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Posted: 5/1/2015 12:15:43 AM EDT
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Looking to get some help setting up this vest. It will serve as a grab and go when the SHTF. Also have a 3 day pack that I'll will be turning into a bug out bag. 
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Is that a vest or an armor carrier cover?
I think you'd be better off with a USGI FLC. It should cost you less than $20, have proper suspension adjustment, and breathe way better. Also, we can't help you set it up without more info. Perhaps peruse the various image threads (like the one dedicated to the FLC!  ) and let all of that sink in. If it's a grab and go for you, it should have whatever you think are the most important things to your immediate survival based on whatever scenario you are preparing for.
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Yeah, that looks like it'll be pretty floppy w/o panels inside. If you're not looking for ballistic protection maybe look at something like the FLC. Or find IOTV panels used somewhere. -------- If that takes IOTV panels, of course, someone smarter than me should be along to clarify I hope. ------- |
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It appears to be an IBA/OTV carrier, but judging from the stitching, buckles, and inconsistent MOLLE spacing, it's almost certainly an airsoft copy, and probably not up to the task of holding much weight for any length of time. Like the other guys, I would recommend starting over with a zippered FLC or the older (non-MOLLE) LBV(enhanced). DO NOT get the non-zippered buckle-only FLC version, too wobbly. Either should be around $20. If you keep looking, you could probably score a genuine IBA/OTV with IIIa armor for around $150-200. Good luck! |
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Here's that FLC thread. Enjoy.
The FLC is nice in that you can wear it by itself, or over armor, or with a backpack. Remember to leave the back bare, keep the pouches round the front and sides, rig it to ride high, and it wil work okay in conjunction with a pack. I think that whatever you do, it is important to be realistic in your expectations. 4-6 mags is probably more than enough. Just because there's available space doesn't mean you must fill it with another pouch. That was my mistake in the beginning. |
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We just can't tell if there's armor in it or not. Armorless armor carriers make terrible load bearing platforms, largely.
There's nothing wrong with using Condor or similar if that's all that you can afford. Your typical user will probably never notice the difference. That being said, there's plenty of surplus out there that's built fairly sturdily and won't break the bank. It may not look high speed, but don't dismiss it. ETA: I hear Condor has improved over the years, for what it is, but some of the stitching on that vest is a little rough. |
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Quoted:
Made by condor its a modular plate carrier. I picked it up about ten years ago when I played tactical paintball. If you guys think it's a air soft look like I'll start over. It looks pretty worn out. I would start fresh with a modern plate/armor carrier. Check out SKDTAC.com or optactical.com and see what is out there on the market. |
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Thanks!! Looks like I'll get a new one then. What do you guys think of AR500? it works if youre on a budget but ceramic is the way to go if you can afford it. Light weight ceramic plates are bad enough to wear for any length of time, i can maybe do a few hours before it starts to hurt but with steel plates you feel the pain in your joints immediately. Also there are some lvl 3 plates which will not stop basic rounds like m193 so i personally stepped up to lvl 4, its usually not that much more expensive than lvl 3 and its nice to know you are covered for like 99% of the small arms threats out there. Check out the plate/armor carrier thread for ideas on vests and how to position pouches. Also, this is just me but i keep my gear setup for home defense, not SHTF. Personally i feel home defense is WAY more likely than SHTF. By this i mean i dont keep my gear ready for a multi day adventure in the war torn wilderness. I keep my gear fairly light with the basics, my vest has soft armor, plate armor and 3 mags in front and thats it. this keeps it light and easy to throw on in a hurryvand is all i need to defense myself vs some thug that breaks into my home. I have a battle belt with pistol, IFAK, and other supplies just in case but realistically i doubt it will ever get used anywhere but the range. body armor can get expensive fast so take the time to do the research, make a budget, figure out what you NEED vs what you want and build from there. Also look for good deals on used gear. |
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Do you have a website you'd recommend? Opstactical.com Skdtac.com I have purchased from both and and returned items to both and had good success. Tnvc.com is a good for anything NV or IR related. If you want to buy Crye products just buy directly from them. Milspec monkey if need moral patches 
eBay, AR15 equipments exchange "EE", Craigslist, armslist, gunbroker are all good for finding used gear just do your research before buying. If I haven't said it already take the time to setup and excel spread sheet, it will help you compare gear features, prices and track what websites have what you are looking for. |
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