For background, I bought this a couple years ago at a gunshow when I lived in Massachusetts. Dealer had a stack of them; I looked at the one on the top, looked good. After I handed the dealer my money (and got change), the dealer pulled a "here, take this one. I just don't want to give you the top one since it's the only one I put a price tag on".

After getting home I discovered what I got just doesn't feel as high quality.

Is this just a different generation, or did I get a knock-off? I'm trying to decide if I want to try fixing this (i.e., spending hours with a lighter trying to melt the frayed edges) or just replace it.

Outside:


Inside:


Almost every line of stitching has a big loose thread:


There's a little fraying on the adjustment cord, and the plastic adjustment dohickey is green and white:


Another example of the loose threads:


Basically every edge where fabric was cut is fraying, some of it pretty bad







There are zero markings on it. The strap adjustments are all plastic (not metal like the old ALICE suspenders and backpack). The fabric all feels slick.

Knock off. The real thing would be labeled.

Thanks.

Any idea where I can get a legit one? I'm kinda hesitant to order on ebay (because I expect to get another knockoff).

I also agree on the knock off. I rocked a real one for 6 yrs doing Army shit.

As far as getting one, they can be had, beat to shit, for $5, but a second gen one with mesh and near new or new are $15.

Coupled with a sturdy belt, you can carry all you'd ever want to carry.

Here's one.

There's many sources. Try some of arfcoms business partners.

unclesam's retail outlet gets them frequently. They don't look like they have them now, but you can always go MOLLE (which is a better platform, anyways)

Here is a used GI model for $16 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Army-Issue-Enhanced-Tactical-Load-Bearing-Vest-8415012968878-/311393048343?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item488078d717

I believe the knock-offs hold 8 M16 magazines, while the USGIs hold 6.

Picked one up from a local surplus store over the weekend.

Does this look like the correct markings?

Yup you got a good one this time.

You could look at the material of the 1st one and know that its a fake.