Third Party Stitching

[Donster]

Well i am going to be buying a multicam vest soon, but i cant decide as to which one. Both vests are identical, but one outsources it to be stitched by a third party, while the other doesn't. Needless to say, the company that outsources it is cheaper. I was just curious if anyone has gear like this and the durability of said items. the last thing i want is for a vest to fall apart (literally) at the seams. You can read all about it at the links provided, but i have included a copy of both vest descriptions.

Outsourced Vest

Plate Carriers have become the standard for ballistic protection and are used worldwide by military contractors, soldiers, and law enforcement. They come in a range of different shapes and sizes with varying degrees of ballistic protection. However, the constant for all plate carriers is the ability to hold ballistic armor plates. The plate carriers of similar design to the OE TECH Plate Carrier have become a favorite among special forces and military contractors for the ability to provide adequate protection and carry plenty of equipment without compromising maneuverability.

The OE TECH Plate Carrier with Cummerbund has many beneficial features for use in combat and airsoft scenarios. It accepts standardized 10x13 ballistic plates in the front and rear panels that are secured by pull down flaps with heavy duty hook & loop closure. The panels have padded mesh on the inside for comfort and airflow. The shoulder and internal waist straps are adjustable for most sizes (M-XL) and have quick release buckles. In combat quick release buckles give medics quick access to wounds but for airsoft it allows you to just drop your equipment after the game for a deserved break. The cummerbund is adjustable and can carry additional equipment. For added protection the cummerbund has pockets for side armor. Also, for convenience it has a front map pocket, hook & loop panel for ID placard/patches, and a emergency drag strap. Along the cummerbund, the front, and rear panels the OE TECH Plate Carrier is covered in MOLLE webbing.

The OE TECH Multicam Plate Carrier is made of real Crye Precision Multicam material. The molle on this plate carrier is unlike any other, the molle weaving is actually the multicam material instead of the cordura khaki straps. Multicam from other name brands can cost twice as much, this plate carrier is made of the same material it's just sewn together by a different person.

MOLLE is an acronym for MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. This system works by threading the straps attached to modular pouches through the MOLLE webbing. MOLLE gives the user the advantage of customizing his equipment for the mission at hand. For example, military contractors are issued a variety of weapons; the user could select the M16 Magazine Dual MOLLE Pouch if he is using a M-16 or he could choose the Dual AK Magazine MOLLE Pouch for use with a AK-47. So, you can have one plate carrier with a variety of pouches instead of having numerous different load bearing equipment for your different guns. The OE TECH Plate Carrier with Cummerbund has all the features and quality of high-end gear at half the price.
Specifications:

Manufacturer: OE TECH
Material: 600 Denier Nylon Fiber
Sizes: Adjustable / One Size Fits All
Features:

Emergency Drag Strap
Accept Standard 10x13 Ballistic Plates
Adjustable / Quick Detach Shoulder Straps
Hook and Loop Panel for ID Placard and Patches
Front Map Pocket with Snap and Hook and Loop Closure
Release Buckles on Shoulders and Internal Waist Strap
Padded Mesh on Front / Back Panels for Comfort and Airflow
Adjustable / Removable Cummerbund w/ Pockets for Side Armor
Plate Compartments Secured by Pull Down Flaps w/ Hook and Loop Closure

Non-outsourced Vest:

Authentic Crye MultiCam material! This modular vest provides armor plate compartments on the front, back, and side panels. Modular platform on all sides of the vest allow for attaching MOLLE gear, pouches and accessories. Generous cut around the neck and shoulders provides a wide range of motion. Quick release buckles on shoulder straps and internal waist strap. Accepts up to 10 x 13 body armor plates (not included). Adjustable/detachable waist strap features MOLLE webbing on the outside and interior pockets for side armor. One front map pocket with snap, hook and loop closure. All armor compartments (front, back and side) have hook and loop panels. Interior front and rear panels are padded and mesh covered for comfort and airflow. Vest is built with completely adjustable sides and detachable shoulder pads.
NOTE: Made of NON-BALLISTIC material. Strike plates are NOT included.

Features
Authentic Crye MultiCam material!
Armor plate compartments on the front, back, and side panels
Modular platform on all sides for attaching MOLLE pouches and accessories
Generous cut around the neck and shoulders provides a wide range of motion
Quick release buckles on shoulder straps and side straps
Accepts up to 10 x 13 body armor plates (not included)
Adjustable/detachable waist strap
Front map pocket with snap, hook and loop closure
Interior front and rear panels are padded and mesh covered for comfort and airflow
Emergency drag handle
Easy access to ballistic plates with pull down flaps
Fully adjustable size fits most personnel

The vest where the stitching is outsourced is found here, while the vest that isn't is found here.

Just in case you are curious, my vest will look like this:







So in short, i would just like to know if i could save a couple of bucks, or shell out the extra cash for the more expensive gear. What would you do in my position?

Thanks to all who post,

Donster 125

[Drake]

Okay first off, the OE Tech one is made by Condor.

Secondly, the second one also appears to be the Condor one, and is most likely identical to the first.

Thirdly, I think you're misreading the AirsoftGI sales hype: they aren't claiming third party stitching on that vest so much as "the Condor vest is cheaper because while it uses real MC material, it's been stitched together by another company [Condor, rather than Eagle]."

That being said, a lot of the Condor products are nice, but that particular PC in MC is reportedly shitty due to the MOLLE webbing. The strips are just the same material as the vest sewn into strips and it's not up to snuff. There's reviews about it. This one compares the non-MC Condor with the MC Condor, so it's a very fair comparison: http://www.maapr.com/virginiaairsoft...72a95ecc8ee5b0


If you're still keen on getting it, check eBay: I've seen them go for cheaper.

[Donster]

so i should stay away from both vests in your general opinion correct as they both have the shoddy MOLLE straps. Are the any official MC vests that you would recommend then?

[Kimbo]

On good vests, the pals (horizontal webbing) is never made out of the vest material.

[Donster]

thanks for the info. any of you know where i can get a similar style vest that is official MC and up to par?

EDIT: so i should steer clear of the PALS webbing (webbing that is the same material as the vest)

[Donster]

so i found this vest:
http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index....ROD&ProdID=342

i take it that is is up to par, but does anyone know where i can find a similar vest in official MC at a lower price? i looked at all my gear bookmarks, but to no avail.

[Donster]

How would this vest stack up?

http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?Page...PROD&ProdID=42

i think it should do fine no? and it has a great price.

[Snow_Raven]

I've only heard great things about Eagle's PC.

[Donster]

good to know. i wanted to buy the Blackwater PC, which looks just like the one in my original post on this thread, except with the proper MOLLE straps. it is discontinued unfortunately . i think i will get the Eagle since it is so well respected, decently priced and is similar to the design of the original vest.

EDIT: that being said, if anyone owns the blackwater vest that i am talking about, please PM as i am interested in picking it up. for those who dont know what i am talking about, it looks like this but in Multicam obviously:



http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?Page...OD&ProdID=1329

[alvin]

I just picked up a blackwater Multicam Molle vest from Dave's Tactical Supply about 2 weeks ago. I'll post some pictures when I get home tonight, overall I'm quite happy with the build quality considering I paid $130 Cdn for it.

Originally Posted by DONSTER 125

good to know. i wanted to buy the Blackwater PC, which looks just like the one in my original post on this thread, except with the proper MOLLE straps. it is discontinued unfortunately . i think i will get the Eagle since it is so well respected, decently priced and is similar to the design of the original vest.

EDIT: that being said, if anyone owns the blackwater vest that i am talking about, please PM as i am interested in picking it up. for those who dont know what i am talking about, it looks like this but in Multicam obviously:



http://www.skdtac.com/index.asp?Page...OD&ProdID=1329

Eagle is by far superior. You may have issues finding one in stock anywhere, however.

[Donster]

ya i know. i was looking everywhere for an Eagle PC Multicam in S/M.
However, i managed to grab the last one a Dave's Army Surplus. its been shipped to me as we speak. Envy me

[Drake]

Originally Posted by DONSTER 125

ya i know. i was looking everywhere for an Eagle PC Multicam in S/M.
However, i managed to grab the last one a Dave's Army Surplus. its been shipped to me as we speak. Envy me

It's MC so I'll pitty you instead </snark>

[Donster]

Originally Posted by Drake

It's MC so I'll pitty you instead </snark>

touche!

EDIT: but what made me fall in love with MC was this. i gotta agree with stalker, MC fascinates me