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4/19/2026 6:53:50 PM EDT
Does anyone have experience with the Esstac Shooter's Harness? I haven't had anything like an LBE since I was a cadet in the early 90's.

I'd like to have one just because, no real need in the suburban world I live in. I'd probably use it the next time I do a run n gun just because. I normally use a small chest rig and belt.

I saw the new JayJay's gen 5 rig on an Instagram post and it got me thinking again after the jungle rig thread here. I'd appreciate anyone's insight.

Esstac Shooter's Harness

JayJay's Gen 5 Commanders Rig
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

The urge to save humanity is almost always only a false-face for the urge to rule it. - H.L. Mencken
4/19/2026 7:25:40 PM EDT
[#1]
OP no experience with either but just my 2 cents.

I personally like something that I can change configurations as needed.

I don't like pouches permanently attached.
4/20/2026 12:32:04 AM EDT
[#2]
JayJays is top quality stuff.  But expensive to get here in the USA.

Esstac - I love Esstac stuff usually, but the belt and harness isn't padded.  It's not going to be as comfortable really loaded up like you would want with a true set of LBE.  

Look at the Crossfire DZ Rig.  It's the best deal going in LBE.  It's close to as nice as the JayJays stuff is, with some features being even better (the pouch closure system for example).  And it's half the cost here in the states, after factoring in shipping and such.

As for sewn on pouches - there are real pros and cons to sewn on vs. molle.  Pros - sewn on is lighter, stronger, more stable, less wobble and flop in the pouches, and especially for belt kit - when you wear a pack with belt kit, and it rests on top of the rear pouches, it won't stretch the molle attachment system that would happen if the pouches were MOLLE instead of sewn on.  Cons - the Molle is more customizable.  

The Crossfire and some of the JayJays kits - the rear (water and utility) pouches are sewn on, and the ammo pouches are all MOLLE attached, so you can customize them.

If you want a true fully MOLLE setup, SORD has their patrol line MOLLE belt that is a good starting base for a cheap price.  Their harness sucks though  (it's not breathable in the back, big L there SORD) - but there are other options for harnesses.  The British / Dutch PLCE surplus harnesses work fine if you are on a budget.  There's a number of other harness makers out there too that make good stuff.
4/20/2026 3:36:54 PM EDT
[#3]
I am a Crossfire DZ rig enjoyer . I find it's a good middle ground because of budget, availability, lots of patterns, MOLLE on the ammo pouches where it matters  most in my opinion. Besides  , everyone should have a good LBE setup anyway.
4/21/2026 11:00:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks everyone, that's good information.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

The urge to save humanity is almost always only a false-face for the urge to rule it. - H.L. Mencken
4/21/2026 11:35:01 PM EDT
[#5]
Unless that part where the front straps slides through is round it looks like those straps would fray over time.
Attached File
4/22/2026 4:08:29 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By brachiosaur:
Unless that part where the front straps slides through is round it looks like those straps would fray over time.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/516916/Screenshot_20260421-223133_Brave_2_jpg-3750544.JPG
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That’s a simple fix, but if you’re using your gear that much, then I’m pretty sure you can afford a new one. ANYTHING that’s made of nylon/cloth will wear out over time.
Your painted rifle is ugly, but I’m uglier, so send it to me and I’ll make it look good!

If it weren’t for double standards, we’d have no standards at all.
4/25/2026 12:46:57 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Kane419:
I am a Crossfire DZ rig enjoyer . I find it's a good middle ground because of budget, availability, lots of patterns, MOLLE on the ammo pouches where it matters  most in my opinion. Besides  , everyone should have a good LBE setup anyway.
View Quote


Definitely go with this.

JayJay’s new laminate version of their commander’s webbing is a little better than the DZ for shedding water, purely due to being made from laminates, but it’s more expensive, and still not as good when it comes to the small details and user comfort.

I’d lean towards the Esstac over the JayJay’s gen 5 if you’re really set on something made from laminates, since it’s going to be lighter and less spendy. They’ll also do goofy camo patterns and other weird custom shit for you, since Stu is awesome. Just don’t load it up super heavy,

If you’re not planning on larping like it’s Vietnam, fording rivers/creeks and having to drip dry while on the march, go with the DZ, you cannot go wrong with it. My only aggravation has been setting it up with armor, but that’s because I’m a pedantic jackass with OCD.
4/25/2026 1:21:49 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rb889:

My only aggravation has been setting it up with armor, but that’s because I’m a pedantic jackass with OCD.
View Quote


Crossfire is eventually coming out with a low profile harness.

You can always use other low pro harnesses with the belt too.
4/25/2026 10:30:24 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By marnsdorff:


Crossfire is eventually coming out with a low profile harness.

You can always use other low pro harnesses with the belt too.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Originally Posted By marnsdorff:
Originally Posted By rb889:

My only aggravation has been setting it up with armor, but that’s because I’m a pedantic jackass with OCD.


Crossfire is eventually coming out with a low profile harness.

You can always use other low pro harnesses with the belt too.


It’s less the yoke being too thick, and more about just getting everything to sit and stay where I want it for consistently shouldering a rifle.

The more I’ve messed with it, the more I’m convinced it’s a plate carrier issue rather than an issue with the harness. The yoke doesn’t move, the carrier does. Hence my experiments with onewrap on the straps to try and get everything to sit still.

4/25/2026 10:45:33 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rb889:


It’s less the yoke being too thick, and more about just getting everything to sit and stay where I want it for consistently shouldering a rifle.

The more I’ve messed with it, the more I’m convinced it’s a plate carrier issue rather than an issue with the harness. The yoke doesn’t move, the carrier does. Hence my experiments with onewrap on the straps to try and get everything to sit still.

View Quote


Maybe something like the shoulder straps on the PASGT vests? Albeit lower profile.  While it may have been a bit bulky, when I had my LBV tied in that way it, it definitely made it feel like one unit. And the bulk of the weight was on the belt line since I was a SAW gunner and had two 200 round box pouches on the belt, as well as my Pro Mask.

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