LVL. 5 PCU Differences (Mostly Brand)

[cqbr]

I am getting a LVL.5 PCU set and I am now lost amongst the differences and the versions that were and weren't made for real operators, etc.

Knife and Gent, you helped me a ton a few nights ago, but now I went searching and came across a bunch of different brands/models.

The best descriptions that I could find that show the actual product in real life were on eBay. Here are some of the links to give you an idea of what I am getting when I search. It may not be the exact one I am looking at, but you can get the jist of it.

I now know that ORC's PCU is Discontinued making it THAT much harder to find. I am leaning towards that since it is the one that I found the most info on. This seems like a nice jacket that should keep you warm and dry in cold temperatures, correct? (Say, for an upcoming game. ) (cgi.ebay.com/ORC-INDUSTRIES-PCU-LEVEL-5-SHELL-JACKET-PANTS-NEW-MED_W0QQitemZ270316782192QQihZ017QQcategoryZ104023QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Then I see the QAR (Queen Anne's Revenge) version of the ORC LVL.5 PCU. They look to be the same. Right or Wrong? (cgi.ebay.com/ORC-QAR-TAGGED-GRAY-PCU-LEVEL-5-SOFTSHELL-JACKET-MEDIUM_W0QQitemZ250339352529QQihZ015QQcategoryZ70988QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Next up is a version made by NWT and Patagonia (cgi.ebay.com/NWT-GRAY-PATAGONIA-GEN-II-PCU-LEVEL-5-JACKET-PANTS-LG_W0QQitemZ250339353405QQihZ015QQcategoryZ70988QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) Same question as before. Is it basically the same jacket, just with a few different features? Or a totally different design?

One last question....

What is the MAIN difference between the PCU system, and the MCU system?

From what I can tell, the PCU seems to be the better of the two and offers more repelling capabilities as well as wind protection.

But if I'm wrong, please let me know guys.

[Gentner]

Personally I really dont like to screw with the people on Ebay. Usually they wont rip you off, but looking at a lot of those listings they are over charging you. I think I gave you the link directly to ORC but if you dont have it Ill post it again. Through them you can get a complete set for 220 shipped, assuming you are a medium.

Jacket, ORC, Medium, Alpha Green, Level 5.
www.orcind.com/webstore/product_view.asp?id=247

Pants, ORC, Medium, Alpha Green, Level 5
www.orcind.com/webstore/product_view.asp?id=109

Now from my understanding, MCU is the updated and semi upgraded version of the original PCU. Main difference I could tell from it was that they are made of a different material and the stitching is a little better and along with that, their is a little bit more velcro. Aside from that, I really couldnt tell you the true differences between the two and their water repelling abilities.

Now if you do need a large, you'd need to go to Ebay, but just be a little more cautious when you do. I have a couple buddies in the Army who bought some PCU equipment and recieved the Ebay Banned versions when the listings said Original ORC.

You might also want to get ahold of GBiscuit as I know he picked up a PCU Level 4 from ORC and he would know more about this then anyone else I would think.

[GrinchBiscuit]

PCU is old, the new(er/ish) MCU is the same thing except it has been modified a bit.

That ZOMGSEALZ Queen Annes Revenge tag version is a load of bullshit, all of the ORC PCU/MCU is tagged that way.

That Readyone/Patagonia set is a killer deal though.

But if your feeling highspeed, I would check out the Beyond Tactical Level 5 stuff. Its all built to your own specifications. Many of the guys that own any BT gear say its some of the best technical clothing they have ever worn, ever. Even over TAD.

If I were you, I would just get an MCU/PCU Lvl 4 and a nice fleece. That combo would work in the same way that the Level 5 works, but for half the price, and you can de-layer.

Honestly, all Level 5 kit is going to do the same thing, get which one you think looks coolest.

EDIT: Ask around this thread on Wannabe for more info. I admit, I know a bit about the subject, but those guys take it beyond hobbying.

[cqbr]

Yeah Gent, I'm a fattie so I need a large However, I keep hearing that the ORC LVL.5 PCU runs big, so maybe a medium will indeed fit me. I will have to check ORC's return policy on that though.

I looked into the custom Beyond Tac. ones, and the stuff I wanted is gonna be a little more than I want to spend.

Gbisky- About that Patagonia set, is that basically the same design and fabric/materials as the ORC stuff? Or is it "Fleecier"?


EDIT: Stinkin' WannaBe d-bags. "The board administrator is no longer accepting any new registrations at the moment"

[GrinchBiscuit]

Yeah, its all the same material for the Readyone/Patgonia stuff, Its also all issue kit.

Dec 13, 2008 0:40:24 GMT -5 cqbr said:

I looked into the custom Beyond Tac. ones, and the stuff I wanted is gonna be a little more than I want to spend.

Says the guy who is considering buying PVS-7s.

[cqbr]

Dec 13, 2008 17:27:00 GMT -5 GrinchBiscuit said:

Yeah, its all the same material for the Readyone/Patgonia stuff, Its also all issue kit.

Dec 13, 2008 0:40:24 GMT -5 cqbr said:

I looked into the custom Beyond Tac. ones, and the stuff I wanted is gonna be a little more than I want to spend.

Ok thanks G. I think I'm gonna concentrate on the Patagonia set then.

Dec 13, 2008 17:27:00 GMT -5 GrinchBiscuit said:

Says the guy who is considering buying PVS-7s.

Shhh...it's a secret. You'll be the first friend to use em if you want.


EDIT: The $96 ORC PCU I linked on eBay in the first post, just sold for $212.50. I guess you were right Gent.