Previously ive delt with USMC LBE and it did what it needed to. Welp times have changed. About 2 years ago, I picked up an SDS improved Chest harness, it worked well but I felt it wasnt complete enuff for me. One of the main things was no place to really add Body armor or plates and there was no back to it. So through my searchings I came across Blackwater gear. Ive ordered pouches from them b4 and liked their stuff, so I thought id see how their chest rig setups were. Realistically im only goin to use this for tactical rifle comps or any tactical classes I may venture into. But if SHTF, id like to be better prepared than what I was previously.
The Gear:
Blackwater Gear I-O Tactical LB Vest
(this is what it looks like bare, I wasnt about to take all my shit off for photo op. lol)
I ordered mine in ranger green (OD), I personally dont mind the mix matched colors of Tan, desert and OD.
The pouches are a mix of SDS and Blackhawk and Blackwater.
Double Ar mag pouches, Quad .45/9mm pouch, single mag pouches (used for smoke and LED), accessory pouch (has survival/shtf type gear), 1 20rd mag w/EBC subsonic 62gr.
For Level II protection, I picked up some Plate backers from D-R on here thru the EE. For rifle protection ill had some hard plates when and if I can get some.
Here it is all loaded up
Here is the Underneth
I added the side pouches that come with the chest rig, it adds more molle panels and you can put more panels or gloves ,etc inside it they have a velcro encloser.
Here are the plate backers from D-R, they are encased cordora material. They are lightweight and flexible.
Here is the Platebackers installed in the front panel. You can also see the side panels attached to both sides of the front panel.
There are 2 buckles on each side of vest to help get in and out of it. But honestly they are so far behind you that they are a bitch to reach. I guess the ppl at Blackwater thought about this and get this easy escape hatch for their vests. It is zipped offset on the front with velcro on the bib part. I have mixed reviews about this. Once I field test it, ill know if I like this or not.
Here is the layout. The survival pouch on the one side and the LED & 20rd mag actually are on the side.
Overall its pretty comfy for the limited time ive had with it. Im hoping to go thru some real movements in the next month or two when we have the tactical rifle comps. There is pretty good adjustments. So, itll fit a wide range of bodies. The material from Blackwater is pretty thick and seems durable. The buckles are supposedly some anti NV paint or material. Ill have to take a peek thru my NV and see what I see. lol.
Welp this is my initial review of these products. Once I field test them, ill revisit this thread and give my honest opinons on this setup.