be nice.. no need for pistol right now .. im going to go check it out bring a magazine and check

http://armyissue.com/catalog/images/...0nov%20101.jpg
http://armyissue.com/catalog/images/...0nov%20100.jpg
http://armyissue.com/catalog/images/...0nov%20104.jpg

or for $59.95 you could gett into a MOLLE chest rig that would hold up longer, do more and give you better mobility.

Of all the things posted I'd get ether one of these two and would recommend the 10 speed chest rig over the Pantac. Its real steel gear that will last a long time and is very versatile. Best advice anyone here can give you is "you buy cheap you buy twice" and theirs nothing wrong with a chest rig you can always buy a more expensive PC when you have more cash

I think you have alreaday made a decision primarily based on being able to get to the store and the price.. The rest is just justification of an already-made decision , coupled with the haste and excitement of wanting to get it "now". Just an observation, we've all been there.

If I am at all close with my guess, then your best option is to visit Army Issue and check out one of the 3 Condor setups above. These rigs will take you much farther than the stuff you posted, can be reconfigured to your heart's content, are actually decent quality sewing and fabric, easy to transport, have excellent adjustment and comfort (I love Condor's rotating fastener), and stay awesomely cool in the spring/summer and in indoor play.

You will NOT enjoy that ARK vest in indoor play or in the summer, guaranteed. You will be boiling and unhappy and that vest will end up in a closet somewhere, with your actual rig ending up closer to the suggestions here. Just take that short cut now :)

I would also recommend attending more games and spending some quality talk time with more experienced players who have their gear figured out, everybody loves to be asked about their setup and why they built it the way they did. You'll get a lot of good answers.

It really helps to see stuff in person and understand why it works well. Guys like Skeletor above are always around in the gear threads telling people to pay attention to the basics: functionality, stitching, etc... None of these things has to cost a lot of money, but a lot of the Toronto surplus stores sell outright junk to unsuspecting people.

The more experienced guys on this thread who keep pushing these rigs are not gear whores, they've been around the bend a few times and know what works well.. It takes a while to really test your gear and settle on a configuration that works. Often something that sounded awesome when you first suggested it or saw it in a store doesn't actually work well in practice. There's a lot of collective wisdom on the forum from a lot of guys that collectively abused a lot of gear... I'm just starting to scratch the surface myself as I go through the threads, learn from teammates experimenting with their gear, and abuse my own stuff. In any case, starting from a clean, simple, lightweight MOLLE rig is always safe because you can do a lot with it without spending a lot.

If you catch me at UA on a thursday night I can gladly show you how I arrived at my setup, what's good/bad about it, and how you can get something similar on a super-tight budget. Stay away from the stuff at cheeseball stores though! And go check out Army Issue.

Right now you don't know what you need other than a vest that has lots of pouchs all sewn that fits your budget. Today no pistol, but tomorrow you may have several pistols and you may want it on your vest or leg. You need a molle vest that can be configured.

If your budget is $100 00 and that vest you picked fits the budget will be junk if you can't configure it the way you like. Unless you are willing to live with its layout forever.

Go to Army Issue and try out a few vests and get advice to find that right vest. Don't buy from a picture unless you know exactly what you are looking for.

You can also check at the classified section, there are vests for sale sometimes that might fit your needs.

if I may, break away from the mold of this conversation. lol.

I have 4 vests, all acm shit, all different, (2 rrv, a paintball style, and one similar to the one you posted)

I have no complaints so far,(had to restich a strap on a rrv, but for $15 from airsoft-club.com its hardly something to through your arms up about lol)

When it comes to money and airsoft sometimes I have to sacrifice one for the other. (ie gun stuff vs gear stuff). You dont see alot of that talk on these forums. lol

Most of these guys eat sleep and breath airsoft though, and I play from april - october maybe twice a month, so how we treat our gear might be totally different.

If you're just running indoor, that's more than enough tbh
My buddy first game yesterday and all he had was my belt, dump pouch and 4 tacos, only had a p90 w/ 2 hi-caps and never really had ammo issues :)

dump* pouches .. Yea I'd prefer to not weight 30 pounds more after the game I guess I should get a basic Molle Rig correct me if im wrong and build it up from there ..I wont lie i do like the design of the one i posted but I believe you guys saying that the quality might not be there

i'm confused lol

Go see Jeroon at Armyissue. He can hand-hold you though a selection process that won't leave you broke or holding a piece of useless kit you bought without knowing any better.

If you really like that vest then buy it.

Don't worry about quality since you are buying on a budget.

If you want to buy a vest ONCE buy a decent MOLLE vest. Don't skimp out and buy what is cheapest because in the end you will actually be spending more. Do not buy one that already has pouches sewn in. These are generally junk and will rip or tear on you. You can thank me later!

Our gear takes an absolute shit kicking. Crye, Oakley, ESS, Eagle, Spec-Ops, Specialty Systems, High Speed Gear, etc. it does get very pricey, but some of my gear has held up years without issue. I'd suggest Condor rig, pouches, etc; and 5.11 BDUs if your on a budget. Their tough and well made.

I'll disagree. You should worry about quality. Especially if you are on the budget. Shitty shit will fail and you will have to spend more money to replace it. I'll quote and highlight for ya (from another thread):

As Morb suggested, hit up ArmyIssue. Try try different rigs on and see what fits right.

If you want to take a look at some really good gear - go to One Shot Tactical in Trenton. Awesome kit and awesome prices. Been buying kit there for a long time. Service is top notch.

^
It's worth your time to avoid garbage, even if you need something. Go without until you can afford it; you won't regret waiting ...except while your waiting.

yea never buy twice

Quality doesn't mean shit unless you're actually running your gear HARD - but lets take a minute and really think about what HARD in airsoft means - rolling around in the dirt? getting caught on a branch?

I have NEVER been to a game in the years ive been playing where I have witnessed somebody actually abusing their gear wether it was intentional or not - but what I have seen is people licking their thumbs to rub the small dirty spots off their vest.

I've been through a good number of brands myself - Pantac, Condor, London Bridge Trading, TMC and basic no name shit. Its all the same WHEN YOU'RE PLAYING AIRSOFT. Sure some lower end brands have some strings fraying off but who cares - burn them with a lighter and move on. Small colour differentials, but really guys - this is airsoft.

Sure its wise to consider temperature and other factors but really - you're the only one whos going to be able to find out what works for you and what doesn't.

The most important factor IMO with gear is your functionality - How can you access what you need quicker under pressure. Consider this when purchasing your gear - with this comes magazine capacity and anything else you may need while youre on the field.

Lets be honest - You're going to make a purchase of a vest, and a month or two later you're going to find something "cooler" and your first purchase will be irrelevant because you're going to replace it - welcome to airsoft where this will be an ongoing process for just about anything you buy.

Not really. I don't replace gear on a whim, I'd actually have to be looking for a change. There is always going to be something better or different on the market, but a true airsofter buys what's functional as you say. Effect over look always; nobody cares if you looked good getting your ass handed to you. Cheap BDUs where the crotch ripped first game, that's where quality is very much a factor. Off color camo "can" be easy to see, or easier ...equals disadvantage. Better quality means more useful, more modular, more comfortable, etc. Airsoft is a sport, you'll want the best gear possible.

Can't talk for anybody else, but I have used my gear PLAYING AIRSOFT... From rolling in dirt, in the rain, through the woodland/rocky terrain for 24 hrs to needing to cut myself out of thick branches because I had to roll down the big ass hill to avoid enemy detection/flank them. Digging and building fortifications, once again in the rain, in the dark, under enemy fire. Halling ass through waist deep swamps and rivers. Spending night in close to sub zero temperatures in the field. And staying effective for the fight.

It all depends on how, where and with whom you play. For some gear is a cool accessory they can display to friends and worry about a spec of dirt on it. For others it is a tool and meant to be used.

The "quality" that everyone is referring too isn't saying that the airsoft gear will fall apart in your first game (although some stuff is that poorly made and will let you down).

It usually shows up in more subtle ways. MOLLE loops stitched to close so you can't thread pouches into all the slots, upside down fixtures, missing or otherwise non-functional straps and hangers. Stuff you might not even notice when you're a noobie but later on when you try to used it you'll find you've been had.

In possession of the OP's vest, 54 dollars is not a real reflection of what this store has to offer on the pricing level. The staff are he owners and are extremely reasonable, pm me for info, this rig is full real molle which is done in at reasonable quality. I have the black version and the pouches move with ease and I also mounted a pistol holster on it for my p226. Pm me for more info.

However maciek is a really knowledgable, and if you feel a lighter rig would be appropriate, go for it! This rig is optimal for me, as I can move around easily with it and have quick and easy access to my mag pouches, I also bought a nice soft pistol holster from that store that mounts nicely on the molle, will probably also be at UA this coming Thursday so you can come to contrast and compare if you like!

Some pics of what I am running right now... these are all airsoft toys, there are tons of AV posted things in non AV areas, this is just to demonstrate how u can hang your primary on this budget vest if need be.

You've never been to a game I've been to, clearly. I've gone through walls, crashed through window frames, torn shit on glass, had gear scorched by burning cars, hosed a chest rig in my own blood from a gushing facial cut (which I got by diving through a window), and worse.

But to your point, at those same games I've seen people with so much gucci gear on they literally couldn't move, and couldn't play longer than 20 minutes of a 12-hour day let alone a 24-hour op.

But for base quality, crawling through the bush is enough to total some lessor gear, and even damage the higher-end gear.

The primary you show is a nylon gun.....try doing that with a full metal gas gun. Probably tear the vest right off your back.

Buy the RIGHT vest the FIRST time and you won't need to buy another one.

I'm with Rabbit here, what you buy when starting up airsoft doesn't necessarily look like what you'll truly use once you're more experienced...I've tried many vests and rigs and my current setup, which I like the most, doesn't involve any vest. ( and is a mix of high-quality, low quality and issued gear.)

This is about what works FOR YOU. For me the rig is great, and i've had no problems using it, then again i don't play outdoors where there is a chance of falling off buildings, running away from explosions or diving through glass. i think that the vest is perfectly ok if you are on a budget and playing indoors, its a very defeatist attitude to have if you think that the superior equipment is superior in all scenarios. if you play indoor on a light basis i have no idea why the cheaper rig wouldn't work if your on a budget. if however you are crawling through mud and falling down hills, you may want to invest more money in a better rig that will obviously outlast cheaper equipment in the long run of abuse. This is common sense and i will continue to use this vest that i paid just over 40$ for, the stitching is reasonable quality and it feels completely fine for LIGHT CQB. I can also attest to its durability, i can hang ANY gun off this vest, ANY, and even though it is polymer, it doesn't weigh that much less then a full metal gun. To the OP, because thats who really matters in this post except for flaming others, determine what your use would be for this vest and then make a decision, if its for light use, in a clean indoor environment i don't see why a cheap rig wouldn't be ok. If your diving through mud, then yeah buy a nice condor rig or something a experienced poster would recommend, i'm just giving you my opinion from my time with my vest.

Hey sammynac99, were you there last Friday running the games?

Was there last thursday night, will be there again this thursday night to come out n play.

+1, sometimes the cheap stuff is fail right out of the box, with no use necessary. I don't buy anything made by Condor anymore because I've purchased a vest and a hydration backpack, on separate occasions over a year apart, and both items had easily visible differences in the diameter of the molle loops. Wide loops at the top allowed the pouches to shake and really skinny ones at the bottom that I could barely thread the straps through. Shitty, shitty quality control on those products, I was really not impressed.

I don't see why people would waste $50 on reproduction vests when you can buy real for $100 brand new... and $50 used.

http://www.skdtac.com/firstspear-sic...-p/fsr.510.htm
http://www.skdtac.com/PIG-UCR-Univer...-p/pig.667.htm

(The PIG is very good gear)

First vest was a cheap clone from airsoftpark, have a FLYYE I ordered last night =D
Though I'm still happy with this vest, load baring buckle broke at my second game and I had to do a speedy repair on the field. Both buckles replaced with ones that can hold 300lbs+ each now. Yes things tend to break on cheapies but carry some duct tape and you're good to go.

A cheap vest will get you started especially in Indoor games, you most likely not gonna over load your vest since you're running very short skirmishes. Hell, if you're gonna run indoors, you're better off investing that money on face and eye protection. Run with a few mags in your pocket for now if that's what it takes but eye and face protection should be your priority.

my budget opened up cause my paintball gear will be sold =D!!!!!!! it was a fun time while it lasted ...now i can actually go shopping now im not so much on a budget ..should of done that in the first place but oh well the sale wasnt going to be on for much longer im pretty convinced my KA M4 Ultra grade will hold down the fort .. but anyways to the vest

So I ended up picking up my first vest http://www.airsoftatlanta.com/Condor...g-1-p/mcr1.htm

In O.D green figured that be the best color .. Overall I like it .. Very comfortable .. fits well for me and probably going to have all the room I will ever need . I also bought a Triple stacker magazine pouch (holds 6) (5 Midcaps 1Hicap) ended up removing the outside magazine straps because fitting them in and out on the field could be a hassle rather not drop magazines every where

And so it has two Velcro pockets one on the top and middle which is more then enough space for extra bbs, speed loader what ever

and Im pretty so its durable enough for my kind of play which will be indoor right now ..But if i were to take it outdoors I'm pretty sure it will take all the loose branches and what ever..

agreed

Originally Posted by Ricochet
If your on a budget buy Condor. It's cheaper than Pantac, better made, and cheaper.

I again bought Condor

A Vertical Pistol Holster

http://www.badlandspaintball.com/condor-vt-holster.html

I'm very pleased with it a must check out in my opinion

Folds 3 times

Has a Velcro strap inside. to either raiser or lower your pistol
More then enough space for a flashlight/laser

And the strap is either Velcro or a button your preference you can pull the strap out which is also velcro and use what ever you'd like

Long straps to let it hang lower on your rig if you want

Got it for lower then retail

I'm impressed I dont see why you would spend any more unless you want a different style

I might just keep buying condor no complaints

and I also found out on my Rig

http://www.badlandspaintball.com/con...est-rig-1.html

you can fold the middle section down I'm not sure if you can do this with all Vests/Rigs
but again +1 for Condor