I've been looking to pick up a LB vest for no other reason than to have something loaded up with necessities that I can grab in a pinch along with my BOB. I've been reading up on the different variations and manufacturers, and while I'm not looking for a plate carrier vest, I'm not necessarily opposed to them (doubt I'll ever buy plates, but who knows).
I've looked at many, but to keep this short, I'll list the 5.11 LBE, which seems to be on par with most other basic LB vests and then the cheaper versions, like UTG that come with a bunch of the attachments (mag pouches, cross-draw holster, gear pouches, etc), my questions are as follows:
1. Given that I don't plan to be running any courses, serving as a mercenary, playing SWAT or couch-diving regularly, will I be wasting money going with something more basic/lesser quality? I know, buy once, cry once and all that, but this is one of those items that will rarely get used, so I'm trying to balance out price vs overall use.
2. With regard to AR/AK mag pouches, what is your preference when it comes to the retention device? Do you prefer the bungee cord or Velcro flaps that cover the mags? Along with this question, are the "ranger" mag base plates helpful when you have gloves on? Are they worth adding to the mags that will stay in the vest, or just a gimmick?
3. Not to go full retard tacticool here, but are the drop-leg holster and pouches worth adding on to such a set-up? While I'd have a pistol on my hip, I'm not sure if a cross-draw on the vest or a drop-leg would be more beneficial; I have no experience with these, so I'm wondering how weight distribution and ease of use plays into your decision.
Here are the variations I have seen (just using these as examples, I'm not set on any particular brand at the moment). I realize UTG normally means cheap accessories / airsoft, but didn't know if that carried over to vests.
5.11 VTAC LBE (vest only), about $95-$110, then add a couple more hundred for ppouches, etc http://www.511tactical.com/vtac-lbe-tactical-vest.html
UTG 547 Vest comes complete, $50-$60 : http://www.amazon.com/UTG-547-Enfor...=UTF8&qid=1438619526&sr=1-1&keywords=UTG+vest
Thanks!
I've looked at many, but to keep this short, I'll list the 5.11 LBE, which seems to be on par with most other basic LB vests and then the cheaper versions, like UTG that come with a bunch of the attachments (mag pouches, cross-draw holster, gear pouches, etc), my questions are as follows:
1. Given that I don't plan to be running any courses, serving as a mercenary, playing SWAT or couch-diving regularly, will I be wasting money going with something more basic/lesser quality? I know, buy once, cry once and all that, but this is one of those items that will rarely get used, so I'm trying to balance out price vs overall use.
2. With regard to AR/AK mag pouches, what is your preference when it comes to the retention device? Do you prefer the bungee cord or Velcro flaps that cover the mags? Along with this question, are the "ranger" mag base plates helpful when you have gloves on? Are they worth adding to the mags that will stay in the vest, or just a gimmick?
3. Not to go full retard tacticool here, but are the drop-leg holster and pouches worth adding on to such a set-up? While I'd have a pistol on my hip, I'm not sure if a cross-draw on the vest or a drop-leg would be more beneficial; I have no experience with these, so I'm wondering how weight distribution and ease of use plays into your decision.
Here are the variations I have seen (just using these as examples, I'm not set on any particular brand at the moment). I realize UTG normally means cheap accessories / airsoft, but didn't know if that carried over to vests.
5.11 VTAC LBE (vest only), about $95-$110, then add a couple more hundred for ppouches, etc http://www.511tactical.com/vtac-lbe-tactical-vest.html
UTG 547 Vest comes complete, $50-$60 : http://www.amazon.com/UTG-547-Enfor...=UTF8&qid=1438619526&sr=1-1&keywords=UTG+vest
Thanks!
