Looking into getting a new rig.

[Myers]

So I just got a new job where I'm making quite a bit more money than I'm used to having, so I finally have the cash needed to be able to invest in a "newer up to date" loadout. I ran a crossdraw 5+ years ago in my noob days, and I've been running ALICE gear ever since I sold the vest off due to the sheer fact that ALICE gear is ridiculously cheap. I think it's about time for a new rig.

Now, my issue is, I generally have no clue what type of rig to get since I'm so used to ALICE. Not really following any specific impression, just looking for something practical. I'm 5'10", right around 145lbs. (Gaining weight rather fast, though. Job gives me a pretty decent workout) Looking for something a little on the lighter side, due to the fact that I find myself to be an aggressive, "fast/quick" player. I rather do like the looks of the 6094A, but it looks rather bulky, and wouldn't be nearly as high speed as ALICE. I also really like the CIRAS, as well as the Cordura, but both of those seem even bulkier than the 6094.

Basically as you can clearly see, I haven't got the faintest idea on what to invest in. To sum it all up, I'm looking for preferably some sort of high speed PC to carry just the necessities and none of the extra tacticool BS. I know that we generally don't like "this vs that" threads on this forum, but I am really lost here. Having been using such old-school gear for so long, I have very little knowledge of what works best now. Any input and recommendations will be considered and will greatly be appreciated.

*EDIT* Forgot to add, I don't necessarily have a price range that I have to follow, but I would generally prefer the whole rig to cost ~$150.00 or less.

[Gabriel]

I can sell you a Pantac CIRAS in CB with a 1 point sling for 150 shipped.

[Impulse]

If you're comfortable with using the belt/suspenders setup, I recommend the Condor battle belt and H-harness. The bbelt is well padded and offers a good amount of PALS loops, and the suspenders each have additional space for smaller pouches. The back of the suspenders has PALS webs over a mesh panel for a hydro or backpack - I prefer to leave it clear and wear a separate assault pack.

I've owned a CIRAS, and played around with other rigs, but I always come back to the battle belt setup. New, it'll run you probably $40 for the suspenders and battle belt, you will need another belt to run through the middle, I use my ALICE pistol belt for this. Then of course you need pouches, which will add to your expense, I'm not going to go into detail on those since it'll depend on what size of belt you get.

On and off quickly. Lots of space. Doesn't block up your front and chest. Very adjustable for height, and belts are sold in various widths. Not for everyone, of course, but definitely lightweight and out-of-the-way.

[Foxy]

I agree with Impulse. I'm running that setup right now and it is great for moving light and fast. I did the battle belt, 1st Gen and the H-harness then added a compact pantac hydro with molle on it. Those 3 items ran me about 65ish. My only complaint is the padding on the belt, but the Gen 2 version is 50% less. IMO, its cheap, but not a bad setup if you want to go lighter and have more mobility than a plate.

[Crapshoot]

If you want something more low-profile than a 6094, two good choices would be the TAG Banshee and the replica Crye JPCs. The Banshee is around $120 depending where you get it from, and replica JPCs are about $100. The Banshee also has the option to remove the cummerbund, making it even more low-profile.

[Zorak]

Apr 6, 2013 22:39:14 GMT -5 Gabriel said:

I can sell you a Pantac CIRAS in CB with a 1 point sling for 150 shipped.

Don't post WTS or WTB outside of commerce. We don't want every gear or gun thread derailed by people offering to sell stuff.

Edit: Also your avatar was waaaay too big. It needs to actually be 100x100 or smaller, not some giant image set to 100x100.

[Dallas]

An RRV would be my first pick, but, after building mine, I realized that they aren't budget friendly at all.

like Crapshoot said, a replica JPC would be a good choice for a first plate carrier. They're like a 6094, having a kangaroo magazine pouch in the front, but more low-profile.

www.evike.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_165&products_id=36119

[ctres]

The 6094 is by no means a bulky plate carrier. It is a totally different design than the CIRAS, which is indeed bulky. Cordura is just a type of fabric, not a plate carrier.

Also, the JPC really isn't any more low profile than the 6094. Both have plate pockets perfectly tailored to fit an exact size and shape of plate, with no extra on the plate pocket. For some reason everyone seems to think the JPC is just somehow smaller, which it really isn't, it is however a bit heavier if you are into the nitty gritty ounces thing. If you want to get technical the JPC is maybe a little bit thinner in certain areas, but overall it has the same profile as the 6094.

With that said, I recommend the 6094 if you want a plate carrier, if you are looking at a chest rig, then that is a different ball park altogether. The 6094 is low profile, has built in radio/mag pockets on the cummerbund, has the kangaroo pocket on the front, and there are good quality replicas for pretty cheap. I'd recommend Flyye or AWS.

I have a real JPC and I like it, but I think that the 6094 is a bit better design wise, and is a bit more versatile. I just had an eagle MMAC (literally the same as a 6094 since the 6094 design isn't patented) and it was a better carrier than the JPC IMO, but I sold it because it was the wrong size and I didn't need it for my impression.

[Knife]

I personally dislike battle belt set ups. I've run them multiple times and with multiple belts (Crye Low Profile, HSGI, and Eagle off the top of my head). I've never found one I prefer to a plate carrier.

The CIRAS (and RBAV) are both bulkier than the 6094. Another alternative is the Eagle PC or replica, which is one of my favorite rigs. I've used one for years on and off.

The MBSS and replicas are pretty bad. The replicas are arguably designed better than the real ones, but I would still get something else.

[Coldwave]

Can't go wrong with an MBSS, still a PC with plenty of molle real estate, complete with open sides.

[Kir (3.14)]

If you really want the best bang for your buck, get together at your next event with a few guys of similar size that are running rigs, see what they run, ask to try theirs on/out if you know them well enough. See what feels right to you.

As you can see here everyone has their own opinion on what works and what doesn't, because we are all individuals, and something that works good for me might not work good for you, even if we consider ourselves having similar play styles.

Trying out stuff is free, so I'd go with that before you spend your hard earned cash.

[ctres]

I just saw this posted recently on another site.
www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Eagle-Industries-Multi-Purpose-Chest-Rig-MPCR-SFZ-p/3921.htm
Great deal for a really nice rig. Eagle quality and plenty of room for mags and molle on the sides for a bit of customization. If you are considering a chest rig then that might be the best bang for your buck.