Express your feelings: Equipment

Hivemind187

Ok folks, I was considering what it takes to put together a 24-hour load out and I get to thinking about hte different kindsof gear people have, what works, whats junk, whats essential, whats for the "mitty" in us all and which parts serve which task best.

So here is a thread to sound off about the pros and cons you have found from actually using your gear (no opinions based on some clever pictures you once saw but might have imagined).

Try to keep it concise and factual and use as much specific detail as you can. For example, if you have a red-dot where did you get it, which company built it, how heavy is it, how bright is the dot (and what shape), how clear is the lens, does it magnify, if so how much?

It doesnt have to be sights it can be anything from magpuls to knee-pads to scrim nets to telescopes just try to keep it out of the area of the actual AEG's ok? thats a whole other thread.

Remember that others may base their purchases on your reccomendations so be harsh on the gear so people know what to look out for.

ambro25

(i) Red Dot - M3000 by Xinde Optics (China)

Bought on eBay while the sellers could still sell'em, for about €30 landed.
Full metal, quite heavy
Single dot, with adjustable elevation/windage
7 levels of brightness
Came with lens covers, although they are not v.good quality (esp. the hinge - a pin dropped at the 1st skirmish I took it to, before we'd even started the 1st game!)
Came on cantilever 20mm QD mount, attaches same as carry handle on a M4 (i.e. two bolts)

Not as revolutionary/useful as I thought, I've caught myself wishing for CQB iron rear sights instead quite a few times during skirmish/CQB. Still, probably better under adverse light conditions (dark/overcast/etc.).

(ii) Knee Pads / Elbow Pads - std model by eHobby in ACU (China)

Bought on eBay for about €25 landed.
Mix of ABS (outer & shell), soft nylon (black, felt-like, inner) and hard nylon (ACU, rigidified, outer)
Machine-washable
Each of the knee and elbow pads attaches with two velcro straps

Very good for skirmish, as & when you kneel or go prone, you get good support (and bonus, your knees don't get wet in grass/mud!). However, the two straps tend to slide over time, as the elastic material relaxes, especially if you kneel/duck walk quite a bit - it's alright for a half day or so, but over a full day you end up hitching you knee pads up (and/or your trousers) nearly constantly by mid-afternoon. If you can find a model with a sleeve instead of straps (e.g. bandage/athetic support thingy), then I'd recommend those over the strap version.

liamo333

http://cgi.ebay.com/Military-GI-Assault-Tactical-FLIGHT-GLOVES-GL-30-OD_W0QQitemZ270159300502QQihZ017QQcategoryZ67021QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Nomex gloves
Bought these gloves a while ago and my first impression was very good quality ect... First time I used them I was really dissapointed. When I tried to take them off ALL the fingers ripped. Would reccomend getting the more expensive king arms gloves. 2/5

http://cgi.ebay.com/US-Marine-Digital-Woodland-Camo-Boonie-Hat-HA-22-DWC_W0QQitemZ270160085868QQihZ017QQcategoryZ36068QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

MARAPAT hat
Got this with the gloves, good quality, breaks up outline of the head and keeps sweat out of your eyes. Would really reccomend. 4/5

http://cgi.ebay.com/BALACLAVA-HOOD-2-Olive-Drab-Paintball-Head-Face-MASK-16_W0QQitemZ270158824348QQihZ017QQcategoryZ16050QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

OD balaclava
Got this with the hat. Again I was really impressed. Its completly skin tight so it wont get caught on branches ect... Also it provides excellent camoflage as it hides your skin. 4/5

http://cgi.ebay.com/Phantom-LBV-Marine-FSBE-MOLLE-OPS-Assault-Vest-VT-54-OD_W0QQitemZ270159695378QQihZ017QQcategoryZ70989QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

MOLLE vest
Got this a couple of months ago and it's brilliant. Cost around 45E (the genuine stuff cost like 150) only problems is that the buttons securing the pouches can come loose, notin a bit of glue cant sort out. 4/5

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tactical-Thigh-Holster-f-Pistol-Light-Laser-HS-14-BK_W0QQitemZ270159540548QQihZ017QQcategoryZ73975QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Dropleg Holster
Got this ages ago. Was really dissapointed. Didnt hold the gun properly and it kept falling out. 1/5

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAG-M-Series-MidCap-120rd-Airsoft-AEG-Magazine-BOX-of-8_W0QQitemZ270160088821QQihZ017QQcategoryZ64635QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
M4 MAG Mid caps
These are really good. Just dont leave the bbs in to long. They rarley jam and theres no more rattling or winding:D 5/5

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAG-MP5-MidCap-90rd-Airsoft-AEG-Magazine-Marui-BOX-of-8_W0QQitemZ270159721359QQihZ017QQcategoryZ64635QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
Mp5 mid caps
Ditto.


http://cgi.ebay.com/1-25mm-HIGH-See-Through-Weaver-Scope-Ring-Mount-SM-22_W0QQitemZ270159700384QQihZ017QQcategoryZ52512QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Scope mounts
CRAP! First time I tightend them the threads stripped. Invest is some good ones. 1/5


http://www.rsov.com/product_info.php?products_id=885&osCsid=6a33e8bb8779d77c5c349f21d815bf14

G&P Reddot
Got this a several months ago. Had to cut a small bit of the mount off so it would fit on my mp5 mount and I can tell ya the quality is really good. Has 5 brightness settings. I've used this in the rain and its never failed. Just rember to turn it off when your finished 5/5

Fiach Dubh

Woodland camo dump pouch This is an essential piece of kit if you are using a lot of mags, shaves about 3-5 seconds off reload times since dropping the mag in is a lot quicker then puttng it back in a mag pouch.

10/10

Source: ehobby Asia

SPLAV M23 Pioneer vest Excellent russian combat vest that can carry 8 AK47/74 mags, 2 per pouch. Has 4 pouches each can hold 2 40mm grenades, a radio pouch and two pistol mag type pouches. It also has a document pouch that runs the length of the vest, can hold a lot of items. Comes in Woodland or OD pattern.

This vest is a carryall 10/10

Source: RedSoldier

SPLAV Bekas series camo Comes in many Russian patterns, mine is Tigr. The trousers are of a heavy material and have vents in the crotch, heavy zip and double snap buttons. The trousers have built in gatters, double cargo pockets and a knife pocket. The jacket is the same heavy material and has vents in the armpits, heavy front zip and 3 snap buttons. It also has two zip closed chest pockets a sleeve pocket and an internal waterproof velcro closed pocket. I have skirmished in this gear about 15 times so far and it's like new, it's been washed as many times and no colour fading. The Russian Tigr pattern is very effective in the Irish enviroment.

10/10

Source: RedSoldier

Tracpac Patrol Boots
These boots cost 40 Euro, not bad for the price but you get what you pay for applies once again. I've used mine for 15 games now and they are still in ok condition however the outer skin is starting to crack at the edges a bit. I've also seen another pair loose a large portion of the outer skin after 1 game. If you are looking for a cheap boot to start Airsofting in I'd recommend them but not for longterm heavy use.

6/10

Source: Irishcombataccessories

Kings Arms full leather gloves A good set of gloves with extra leather padding on the knuckles. Very close fit so you have no problem operating your AEG with them on, you also hardly feel hand hits at all, enough to call the hit but no pain. The seems stitching could be a bit better but that's my only problem with them.

8/10

Source: UNcompany

Russian striped shirt Cotton undershirt comes in long and short sleeve versions and in multiple stripe colour versions. Cheap, well made and more comfortable then a T-shirt under your gear. Washing at 40 degrees hasn't faded the colour at all. Very nice.

9/10

Source: RedSoldier

Preformed OD bandana Nice bandana that is quick to take off and put on, looks good and keeps sweat from your eyes. Does what it says on the tin.

10/10

Source: RedSoldier

Guarder shooting glasses Ballistic rated glasses that look like a pair of shades. Comes in a hard case with 4 sets of lenses, tinted, clear, blue and orange. Also comes with a prescription insert and soft bag for the glasses. Very durable, however the lenses are a pain to switch around and the price is a bit high at $36.

8/10

Source: UNcompany

Black Star backpack Very cheap to buy rucksack that has enough space to carry all the gear needed for a days gaming. Low profile and comfortable on your back. Comes in washed out OD. Cheap as chips.

9/10

Source RedSoldier

Fallschirmjager

chest rig

i have the chest rig the marine one from ehobby.

advantages
it allows total freedom of your waist for running, good for kneeling
loads of pockets
enough for 8 mags so if you midcap like me, you wont run short of storage

disadvantages
you need someone to tie your shoes. if you drop something it is quite difficult to pick up because, well its in the way..
no where for a pistol, i had to molle up one myself.
no radio pouch.

it is good quality but is 60 dollars + shipping. so it aint cheap.

camelbak
gotten from ehobby. its quite cheap

advantages
fits on your back, holds 3 ltrs, pipe to your front for drinking

disadvantages
heavy if full (and currently you dont need 3 ltrs in hrta as the games dont last that long, but when the second site is up, it will be needed.)
sometimes mine blocks...not too sure why

radio
i have a motorola and throat mic. seems to work okay. again its a bit early for them here but i would recommend one, because when we get to bigger games, its the only way to ensure co-ordination

head wrap
stops you sweating into your goggles. cant recommend enough

gloves
get ones with the plastic front to protect those fingers.

face cover

try and use a wrap -- one that covers the ears...i think skate got hit in the ear and said it was bloody painful..never had the experience myself.

pouch
i got one of these small molle pouches and they are really useful for holding, batteries, bb's, screwdrivers, gas, etc etc

boot

i have the belleville boot, its waterproof and i cannot recommend them enough. only boot ever that doesnt shread your foot when new.a bit expensive though.


overall recommendations.
i would go for a molle vest as it lets you add and subtract and more importantly move stuff to suit yourself. so rather then a fixed rig, you can build your own, it can work out expensive though. if you get everything molle including holsters, it lets you have the maximum flexibility.


the biggest recommendation of all

duck tape...never leave home without it...get the waterproof stuff if you can..

Dar

Holsters:

Skip the drop-leg holsters, most of em suck. Get yourself a FOBUS holster molded to your specific pistol. Keeps your pistol secure without straps while being very quick to draw from. Mine cost 15 GBP on ebay.

Lemming

Knee Pads:

I don't go anywhere without these. Very handy, although as mentioned by others they have a tendency to drift as the day goes on. Mine always start to mimic shin-guards, so a 'sock' strap as opposed to two velcro leg straps would be preferable.

I don't bother with elbow pads personally.

OD Bandana

Keeps a lot of sweat out of your eyes, and in my case serves a second practical purpose in keeping my hair in one place (I have long hair)

Drop Leg Holsters

In my opinion, avoid. They just don't work well.

Chest Rig

I got mine off eHobby (the US Navy Seal CQB vest) and although it's got very limited Molle options, everything is in easy reach and it doesn't restrict my movements, whether running, crawling or bending down to pick something up.

The hydropack is a godsend for long-running skirmishes.

My only critiscm is reserved for some of the clips, particularly for the hydropack, being somewhat naff and weak. A trip to the great outdoors in Dublin city centre rectifies any problems. You can pick up good clips for about 10/15c each I think.

Catcrap anti-fog

This I found to be a bit hit-or-miss in how it worked. Might just be my goggles, I dunno so the jury's out on this one still.

Radio

Still waiting for mine ... week 5. I really could have used it at Ground-Zero last weekend.

ED E

Platypus 2L Hydration Sack

€20(Bought in france, might pay more here!)

Brilliant for that uncommon day when it gets warm:p 2L Gives is not always necessary but it gives you the option. Clips onto your rig and the mouthpiece is easy to use. Sometimes the mouthpiece wont seal 100% and air will be slowly sucked in with a hissing sound.

CrazyRabbit

Tango TRC-RC80 (ACU) Rifle Bag
US$ 38.00

http://www.uncompany.com/pageproductdetails.asp?prodid=8572

Crap. Useless. Junk. Piece of ****. Ripoff. Low quality. Oh, and it's ACU which makes it worse.

The zip is plastic and is really low quality. It's well known for breaking at the end of the bag as has happened in two places on mine now.

The buckles used to hold the shoulder straps in place are also plastic and one has snapped off completely now.

The sewing is pretty bad in places as well, and it not reinforced around the week points. One of the shoulder strap loops came off completely and I've had to sew it back on.

Don't waste your money on these. Unfortunately they are one of the few rifle cases suitable for use by motorcyclists.