Worthwhile?

[hoggie]

I'm looking at www.shootercbgear.com/product_info.php?products_id=676&osCsid=l6tsbg3jd4k4gian55ig5tp8r2 this right now.

I'm wondering: Is this really the style of loadout our Recon soliders use? If not, what kind of impressions would it fit with? And would it be worth to get Flyye compared to a Chinease Replica?

Sorry mods if this was suppose to be in impressions. Wasn't sure where it fit properly.

[samfisher]

What you're looking at is the Flyye knock-off of the Eagle Industries CIRAS-Land (CMS-MC-CIRAS) they have been purchased by the United States Special Operations Community (USSOCOM) and have been fielded by various units within that command. The Land Version has been seen worn by Marine Recon and Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU). I have seen pictures of SEAL units and MARINE Recon as well as MEU wearing the Maritime version.

The CIRAS being an "armor carrier" instead of just a "plate carrier" it is capable of acceping soft armor panels under the hard armor plates. The soft armor panels provide more protective coverage from pistol caliber bullets, fragmentation, and shotgun rounds than the hard armor plates alone. For that reason it was used heavily in Iraq, but because of the added weight is used less frequently in Afghanistan where plate carriers are more used. Obviously, having both the plates and the soft armor panels contributes to it having more weight than just a plate carrier. It's also a 1000 Denier vest, so that adds to the weight as well, but it makes it very durable.

The Flyye is generally considered the best replica on the market. Although other brands use, or claim to use, the 1000 Denier Cordura material you'll notice right away a significant difference between the stitching used on the less expensive Chinese replicas. Look at the stitching on the MOLLE and you'll notice the stitching on the Flyye to be more robust. Your weak point to gear is typically the stitching so you want that stiching as tight and robust as possible.

In my opinion having viewed the PANTAC (a great replica as well) and other types of vests Flyye's Coyote Brown is the closest in color to Eagle Industries.

It's an excellent choice in my opinion. Especially since you get a number of pouches in the set. It would NOT be my first choice during hot summer months though for wear. I'd say if you want to go the CIRAS route and don't want to go to the expense of going for the real Eagle the Flyye is a good choice.

[Thor]

If you're thinking of doing a US Army kit with it, get it in khaki. If you're planning on Marines, go with Coyote Brown. I should also point out that the Maritime version is much more common than the Land version. Really the only difference is how the side panels get velcroed down. In my opinion the Maritime is easier to don and doff because you just have to undo one side or the other.