Need major help with vest

[slayaplaya37]

I need some MAJOR help with choosing a vest, I know the different types, but I don't know what one to get.

I am a small guy, about 5' 6" 120 lbs. I currently use this chest rig thing that doesn't fit well, is half-broken, and doesn't carry enough mags.

So, I am going to buy a vest and I don't know what one or type to get... I was thinking a plate carrier, but I'm not sure.

Restrictions:
Needs to hold 8 M4 mags.
Vest needs to be under $200.
Needs to be able to fit me, was thinking a cummerbund would make it easier.

That's about it, I'm pretty flexible on what it is.

Also, I see some events recommend / require a radio, what kind should I get that will work with everyone else's?

Thank you for your time and advice, I really appreciate it, and I hope to see you on the field!

P.S. I did do a search for this, and came up with nothing that helped.

[bobbunny]

www.airsoftsmith.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=31_77&products_id=2986
$131

www.airsoftsmith.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=31_75&products_id=1378
$30

I can't seem to find a double single pouch though. However, that is around $160, so a single wouldn't cost that much anyway to put you over 200. Buy stuff used, and you save more.

Nothing wrong about Talkabouts for radios. Cheap and effective.

[Dallas]

Pantac RRV:
www.airsoftsmith.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=31_77&products_id=1963

Pantac TPC w/cummerbund:
www.airsoftsmith.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=31_77&products_id=3173

I would recommend the TPC. I currently use this, but I'm not quite small enough for it to fit properly. Without the cummerbund, you'll only be able to hold a triple mag pouch and a small admin, so get the cummerbund version if you want to carry anything more than the bare minimum.

The RRV is also very good, but lacks a back MOLLE panel. You can always get a back panel for it at the same site. It has significantly more MOLLE space in the front than the TPC, though.

[Fear Roback]

This Is what I run with.. $106.00 w/o Tax

Condor Modular Operator Plate Carrier $68.00
www.phoenix-tactical.com/products/Condor-Modular-Operator-Plate-Carrier.html

X2 OE TECH M4 Magazine Dual Pouch ( OD ) $ 20.00
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_101_296&products_id=1150

OE TECH MOLLE Handheld Radio Pouch ( OD ) $7.00
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=6376

OE Tech Molle EMT Pouch ( OD ) $ 11.00
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_101_298&products_id=3633

[ctres]

With a budget of $200 there is ABSOLUTELY no need to get clone gear.
You actually have a lot of options. For example you could watch ebay and find a real eagle industries RRV, or even new you could get stuff from TAG or Mayflower.

www.tacticalassaultgearstore.com/chestrigs.aspx
www.tacticalassaultgearstore.com/bansheerifleplatecarrier.aspx
www.skdtac.com/Mayflower-UW-Chest-Rig-Gen-IV-p/mfr.510.htm

Or even a sort of real 6094
awsin.com/products.asp?id=104

All of those are way cooler options than clone gear, and they support US companies that are innovating new products. If you can get real gear for the same price as Pantac there is no reason not to.

Don't rule out a chest rig altogether. Those TAG or mayflower ones are a better buy than a pantac plate carrier with a bunch of pouches, not to mention all the cool points for legit gear.

[bobbunny]

PANTAC is a great company for gear. Now, obviously with that budget, you should get some nice legit stuff. Pantac is pretty damn good. Getting the serious legit stuff however, shoots the price range out when it comes to plate carriers (Which he wanted).

[Psychosis]

That's why he linked the shellback banshee plate carrier, which is $122 and recently approved for personal purchase by the LAPD. It's arguably the best value for MOLLE/Cordura on the market right now.

[slayaplaya37]

Thanks a ton for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. If anyone else has any suggestions I am still open to them.

[slayaplaya37]

I was also thinking about this one:
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_96&products_id=2692

Because it is cheap enough that I could get a tan one and a green one so I could have a wider range of field options or team options. (Seems like sometimes the team nationalities at bigger events change between tan or green. Like Americans might be tan at one event and green at another.)

[Crapshoot]

Gear color is irrelevant to which team you are on 99% of the time. Another option is the HSGI Weesatch. Although it may be $10 over your budget, it is a great PC and the bib can fold down to make it a chest rig. www.hsgi.us/proddetail.php?prod=HSG-WEE&cat=47

[ctres]

Oct 7, 2012 7:45:32 GMT -5 slayaplaya37 said:

I was also thinking about this one:
www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_96&products_id=2692

Because it is cheap enough that I could get a tan one and a green one so I could have a wider range of field options or team options. (Seems like sometimes the team nationalities at bigger events change between tan or green. Like Americans might be tan at one event and green at another.)

No. There is no need. Just get one actually good setup. Another option is the mayflower APC for just over $200, but then you would still need pouches. If you are dead set on a plate carrier then the TAG banshee is a good buy. Condor/OE tech is junk for your budget, and Pantac is good but not the real deal. Unless you are going for a specific realistic impression there is no reason to buy a Pantac carrier for the same price as a real chest rig or carrier.