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Posted: 9/18/2016 2:26:37 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
All, Just a heads up I've been seeing a bunch of NIB RBAV-SF BALCS soft armor carriers On EBAY between 139-189.00 depending on size These were a modernization of CIRAS LAND variant... utilizing 500D cordura and was designed by the same folks behind Eagle CIRAS. It fit the user better due to the more supple base material IMO these represented the epitome of a releaseable BALCS outer vest design... in their heyday some years ago, these vests were north of 450.00... and even today I have not encountered a better engineered solution I'll be picking up a couple myself Any AF versions? Thanks for the heads up! |
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Posted: 9/18/2016 9:52:05 AM EDT
[#2]
Quoted: IMO these represented the epitome of a releaseable BALCS outer vest design... in their heyday some years ago, these vests were north of 450.00... and even today I have not encountered a better engineered solution Why are these 'better' than the other options? With everything in the marketplace, it is hard to 'window shop' for things like this so any advice you can provide is appreciated! |
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Posted: 9/18/2016 12:29:01 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Any AF versions? Thanks for the heads up! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
All, Just a heads up I've been seeing a bunch of NIB RBAV-SF BALCS soft armor carriers On EBAY between 139-189.00 depending on size These were a modernization of CIRAS LAND variant... utilizing 500D cordura and was designed by the same folks behind Eagle CIRAS. It fit the user better due to the more supple base material IMO these represented the epitome of a releaseable BALCS outer vest design... in their heyday some years ago, these vests were north of 450.00... and even today I have not encountered a better engineered solution I'll be picking up a couple myself Any AF versions? Thanks for the heads up! No AF versions that I saw, for the most part the feature differences are moot for civi use IMO |
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Posted: 9/18/2016 12:37:37 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Why are these 'better' than the other options? With everything in the marketplace, it is hard to 'window shop' for things like this so any advice you can provide is appreciated! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
IMO these represented the epitome of a releaseable BALCS outer vest design... in their heyday some years ago, these vests were north of 450.00... and even today I have not encountered a better engineered solution Why are these 'better' than the other options? With everything in the marketplace, it is hard to 'window shop' for things like this so any advice you can provide is appreciated! Why? It's a matter of personal prefereneeds and awareness of what's in the product space There have only been a few BALCS carriers since the inception of the SPEAR program that have been decently made and provide functionality How a carrier conforms it's ballistic package goes a long way to providing comfort to the user This carrier was designed by the same headshed that developed the CIRAS for Eagle Advantages 500d body construction, finer degree of sizing configuration internal magazine stowage/6x6 side plate pockets |
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Posted: 9/19/2016 7:47:56 PM EDT
[#5]
Damn it, egg!
I was perfectly happy with my Mayflower APC with D3CR. But I couldn't pass on that deal. Always wanted a carrier with BALCS soft inserts just because. Went ahead this weekend and ordered all the stuff - RBAV, BALCS inserts, MAP, rifle and pistol pouches. All SDS/BAE/Eagle. In MJK. Spent right at 300 for everything. Already have a spare set of plates to throw in there. I'll justify it by making it my "emergency rig" and leave it in the truck. ETA: Went back and did the math, spent $414.36. Still not bad for all I got. Could have came in under 300 without the MAP but it was there for a great price and I fent. |
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Posted: 9/22/2016 7:14:43 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No AF versions that I saw, for the most part the feature differences are moot for civi use IMO Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
All, Just a heads up I've been seeing a bunch of NIB RBAV-SF BALCS soft armor carriers On EBAY between 139-189.00 depending on size These were a modernization of CIRAS LAND variant... utilizing 500D cordura and was designed by the same folks behind Eagle CIRAS. It fit the user better due to the more supple base material IMO these represented the epitome of a releaseable BALCS outer vest design... in their heyday some years ago, these vests were north of 450.00... and even today I have not encountered a better engineered solution I'll be picking up a couple myself Any AF versions? Thanks for the heads up! No AF versions that I saw, for the most part the feature differences are moot for civi use IMO Just weight diff, that's all. |
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Posted: 9/23/2016 12:02:24 AM EDT
[#7]
Got mine in, it was NIB, and I had it set up in about five minutes... final sizing will be done once I get a BALCS softies inserted
All together a good option |
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Posted: 9/24/2016 6:12:46 PM EDT
[#8]
Kept the cummerbund slick so it doesn't affect access to my belt. Happy with the final result. |
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Posted: 9/25/2016 4:08:08 PM EDT
[#9]
From USRO, in Coyote Brown, Small only: Eagle Maritime CIRAS http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Eagle-Industries-Combat-Integrated-Releasable-Mari-p/9131.htm
From EntryGear: In MC only and universal fit, Deltoid pouches: https://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=BAE-7611 From EntryGear: BALCS RBAV-SF. SM and LG BLACK only: https://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=BAE-7600 |
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Posted: 9/26/2016 10:50:16 PM EDT
[#10]
I have and RBAV-AF and love it. It's a shame they stopped making them.
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Posted: 9/27/2016 12:30:01 AM EDT
[#11]
If that many people are looking for cutaway BALCS carriers maybe I should throw my DTB RCBV carriers up on the EE.
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Posted: 9/27/2016 4:28:26 PM EDT
[#12]
That's a lot of acronyms lol. Are these carriers pretty good? Im pretty new to this stuff but the prices you all are mentioning sound stellar.
Could someone tell me what it is I am looking for on Ebay? I would like a good reliable setup for that $300 ish price range as an extra. |
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Posted: 9/27/2016 4:29:23 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
<a href="http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/556Texas/media/967B9A6F-3626-4332-B62A-8DF6B3C65EB4_zpsedzb734z.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah101/556Texas/967B9A6F-3626-4332-B62A-8DF6B3C65EB4_zpsedzb734z.jpg</a> Kept the cummerbund slick so it doesn't affect access to my belt. Happy with the final result. Could you point me in the direction of this setup? Ebay is too vast for my newbie mind to comprehend |
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Posted: 9/27/2016 4:35:10 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Damn it, egg! I was perfectly happy with my Mayflower APC with D3CR. But I couldn't pass on that deal. Always wanted a carrier with BALCS soft inserts just because. Went ahead this weekend and ordered all the stuff - RBAV, BALCS inserts, MAP, rifle and pistol pouches. All SDS/BAE/Eagle. In MJK. Spent right at 300 for everything. Already have a spare set of plates to throw in there. I'll justify it by making it my "emergency rig" and leave it in the truck. ETA: Went back and did the math, spent $414.36. Still not bad for all I got. Could have came in under 300 without the MAP but it was there for a great price and I fent. Where did you get your BALCS inserts and keep to that pricing? |
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Posted: 9/27/2016 5:01:58 PM EDT
[#15]
There's a seller on eBay that had several sets, selling them for 150 a set. Stated they have been in a warehouse. Came in like new condition, 2009 manufacture, all Paraclete tags intact. Had 3 or 4 sets. Not sure if any more are left.
ETA: And remember I already had spare plates ahead of time, so that was everything MINUS plates. |
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Posted: 9/27/2016 5:33:12 PM EDT
[#16]
Sorry Fedele, didn't see your post.
There are smaller lighter newer options out there. My main rig is a Mayflower APC and I love it, but these are a good option if you want a vest with IIIA inserts or just looking for a good deal. An eBay search for RBAV should get you some well priced results for this carrier. As eggroll stated, there are a lot available in varying condition and prices right now. Good luck! |
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Posted: 9/27/2016 6:31:47 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sorry Fedele, didn't see your post. There are smaller lighter newer options out there. My main rig is a Mayflower APC and I love it, but these are a good option if you want a vest with IIIA inserts or just looking for a good deal. An eBay search for RBAV should get you some well priced results for this carrier. As eggroll stated, there are a lot available in varying condition and prices right now. Good luck! OK I have a banshee I just got but I'm a little large for it lol. I'll look on ebay for rbav OK got one ordered in tan $150.00 Eta, I got the XL one, where can I find XL soft armor inserts that fit this application? Didn't see any on ebay |
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Posted: 9/27/2016 9:45:28 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There's a seller on eBay that had several sets, selling them for 150 a set. Stated they have been in a warehouse. Came in like new condition, 2009 manufacture, all Paraclete tags intact. Had 3 or 4 sets. Not sure if any more are left. ETA: And remember I already had spare plates ahead of time, so that was everything MINUS plates. Thank you. I saw some BALCS armor from an outfit called AA Armor on Ebay and I was wondering if that is who you purchased them from. |
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Posted: 9/28/2016 10:03:51 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OK I have a banshee I just got but I'm a little large for it lol. I'll look on ebay for rbav OK got one ordered in tan $150.00 The RBAV takes standard BALCS panels. Just off the top of my head I think SKDTactical sells them. Eta, I got the XL one, where can I find XL soft armor inserts that fit this application? Didn't see any on ebay Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Sorry Fedele, didn't see your post. There are smaller lighter newer options out there. My main rig is a Mayflower APC and I love it, but these are a good option if you want a vest with IIIA inserts or just looking for a good deal. An eBay search for RBAV should get you some well priced results for this carrier. As eggroll stated, there are a lot available in varying condition and prices right now. Good luck! OK I have a banshee I just got but I'm a little large for it lol. I'll look on ebay for rbav OK got one ordered in tan $150.00 The RBAV takes standard BALCS panels. Just off the top of my head I think SKDTactical sells them. Eta, I got the XL one, where can I find XL soft armor inserts that fit this application? Didn't see any on ebay |
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Posted: 9/28/2016 5:55:10 PM EDT
[#20]
BALCS. Body Armor Load Carriage System
BALCS Cut refers to the pattern of the softarmor Insert thatt goes into these carriers. Typically a pair of Of Kevlar KM2 based IIIA inserts run about 425-450 While dyneema/spectra based IIIA inserts will run slightly more Used in part with SAPI/ESAPI Pattern hard armor plates along with 6x6 / 6x8 side |
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Posted: 9/30/2016 12:28:38 PM EDT
[#21]
Received a Vest today,new in the original plastic bag and complete as advertised. Wish to extend my thanks to eggrolly for posting the heads up as I've needed to replace the old vest I've had since Iraq. The Older style XL Sapi plates fit the XL vest perfectly. I do need to find a set of BALC soft armor now. So here's my noob question of the day. Are all BALC inserts universal or does this vest have a specific insert I need to be on the hunt for? And I guess second noob question is I'm sure there are fake/airsoft bs insert by now so what are the better/best inserts to buy. Thanks again for the heads up, now off to assemble the vest.
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Posted: 10/1/2016 9:06:31 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Received a Vest today,new in the original plastic bag and complete as advertised. Wish to extend my thanks to eggrolly for posting the heads up as I've needed to replace the old vest I've had since Iraq. The Older style XL Sapi plates fit the XL vest perfectly. I do need to find a set of BALC soft armor now. So here's my noob question of the day. Are all BALC inserts universal or does this vest have a specific insert I need to be on the hunt for? And I guess second noob question is I'm sure there are fake/airsoft bs insert by now so what are the better/best inserts to buy. Thanks again for the heads up, now off to assemble the vest. XL inserts for XL carrier If your insert is from a reputable source, then sizing will be in line It HAS to be BALCS sometimes advertised as "CIRAS" cut |
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Posted: 10/1/2016 10:36:12 PM EDT
[#23]
Thanks again eggrolly, I'll buy from a US vendor as I'm seeing to many listings for soft armor on ebay shipping from China and other non-US addresses. So far I've got 150 in the vest and SAPI plates so I can afford to splurge a bit.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
XL inserts for XL carrier If your insert is from a reputable source, then sizing will be in line It HAS to be BALCS sometimes advertised as "CIRAS" cut Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Received a Vest today,new in the original plastic bag and complete as advertised. Wish to extend my thanks to eggrolly for posting the heads up as I've needed to replace the old vest I've had since Iraq. The Older style XL Sapi plates fit the XL vest perfectly. I do need to find a set of BALC soft armor now. So here's my noob question of the day. Are all BALC inserts universal or does this vest have a specific insert I need to be on the hunt for? And I guess second noob question is I'm sure there are fake/airsoft bs insert by now so what are the better/best inserts to buy. Thanks again for the heads up, now off to assemble the vest. XL inserts for XL carrier If your insert is from a reputable source, then sizing will be in line It HAS to be BALCS sometimes advertised as "CIRAS" cut |
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Posted: 10/1/2016 10:44:31 PM EDT
[#24]
Inserts aren't a must if you have plates. Just saying.
I would have been perfectly content with just plates in mine, but just happened upon those inserts for a great deal. Perhaps some will pop up for you, too. Just keep an eye out. But, yes, definitely stick to reputable US inserts. |
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Posted: 10/2/2016 12:17:32 PM EDT
[#25]
Thanks 556Texas, what you say is very true but the inserts provide a little more protection and cover a little more area. I'll be watching/waiting on the black Friday sells unless a great deal pops up on the EE or I run across a set at the local gun shows. I picked up a Eagle Vest with one front SAPI in it at a show for 50 bucks a couple years ago and let a friend have it at my cost as he had no armor and it was too small for my fat ass. Price as too good to pass on however. There was a set of large BALC inserts on ebay yesterday if anyone is interested, 150 was the price not sure if that was shipping or extra, saw them while looking for the EXL set.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Inserts aren't a must if you have plates. Just saying. I would have been perfectly content with just plates in mine, but just happened upon those inserts for a great deal. Perhaps some will pop up for you, too. Just keep an eye out. But, yes, definitely stick to reputable US inserts. |
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Posted: 10/2/2016 12:20:38 PM EDT
[#26]
That's what I paid for mine, could be the same seller.
If so, those are good to go. |
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Posted: 10/3/2016 6:31:53 AM EDT
[#27]
I got a medium ranger green one for like $119 using make an offer. I wasn't really trying to buy one, just trying to see what the lowest price they'd accept was (defenseaquisitions was the seller) and learned that day that if a seller accepts your offer, you are obligated to purchase the item.
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Posted: 10/20/2016 1:06:23 AM EDT
[#28]
My XL BALCS for my XL RBAV showed up yesterday and I've been wearing it around my house this evening. I like it a lot. 15#, but "feels" much lighter.
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Posted: 10/23/2016 1:37:54 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My XL BALCS for my XL RBAV showed up yesterday and I've been wearing it around my house this evening. I like it a lot. 15#, but "feels" much lighter. Who did you end up going with for armor? |
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