Quote History Quoted:
I disagree with you on several points. First of all, check out UW Gear. He makes both AK 47 and 74 pouches and chest rigs. And sometimes will make custom camo patterns if you supply the material (but check with him first). So you can't just make sweeping statements that US makers suck in this regard because it's there, if you look. Yes the foreign gear guys have more experience with AK's and some good ideas, but some guys have also studied that and designed accordingly.
If you want to talk price point, then yeah, sometimes the foreign stuff is cheaper. But there's usually a reason for that. The stuff I've seen is typical com-bloc "goodinuff" quality, hardly on par with our custom guys. So apples to apples, if you got a rig made by UW Gear, I would bet you would be impressed by the quality over the com-bloc, or former com-bloc stuff.
I totally disagree with the idea that com-bloc designs have the "belt kit" sewn up. The Brits have always been head and shoulders over everyone (including us) in this regard. The com-bloc stuff I've seen is like our old LBV designs, which haven't been used in years, after the new BA came out. That's when the switch to the modern day chest rig came about. Now that belt kit is re-emerging, with the renewed interest in dismounted patrolling for jungle and mountain areas, the Brits are now making excellent belt kits again, such as Genuine Jay Jays out of Brecon, Wales, UK.
Finally, not all guys in the US are doing square range work for half days and then grounding gear. There is lots of serious training going on, even extended multi-day missions. There are rucksacks, chest rigs, and belt kits, that reflect this.
You have your opinions, and I have mine. Not trying to bust on you or change your mind. If you want to run foreign gear, hey drive on. It works. If you like it, you will train more in it. Nothing wrong with that. But it does not compare, in my opinion, to some of the stuff we have available over here.
But not to derail your post: Ukrainian Gear. Looks interesting. Works for them. Might be fun to R&D over here.
View Quote
In another forum I specifically called out UW for quality as well as one other.
On the quality issue, if you do the research there is top level quality gear made most places. Military's still need good gear, especially SF units. SSO is definitely on par with top end US makes. I own a lot off SSO and beat the shit out of it. I'd really suggest you try a Biker chest rig out. They work with AR mags also and is a great rig.
In regards to belts, the British have done well since even the 85 pattern. In my opinion the Smersh is the best belt based system around, it's my primary hunting rig now actually. I can scale it to weather, it's super comfortable, breathes well and has a large verity of pouches making it really versatile. The concript level belts look shitty, but but most units I've seen photos of are wearing SSO or similar. I am underwhelmed with the ANA items I've purchased, they definitely are not at US mill spec, SSO is for sure.
I spent 6 years in the Marine Corps and known a little bit about military supply and training. You don't generally see guys packing around a weeks worth of food on their person, yes it happens, but there is normally and resupply plan, 21 MRE's is a ton of bulk, not to mention weight. I'm not saying that other military's carry that much food either.
Most civilians in the US don't generally take rucking super seriously, yes they say the do but based on how they train woth their gear you can tell a 40 pound ruck isn't actually on their mind. My gear is all scaled with survival equipment and several days in mind. My belts can be set up for 3 days max if I'm feeling Spartan AF (2x 12L packs with some expansion on the sides). No US system is as comfortable with that much gear and food.
End of the day though, like posted above, I want it because I do. I like quality gear, and other takes and other doctrine makes me evaluate my personal choices and training. If I ever need my gear again, it's not going to be for force on force, evasions would be the goal.
I respect that your reply was well thought out and polite. I really think you should give a Nuker or Smersh a try, maybe it would give you a different perspective on non US gear. We do most things best, but not everything.
The Nuker is very similar to other US split front vests. It shines on its straps and ability to expand with some other SSO and US gear, I've mixed it up several ways. Its hard to see what's special about it until you hold it and wear it.
http://www.specialrussianshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=483