I want to carry 8, 30 round mags. I prefer an LBV style with an exposed web belt that attaches through loops (Think USGI LBV). I want to be able to shoot prone easily. it MUST have padded shoulders. Dont understand why the molle doesnt. I know its made to be worn under an IBA but it should still be padded.
That one holds 12 ak mags and looks like a US LBV. I can also get it in woodland. I could load 12 mags for if I was in a vehicle and ditch some if I end up on foot. I want flaps that will keep stuff out of the mags. I dont like open top set ups. It must be strong and durable so I can wear it through a few classes and train on a regular basis. My USMC friends said the Eagle looks hard to shoot prone and move with. How hard would it be?
I know of no way to wear 8 AK mags and armor and be “low profile”. I had the SF30 chest rig, and yes it will be difficult to shoot prone, esp if you are really trying to be low.
If the rig is higher up as a chest rig, vs ‘belly’ rig, then high-prone (for lack of a better phrase) is possible.
It’s heavy. Have you carried 8 loaded AK mags before?
I’ve never used the LBV, so can’t comment.
I have no need for armor, even though I own it. So I do very little training with it. But based on the little i have done (CIRAS with pouches attached, no separate rig), its like trying to run with a 25 pound pack on.
Personally, I wouldn’t wear just one plate as it’s too off-balance. But that’s just me.
As for build quality, it’s typical Eagle…very good, very durable. I’ve never seen any of the Russian stuff, so can’t comment. The only LBVs I have seen have been the beat-to-shit surplus at gun shows.
Your link to the Eagle vest defaults to the home page, so I am not sure what rig you are asking about.
I think you need to seriously consider reducing your mag requirement unless you are using an AK 74. My work vest only has four mags on it, and I am in a nasty place. I got a grab bag with ten more handy though.
Russian kit is ok, and it works for them. The US leads the way in tactical gear and everyone else is copying our work.
As for armor, you need a set, not a single front plate unless you know all of your threats will be to your front, and you can run backwards well.
Anyone who wears their rig on a constant basis gets used to it.
I want Web gear that has padded shoulders, must have flaps that keep shit out, is able to be used in prone, and can attach a USGI exposed web belt. Not sure who makes strong durable stuff…
I like the SF 30 AK. I would load 8 if im in a vehicle and ditch half if on foot…
Is this going on an LBE? I’ve used a surplus romanian 3 cell pouch on a web belt and that’s kind of heavy and unbalanced. 2 mags on the belt might work better.
If you have to go prone and not have anything on your chest, then don’t get a chest rig. Chest rigs also don’t have loops for a pistol belt, which you should really be wearing separate from your 2nd line rig, anyway.
The Eagle chest harness has the loops for a belt. Its one of the few that does. Wouldnt your belt be falling down if you have a drop leg, 2 canteens, butt pack, and bayonet on it? Would it be better to attach it to a chest harness or not?
Belt loops came about before the advent of battle belts, like BFG. Depends on what belt you use. I personally would not want to connect an old style belt to a vest, but use suspenders instead.
Gear evolution has gone to the battle belt and blast belt styles.
Do the newer padded belts make a difference in comfort? Are they as durable as the old USGI? I like the USGI with steel claspe. It seems really strong. What type of suspenders can you wear with a chest harness or LBV? Maybe I should use a padded plate carrier with molle loops? My concern would be long hikes with a CFP90 fully loaded. Can A plate carrier system be used without the plates? How much hotter is it than a regular chest harness for long hikes in the summer if needed? Do they have a Plate system in Woodland, USMC Digital Woodland, or Multi Cam with padded shoulders and loops for a web belt?
Yes, in my humble opinion, they are more comfortable. I wear an ATS battle belt, loaded with 4 rifle mags, 4 pistol mags, radio, cuffs, IFAK, and a Glock for SWAT. I also have ATS suspenders for it; it helps, but I can wear the belt without the suspenders without it shifting too much. More comfortable than the old USGI belt, and compatible with the newer pouches and doodads that are being made now. I can wear it all day if need be, with or without the suspenders (which btw are low profile and fit under armor, vests, etc).
