Help with I.D. of MEU vests

[Toothbrush]

Hey all the vest i was going to get doesn't seem like it is going to come so i am in the process of canceling that and looking into getting a vest that is or is similar to what Marine Expeditionary Units use. I crused over to www.usmc.mil and tried to see what i could. It appers they use a modular system (MOLLE perhaps?).

Anyway if some of the gear guys here wouldn't mind taking a look and seeing what they can see that would be of great help.

Thanks

www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/20046524436 some good pics there, click on the pic then at the bottem of that page you can view larger images.

or www.usmc.mil under units, expeditionary then the MEU group of your choice. (MEU 22...)

[Hadoken]

Well, its a Hard Plate Carrier of some sort, I just can't really tell which model/brand it is from those pics. Looks very similar to my old Paraclete plate carrier, but with some padding on the shoulder straps.

[Motown]

Some appear to be using the Paraclete Plate Carrier, though by the looks of it, most are wearing the MBSS (maritime ballistic survival system) Plate Carrier, though like Hado said, difficult to tell.

[frostee]

Yep, difficult to tell.
Hado, Paraclete makes a thick shoulder pad for the shoulder straps.

[Toothbrush]

Thanks very much guys... i will look into it.


after some looking i have found that diamond back tactical is having on sale on paraclete gear i can get the vest for $74 . this would leave me with pletty for pouches and those are on sale too.

Now first do you guys think diamond back is a good dealer and second they only have the vests in small... It is for persons under 175 pounds, I am 160 ish and 6'3", you guys think it will fit? also i am only 15 right now so i will probaly keep growing so would it just be worth it to go somewere else and pay more so i can use it in the future?

thanks again.

Edit: just read jacko's review on Diamond back, sounds good... still a bit worried on size though

and thanks for the diamond back info as well motown

[Motown]

Yes, Diamondback Tactical is an excellent retailer.

As far as size, you are quite limited with "small" however, if that means the size of the straps, you most certainly could add lengthier straps to accomdate your future girth if need be, though, I'm sure Hado can elaborate regarding the size issue.

[Hadoken]

The plate carrier is rather flexible as far as adjustment for girth and height go. But, while the size small should fit you might have trouble adjusting it to fit your weight.

My experience with the carrier was rather limited so I may have missed something. With the carrier's side webbing cinched tight enough to prevent the carrier from flapping about during high speed maneuvers I had ran out of velcro on the actual webbing itself to keep it secure. Though I'm sure you can use the vests triglide buckles to better cinch it down if you had to. Maybe Frostee could shed some more info.

As for DBT, Diamondback Tactical has had by far the best customer service of any online retailer I've dealt with over the years. The phone girls at DBT are simply amazing.
Sadly you're a little late on the Paraclete sale as most of the goodies are already sold out. Your best bet would be to give them a call and find out if they happen to have any more in stock. Chances are they'll be able to dig something out for you.

[frostee]

Hard to say whether you'd think the plate carriers are too small, but I would guess that at your height and weight the plate carrier will be the proper width for your torso, but may seem a bit short in the torso length (top of chest to waist)... but this is fine. You actually want a bit of freedom around your waist for bending. Going up a size (medium) will mean that there is more material near your shoulders, and across the width of your back, which can interfere with movement. Since you seem to be on the tall, thin side, I would imagine that you will stay that way for at least a few more years. Take a look at your lifestyle... are you into sports that require bodybuilding, such as football, rugby, lacrosse, etc? If so, you may want to consider finding a larger size now, so you can grow into it (provided you hang onto your equipment and don't sell your stuff every few months like some geardos I know). If not, then chances are that your body frame will remain similar to the way it is now and the small size will fit you for quite a while.

As for the shoulder and girth straps on the small plate carrier, they will have plenty of adjustment. I am 30lbs heavier than you and the straps have more than enough adjustment for me. In fact, when I cinch the straps the two velcro halves match up perfectly. I measured the amount of adjustment left over and the shoulder straps could be let out another 5" and the girth straps could be let out another 6" each side, for a total girth adjustment of 12". That is definitely more than enough strap adjustment.

If you give me some more data on your measurements I can give you a better idea if the small will work for you. If you have a flexible tape measure, measure your chest size. You do this by running the tape measure all the way around your torso, at the height of your nipples.
Then, measure your torso height, from your collar bone at the base of your neck to your belly button.

BTW if you are really set on getting the Paraclete plate carrier, but aren't in a hurry, I will be selling mine after Operation: Blind Fury. If you're interested I'll PM you with details.

[Toothbrush]

Thank again all

As for sports and such I run cross country that also includes wieght training and I climb as well.

frostee - PM sent