Topic: Chest Rig.... Full Vest or Chest Rig with straps?

[snakedoctor3691]

Alright, So I'm getting into tactical shooting and I love it so far. So let's see here are my questions...

Below are ideas for my new rig. Question, what's the real difference between the vest and the strapped rigs?

Vest I like except in black
http://www.lapolicegear.com/condor-quickrelease-plate-carrier.html

Strapped rig
http://www.lapolicegear.com/tactical-ops-chest-rig.html

[Keebsley]

The biggest difference is the plate carrier is meant to carry armor.  Whether soft armor and plates or just stand alone plates, it's meant to carry armor.  Doesn't work very well without any type of armor in it.

So the question is: do you want to dish out the extra $$$ for armor or not?  A regular chest rig will hold the minimum such as 3 mags, an admin pouch, an IFAK, and maybe a GP pouch.  The plate carrier can hold all that and more if you want.

As it has been quoted to me time and time again: "The mission drives the gear train."  Figure out what you want to do and go from there.  If it's fun shoots and the like, I say go with a chest rig so then you're not encumbered by a plate carrier.

[ManOnFire]

chest rig:
lightweight, cooler in summer
enough space i assume for what you need it for
the chest rig strap buldges right were buttstock goes
i find chest rigs very front heavy

plate carrier:
lots of space/load bearing
well balanced weight while moving
I prefer PC's because it ultilizes valuable real estate on the chest versus having a zipper, straps, ect

[Cmiller]

You could also go with a "battle belt" like this, http://www.skdtac.com/Viking_Tactics_Battle_Belt_VTAC_Brokos_Belt_p/3sk.125.htm

I good load-bearing belt will more than likely carry everything you would want to carry on a plate carrier. I also like the idea of a battle belt for a SHTF situation... Way easier to throw a loaded up belt on than a plate carrier or chest rig.

[Grumblecakes]

alice gear   still got mine from 10 years ago

its great cause you can take the belt off the lbv. i have used mine as a day pack quite a few times

[birddog1989]

I think ease of use comes more from, but not completely, being familiar with your gear and training with it than it's type. 

SKD has a good selection of rigs to choose from at about the same price as the plate carrier you were looking at.  http://www.skdtac.com/556_Chest_Rigs_s/16957.htm  The up side is that some of them have integral pouches so you won't have to dish out more cash for them at the get those.  I went with a Tactical Taylor vest http://www.tacticaltailor.com/modulartac-vest.aspx and then added the pouches I thought would work best for my needs.  It worked out well for me but it was expensive.  If I was going to do it again I would go with one of SKDs chest rigs, like this one http://www.skdtac.com/Eagle_Chest_Rig_Universal_SKD_p/eag.567.htm . 

It is not uncommon for a person to get something like a plate carrier rig and decide they must fill every open spot on it with some kind of widget.  If you don't need to hump around body armor all day I would be more interested in comfort and go with a chest rig.  I have two belts that I use.  One is for my duty gear and I would have this on during and active shooter or other exigent situation that would not give me time to get my TAC gear on.  The other one is in my kit bag and is for secondary gear like a gas mask, axe, dump bag, lighted hand gun, baton, rescue knife.  Because you are using your setup more for recreational shooting I wouldn't worry about a belt right now.  If you feel like you do need a belt you might think about a good riggers belt http://www.tacticaltailor.com/riggersbelt.aspx .

That's how I look at it, hope it helps a little.

[snakedoctor3691]

Yeah, that makes sense. If you're going to be running around a lot then why make yourself hotter than needs be. I guess when zombies come take over the world then it'll make sense. But only if they can shoot so you'll need armor plating. OH!!!! RED DAWN! That'd be the best situation to have a plate carrier. Anyone remember watching that going "HAHA, not in my town!" Any who, I really like the vest feel. It's seems to be more supportive. I like the feel of having everything close to your body. Do you ever feel like you loose that with a chest rig?

[birddog1989]

Yeah you'll always be better off if you can run an insurgency in body armor. 

[Tomac]

Another vote for the Eagle/SKD Universal Chest rig. Ran mine through a couple of carbine courses, I don't think you'll find a better or more versatile chest rig for the money (JMHO...)
Tomac

[hessmanca]

I have run it all, vests, chest rigs and PC's.  my current selection is a PC. fills the bill between a full vest and the chest rig. Plus I am running stand alone level 4 rifle plates.  Like many of the people have stated your mission determines gear.  I would avoid Condor at all costs.  It was originally designed for Airsoft Players.  Will not hold up to what you will want it to.  TAG, EAGLE, SKD all have great kit.  If you are looking to touch feel and play with kit prior to buying it.  James at Ambush Tactical has a good selection of quality chest rigs, pc's and vests in stock. 

Happy hunting

[SNAFU]

[quote author=hessmanca link=topic=12271.msg78455#msg78455 I would avoid Condor at all costs.  It was originally designed for Airsoft Players.  Will not hold up to what you will want it to.  stock.[/quote]

I wouldn't be so quick to kick Condor to the curb, the gear they have been selling recently is on par with eage/skd.

And if you want it to last even longer, just identify the  key stress & wear points and re-enforce the stitching & or fabric.

[Valhalla]

I'd agree with Hess.  There is a reason why Condor is a lot cheaper...  If you Google "Condor chest rig" you will get predominately air-soft websites.

I'm not saying it cant be an option for what you need - just know its not the same as Eagle, SKD, Mayflower, DBT, etc.

Like others said, its all about what you need.

I have a Diamondback Tactical Fast Attack Plate Carrier Gen II (http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/) and love it.  I haven't purchased plates for it yet however, so im currently running it empty.

Edit for spelling.