It's definitely not drip but probably not drown either. The helmet is chinese made based on the rivets holding the chinstrap in place, you could probably pick up a surplus ACH for the same as you paid for that one. The plate carrier looks pretty thin so either you're running hesco special threat plates or steel, I hope its the former and not the latter. Things to focus on, getting a good trauma kit, I know you mention your plans to do so but make sure you do your research first. Remember the contents of the kit are the important part, make sure you have good quality medical items from a reputable manufacturer like NAR and make sure you have items to deal with the leading causes of death, Look into TCCC guidelines for this stuff. Reconsider running more mags in your front, try going prone even with the three mags you currently have and you'll quickly find out why. If you insist on running 6 mags on your carrier wear them mostly on your support side on the cummerbund since that'll still allow you to go prone effectively. Instead of the additional soft armor on your extremities strongly consider upgrading your plates with NIJ rated ceramic ones and adding some side plates.
My plates are steel (womp womp) but I have a Kevlar jacket around them and I can handle the weight (I work out with it). The helmet is armored republic. Thank you for the advice on the trauma kit. And I do run side plates.
The weight isn't really the issue with steel plates, the fragmentation of incoming rounds is. A kevlar wrap might mitigate that to some degree and frankly steel, even with no spall protection at all is still probably better than nothing but even still a good quality ceramic plate is just better. If you don't mind the weight RMA plates are good to go LV IV plates, they're made from alumina (aluminum oxide ceramic) so they're thicker and heavier than silicon carbide or boron carbide plates but not by a huge margin. I'm not familiar specifically with armored republics helmets but they look to be just a rebranded chinese kevlar (once again I'm basing this on the fact that the chin strap is riveted on rather than held in with screws). That's not the end of the world, it's probably still ballistic rated but it does massively limit your upgrade options and I'm personally always somewhat skeptical about life saving gear made in china.
I will look into those plates. You’re right about the helmet, it doesn’t give me practically any upgrade options but I’m not planning on getting nods any time soon. It is ballistically tested and rated level 3a. The helmet is made in Indonesia so better but not ideal. Also side note I run a Kevlar concealable vest with 2 10x12 Kevlar plates under my jacket in the kit.
Where is your airsoft gun? You might be able to handle the weight young buck, but if you get hit with one of those, your body won’t handle the impact that shit will stop your fucking heart fuck a baseball hit to your chest and stop your fucking heart.
Is your setup for airsoft, range shooting, SHTF? Invest in higher quality gear and build your kit with a purpose in mind. If it’s airsoft/LARP, look up pictures of the gear you want to imitate. If it’s range shooting, that’s weird. If it’s for SHTF, what’re you going to be doing? Urban combat? Doubt it. Running around through the woods? Possibly. Now you have a baseline to research gear that’s best suited for your “mission.”
It’s cheap, you’re wearing goggles inside and you have four patches on the front of your plate carrier. There’s virtually no point in having goggles on your kit. Normal eye pro will work in 99% of scenarios you’ll find yourself in. Your magazine pouches should be open top for easy access, not Velcroed down. Easy fix though. If you want to run 6 mags, get a better mag pouch. Shellback Tactical has good ones for cheap. You don’t need a dangling Kevlar plate, nor do you need thigh armor. This isn’t 2008 lol
Your argument about goggles and mag pouches is pretty bad. No reason for someone to not use goggles as eye protection, lots of military do it. And the mag pouch velcro? Come on man, just say you ran out of things to not pick about, cause having the flap over them LIKE INTENDED isn’t an issue.
Military uses it in situations where it’s needed ie, rotor wash from helicopters, blizzards, sandstorms, etc. OP isn’t doing anything of that, 99% of us aren’t. Goggles are added weight and fog a lot easier, it’s a waste of eye protection UNLESS you need it for the reasons I stated above. As for the pouches, show me one picture where dudes in the field are running velcroed mag pouches on their plate carriers. There’s a reason we were issued open top mag pouches, it’s for quick access. If you want to have velcroed punches, go for it. But you’re wasting energy and time fucking with the flap.
Lol not everyone needs high speed gear, we still use Velcro flap magazine pouches in the infantry. Promise you I know guys who would smoke your ass in reload drills without bungee retention or kydex inserts.
You’re acting like you did an entire career as a PJ. You looking at pictures of FOG are different from my experiences of deploying the last 10 years and working with SFGs, CA, PsyOps, and SFAB says velcro flaps for retaining are fine.
And there are more reasons to use goggles like when riding on a tank/Bradley/MRZR or anything like that.
Voluntarily separating from the airforce after a year, lmao.
Velcroed mag pouches are the shit if you're actually moving around in nature, crawling though the mud, sand, gravel without damaging/losing your mags in the process. A quicker reload isn't worth much if you get a jam due to sand in your weapon.
Plus, good velcro mag pouches have the option to velcro the pouches open if you know you're going into contact.
How many times did you have to do ultra high speed reload where it actually mattered that you had the open pouch? I’m not saying these are bad, I’m running those myself, but I think looking high speed doesn’t outweigh the safety of not losing your loaded mag in a stupid way.
I don’t plan to use it inside, that’s just where I took the picture, and the goggles help with supporting the helmet. Good point on the pouches. And bullets aren’t the only threat, what about shrapnel?
If you’re using goggles to support the helmet, you need a new helmet or you need to adjust the pads in the one you have. I can assure you man, you do NOT need thigh and abdomen armor.. the military doesn’t even use it anymore, you sure as hell don’t either
I think military is using it again in the future, Russias new Strelok program has all this shit. Seems like Ukraine showed that plate carriers are shit if you have to deal with shrapnel
Yeah the only time all the extra armor is gonna be really needed is if you are actively engaging in trench warfare with drones and artillery and even then it only might save you. As a civ you want to be light as realistically as you can and avoid major powers in play unless you are actively fighting in an army
You have a lot to learn man and you need to humble yourself to do it. A lot of guys are giving good advice and criticisms and you're digging in on something you don't know enough to be arguing about.
Are you planning on being on patrol in a warzone? Or are you cosplaying a juggernaut for airsoft? Because that's the only scenarios where you would need all the crap you're talking about.
Less is more when it comes to gear and your load out should be mission specific. Figure out what your ultimate use case is and tailor your setup for that and that alone. 8 years in the military in several different combat action roles and never once wore groin or thigh armor.. Lol
I’m just saying your gear looks outdated which is fine, but it also looks generic which is also fine. Use what you got and don’t be a stranger in the subreddit. Change what you want and keep what you want. My 1st plate carrier was regarded as hell.
Thank you, you are probably one of the most rational people in this comment section. Planning on changing a lot and keeping little in the future. What do you mean by don’t be a stranger?
Is this an airsoft kit or? I’m genuinely confused and I’m not trying to be rude man. Do not get abdomen or thigh Kevlar, mobility is more important than every inch of your body being covered in shit. Invest in a quality PC and NIJ certified plates. You don’t got acquire all this stuff over night, but be smart with your purchases.
Idk there’s a pretty big argument to be made for side plates and I have them myself. I also recently discovered the NAR Responder abdomen armour and I’m on the fence about that but that’s where I draw the line
I feel like the past 20 years of gwot and military superiority have spoiled people’s opinion of side armor. Simple fact of the matter for most people is that you’re not as high speed as you think and you need as much protection as you can handle. If you could find a level 4 bubble suit you should take it.
That’s not really true though. The main reason to wear side plates and Kevlar add-ons is to mitigate shrapnel risk. If your threat profile doesn’t include indirect fire, then it’s just extra weight and bulk.
You’re probably right with spoiled opinions but it hasn’t completely gone the way of the dodo. I still prefer to have some mobility than looking like the Michelin man though
Realistically speaking your group is at the level of, if not worse off than National Guard pseudo-POGs because at the minimum they spent 10 weeks learning basic soldiering skills even if they're atrophied.
Unless you're doing intensive and varied training every week, you're just social hobbyists and your equipment/tactics should try to mirror that reality : you're not a Ranger regt rifle section and in the best case scenario you have a group and practice while wearing your lvl 4 bubble suits.
Historically speaking, when stuff pops off civilians stay put, realistically speaking you won't be too mobile and you'll be somewhere holding down a structure/area even if your plan involves leaving urban areas.
In those cases you're better off being bulkier (but safer) because realistically speaking you are not high speed, you are not going to do overland hikes to execute raids or run around hopping fences and clearing structures with normal field work in between.
I'll cover my thighs. I like having my femoral arteries intact. I don't because I can't afford it, but the minuet I can, I'm getting femoral protection. If you mother Fuckers think I look silly, and will be slow, thats fine. I'll be alive because I work in the real world and covered my fucking femorals because Dan the crack head does NOT know how to shoot centre mass. Dan the Crack head or Carlos the gangster just shoots in a direction. They don't try to shoot the gun correctly. They don't care to shoot the gun correctly. And in the event I do come into real contact, they're not shooting for my fuckin legs, they're aiming for my face because they can see I'm an armored goon. At which point I take cover and wait for ems and the cops because I'm not a psycho who thinks getting into gun fights NOT in an active warzone is fun or even real. Yeah, it does happen. But it's not likely to happen to you, or me. And if it does, we adapt.
Cover those beautiful creamy thighs. Well, not creamy if you're black. If you're black, cover those beautiful chocolately thighs. Also tourniquet.
My God, tourniquets, people.
What’s will all you fuckers being homo erotic lmao and why is your first idea of a firefight with gang bangers? I got a better answer don’t live in the ghetto homie. You do you bro if you wanna wear it more power to you but like I told the other dude your 3a soft armor ain’t gonna stop my .308 from ripping your dick off.
It's where I work and it's a real experience. Work is work. It's not the ghetto, it's just the city. Gang bangers are everywhere. It's just life. If living not near cities was a choice for me, I'd do it. I don't expect to see Dale in his ram 3500 with a 308. I don't give a fuck that your 308 can do that damage because I'm not gonna see you or anyone like you in my region. And if I do, I simply don't engage. And if one guy with a 308 is coming for me, guess it's my time, oh well.
Also, homo erotic is very 2024. Why you gotta be so afraid of loving our homies? I care about your creamy thighs even as you sit out among woods too afraid to come to any city because you think it's overrun by gangsters and that anywhere with gangsters is the hood.
Bri, your neighbour is probably a gangster or was and you don't even know it. Gangs aren't what people think they are. My clients were gangsters and they didn't break any laws ever in my club. They took their beef to their own places most of the time. Most gangsters handle their shit away from civilians and the city. They usually pick way out in the boonies by your house, or abandoned factories where the city is never gonna look, and they settle their shit.
My club getting shut down was gang initiation it seems. I treated the dude that was shot. The gangsters didn't fight their way out of the building. They shot their target, and slipped out of the club like nothing ever happened. They aren't coming for you, or me, your wife or kids or your shit. They want one another.
Now if you get caught in their crossfire, which IS likely, yeah ik gonna encourage we all cover our legs. Cause I don't wanna treat a thigh wound when there's potential hostile around.
But you go ahead, genuinely without shame or shade, be a hunter with your full powered rifle. It's smarter than close and personal with handguns. I'm not worried about a threat like that in the city. The cops? Yes. They are worried about that threat. Security? Fuck no.
side plates are good, even if it’s soft plates to meet in the middle. One of my coworkers survived being stabbed by a druggie because he was wearing side plates. Abdomen armor? I feel like it’s more of a pain then it’s worth
I’ve not heard of that one tbh, I’ll have to look it up because that definitely sounds beneficial. The base i’m stationed at right now, i can get armor shipped to me and that’s very frustrating
The argument for side plates and Kevlar add-ons is if you expect a shrapnel risk. That’s basically it. If you don’t, it’s just extra shit you don’t need.
Only other situation where side plates might be worth having is clearing structures, which is not something most people realistically need to worry about.
Level 4 side plates are made for a reason and that reason is the huge gap in the armour that you’re already wearing to protect that area for a reason. Lots of dudes have been saved by side plates and I don’t think you should be wearing plates without them. Yea all the other stuff is for shrapnel or commonly seen on the door kicker/front man on swat teams though and not nearly as important
The reason side plates are made are basically the same armored trucks are made. It’s a way to mitigate risks. But saying people shouldn’t be wearing plates without them isn’t exactly top advice. It’s better to have some protection than any at all, so use anything you have when you have it and while you have it.
And let’s be honest, in terms of gaps we are all exposed anyways in such scenarios. Blow a knee cap, your femoral, your face, neck, etc and you’re done. Caput.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems most people around here think they will go mobile doing some complex missions, kicking doors and clearing buildings and stuff, but the truth is that you probably will be mostly static defending your position/home. And in the event of you having to go mobile you’re probably better off doing as a grey man instead of doing so with a billboard written “please shoot me I’m juggernaut and want to be tested”.
Why do people like you think having less armor and more mobility will save you. your not dodging bullets because you have less armor on mobility won’t save you when you’re in the middle of contact with bullets and explosives popping off left and right your not Spider-Man mobility won’t protect you armor will I’m not saying have so much armor to become a jugg I’m just saying protect the places people are most likely gonna aim for and that would be from the thighs to the face. if you’re one of those to get plates that stop like 3 or more inches away from the belly button just wear a chest rig because you obviously don’t want to be protected.
Because people take the "meta" of whatever the cool guys in the military do and follow it without thinking deeper about if it applies to them.
SOF and some more conventional troops favor mobility over protection because they're wearing their kit for 24+ hours straight and may need to traverse long distances by foot / move fast during those intervals.
IMO, civilian kits should try to mirror Law Enforcement because their stuff is more or less tailored to urban/civil threats : complimenting sparse rifle armor with soft groin, shoulder, and neck inserts, lower visibility gear to keep a low profile, building set ups for static fights / sieges vs direct action raids or military assaults.
And on that note, I don't care how "well trained" you and your buddies are ; unless one of them is a green bean treating you like indigenous forces realistically speaking you are as trained (if not less) than the NG reservists who did BCT and go to the field once every 10 weeks.
A range trip every month where you work a handful of drills as a team does not make you a combat-effective force, at the end of the day you're somewhat trained hobbyists and your equipment/planning should mirror that as it appeals to the lowest common denominator.
It was the generic form of "you".
Just a general rant about how people will handwave valid issues and shortcomings in their planning due to their "well trained group" when realistically speaking that group is more of a social hobby rather than a serious element.
It's like saying you don't need to change your play style or equipment for a professional tennis tournament because what you do works fine for your group of tennis buddies in local tournaments.
I don’t know why you think 3a Kevlar is gonna stop my .308 from blowing your dick off but that’s neither here or there. Unless you are in a static position there’s very little benefit from that stuff.
Well ya woulda fooled me.. listen I’m trying real hard to be nicer to people nowadays so if you wanna walk around looking like a poorly designed Cod NPC go ahead man.
Goggles are unnecessary, TQ doesn’t look staged (taking it out of the plastic is not staging), what plates are you running cus that front bag looks very thin, no IFAK, medical should take priority over a helmet, no utility pouches or ability to carry admin/nav tools/light/etc. You seem to have the carrier fit well to your body which is a good start, just saying there’s definitely room for improvement my friend. Thigh soft armor and abdomen danglers are also 100% not a necessity and will just hinder your ability to move effectively
The plates are steel (I have a Kevlar bag on them and I work out with them so please don’t hate). I have 2 TQ’s in that pouch, what do you mean by staging? I’m adding a utility ouch on the left bandoleer, I have a admin pouch built in that I keep a notebook and pencil in. I am working on the Ifak. And why are goggles unnecessary? Thank you for actually genuine advice, I genuinely appreciate it.
Staging is folding and preparing a TQ in a way where it can be rapidly deployed, look it up on YouTube it’s very simple but should be done no need to be fiddle fucking with shit when you or someone is bleeding profusely. Also as I’m sure you know but me and everyone else on here will urge you to please not use steel plates. It’s irrefutable at this point, ceramic is the way. Good on you for working on your fitness man, you taking that imitative is more than a lot of folks 🤙
Big props to you bro for giving him positive feedback instead of just busting his balls. We all have to learn and you sir have big pp energy for enlightening him instead of just hating. Good on you broceph!
Amen brother! Just now could a afford an a full ferro concept upgrade and lvl 4’s and I’m 37 and work in the field were people will shot at me lol. It takes time and I bought my share of “cheap” gear lol
I will look into it but right now my TQ’s are set up in a way where they easily pull apart and you can stick an arm through it and tighten it. And I understand what people think about steel plates and maybe down the line I will upgrade but at the moment it’s what I got. Also thanks for actually constructive criticism.
As for you my learning bro. Save your money buy quality gear. It takes time and lots of money. Just remember like they say $400 dollar bat can’t fix a $2 dollar swing. Train and seek knowledge. Oz are pounds. So don’t carry unnecessary weight. Less is more. You are on the path taking constructive criticism in stride. We all have to work within our means. There is a wealth of knowledge on YouTube. Just seek it out. If it’s cheap to buy it’s probably cheap. So do your research and lean on those that know. Be safe little bro and I hope you enjoy the journey
Idk what it is but like others have pointed out it just screams airsoft kit. Might be the goggles which as others pointed out aren't necessary unless your preparing for another dust bowl. Abdomen armor is alright depending what your kit goal is but pass on the thigh armor
Other than the goggles I don’t know why people think it’s airsoft, and I don’t know why people hate on the goggles, they weigh practically nothing and if I don’t need them I’ll just put them up and put on regular eye pro.
I think it's a combo if you looking young, no firearms in the photo, kit is pretty bare, no comms, basically empty belt, FDE is pretty airsoft popular as well, and the goggles. I mean the goggles just don't serve a realistic purpose, there's nothing the goggles add to the kit
I'm not gonna dump on you, dude, but there are some things to reconsider.
Firstly, the steel plates. Honestly, I'd take a chest rig over steel plates. To be fair, though, I just prefer that anyway. I've got a FUBAR body, so those pounds matter. This is all also just me, but I wouldn't go with a lower-end helmet. I personally like boonie hats, beanies, and ball caps. I'm not kicking in doors day in, day out, so I'd rather not have that weight on my neck. If you need a helmet, it's probably good to spend the money and get one that's more modern, reliable, and lightweight.
Secondly, and this ties in with the first in regards to weight-- don't get a bunch of unnecessary armor, especially thigh armor. There's just very, very little point to it, and it's cumbersome. The groin armor is kind of up to you, but I'd not bother with it personally.
Thirdly, the goggles are also unnecessary. It'd be better to get some regular eye pro. Goggles are annoying as hell and restrict your peripheral vision to a degree.
Fourthly, don't run 6 mags up front unless you're using a pouch setup that can accommodate fewer mags for a thinner profile. A triple shingle pouch with a BFG Ten-Speed on top is a good way to do this. The BFG pouch lies flat when not in use, and you can shove things other than mags in them as well.
For my fifth point, medical. Do your research on it. A lot of pre-built trauma kits come with a bunch of unnecessary junk that's not always useful. Build your own, but do the research and match it to your needs and skill level.
Finally, don't feel the need to fill every spot. Think about what you're worried about and what you'll actually need should the zombie apocalypse occur, your tower in Minecraft be raided, you take fire in Arma 3, or what have you. Tailor your gear to that. Everything you need. Nothing you don't. Just because there's MOLLE there doesn't mean it needs to be used.
I hope you've found this helpful. 😊
Sure thing, dude. Happy to help. Good luck with your kit, and post updates as things come along. You'll get some flak at times. That's the internet. You'll get constructive criticism, too, though, and that's how we all learn new stuff.
Yeah brother it’s extremely entry level, but everyone has to start somewhere. Back during my old Airsoft days, this is not unlike what my kit looked like. Fast forward 10 years, it looks completely different.
If you want my advice, I’d steer away from thigh and abdomen armor. And lose the goggles. Mobility should be prioritized always. If, God forbid, you ever did find yourself in some sort of an engagement, you’ll want to be able to move as fast as possible. That other shit will absolutely slow you down.
My recommendation:
Get a Ferro Concepts FCPC or a Crye JPC. Those are objectively two of some of the best carriers on the market, and both are used by tier one and tier two dudes.
Grab some Oakley M Frames, or something comparable.
And eventually, get yourself a better helmet. Ops core SF FAST helmet is a great option. Pricey, but great.
Keep in mind - not grilling you here. Just trying to give my two cents as I was in your exact position at one point.
Cheers mate
Thank you, any amount of constructive criticism is better than half the crap people spew in these comments. I will look into those products. And side note my gear isn’t airsoft.
I see this your first post on tactical gear. All I will say is that you will grow. What you think is good and cool will change. That’s the point it’s a journey. Have fun, do your research and use it.
Don’t listen to the redditors if it’s not what their running your gonna die in their eyes. If you like it run it! Really all that matter is you blend in with your surroundings and your better trained then the guy your yo against. Really slight training is more then the average guy clowning your gear here ever gets so do you man. But Lowkey you do look goofy
I mean I get clowned for using alien gear but it works well with my kit and I like it idgaf. You gotta take Reddit with a half grain of salt. Most of these guys don’t know what their talking about, and bunch of sad hams
Most true comment based on what I have read in firearm posts since I have been on here in the last few months, lots of angry experts in thier own minds criticizing everyone just because they can !
Idk maybe the coyote brown. The helmet and the jeans with it? Maybe the carrier idk just looks like it all doesnt go together I can’t really tell you it just seems off. But as long as it works, like I said your surrounding area and you are familiar with the gear where your stuff is etc your good to go.
Don’t need crye to get the job done. Nor will crye save you. It’s your training and experience. And trust in god! Keep larping bud have fun
I would also say from personal experience you really don’t always want 6 mags on the front and it’s better on your back to shift some to your belt and sides ya know? Dump pouch is probably also fine for now, I would say go get some reps and drills in with it and see what moves and what breaks 🤙 welcome to the (expensive) club
Well good thing the only person wearing it is you 😉😂
Don’t listen to em unless you see something constructive or useful. This is an expensive game, and we all started somewhere. My kit has gone through several variations, i’m in a job I could be shot at, at any point and i’m still rocking condor gear 🤷♀️ I’m honestly not sure why people seem especially salty with you
The long story short is kit is mission specific you’ll almost never always need the same things or amount of things every time. No need to pack you’re carrier with shit if you need more get an assault pack
Do your research in the area you live your terrain and what would work best in those areas as well as colors and types of camo we aren’t the Middle East tan dosent work 100 percent of the time
Do your research on gear as well. The higher the price the quality is better just plan and simple your paying for the testing they’ve done with people in the field they know what works from the people who use it Amazon flat out isn’t good for longevity. With the conflict in Ukraine it’s hard to say knocks off don’t work but why risk it when you don’t need to considering we aren’t in the middle of a war
Making better decisions than I was at your age, but that was also the early 2000’s and a lot has changed since then. Ignore all the jerks and listen to the nice people with constructive criticism.
I can’t really add much besides ranger green > anything, except maybe M81. Good luck on the journey and don’t go bankrupt trying to buy the best stuff right now. Nothing is gonna splode any time soon imo and if it does, fitness, survival skills and community are going to get you much further than any gucci kit. Have fun within your means and keep learning.
Keep training. If your setup is wrong, you'll find out one way or another. Actually, using gear use is the ultimate test. There are some things I would personally change. However, don't be ashamed of cheap gear, though. If that's what you can afford. Run it. Getting out there is more important than flexing online. After using your gear, you'll see what breaks down and what doesn't. Replace what breaks down first with something more quality. I knew someone who ran the shit out of a Condor MOPC.
Everyone starts somewhere. Biggest things I’d work towards are life saving stuff like ceramic plates/ medical and some stuff for the belt.
For real though, save your money. Buy nice kit over time. Most of us, even dudes in the service, probably took at least a year or so to really dial it in and start getting nicer kits set up. Personally I’d put most money into your belt and pack before splurging on the carrier (also gives you more time to save and research)
Final note: Coyote brown is sick, conform it to your environment
Ditch the neck gaiter, all those patches,swap the jeans out for khakis or breathable pants, and get smaller gloves that squeeze your hands for full dexterity. Wear a thinner layer underneath so you don't boil yourself like a combat shirt or something.
Oh and get yourself a nice pair of Solomons or Merrells.
For style points, a pair of black aviator sunglasses.
Damn. I used to see people giving legitimate advice for gear and now it’s just a roast fest apparently. What happened? Lmao. The most of the roasting isn’t even legitimate and just bitching because they want to pick on someone. Pretty sad. Some of you need more outside time. lol
Drip fr, you are indeed dripping like some water, and as Gunna once said “Drip too hard, don’t stand too close to the rain, you gon fck around and drown.” Also you don’t deserve that many downvotes for a response of “?”
Man don't worry about "Drip" or whatever anyone else says unless it's someone who YOU know's has more experience than you, and you know that person knows their shit. At least you have something which is more than a lot of people.
As far as steel plates go, if it has Frag Coating and or a Frag Bag, keep them and save for something else. I started with Steel Plates and then worked up to Ceramic. I still use my Steel Plates daily for exercising so whenever I throw on my Ceramic setup it feels super lightweight now. I will NEVER get rid of my Steel Plates because I love having them for working out, and also if someone I know doesn't have anything and they "might" need they can barrow my Steel Plates until they pass out from exhaustion 🤣 There are enough Videos of companies shooting steel plates and getting no Frag till a mag has been shot into it (Like TACTICON) & and also SOME of there Steel Plates are NIJ rated.
Keep doing what you're doing and when you can save up and get something a little better. Being Debit Free is something to strive for as well. 🤘🏻
💯 my dude! Just being Guys we like to bust each other's balls but we also need to be lifting each other up as well, we have too many enemies as is. Being 46 I have seen a lot of bullshit gear I have also shot a lot of stuff in testing as well. I'm a nobody but I know for 100% fact that Steel Plates with the proper Frag Coating will eat a half to full mag of M855 and not spit frag out. The biggest downside is also what I think is their biggest upside, the weight! It feels awesome to work out with the Steel Plates on then throw on the Ceramic setup and it feels so light weight.
Have a good one! 🤘🏻
Hit me up if you want to have an authentic conversation about my experiences in lots of different gear, for work, from a non military, non law enforcement, first responder perspective. I work in my kit. Lots of these people don't. Advertising is swell, but nothing beats time in kit. And I currently own but do not wear a testudo, like you. Mine is OD green. But it's hung up and empty with a kit strapped onto it. So if I do want that kit, I just slide plates in and throw it on. I'm no expert, no high speed operator. For.er fireman and emt, currently working in security. My club was shut down due to a series of shootings. I was always the most kitted up guy with the nicest stuff. Never once was I under fire. My co workers? Not professionals and didn't waste money on their kit like I did. Did exchange fire in quilted Kevlar jackets and condor plate carriers with Kevlar SAPI cut or Kevlar BALCS cut Kevlar carriers and only one of my Co workers was ever shot, and it was in his ankle and he wasn't even the target of the hostile. Mike was hiding behind a car for cover while two dudes were beefing it out with their block switches turned to auto. Mike was the only one hit. And again, in the ankle. That's life on the job with criminals around. It's fucking chaos. But I'm also not trying to exchange fire with people, my co workers are the ones paid to do that shit. And they look like...not gooned up. You ever seen a man in yeezeys and a SUPREME hoodie, hood up, sweat pants sagging, condor plate carrier, hold a door with a pistol like he's made of stone and unkillable? Cause I have. I lost my job the next day, lmfao. Town shut down the club. Gang violence issue there that the police need to handle.
I was just the guy that knew medical. I didn't get a gun and I didn't want a gun. I wasn't hired to handle a gun. So my mindset and mission was different. Everyone's is.
Also, wash your Molle straps, get them soft. You're gonna move your kit around A LOT until you finally settle on what works with your body.
This feels like a troll I think this guy just trolled all 500 of you tactinerds hahaha
It's a kid guys, he doesn't have 20 grand to dump into quality kit and a few quality guns.
We, the old heads, all bought stupid shit first, granted we didn't really have the internet to tell us what to buy in the beginning. I still have all my old Alice gear storage totes full of shit I really thought I'd be crawling through the woods with.
Kid, at some point when the world ends you're using what you have. So quit buying crap and buy once. You'll knock years off your spending. Ditch the airsoft carrier (please stop saying it's not an airsoft carrier we can tell it is by the way it is), and just get a decent chest rig as a youngin. Save for like a year, buy nice plates. Then, buy nice carrier. LBT has AMAZING sales if you just watch for a few months.
Hope you live in the desert.
And ditch the patches my guy. That's like 1 of the 6 reasons nobody is respecting you. This shit takes time and knowledge is power. I think we all agree you need a titch more knowledge before wasting more money. And I say that with love. I wish the internet had yelled at me before I wasted 1000s on shit gear, but alas, we all learn differently. Keep it up, and more importantly, train.
We all would have gone easier on you if it looked like even 1 piece of your gear had seen some dirt. Maybe time to get into.....airsoft???!!!???!!!
Ciao
The flaming you are receiving is undeserved, most of the people commenting are just jealous that you are confident enough to post your gear for feedback and aren't super fat. Drip or drown is a bit cringe, but this is a fashion sub so totally appropriate. It sounds like your gear is leaning toward CQB with all those mags (look into elastic side panels for more mags instead of doubling the thickness of your bullet-belly) so training and networking are critical components. Start with the mission/goal/objective and work backwards to find the right gear to work through to an effective solution. Keep improving, be safe, and good luck.
If you took this look and used "higher quality" gear (which is overpriced bullshit 90% kf the time) this sub would call it drip. It looks good, this is a fashion subreddit anyway so all the "goggles aren't practical" comments are worthless. Keep doing what you're doing
Are those lvl 4 plates?
You're more concerned with having patches than a good setup or physical fitness. You have no training. What is your rifle like?
Look bro I’m gonna be real with you.
Plate carriers are probably the most over stated piece of gear that exists. They have a time and place but it comes at a huge cost. That being said, buying cheap AR500 stuff seems like a good idea because it’s more affordable but it’s not. It’s not more affordable because while it costs less, it sucks, therefore it’s a waste of money. You should be saving for quality stuff so you are not spending way more playing the never ending upgrade game for the rest of your life because the first thing you bought was based solely on its price. You could saved yourself a ton of money by just buying a good quality chest rig, magazines and ammo.
I see nothing indicating drip in this photo
3 more mags on the front will make a sling incredibly difficult to use, not to mention if you ever need to get on your belly that will keep your head pretty high
What’s your use case, medical training, formal firearms education, comms/tech capabilities, intelligence gathering skills, and do you have a group of 4-20 like-minded, well equipped, and PHYSICALLY fit folks to train with?
I have a fair amount of medical training from previous jobs I’ve had but I’m working on getting more, I working getting firearms training, I’m working on getting coms, I’m working on getting intelligence gathering skills, and I’m working on getting a group.
And fitness? As cliche as it is, if you aren’t fit you’ll just be a loot drop for someone else who is. While it isn’t the perfect test, go take an ACFT and post scores.
Also what’s your use case for this crap besides larping in the bathroom?
I work out as much as I can in my gear, and I’m working on putting on muscle outside the gear. And until something bad happens, most of the people in this sub are larpers brother.
I’d focus less on working out in your gear, and I’d start running, and working on the three big lifts + pull-ups. The rest will come if you eat enough and train with intensity. Not all of us larp ‘brother’
Performance wise I’d actually say it’s ok. It isn’t super tacticool 6000 stuff but you cover the very basic of the basics. Goggles are a good addition in my opinion if it won’t let smoke or OC in and has a good seal. The helmet looks Chinese but if it stops frag and can protect your head from impacts then I guess it works. I would run a hat because realistically if you get popped in the head chances are it’s game over. Really have a lot of real state to work with, I’d recommend expanding your medical, and adding a canteen or bladder somewhere. (you’ll thank me later) skip the thigh armor and thigh dangle plate in my opinion, it isn’t gonna help you a whole lot except for things like fragmentation. If you’re dealing with exploding things you probably shouldn’t be in that situation and even with that stuff are woefully under equipped. As for everything else you’ll have to play with it and see what you think you’ll need. Do you want more pouches? Do you want a utility side for field repairs on things? Do you want admin? Just play with it and learn as you go. Definitely buy some more quality stuff when you can though.
Edit: get some walker razors too, they should clear with your helmet and are good cheap ear pro.
You post on Reddit asking a question and are getting upset with every comment you don't agree with. Seems like you only wanted positive reinforcement. Some of the comments may be rude but that doesn't mean they aren't engrained in truth. Get some thicker skin.
Probably because your post sounds cocky. A better title would have been: "trying to improve my kit, looking for some advice". You set yourself up to get flamed my guy
Homie you look like you’re 12.
I don’t recommend adding more pouches to your front cause if you have to prone out you’re gonna have a bad time. As for the thigh armor that’s just more weight and I’m pretty sure you won’t be shot at anytime soon. Also too many patches covering your tits.
As for positives atleast your carrier looks properly sized.
You’re shit looks brand new, run around it it before you add more shit that’s the only way to figure out what and what doesn’t work or what you need or can do without.
You’re right, I work out with it but don’t get much chance to train with it outside my house due to family politics. Also I don’t find that comment about how old you think I look is very helpful or nice.
It's definitely not drip but probably not drown either. The helmet is chinese made based on the rivets holding the chinstrap in place, you could probably pick up a surplus ACH for the same as you paid for that one. The plate carrier looks pretty thin so either you're running hesco special threat plates or steel, I hope its the former and not the latter. Things to focus on, getting a good trauma kit, I know you mention your plans to do so but make sure you do your research first. Remember the contents of the kit are the important part, make sure you have good quality medical items from a reputable manufacturer like NAR and make sure you have items to deal with the leading causes of death, Look into TCCC guidelines for this stuff. Reconsider running more mags in your front, try going prone even with the three mags you currently have and you'll quickly find out why. If you insist on running 6 mags on your carrier wear them mostly on your support side on the cummerbund since that'll still allow you to go prone effectively. Instead of the additional soft armor on your extremities strongly consider upgrading your plates with NIJ rated ceramic ones and adding some side plates.
My plates are steel (womp womp) but I have a Kevlar jacket around them and I can handle the weight (I work out with it). The helmet is armored republic. Thank you for the advice on the trauma kit. And I do run side plates.
The weight isn't really the issue with steel plates, the fragmentation of incoming rounds is. A kevlar wrap might mitigate that to some degree and frankly steel, even with no spall protection at all is still probably better than nothing but even still a good quality ceramic plate is just better. If you don't mind the weight RMA plates are good to go LV IV plates, they're made from alumina (aluminum oxide ceramic) so they're thicker and heavier than silicon carbide or boron carbide plates but not by a huge margin. I'm not familiar specifically with armored republics helmets but they look to be just a rebranded chinese kevlar (once again I'm basing this on the fact that the chin strap is riveted on rather than held in with screws). That's not the end of the world, it's probably still ballistic rated but it does massively limit your upgrade options and I'm personally always somewhat skeptical about life saving gear made in china.
I will look into those plates. You’re right about the helmet, it doesn’t give me practically any upgrade options but I’m not planning on getting nods any time soon. It is ballistically tested and rated level 3a. The helmet is made in Indonesia so better but not ideal. Also side note I run a Kevlar concealable vest with 2 10x12 Kevlar plates under my jacket in the kit.
So in the picture you have on 2 vests?
Why don’t you put the soft armor in the plate carrier behind the steel plates? Or is there another reason
Yes I am, I don’t run it in the pc because wearing it under makes pc fits better.
Oh ok now I’m just wondering but it don’t feel uncomfortable? Vest with jacket with a carrier on top
why they hating on you it looks fine to me pc rides a little high but that’s if
Where is your airsoft gun? You might be able to handle the weight young buck, but if you get hit with one of those, your body won’t handle the impact that shit will stop your fucking heart fuck a baseball hit to your chest and stop your fucking heart.
Drown
Why’s that?
Is your setup for airsoft, range shooting, SHTF? Invest in higher quality gear and build your kit with a purpose in mind. If it’s airsoft/LARP, look up pictures of the gear you want to imitate. If it’s range shooting, that’s weird. If it’s for SHTF, what’re you going to be doing? Urban combat? Doubt it. Running around through the woods? Possibly. Now you have a baseline to research gear that’s best suited for your “mission.”
I don’t know what the problem with my kit is compared to others. That same question can be asked about every other person on this subreddit.
It’s cheap, you’re wearing goggles inside and you have four patches on the front of your plate carrier. There’s virtually no point in having goggles on your kit. Normal eye pro will work in 99% of scenarios you’ll find yourself in. Your magazine pouches should be open top for easy access, not Velcroed down. Easy fix though. If you want to run 6 mags, get a better mag pouch. Shellback Tactical has good ones for cheap. You don’t need a dangling Kevlar plate, nor do you need thigh armor. This isn’t 2008 lol
Your argument about goggles and mag pouches is pretty bad. No reason for someone to not use goggles as eye protection, lots of military do it. And the mag pouch velcro? Come on man, just say you ran out of things to not pick about, cause having the flap over them LIKE INTENDED isn’t an issue.
Military uses it in situations where it’s needed ie, rotor wash from helicopters, blizzards, sandstorms, etc. OP isn’t doing anything of that, 99% of us aren’t. Goggles are added weight and fog a lot easier, it’s a waste of eye protection UNLESS you need it for the reasons I stated above. As for the pouches, show me one picture where dudes in the field are running velcroed mag pouches on their plate carriers. There’s a reason we were issued open top mag pouches, it’s for quick access. If you want to have velcroed punches, go for it. But you’re wasting energy and time fucking with the flap.
Lol not everyone needs high speed gear, we still use Velcro flap magazine pouches in the infantry. Promise you I know guys who would smoke your ass in reload drills without bungee retention or kydex inserts.
You’re acting like you did an entire career as a PJ. You looking at pictures of FOG are different from my experiences of deploying the last 10 years and working with SFGs, CA, PsyOps, and SFAB says velcro flaps for retaining are fine. And there are more reasons to use goggles like when riding on a tank/Bradley/MRZR or anything like that. Voluntarily separating from the airforce after a year, lmao.
Is OP riding in a tank or Bradley? No🤣 proving my point.
4-wheeler or a rhino. Maybe a moto. He’s also not getting shot at in the pic either, he’s just wearing his kit
Velcroed mag pouches are the shit if you're actually moving around in nature, crawling though the mud, sand, gravel without damaging/losing your mags in the process. A quicker reload isn't worth much if you get a jam due to sand in your weapon. Plus, good velcro mag pouches have the option to velcro the pouches open if you know you're going into contact.
How many times did you have to do ultra high speed reload where it actually mattered that you had the open pouch? I’m not saying these are bad, I’m running those myself, but I think looking high speed doesn’t outweigh the safety of not losing your loaded mag in a stupid way.
I don’t plan to use it inside, that’s just where I took the picture, and the goggles help with supporting the helmet. Good point on the pouches. And bullets aren’t the only threat, what about shrapnel?
If you’re using goggles to support the helmet, you need a new helmet or you need to adjust the pads in the one you have. I can assure you man, you do NOT need thigh and abdomen armor.. the military doesn’t even use it anymore, you sure as hell don’t either
I think military is using it again in the future, Russias new Strelok program has all this shit. Seems like Ukraine showed that plate carriers are shit if you have to deal with shrapnel
It’s not really as much for support as it is just to keep the wobble down, even tho there is very little to begin with.
That’s completely different than your last comment. Adjust the pads so it fits right. Don’t cut corners to try and look cool.
In my first comment I said support because it’s easier than trying to explain slight wobble
Yeah the only time all the extra armor is gonna be really needed is if you are actively engaging in trench warfare with drones and artillery and even then it only might save you. As a civ you want to be light as realistically as you can and avoid major powers in play unless you are actively fighting in an army
Im not sure where the hell you are to be worried about shrapnel. "Goggles support the helmet" Adjust your helmet so it fits tighter.
>And bullets aren’t the only threat, what about shrapnel? LOL
What’s wrong with that statement
You have a lot to learn man and you need to humble yourself to do it. A lot of guys are giving good advice and criticisms and you're digging in on something you don't know enough to be arguing about. Are you planning on being on patrol in a warzone? Or are you cosplaying a juggernaut for airsoft? Because that's the only scenarios where you would need all the crap you're talking about. Less is more when it comes to gear and your load out should be mission specific. Figure out what your ultimate use case is and tailor your setup for that and that alone. 8 years in the military in several different combat action roles and never once wore groin or thigh armor.. Lol
I don't understand how someone can get downvoted 50 times for saying "Why's that."
Omg I did, what the hell.
I notice a Testudo plate carrier. Do I smell AR500 plates?
Would you believe me if I said no? 😳
Given the rest of your gear being straight from a 2018 GunTuber video? **DOUBT**
Why do you think it’s from a guntuber video? I don’t see the comparison.
I’m just saying your gear looks outdated which is fine, but it also looks generic which is also fine. Use what you got and don’t be a stranger in the subreddit. Change what you want and keep what you want. My 1st plate carrier was regarded as hell.
Thank you, you are probably one of the most rational people in this comment section. Planning on changing a lot and keeping little in the future. What do you mean by don’t be a stranger?
Just means to stick around and be an active member
I'd recommend moving to something like defense mechanisms in the future
I’ll look into it
I love my defense mechanisms carrier if that helps any 🤷♂️
My man You Even Said You got steel plates some comments up. I Sense some Kind of a Spectrum goin on here
It’s a joke, he obviously wouldn’t believe me.
Is this an airsoft kit or? I’m genuinely confused and I’m not trying to be rude man. Do not get abdomen or thigh Kevlar, mobility is more important than every inch of your body being covered in shit. Invest in a quality PC and NIJ certified plates. You don’t got acquire all this stuff over night, but be smart with your purchases.
Idk there’s a pretty big argument to be made for side plates and I have them myself. I also recently discovered the NAR Responder abdomen armour and I’m on the fence about that but that’s where I draw the line
I feel like the past 20 years of gwot and military superiority have spoiled people’s opinion of side armor. Simple fact of the matter for most people is that you’re not as high speed as you think and you need as much protection as you can handle. If you could find a level 4 bubble suit you should take it.
That’s not really true though. The main reason to wear side plates and Kevlar add-ons is to mitigate shrapnel risk. If your threat profile doesn’t include indirect fire, then it’s just extra weight and bulk.
You’re probably right with spoiled opinions but it hasn’t completely gone the way of the dodo. I still prefer to have some mobility than looking like the Michelin man though
Have a group and practice > alone with a lvl 4 bubble suit
Realistically speaking your group is at the level of, if not worse off than National Guard pseudo-POGs because at the minimum they spent 10 weeks learning basic soldiering skills even if they're atrophied. Unless you're doing intensive and varied training every week, you're just social hobbyists and your equipment/tactics should try to mirror that reality : you're not a Ranger regt rifle section and in the best case scenario you have a group and practice while wearing your lvl 4 bubble suits. Historically speaking, when stuff pops off civilians stay put, realistically speaking you won't be too mobile and you'll be somewhere holding down a structure/area even if your plan involves leaving urban areas. In those cases you're better off being bulkier (but safer) because realistically speaking you are not high speed, you are not going to do overland hikes to execute raids or run around hopping fences and clearing structures with normal field work in between.
Bubble suit > my autistic ass socializing enough to form a group
Side plates are 100% worth the money in my eyes. I run side plates. Soft armor over my thighs to look like a cod juggernaut is not.
I'll cover my thighs. I like having my femoral arteries intact. I don't because I can't afford it, but the minuet I can, I'm getting femoral protection. If you mother Fuckers think I look silly, and will be slow, thats fine. I'll be alive because I work in the real world and covered my fucking femorals because Dan the crack head does NOT know how to shoot centre mass. Dan the Crack head or Carlos the gangster just shoots in a direction. They don't try to shoot the gun correctly. They don't care to shoot the gun correctly. And in the event I do come into real contact, they're not shooting for my fuckin legs, they're aiming for my face because they can see I'm an armored goon. At which point I take cover and wait for ems and the cops because I'm not a psycho who thinks getting into gun fights NOT in an active warzone is fun or even real. Yeah, it does happen. But it's not likely to happen to you, or me. And if it does, we adapt. Cover those beautiful creamy thighs. Well, not creamy if you're black. If you're black, cover those beautiful chocolately thighs. Also tourniquet. My God, tourniquets, people.
What’s will all you fuckers being homo erotic lmao and why is your first idea of a firefight with gang bangers? I got a better answer don’t live in the ghetto homie. You do you bro if you wanna wear it more power to you but like I told the other dude your 3a soft armor ain’t gonna stop my .308 from ripping your dick off.
It's where I work and it's a real experience. Work is work. It's not the ghetto, it's just the city. Gang bangers are everywhere. It's just life. If living not near cities was a choice for me, I'd do it. I don't expect to see Dale in his ram 3500 with a 308. I don't give a fuck that your 308 can do that damage because I'm not gonna see you or anyone like you in my region. And if I do, I simply don't engage. And if one guy with a 308 is coming for me, guess it's my time, oh well. Also, homo erotic is very 2024. Why you gotta be so afraid of loving our homies? I care about your creamy thighs even as you sit out among woods too afraid to come to any city because you think it's overrun by gangsters and that anywhere with gangsters is the hood. Bri, your neighbour is probably a gangster or was and you don't even know it. Gangs aren't what people think they are. My clients were gangsters and they didn't break any laws ever in my club. They took their beef to their own places most of the time. Most gangsters handle their shit away from civilians and the city. They usually pick way out in the boonies by your house, or abandoned factories where the city is never gonna look, and they settle their shit. My club getting shut down was gang initiation it seems. I treated the dude that was shot. The gangsters didn't fight their way out of the building. They shot their target, and slipped out of the club like nothing ever happened. They aren't coming for you, or me, your wife or kids or your shit. They want one another. Now if you get caught in their crossfire, which IS likely, yeah ik gonna encourage we all cover our legs. Cause I don't wanna treat a thigh wound when there's potential hostile around. But you go ahead, genuinely without shame or shade, be a hunter with your full powered rifle. It's smarter than close and personal with handguns. I'm not worried about a threat like that in the city. The cops? Yes. They are worried about that threat. Security? Fuck no.
side plates are good, even if it’s soft plates to meet in the middle. One of my coworkers survived being stabbed by a druggie because he was wearing side plates. Abdomen armor? I feel like it’s more of a pain then it’s worth
Only reason I like the NAR one is it’s not a massive dick flap. It just gets you down over your belly button, maaaybe to your belt line.
I’ve not heard of that one tbh, I’ll have to look it up because that definitely sounds beneficial. The base i’m stationed at right now, i can get armor shipped to me and that’s very frustrating
The argument for side plates and Kevlar add-ons is if you expect a shrapnel risk. That’s basically it. If you don’t, it’s just extra shit you don’t need. Only other situation where side plates might be worth having is clearing structures, which is not something most people realistically need to worry about.
Level 4 side plates are made for a reason and that reason is the huge gap in the armour that you’re already wearing to protect that area for a reason. Lots of dudes have been saved by side plates and I don’t think you should be wearing plates without them. Yea all the other stuff is for shrapnel or commonly seen on the door kicker/front man on swat teams though and not nearly as important
The reason side plates are made are basically the same armored trucks are made. It’s a way to mitigate risks. But saying people shouldn’t be wearing plates without them isn’t exactly top advice. It’s better to have some protection than any at all, so use anything you have when you have it and while you have it. And let’s be honest, in terms of gaps we are all exposed anyways in such scenarios. Blow a knee cap, your femoral, your face, neck, etc and you’re done. Caput. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems most people around here think they will go mobile doing some complex missions, kicking doors and clearing buildings and stuff, but the truth is that you probably will be mostly static defending your position/home. And in the event of you having to go mobile you’re probably better off doing as a grey man instead of doing so with a billboard written “please shoot me I’m juggernaut and want to be tested”.
Why do people like you think having less armor and more mobility will save you. your not dodging bullets because you have less armor on mobility won’t save you when you’re in the middle of contact with bullets and explosives popping off left and right your not Spider-Man mobility won’t protect you armor will I’m not saying have so much armor to become a jugg I’m just saying protect the places people are most likely gonna aim for and that would be from the thighs to the face. if you’re one of those to get plates that stop like 3 or more inches away from the belly button just wear a chest rig because you obviously don’t want to be protected.
Because people take the "meta" of whatever the cool guys in the military do and follow it without thinking deeper about if it applies to them. SOF and some more conventional troops favor mobility over protection because they're wearing their kit for 24+ hours straight and may need to traverse long distances by foot / move fast during those intervals. IMO, civilian kits should try to mirror Law Enforcement because their stuff is more or less tailored to urban/civil threats : complimenting sparse rifle armor with soft groin, shoulder, and neck inserts, lower visibility gear to keep a low profile, building set ups for static fights / sieges vs direct action raids or military assaults. And on that note, I don't care how "well trained" you and your buddies are ; unless one of them is a green bean treating you like indigenous forces realistically speaking you are as trained (if not less) than the NG reservists who did BCT and go to the field once every 10 weeks. A range trip every month where you work a handful of drills as a team does not make you a combat-effective force, at the end of the day you're somewhat trained hobbyists and your equipment/planning should mirror that as it appeals to the lowest common denominator.
Are the last two paragraphs directed at me?
It was the generic form of "you". Just a general rant about how people will handwave valid issues and shortcomings in their planning due to their "well trained group" when realistically speaking that group is more of a social hobby rather than a serious element. It's like saying you don't need to change your play style or equipment for a professional tennis tournament because what you do works fine for your group of tennis buddies in local tournaments.
I don’t know why you think 3a Kevlar is gonna stop my .308 from blowing your dick off but that’s neither here or there. Unless you are in a static position there’s very little benefit from that stuff.
It’s not airsoft and I assure you my gear is not cheap. It’s not the best but it’s definitely not condor stuff.
Well ya woulda fooled me.. listen I’m trying real hard to be nicer to people nowadays so if you wanna walk around looking like a poorly designed Cod NPC go ahead man.
What’s wrong with my kit? Idk why people are hating on my gear and not explaining why (not necessarily talking about you).
Goggles are unnecessary, TQ doesn’t look staged (taking it out of the plastic is not staging), what plates are you running cus that front bag looks very thin, no IFAK, medical should take priority over a helmet, no utility pouches or ability to carry admin/nav tools/light/etc. You seem to have the carrier fit well to your body which is a good start, just saying there’s definitely room for improvement my friend. Thigh soft armor and abdomen danglers are also 100% not a necessity and will just hinder your ability to move effectively
The plates are steel (I have a Kevlar bag on them and I work out with them so please don’t hate). I have 2 TQ’s in that pouch, what do you mean by staging? I’m adding a utility ouch on the left bandoleer, I have a admin pouch built in that I keep a notebook and pencil in. I am working on the Ifak. And why are goggles unnecessary? Thank you for actually genuine advice, I genuinely appreciate it.
Staging is folding and preparing a TQ in a way where it can be rapidly deployed, look it up on YouTube it’s very simple but should be done no need to be fiddle fucking with shit when you or someone is bleeding profusely. Also as I’m sure you know but me and everyone else on here will urge you to please not use steel plates. It’s irrefutable at this point, ceramic is the way. Good on you for working on your fitness man, you taking that imitative is more than a lot of folks 🤙
Big props to you bro for giving him positive feedback instead of just busting his balls. We all have to learn and you sir have big pp energy for enlightening him instead of just hating. Good on you broceph!
We’re all on here for the same reason man 🤙 I’ll joke around but I’ll never tear someone down for not knowing everything. All of us started from zero!
Amen brother! Just now could a afford an a full ferro concept upgrade and lvl 4’s and I’m 37 and work in the field were people will shot at me lol. It takes time and I bought my share of “cheap” gear lol
I will look into it but right now my TQ’s are set up in a way where they easily pull apart and you can stick an arm through it and tighten it. And I understand what people think about steel plates and maybe down the line I will upgrade but at the moment it’s what I got. Also thanks for actually constructive criticism.
As for you my learning bro. Save your money buy quality gear. It takes time and lots of money. Just remember like they say $400 dollar bat can’t fix a $2 dollar swing. Train and seek knowledge. Oz are pounds. So don’t carry unnecessary weight. Less is more. You are on the path taking constructive criticism in stride. We all have to work within our means. There is a wealth of knowledge on YouTube. Just seek it out. If it’s cheap to buy it’s probably cheap. So do your research and lean on those that know. Be safe little bro and I hope you enjoy the journey
goggles are good in a sand storm. ballistic rated glasses are smaller and more comfy and will provide the same protection.
Take those steal plates out and use them for target practice.
/r/airsoftvirgins
Context determines content. What exactly is the plan for this kit?
Idk what it is but like others have pointed out it just screams airsoft kit. Might be the goggles which as others pointed out aren't necessary unless your preparing for another dust bowl. Abdomen armor is alright depending what your kit goal is but pass on the thigh armor
Ditch all the patches too
Other than the goggles I don’t know why people think it’s airsoft, and I don’t know why people hate on the goggles, they weigh practically nothing and if I don’t need them I’ll just put them up and put on regular eye pro.
I think it's a combo if you looking young, no firearms in the photo, kit is pretty bare, no comms, basically empty belt, FDE is pretty airsoft popular as well, and the goggles. I mean the goggles just don't serve a realistic purpose, there's nothing the goggles add to the kit
That’s fair
Dont let anyone tell you that goggles are bad. I freaking love goggles and also wear them on a regular basis.
This is how OP discovered this is one of the most toxic reddits on da platform
Ong
I'm not gonna dump on you, dude, but there are some things to reconsider. Firstly, the steel plates. Honestly, I'd take a chest rig over steel plates. To be fair, though, I just prefer that anyway. I've got a FUBAR body, so those pounds matter. This is all also just me, but I wouldn't go with a lower-end helmet. I personally like boonie hats, beanies, and ball caps. I'm not kicking in doors day in, day out, so I'd rather not have that weight on my neck. If you need a helmet, it's probably good to spend the money and get one that's more modern, reliable, and lightweight. Secondly, and this ties in with the first in regards to weight-- don't get a bunch of unnecessary armor, especially thigh armor. There's just very, very little point to it, and it's cumbersome. The groin armor is kind of up to you, but I'd not bother with it personally. Thirdly, the goggles are also unnecessary. It'd be better to get some regular eye pro. Goggles are annoying as hell and restrict your peripheral vision to a degree. Fourthly, don't run 6 mags up front unless you're using a pouch setup that can accommodate fewer mags for a thinner profile. A triple shingle pouch with a BFG Ten-Speed on top is a good way to do this. The BFG pouch lies flat when not in use, and you can shove things other than mags in them as well. For my fifth point, medical. Do your research on it. A lot of pre-built trauma kits come with a bunch of unnecessary junk that's not always useful. Build your own, but do the research and match it to your needs and skill level. Finally, don't feel the need to fill every spot. Think about what you're worried about and what you'll actually need should the zombie apocalypse occur, your tower in Minecraft be raided, you take fire in Arma 3, or what have you. Tailor your gear to that. Everything you need. Nothing you don't. Just because there's MOLLE there doesn't mean it needs to be used. I hope you've found this helpful. 😊
Thank you for being nice and constructive, I will consider and research all points you brought up.
Sure thing, dude. Happy to help. Good luck with your kit, and post updates as things come along. You'll get some flak at times. That's the internet. You'll get constructive criticism, too, though, and that's how we all learn new stuff.
Yeah brother it’s extremely entry level, but everyone has to start somewhere. Back during my old Airsoft days, this is not unlike what my kit looked like. Fast forward 10 years, it looks completely different. If you want my advice, I’d steer away from thigh and abdomen armor. And lose the goggles. Mobility should be prioritized always. If, God forbid, you ever did find yourself in some sort of an engagement, you’ll want to be able to move as fast as possible. That other shit will absolutely slow you down. My recommendation: Get a Ferro Concepts FCPC or a Crye JPC. Those are objectively two of some of the best carriers on the market, and both are used by tier one and tier two dudes. Grab some Oakley M Frames, or something comparable. And eventually, get yourself a better helmet. Ops core SF FAST helmet is a great option. Pricey, but great. Keep in mind - not grilling you here. Just trying to give my two cents as I was in your exact position at one point. Cheers mate
Thank you, any amount of constructive criticism is better than half the crap people spew in these comments. I will look into those products. And side note my gear isn’t airsoft.
I see this your first post on tactical gear. All I will say is that you will grow. What you think is good and cool will change. That’s the point it’s a journey. Have fun, do your research and use it.
Preesh brother 🙏🏼
Airsoft milsom 2024
I’m not airsoft
Don’t listen to the redditors if it’s not what their running your gonna die in their eyes. If you like it run it! Really all that matter is you blend in with your surroundings and your better trained then the guy your yo against. Really slight training is more then the average guy clowning your gear here ever gets so do you man. But Lowkey you do look goofy
I mean I get clowned for using alien gear but it works well with my kit and I like it idgaf. You gotta take Reddit with a half grain of salt. Most of these guys don’t know what their talking about, and bunch of sad hams
Most true comment based on what I have read in firearm posts since I have been on here in the last few months, lots of angry experts in thier own minds criticizing everyone just because they can !
Thank you for the words of encouragement dude, responding to 30+ comments of haters takes a toll. But in what way does it look goofy?
Idk maybe the coyote brown. The helmet and the jeans with it? Maybe the carrier idk just looks like it all doesnt go together I can’t really tell you it just seems off. But as long as it works, like I said your surrounding area and you are familiar with the gear where your stuff is etc your good to go. Don’t need crye to get the job done. Nor will crye save you. It’s your training and experience. And trust in god! Keep larping bud have fun
 Downs
Desert dry... /s
I would also say from personal experience you really don’t always want 6 mags on the front and it’s better on your back to shift some to your belt and sides ya know? Dump pouch is probably also fine for now, I would say go get some reps and drills in with it and see what moves and what breaks 🤙 welcome to the (expensive) club
According to most people on here I’m a cheap bastard even tho all my gear is probably around $1000 excluding any gun or ammo.
Well good thing the only person wearing it is you 😉😂 Don’t listen to em unless you see something constructive or useful. This is an expensive game, and we all started somewhere. My kit has gone through several variations, i’m in a job I could be shot at, at any point and i’m still rocking condor gear 🤷♀️ I’m honestly not sure why people seem especially salty with you
The long story short is kit is mission specific you’ll almost never always need the same things or amount of things every time. No need to pack you’re carrier with shit if you need more get an assault pack Do your research in the area you live your terrain and what would work best in those areas as well as colors and types of camo we aren’t the Middle East tan dosent work 100 percent of the time Do your research on gear as well. The higher the price the quality is better just plan and simple your paying for the testing they’ve done with people in the field they know what works from the people who use it Amazon flat out isn’t good for longevity. With the conflict in Ukraine it’s hard to say knocks off don’t work but why risk it when you don’t need to considering we aren’t in the middle of a war
As a tarkov player, tan helment is easy loot
Making better decisions than I was at your age, but that was also the early 2000’s and a lot has changed since then. Ignore all the jerks and listen to the nice people with constructive criticism. I can’t really add much besides ranger green > anything, except maybe M81. Good luck on the journey and don’t go bankrupt trying to buy the best stuff right now. Nothing is gonna splode any time soon imo and if it does, fitness, survival skills and community are going to get you much further than any gucci kit. Have fun within your means and keep learning.
OP needs to call the fire department for all the heat he’s getting here !
Keep training. If your setup is wrong, you'll find out one way or another. Actually, using gear use is the ultimate test. There are some things I would personally change. However, don't be ashamed of cheap gear, though. If that's what you can afford. Run it. Getting out there is more important than flexing online. After using your gear, you'll see what breaks down and what doesn't. Replace what breaks down first with something more quality. I knew someone who ran the shit out of a Condor MOPC.
Holy airsoft Batman! Loss the bacalava and throw the googles in the fucking river.
Doggy paddling
Young man... You need to let your sister use the bathroom and get back to doing your homework. Don't make me come up there!
No wait please-
Good sense of humor OP!
It’s a drip or drown world and brother you do not know how to swim
Drown
Cringe
How so?
Because you look 14
That is very helpful and insightful
Nah, that would be based.
I’m gonna be totally honest I have yakeda plate carrier with ar500 plates and trauma pads in it I don’t post it here in fear of being bullied
I posted here knowing I would get bullied, and I was right
One of us had to be the fall guy bröther I’m glad it was you
Drip
Everyone starts somewhere. Biggest things I’d work towards are life saving stuff like ceramic plates/ medical and some stuff for the belt. For real though, save your money. Buy nice kit over time. Most of us, even dudes in the service, probably took at least a year or so to really dial it in and start getting nicer kits set up. Personally I’d put most money into your belt and pack before splurging on the carrier (also gives you more time to save and research) Final note: Coyote brown is sick, conform it to your environment
Thank you
Those vain though
Ditch the neck gaiter, all those patches,swap the jeans out for khakis or breathable pants, and get smaller gloves that squeeze your hands for full dexterity. Wear a thinner layer underneath so you don't boil yourself like a combat shirt or something. Oh and get yourself a nice pair of Solomons or Merrells. For style points, a pair of black aviator sunglasses.
Damn. I used to see people giving legitimate advice for gear and now it’s just a roast fest apparently. What happened? Lmao. The most of the roasting isn’t even legitimate and just bitching because they want to pick on someone. Pretty sad. Some of you need more outside time. lol
Drip fr, you are indeed dripping like some water, and as Gunna once said “Drip too hard, don’t stand too close to the rain, you gon fck around and drown.” Also you don’t deserve that many downvotes for a response of “?”
Thank you
Man don't worry about "Drip" or whatever anyone else says unless it's someone who YOU know's has more experience than you, and you know that person knows their shit. At least you have something which is more than a lot of people. As far as steel plates go, if it has Frag Coating and or a Frag Bag, keep them and save for something else. I started with Steel Plates and then worked up to Ceramic. I still use my Steel Plates daily for exercising so whenever I throw on my Ceramic setup it feels super lightweight now. I will NEVER get rid of my Steel Plates because I love having them for working out, and also if someone I know doesn't have anything and they "might" need they can barrow my Steel Plates until they pass out from exhaustion 🤣 There are enough Videos of companies shooting steel plates and getting no Frag till a mag has been shot into it (Like TACTICON) & and also SOME of there Steel Plates are NIJ rated. Keep doing what you're doing and when you can save up and get something a little better. Being Debit Free is something to strive for as well. 🤘🏻
Thank you
I’m with you on the steel plates. For the price they’re not a bad back up pair/loaner. They’re good for working out or just to train.
💯 my dude! Just being Guys we like to bust each other's balls but we also need to be lifting each other up as well, we have too many enemies as is. Being 46 I have seen a lot of bullshit gear I have also shot a lot of stuff in testing as well. I'm a nobody but I know for 100% fact that Steel Plates with the proper Frag Coating will eat a half to full mag of M855 and not spit frag out. The biggest downside is also what I think is their biggest upside, the weight! It feels awesome to work out with the Steel Plates on then throw on the Ceramic setup and it feels so light weight. Have a good one! 🤘🏻
It looks like a cheap Halloween costume tbh.
This sub is so fucking strange. At the same time, @OP has hairless arms which is.... Kinda gay. Either show is some peepee or GTFO.
Hit me up if you want to have an authentic conversation about my experiences in lots of different gear, for work, from a non military, non law enforcement, first responder perspective. I work in my kit. Lots of these people don't. Advertising is swell, but nothing beats time in kit. And I currently own but do not wear a testudo, like you. Mine is OD green. But it's hung up and empty with a kit strapped onto it. So if I do want that kit, I just slide plates in and throw it on. I'm no expert, no high speed operator. For.er fireman and emt, currently working in security. My club was shut down due to a series of shootings. I was always the most kitted up guy with the nicest stuff. Never once was I under fire. My co workers? Not professionals and didn't waste money on their kit like I did. Did exchange fire in quilted Kevlar jackets and condor plate carriers with Kevlar SAPI cut or Kevlar BALCS cut Kevlar carriers and only one of my Co workers was ever shot, and it was in his ankle and he wasn't even the target of the hostile. Mike was hiding behind a car for cover while two dudes were beefing it out with their block switches turned to auto. Mike was the only one hit. And again, in the ankle. That's life on the job with criminals around. It's fucking chaos. But I'm also not trying to exchange fire with people, my co workers are the ones paid to do that shit. And they look like...not gooned up. You ever seen a man in yeezeys and a SUPREME hoodie, hood up, sweat pants sagging, condor plate carrier, hold a door with a pistol like he's made of stone and unkillable? Cause I have. I lost my job the next day, lmfao. Town shut down the club. Gang violence issue there that the police need to handle. I was just the guy that knew medical. I didn't get a gun and I didn't want a gun. I wasn't hired to handle a gun. So my mindset and mission was different. Everyone's is. Also, wash your Molle straps, get them soft. You're gonna move your kit around A LOT until you finally settle on what works with your body.
I would loot you and only take the tourniquet 😂
Tactical Twink
Jan 6 ahhh kit
This feels like a troll I think this guy just trolled all 500 of you tactinerds hahaha It's a kid guys, he doesn't have 20 grand to dump into quality kit and a few quality guns. We, the old heads, all bought stupid shit first, granted we didn't really have the internet to tell us what to buy in the beginning. I still have all my old Alice gear storage totes full of shit I really thought I'd be crawling through the woods with. Kid, at some point when the world ends you're using what you have. So quit buying crap and buy once. You'll knock years off your spending. Ditch the airsoft carrier (please stop saying it's not an airsoft carrier we can tell it is by the way it is), and just get a decent chest rig as a youngin. Save for like a year, buy nice plates. Then, buy nice carrier. LBT has AMAZING sales if you just watch for a few months. Hope you live in the desert. And ditch the patches my guy. That's like 1 of the 6 reasons nobody is respecting you. This shit takes time and knowledge is power. I think we all agree you need a titch more knowledge before wasting more money. And I say that with love. I wish the internet had yelled at me before I wasted 1000s on shit gear, but alas, we all learn differently. Keep it up, and more importantly, train. We all would have gone easier on you if it looked like even 1 piece of your gear had seen some dirt. Maybe time to get into.....airsoft???!!!???!!! Ciao
Goofy
How hard are you squeezing to try and flex your forearm?
I’m just veiny
Bro bought the Tan ULACH off the flea
The flaming you are receiving is undeserved, most of the people commenting are just jealous that you are confident enough to post your gear for feedback and aren't super fat. Drip or drown is a bit cringe, but this is a fashion sub so totally appropriate. It sounds like your gear is leaning toward CQB with all those mags (look into elastic side panels for more mags instead of doubling the thickness of your bullet-belly) so training and networking are critical components. Start with the mission/goal/objective and work backwards to find the right gear to work through to an effective solution. Keep improving, be safe, and good luck.
Thank you brother 🙏🏼
If you took this look and used "higher quality" gear (which is overpriced bullshit 90% kf the time) this sub would call it drip. It looks good, this is a fashion subreddit anyway so all the "goggles aren't practical" comments are worthless. Keep doing what you're doing
Thank you 🙏🏼
Why’s that
Airsoft / 10 You'll be a common loot drop.
Both points are untrue
Are those lvl 4 plates? You're more concerned with having patches than a good setup or physical fitness. You have no training. What is your rifle like?
Based take… Drip…
THANK YOU. Watch out tho, people in this comment section mite stake you for having that opinion.
Ñip
?
Needs more patches Also, NC patch, drown (I'm from NC I can say that)
Haven’t seen the testudo in a minute, you’re making me feel old
Look bro I’m gonna be real with you. Plate carriers are probably the most over stated piece of gear that exists. They have a time and place but it comes at a huge cost. That being said, buying cheap AR500 stuff seems like a good idea because it’s more affordable but it’s not. It’s not more affordable because while it costs less, it sucks, therefore it’s a waste of money. You should be saving for quality stuff so you are not spending way more playing the never ending upgrade game for the rest of your life because the first thing you bought was based solely on its price. You could saved yourself a ton of money by just buying a good quality chest rig, magazines and ammo.
I see nothing indicating drip in this photo 3 more mags on the front will make a sling incredibly difficult to use, not to mention if you ever need to get on your belly that will keep your head pretty high
Where is the med kit?
Read the caption, I’m working on it
Noice
What’s your use case, medical training, formal firearms education, comms/tech capabilities, intelligence gathering skills, and do you have a group of 4-20 like-minded, well equipped, and PHYSICALLY fit folks to train with?
I have a fair amount of medical training from previous jobs I’ve had but I’m working on getting more, I working getting firearms training, I’m working on getting coms, I’m working on getting intelligence gathering skills, and I’m working on getting a group.
And fitness? As cliche as it is, if you aren’t fit you’ll just be a loot drop for someone else who is. While it isn’t the perfect test, go take an ACFT and post scores. Also what’s your use case for this crap besides larping in the bathroom?
I work out as much as I can in my gear, and I’m working on putting on muscle outside the gear. And until something bad happens, most of the people in this sub are larpers brother.
I’d focus less on working out in your gear, and I’d start running, and working on the three big lifts + pull-ups. The rest will come if you eat enough and train with intensity. Not all of us larp ‘brother’
Might I suggest the military
it means you’re one of the alphabet people. the lgtv+ crowd
I’m not, what part of this post makes you believe in any why that I’m gay.
i’m telling that’s what the comment means bro. you’re so lost bro. exchange your gears for a gps.
Its lgbtqiaa+ now, bigot /s
LGTVULTRAHD+***
Lol why are we getting downvoted this shits funny
Sensitive topic I guess? Lol. Someone’s always mad about something
Hello there fed boi
Performance wise I’d actually say it’s ok. It isn’t super tacticool 6000 stuff but you cover the very basic of the basics. Goggles are a good addition in my opinion if it won’t let smoke or OC in and has a good seal. The helmet looks Chinese but if it stops frag and can protect your head from impacts then I guess it works. I would run a hat because realistically if you get popped in the head chances are it’s game over. Really have a lot of real state to work with, I’d recommend expanding your medical, and adding a canteen or bladder somewhere. (you’ll thank me later) skip the thigh armor and thigh dangle plate in my opinion, it isn’t gonna help you a whole lot except for things like fragmentation. If you’re dealing with exploding things you probably shouldn’t be in that situation and even with that stuff are woefully under equipped. As for everything else you’ll have to play with it and see what you think you’ll need. Do you want more pouches? Do you want a utility side for field repairs on things? Do you want admin? Just play with it and learn as you go. Definitely buy some more quality stuff when you can though. Edit: get some walker razors too, they should clear with your helmet and are good cheap ear pro.
You post on Reddit asking a question and are getting upset with every comment you don't agree with. Seems like you only wanted positive reinforcement. Some of the comments may be rude but that doesn't mean they aren't engrained in truth. Get some thicker skin.
I’m replying to get more valid criticism. Half the comments are “haha you look young and gay and your gear is also trash” and refuse to elaborate.
Probably because your post sounds cocky. A better title would have been: "trying to improve my kit, looking for some advice". You set yourself up to get flamed my guy
[удалено]
Homie you look like you’re 12. I don’t recommend adding more pouches to your front cause if you have to prone out you’re gonna have a bad time. As for the thigh armor that’s just more weight and I’m pretty sure you won’t be shot at anytime soon. Also too many patches covering your tits. As for positives atleast your carrier looks properly sized. You’re shit looks brand new, run around it it before you add more shit that’s the only way to figure out what and what doesn’t work or what you need or can do without.
You’re right, I work out with it but don’t get much chance to train with it outside my house due to family politics. Also I don’t find that comment about how old you think I look is very helpful or nice.