Beta's gear review/build thread

[beta678]

Originally Posted by ThunderCactus

altama exospeeds man. light as slippers, water drains, good grip, great boots

Those Altama's look nice, hows the sizing on them? Do they run a little small/large?

I've got a potential pair of boots in mind at the moment so that's one piece of essential gear down. A little too picky about gear/color/fit coordination, lol.

I'll make a summary of the information and suggestions in a couple of days in the OP, so anyone looking for similar advice/information will be able to get a quick idea of what works/what doesn't.

Keep the info coming, won't be just for me, the information would be helpful for new players starting to gear up.

[ThunderCactus]

they're bang on for size. I've got wide feet and they don't bother me

[beta678]

Well I went and ordered a pair of Bates USMC RAT boots. Scored a good deal on them (along with some other gear) so if they don't work out for airsoft I'll just match it up with something fashionable for everyday wear lol.

At the moment, I've tentatively decided to go with Mandrake as a "base" camouflage but there's a few issues I've ran into.

The TMC Mandrake combat pants/shirt don't really have that great of a cut or quality. Emerson's Gen3 combat pants/shirt are more of what I'm looking for but they haven't come out with Mandrake shirt/pants yet but they do have highlander so its probably a matter of time.

The other issue is the color of accompanying gear. I'm leaning towards Coyote Brown for plate carriers/chest rigs, belts, etc that sort of stuff but I'm not sure whether RG would be better or not. CB would give me a bit more leeway with regards to camo as I can run MC, CB, HL loadouts but I haven't really seen any pics of CB matched with MAD yet. MC is another alternative pattern I'm considering as well as a ton of gear comes in MC nowadays.

I'll be using this thread to keep track of gear acquisition as well I guess, would be a nice way to keep a record of what works for me. Will probably throw in some reviews once I get my stuff in and have a chance to test it out.

[beta678]

I'll be constantly adding to this thread from now on to keep track of my gear/kit and ask about various gear. Thread has been renamed to reflect this.

Quick overview on the Bates USMC Rat boots:

They're very well built, leather is very nice and the vibram sole is quite comfortable. I heard these run a little on the small side so I ordered a 10-W, my normal shoe size is 9.5R but I like to wear thicker socks with boots and they're a perfect fit for me.

I feel that they might be a little on the heavier side for some people but they don't feel like they weigh that much to me. Though take that with a grain of salt as I haven't had a chance to field them yet.

The boots aren't waterproof as they have two mesh eyelet vents on the inner side of each boot for circulation but you could probably just tape them over on a slightly wetter day and not worry about water getting into the boots.

I've picked up a few miscellaneous items as well as they were on sale and were things that I'd be getting eventually anyways.

Recent acquisitions:
- a nice condor cap in mandrake (love this camo pattern, the green is darker than shown in the pics I've seen which was a welcomed surprise)
- run of the mill shemagh in OD green (cheap, looks good, offers some neck protection)
- a couple of blackhawk compression shirts (on sale and works a nice base layer)
- Bonus basic trauma kit freebie which I'll toss in an IFAK pouch

In other news, I've finalized my 1st line and 2nd line gear list.

1st line will be based off a battle belt while 2nd line will be based off a plate carrier. Magazine loadout will consist of 4+1 for primary and a 2+1 for secondary with room to expand on the number of mags if I decide to carry more.

1st Line:
-HSGI Suregrip & Cobra belt (MC)
-Blackhawk Serpa for my M&P (3:00 position)
-2 pistol mag pouches ~ HSGI Tacos if I decide to spend that $ or general double mag pouch (10:00-11:00 position)
-1 primary mag pouch if running primary with plate carrier ~ HSGI Taco, fits various mags so I don't need a 7.62 or 5.56 specific pouch (9:00 position behind pistol mags)
-Collapsible dump pouch (6:00-7:00 position)
-IFAK pouch or a GP pouch (4:00-5:00 position)
-Radio pouch (8:00 position when not using a PC, or replaces primary mag pouch)

2nd Line:
-Shellback Banshee (MC)
-Small admin pouch top and center
-Triple mag shingle up front
-Radio pouch left of mag shingle
-IFAK pouch on the left behind radio pouch
-Small GP pouch on the right of mag shingle
-Larger GP pouch behind Small GP pouch
-Hydro/MAP pack on back
-Kangaroo pouch triple mag insert if I want to expand on the number of primary mags

So what do you guys think? I looked through a couple of 1st line and 2nd line pic threads on a couple of forums (ar15) and took elements from what I liked and what works for most people. I also based it off the HSP D3 chest rig (too much $ for CR IMO, might give the TMC replica a try) a bit in regards to what its able to carry; just sort of moved the pouches around here and there. I don't really want to add anything unnecessary (dunno if I really need those side pouches) as I'd prefer to minimize weight and bulk.

Will probably acquire 1st line first then 2nd line as I have more use for a belt setup at the moment than a PC, at least until I get some more things in (That and apparently TAG has a updated banshee in kryptek in the works! Wonder if anyone has a battle belt in kryptek yet..).

I'm also up for suggestions on alternatives to the HSGI Suregrip battle belt, tapered belts or anything that's neat, just throw them my way, bit of a gearwhorel. Oh and if anyone has a HSGI suregrip setup, how's the fitment? I haven't been able to get much info regarding fitment for a 30-32 waist size... seems like most people have larger waists and get HSGI's large or xl belts.

And thats about it gear wise. I'll add pics of the boots later when I have time.

[beta678]

Pics as promised for the Bates USMC R.A.T. Boots.

What you see when you open the box (You get a small QC control note and a care pamphlet):



The boots:


Side view:


Vibram Sole:


Eyelet vents:


Stamped out USMC Logo (required for sale on surplus market):


Looks and feels pretty nice:


The boots have a slight Olive Drab hue to them despite looking like Coyote Tan or Coyote Brown. Its more apparent in the toe and heel caps. Some people might not like it but it blends in with woodland environments better than CT or CB which is a plus for me.

[beta678]

So I picked up a bunch of new gear I ordered over the last couple of weeks and just thought I'd do a quick overview/mini review of some of the stuff I've added to my growing collection of assorted gear. Ordered this box of stuff from LAPoliceGear, lots of sales, cheap gear, & free shipping to my US mailing address.



Here's everything in the box laid out:


Starting from the left,

Picked up a pair of Bolle X1000 dual lens goggles. I've worn them for a while now and I haven't been able to get them to fog yet and its about 30 degrees in my room at the moment... hot day. Will do a steam test when I have the chance.



These goggles have a very low profile, might actually be a little too low profile as my eyelashes seem to brush against the inner lens.



Disassembled.


The only thing that might be an issue for me is the fitment. These aren't asian fit so there's a minor gap between my nose and goggles, hopefully a mesh lower mask will help fix that problem.

EDIT: Did a steam test on the Bolle X1000's today and I am VERY impressed. Held the goggles over a steaming pot of water for a while and there was absolutely no fogging at all. What resulted was a thin but clear layer of condensation build up on the lense itself and beads of condensation on the frame, which was not unexpected. I think the goggles warrants a more detailed review but for now I'm quite happy with them and they should hold up to most airsofting needs, unless you're playing airsoft in the sauna lol.

[beta678]

Next up, a Magpul RVG. Not much to say about this, feels nice in hand and got a nice deal on it.



ColdSteel Training Axe. Saw one of these in the SCAR pic thread and thought it'd be a neat addition to my collection. You could use this for "melee" tap kills but its not soft rubber or anything so probably not a good idea.


Tried and true Mechanix gloves. My old pair died on me a few months ago and that lasted me a couple of years, good stuff.


Another Kryptek Condor cap. Got it mostly to check out the pattern and test it out.

Picked up two dump pouches, a Tactical Tailor Fight Light Roll up dump pouch and a Condor Roll up dump pouch. The TT FL attaches via Malice clips vs. the Condor's loop & snap.

Size comparison against each other and my CRKT M16Z.


Dump pouches opened up. The TT FL is surprisingly big compared to the Condor, but both meet my needs.


Also grabbed a tru-spec hydro pack for ~$15 but that's for hiking & running and a free LAPG Bailout bag which I'll probably use for carrying around misc airsoft gear, tools, & mags.

[beta678]

Last post for today.

HSGI Suregrip & Taco's (in the wrong color lol). I'll probably do a proper review for this once I have time but long story short, its quality through and through. Highly recommend picking one up.


One last package, ordered this from Blue Line Gear (These guys are amazing, shipped my order out 4 hours after I placed it), a Bawidamann PUP Molle attachment plate. Found this while reading through some reviews and decided to grab one of these to mount my holster onto the Suregrip.


Its extremely sturdy compared to all the other mounting options available out there (ie the Serpa molle adapter) and comes with all the mounting accessories you'll need to mount pretty much anything onto it.

If anyone's got a question about a specific piece of gear, ask away. I'll be adding more to this mini overview thread when more of my gear comes in.

[Black Patch]

Originally Posted by beta678

I'll be constantly adding to this thread from now on to keep track of my gear/kit and ask about various gear. Thread has been renamed to reflect this.

Quick overview on the Bates USMC Rat boots:

They're very well built, leather is very nice and the vibram sole is quite comfortable. I heard these run a little on the small side so I ordered a 10-W, my normal shoe size is 9.5R but I like to wear thicker socks with boots and they're a perfect fit for me.

I feel that they might be a little on the heavier side for some people but they don't feel like they weigh that much to me. Though take that with a grain of salt as I haven't had a chance to field them yet.

The boots aren't waterproof as they have two mesh eyelet vents on the inner side of each boot for circulation but you could probably just tape them over on a slightly wetter day and not worry about water getting into the boots.

I've picked up a few miscellaneous items as well as they were on sale and were things that I'd be getting eventually anyways.

Recent acquisitions:
- a nice condor cap in mandrake (love this camo pattern, the green is darker than shown in the pics I've seen which was a welcomed surprise)
- run of the mill shemagh in OD green (cheap, looks good, offers some neck protection)
- a couple of blackhawk compression shirts (on sale and works a nice base layer)
- Bonus basic trauma kit freebie which I'll toss in an IFAK pouch

In other news, I've finalized my 1st line and 2nd line gear list.

1st line will be based off a battle belt while 2nd line will be based off a plate carrier. Magazine loadout will consist of 4+1 for primary and a 2+1 for secondary with room to expand on the number of mags if I decide to carry more.

1st Line:
-HSGI Suregrip & Cobra belt (MC)
-Blackhawk Serpa for my M&P (3:00 position)
-2 pistol mag pouches ~ HSGI Tacos if I decide to spend that $ or general double mag pouch (10:00-11:00 position)
-1 primary mag pouch if running primary with plate carrier ~ HSGI Taco, fits various mags so I don't need a 7.62 or 5.56 specific pouch (9:00 position behind pistol mags)
-Collapsible dump pouch (6:00-7:00 position)
-IFAK pouch or a GP pouch (4:00-5:00 position)
-Radio pouch (8:00 position when not using a PC, or replaces primary mag pouch)

2nd Line:
-Shellback Banshee (MC)
-Small admin pouch top and center
-Triple mag shingle up front
-Radio pouch left of mag shingle
-IFAK pouch on the left behind radio pouch
-Small GP pouch on the right of mag shingle
-Larger GP pouch behind Small GP pouch
-Hydro/MAP pack on back
-Kangaroo pouch triple mag insert if I want to expand on the number of primary mags

So what do you guys think? I looked through a couple of 1st line and 2nd line pic threads on a couple of forums (ar15) and took elements from what I liked and what works for most people. I also based it off the HSP D3 chest rig (too much $ for CR IMO, might give the TMC replica a try) a bit in regards to what its able to carry; just sort of moved the pouches around here and there. I don't really want to add anything unnecessary (dunno if I really need those side pouches) as I'd prefer to minimize weight and bulk.

Will probably acquire 1st line first then 2nd line as I have more use for a belt setup at the moment than a PC, at least until I get some more things in (That and apparently TAG has a updated banshee in kryptek in the works! Wonder if anyone has a battle belt in kryptek yet..).

I'm also up for suggestions on alternatives to the HSGI Suregrip battle belt, tapered belts or anything that's neat, just throw them my way, bit of a gearwhorel. Oh and if anyone has a HSGI suregrip setup, how's the fitment? I haven't been able to get much info regarding fitment for a 30-32 waist size... seems like most people have larger waists and get HSGI's large or xl belts.

And thats about it gear wise. I'll add pics of the boots later when I have time.

IFAK goes on you're second line - Basic blow out kit goes on you're first line.
This is because if you need to dump kit you're second line goes first. First line kit is PURELY there to get you back to friendly people.

One thing to note - most guys - at least in the military - carry 10 mags as a standard loadout for infantry.
You're primary weapon magazine should go where you can reach it easiest.... as it is for you're primary weapon system.

The way you are setting up is semi HSLD if it works for you, you are good to go buddy.

[beta678]

Originally Posted by Black Patch

IFAK goes on you're second line - Basic blow out kit goes on you're first line.
This is because if you need to dump kit you're second line goes first. First line kit is PURELY there to get you back to friendly people.

One thing to note - most guys - at least in the military - carry 10 mags as a standard loadout for infantry.
You're primary weapon magazine should go where you can reach it easiest.... as it is for you're primary weapon system.

The way you are setting up is semi HSLD if it works for you, you are good to go buddy.

Good to know, I actually might not have enough room to put the blow out kit or a radio pouch on the battle belt, depending on the belt layout (not that much real estate on the belt tbh) so I'll probably just stick w/ the IFAK on the PC and move the radio pouch onto there as well, though at that point the belt isn't much of a 1st line rig anymore. But I'll probably play around with everything and see what actually works best.

I don't think I'll ever carry more than 6 mags for a primary in airsoft, mostly because gas mags cost a small fortune lol. I may end up putting a double TACO on the belt as I suspect that might make things a little easier but like I said, I'll be playing around with the setup once I get everything in and figure out what works. Heck I might swap the banshee out for a lighter chest rig if I can find something that fits 5.56, 5.45, and 7.62 mags in Highlander and doesn't cost me an arm (ie Mayflower rigs). Maybe a HSGI AO chest rig w/ some tacos & misc pouches for a gas can & bb loader/bb, etc..

Thanks for the advice Black Patch, going to rethink the setup a bit and probably come up with a slightly modified kit list.

[Short Round]

Originally Posted by beta678

Last post for today.

HSGI Suregrip & Taco's (in the wrong color lol). I'll probably do a proper review for this once I have time but long story short, its quality through and through. Highly recommend picking one up.

Honestly, it has basically the exact colour scheme/I also love Kryptek over the Multicam pattern any day, but once you cover the belt with pouches and what not, you won't even see the pattern underneath all of it.

I wouldn't worry too much about it

[beta678]

Originally Posted by Short Round

Honestly, it has basically the exact colour scheme/I also love Kryptek over the Multicam pattern any day, but once you cover the belt with pouches and what not, you won't even see the pattern underneath all of it.

I wouldn't worry too much about it

HSGI's correcting the problem and sending me the correct TACO's as it was an error on their end. Highly recommend their stuff and pretty impressed with their customer service.

[beta678]

So I picked up some more gear and made some changes to my gear list for more of a HSLD kit.

I'm forgoing the 2nd line Banshee kit for now (will build that kit later) and going with a HSGI AO chest rig with 3 Taco's and an IFAK/misc pouch. The 1st line list will largely stay the same except I'll be removing the radio/IFAK pouch as I've discovered I don't have the room for it and will probably be going with a double TACO instead of a single on the belt.

I've also picked up a Grey Ghost Gear Lightweight Assault Pack which I plan on somehow integrating with the HSGI AO chest rig and potentially with the belt as well. If anyone has any ideas on how to connect the chest rig to the pack, I'm all ears.

Picked this pack up at the DStactical sale along with the PIG gloves.



The pack is nice for the money and has a compartment for a hydration bladder and plenty of room for anything you'd want to carry in the main compartment. There's also a second compartment for smaller/thinner items with an easy access side zipper as well. There's also 4 additional attachment points which you can use to attach the pack to a plate carrier if needed and the pack comes with 4 malice clip adapters with which to use. Overall the pack is very light and looks to be tough enough to deal with everything I'll toss at it, its a nice pack and well worth the $80 I spent on it.

As for the PIG gloves; I've been thinking about grabbing a pair after seeing them on SKDTAC and after trying them on, I've got to say they are probably the most comfortable and tactile pair of gloves I've ever worn. It's thin but tough and the flex joints pretty much make the gloves into a second skin of sorts as you're not fighting against the glove when you bend your fingers and its not loose, like when you wear a larger pair of gloves. Highly recommend picking a pair up if you have a chance.

Also, my 70rnd G3 mags arrived! Along with an AI propane adapter & pump kit. Haven't tried the kit out yet as I don't have any propane on hand at the moment but I'm sure it'll perform well.



The mags are a little tight in my JG G3 and I want to reinforce the magwell latch as it looks a little fragile to me. I'll probably put a plastic block behind the latch to reinforce it a bit and hope for the best.