Beta's gear review/build thread

[beta678]

Hey ASC,

Once again I've come to draw upon the well of knowledge that is ASC.

Anyways, I've seem to run into a few issue while trying to put together a basic load out. I'm not sure of my playstyle yet but I'm aiming for HSLD styled loadout, don't really want to weight myself down with useless crap lol. Not really in a rush to get everything, will probably finalize kit list and slowly acquire them but any advice to help me in the process will be highly appreciated!!

Now... Starting with questions from the head down...

I'd like to run with a pair of goggles such as the Revision DL or Boogie Sport Regulators along with a mesh half mask, headset (ie the Ztac Sordins or maybe a pair of Howard Leigh Impact Sports), and one of them fancy tactical caps in MAD or MC but that adds up to a crap load of straps going this way and that which seems like it'd cause a bunch of fitment issues. Does anyone run with similar headgear and can shed some light on how the heck to get everything to fit? Pics would help.

Also, I've had the opportunity to try on a few mesh half masks but they all seem somewhat over-sized. They're either too tall or too long or have issues with fitment which affect cheek-weld to some degree or another. Does anyone know if there's a "small" half mask that would fit asian styled faces well? Preferably with straps that go around the ears as opposed to over it, which would sorta interfere with headsets.

Moving onto chest rigs and plate carriers, I know this isn't really an essential part but I thought I'd include it in here. I've got my eye on a D3 chest rig (or the replica at least) and the shellback banshee but I probably won't be getting either for a while at least since some of my stuff has yet to arrive and I have 3 different platforms requiring different magazines... Is there a relatively cheap rig that's compatible with 5.45 mags, 5.56 pmags, and G3 mags?

Onto BDU's and stuff. I'd like to go with a mandrake or multicam based kit (both eventually for the tan/green loadouts) but most of the stuff I'm looking at right now is made by TMC and I have no idea what their sizing is for shirts or pants... I'm a 29-32 waist (active vs. bear coming out of hiberation fat...) but I have no idea if its a small or medium... anyone know what their sizings are? and whether their stuff is worth it? (looking on ebair for gear atm) Might just go with MC or MAD pants and a softshell jacket for now though since its still kinda cold.

Belts. I know nothing about belts... feel free to edumacate me on the wonders of belts. I've got a Serpa for my M&P which I'll be running if that helps.

And lastly, boots. I'm still looking around for boots, trying on a few here and there to see what I like but I still haven't found anything that's comfortable and durable (preferably in a color that goes well with MC or MAD). Anyone have suggestions? Oh and would waterproof boots be recommended or do most people wear goretex/waterproof socks when field conditions are a bit wet? Oh and anyone ever try Hi-Tec Sierra boots? not really tactical boots, more trail/hiking boots but they seem pretty nice. Just can't find any to try on.

Oh, one more thing. Whats the one piece of gear advice you'd wish you were told when you were a noob? (ie. essential piece of kit, gear organization, etc)

Think that's it for now... Its a bit disorganized (lacking sleep... just finished a paper... sleeping after this lol) but hopefully I've got my questions across. Not looking to be spoonfed, just looking for some tips and advice from more experienced players.

Thanks again!!
Beta678

*Renamed thread as it'd be easier to keep track of everything instead of starting multiple threads*

[ThunderCactus]

what is a "fancy tactical cap"?

when you get better, you'll find there's one gun you constantly go to, and that will be the one you keep. It's a big waste and a massive hassle to have 3 different mag types, especially if all three require a different pouch. There are "universal" mag pouches, but what that means is they hold pretty much any kind of mag, but suck at holding any kind of mag.

You'll want balance on your belt, offset the weight of the pistol with something on the other side. I recently got an HSGI suregrip and it's a lot better than my last belt.

A lot of people will recommend swat's. I recommend altama exospeeds if you're getting wet in swamp conditions, they're extremely light weight and have drains on them. Converse makes good desert boots too, super comfy, but no drains.
If you ever even fathom of every being in deeper than boot high water for the many years you'll have that pair of boots, absolutely do not get goretex. Their waterproofing works both ways.
In fact, if you can see yourself frequently in deep puddles, get jungle boots (like the exospeeds). The drains are worth it!

[Windows]

With regard to goggles:
Any of the ones you listed will work well. Make sure to check with your local field to see if you need "paintball approved" ones or not. Just make sure to get a thermal lens.

With regard to "a fancy tactical cap":
I presume you mean a helmet? Don't bother. It's not needed for high speed low drag.

With regard to holding magazines:
I recommend the HSGI Taco. They hold my 7.62 nato single stack, 5.56, AK, and G3 mags no problem.

With regard to belts:
Some people like war/molle belts. I find they're too bulky and they shift around while sprinting. The Hsgi one is apparently quite good but it's still too bulky for my idea of low drag.
I use an Ares Gear ranger belt. (1.5") It's really stiff and I run 3 HSGI tacos on the left using the malice clips with no sliding. and another 2 Pistol tacos on the front left. Just make sure your waist size is on the tight end of the size chart.(get a belt that is too big instead of too small. Items will add waist size.)

With regard to chest rigs:
The one you picked out will serve you well. I went with an hsgi small AO (about the same size) and it works great. The key is setting it up so your mags are kept close enough to the center of your body so you can scruch up and not have mags in the way.

With regard to boots:
Make sure whatever you buy, it has lots of flex in the ankle and is at least mildly waterproof but breath-ability is king. I use Under Armour Speed Freaks in multicam. They're really nice to wear. Lots of cushioning while running. Downside is the rubber is quite hard and likes to squeek on hard floors when wet.

My final notes:
Get good (non fogging) eye pro (and face pro if you desire) first. Then get the belt, and a couple mag pouches. After that you will discover other stuff you really wish you had like: gloves, flash light, water carrier, field backpack (for stuff like extra gas bbs etc), radio, SLING! etc.

[pugs144]

WRT mesh facemasks, I first pried off the edging and used tin snips to cut away parts of the mesh in order to get a custom fit and cut away as much as possible while still covering my mouth. Mash the mask onto your face to get it to conform to your facial contours. Keep doing this until you can get a decent cheekweld with your rifle. Reattach the edging with Shoe Goo or any similar cement.

Breathable non-Goretex boots plus wool socks will get you through most environments during the season. Dunno why wet feet spook so many people.

[Black Patch]

Fancy tactical Hat try 5.11
For holding mags try the ESS trim Boar
VTAC Brokos.
Chest rig as above
Boots are down to you.. Do not get Goretex. If you have sweaty feet then get the lightest most breathable boots you can find. Civvy ankle high boots by Merrell work exceptionally well.

[beta678]

Ugh... Reread my opening post and it’s as if a disorganized, moderately intoxicated and partially literate penguin wrote it... why a penguin... I have no idea, first thing that came to mind.

Should have thrown together a kit list from the start for a critique and posed the relevant questions for each section of gear under it; would have been clearer and more organized.

Anyways, a slight rehash but here we go.

Headgear:

1. Tactical ball cap – Condor tactical cap in MAD/MC
2. Low profile goggles – Revision DL fan, Boogie sport regulators, Bolle X1000 duals or X810’s (if I can find either of them)
3. Comms/headset – Ztac Sordins or HL Impact Sports (Really just looking for something to protect my ears. Sordins would allow me to add a radio setup later on and the Impact Sports would offer some hearing protection)
4. Mesh half Mask – Looking for something that fits well and isn’t oversized. Preferably with two straps that allow straps to go around ears
5. Shemagh – Something to protect against those neck shots

Questions:

- Does anyone have a similar headgear setup? Did you run into issues regarding the fitment and management of the various straps? Pics?

Chest Rig/Plate Carrier:

Looking for something that’s not bulky and provides enough clearance to run a war/battle belt if I decide to add that piece of gear. Haven’t decided on anything yet as I haven’t decided what to run as a primary at this point (held off on writing this thread for a while due to this but thought I might as well toss it out there to get some opinions). Open to suggestions on other non bulky HSLD rigs and carriers.

1. Haley D3 Replica by TMC – cheap alternative to the real thing
2. Shellback Banshee – well priced & tons of good reviews

BDU’s:

1. TMC Combat pants in Mandrake/Multicam – Unsure of sizing
2. TMC Combat shirt in Mandrake/Multicam – Maybe?
3. Softshell Jacket in OD/Tan – Probably better suited for the cold weather, more inclined to go with the softshell jacket and combat pants combo that a lot of people seem to run.

Questions:

- Does anyone know what the sizing on TMC gear is? Its marked as Small/Med/Large but I have no idea what waist size they correspond to.

Belts:

- Not really my area of expertise, I like the concept of being able to easily put on and take off a war/battle belt but for the moment, all I really need is something that can carry a Serpa holster, a dump pouch and two pistol magazine holsters. It’d be nice if the belt allows for expansion and the addition of various other gear later on but I don’t really want to weigh myself down and honestly can’t think of anything else I’d add on asides from the things I’ve already mentioned. Thoughts?

Boots:

- I’ve looked at a number of boots but I’m still not quite sure what to go with. I’ve looked at speed freaks, 5.11’s, etc, but want to get a good balance of price, quality and comfort. Prefer boots around the $100 mark +/- $25 or so. Open to suggestions on what to look at, I’m not a fan of the bigger bulkier boots I see a lot of the times so it’s kind of hard to find something I like.

Misc:

- I’m also looking into radios, the Baofeng UV5R specifically as it seems to do a lot for the price (on amazon at least). Any advice or tips on running these? I’ve watched a bunch of programming videos on youtube and it seems straightforward enough. Don’t really have any questions regarding it but thought I’d put it in here just for the sake of it. Planning on getting an amateur radio operator cert some time down the line so it seems like a nice addition.

1. Baofeng UV5R Radio – cheap comms

Any advice or tips on gear in general is greatly appreciated and would be helpful for me and any other new players who happen on this thread and are trying to put together a basic gear load out so don’t be shy with your comments!

*Didn't want to edit the opening post since you guys already responded to it so basically just clarifying and adding to what I asked earlier*

[beta678]

Originally Posted by ThunderCactus

You'll want balance on your belt, offset the weight of the pistol with something on the other side. I recently got an HSGI suregrip and it's a lot better than my last belt.

Balancing gear seems to be the one piece of advice that's overlooked by new players such as myself. I've been told to consider gear balance a few times when I've gotten the opportunity to speak with some veteran players locally. Will definitely keep it on my mind when selecting gear.

Originally Posted by Windows

With regard to goggles:
Any of the ones you listed will work well. Make sure to check with your local field to see if you need "paintball approved" ones or not. Just make sure to get a thermal lens.

With regard to "a fancy tactical cap":
I presume you mean a helmet? Don't bother. It's not needed for high speed low drag.

With regard to belts:
Some people like war/molle belts. I find they're too bulky and they shift around while sprinting.

My final notes:
Get good (non fogging) eye pro (and face pro if you desire) first. Then get the belt, and a couple mag pouches. After that you will discover other stuff you really wish you had like: gloves, flash light, water carrier, field backpack (for stuff like extra gas bbs etc), radio, SLING! etc.

Definitely trying to find something goggle wise that doesn't fog up and exceeds the local field standards. As for the "fancy tactical cap", I honestly just meant a ball cap lol, I can't stand having something like a helmet on my head (actually got a bit of a lecture on helmets and airsoft when I visited Milsig a while back haha).

I'm ok with belts as long as they don't shift around too much but maybe I'll just got with a rigger's belt instead of a fully decked out war belt that sits around your waist.

Definitely going to get gear in the order you mentioned, at the very least I'll be able to go out RIP and run my pistol with the goggles, face protection, and belt.

Btw, since you're a local player, do you have any idea whether Mandrake or MC works better for our local fields? I haven't had a chance to go out to Panther or MRP so I have no idea if either work well in the fields.

Originally Posted by pugs144

WRT mesh facemasks, I first pried off the edging and used tin snips to cut away parts of the mesh in order to get a custom fit and cut away as much as possible while still covering my mouth. Mash the mask onto your face to get it to conform to your facial contours. Keep doing this until you can get a decent cheekweld with your rifle. Reattach the edging with Shoe Goo or any similar cement.

Breathable non-Goretex boots plus wool socks will get you through most environments during the season. Dunno why wet feet spook so many people.

I think I actually got to try that mask on a while back, the single strap didn't feel very secure and it was definitely on the larger side. I don't mind customizing the mask but would like to minimize cutting if possible by finding something that fits relatively well from the start. It just seems like most masks extend too far back past your cheeks and are a little on the taller side, extending below your chin/side of face. I'll definitely go with what you suggested regarding customizing them when I find something that fits relatively well though (tempted to go to the local metal works shop and check out their supply of perforated metal sheets/mesh and make my own custom fit mask... just not sure how to form it lol).

Lol, just don't like getting my feet wet when possible. Feels nasty :P

Originally Posted by Black Patch

Boots are down to you.. Do not get Goretex. If you have sweaty feet then get the lightest most breathable boots you can find. Civvy ankle high boots by Merrell work exceptionally well.

Good advice, didn't look into Merrel even though I have a pair of their runners... lol

I was considering a pair of these http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/mens-sierra...core-gold.html

Seen them on sale and they look pretty nice but mixed reviews regarding comfort and fit. Also not sure how well they go with MAD or MC. I think I'm going with too much guccicam... lol

[Black Patch]

[/QUOTE]I was considering a pair of these http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/mens-sierra...core-gold.html

Seen them on sale and they look pretty nice but mixed reviews regarding comfort and fit. Also not sure how well they go with MAD or MC. I think I'm going with too much guccicam... lol[/QUOTE]

Unless people can see the soles of your boots these will not give you away.
If you look at Civvy contractors / some SOF teams, they basically wear fucking running shoes. These are guys who are deployed though.
In Airsoft the aspect of wearing boots that protect the ankle is two fold... Insurance and personal protection from rolling ankles.
Same in the Army (plus the 3rd aspect that the boss says you must). High leg boots do not keep your feet and legs in any better shape if you step on a mine.

The lighter your boots and the more breathable they are means you have a more comfortable time moving across ground and that they dry out quickly.
Goretex holds moisture in if water goes over the top of the boot.

Reference ; Hitec make boots for a European Market. As far as I know they donot have sales in Canada directly. The 124GBP you are looking at is about $199 CAD with the conversion rate.

[Bigload]

Boogies with Asian fit and a cutted half mask worked fine for me.

Good infoin this thread. I am looking for similar gear. Interested in what bdu you end up with.


Plastic bagged socks worked well for puddles :-)

[Windows]

Originally Posted by beta678

Btw, since you're a local player, do you have any idea whether Mandrake or MC works better for our local fields? I haven't had a chance to go out to Panther or MRP so I have no idea if either work well in the fields.

I've only really played at panther... and to be honest MC stands out like a sore thumb except in the late fall. Not as bad as black or ACU stands out, but not as good as CADPAT. Haven't seen MAD on that field. but by seeing how much green it has in it, It would probably do fairly well. The best I've seen is a guy wearing complete brown and no pattern. On that field, the more brown the better. Except for the tire fort, and who honestly hides there.

Originally Posted by beta678

I'm ok with belts as long as they don't shift around too much but maybe I'll just got with a rigger's belt instead of a fully decked out war belt that sits around your waist.

I used to use a HSGI 1.75" riggers belt. Loved the thing. Just a hastle taking it off and and on. The Ares 1.5" is allot easier and fits more pants. It just doesn't hold up a couple of trucks like the HSGI one.

[beta678]

Originally Posted by Black Patch

Reference ; Hitec make boots for a European Market. As far as I know they donot have sales in Canada directly. The 124GBP you are looking at is about $199 CAD with the conversion rate.

Oh I only used that site for reference since its got the most info on it. Its on sale for sub $100usd so that's why I'm considering it. If I were to spend $200 on a pair of boots I'd go with something nice like Bellevilles or Bates. I also sort of prefer taller boots that I can tuck my pant hems into if I decide to so that's one reason why I'm somewhat reluctant to go with shorter trail boots.

Originally Posted by Bigload

Interested in what bdu you end up with.

So am I, lol :P

Originally Posted by Windows

I've only really played at panther... and to be honest MC stands out like a sore thumb except in the late fall. Not as bad as black or ACU stands out, but not as good as CADPAT. Haven't seen MAD on that field. but by seeing how much green it has in it, It would probably do fairly well. The best I've seen is a guy wearing complete brown and no pattern. On that field, the more brown the better. Except for the tire fort, and who honestly hides there.

I used to use a HSGI 1.75" riggers belt. Loved the thing. Just a hastle taking it off and and on. The Ares 1.5" is allot easier and fits more pants. It just doesn't hold up a couple of trucks like the HSGI one.

Awesome, I'm only really planning on playing at Panther (ASG games) and maybe RIP every once in a while now that its $20 vs $30/40. I've never been to panther so I'm only really going by pictures and gameplay videos I've seen of the field. Had no idea brown would be ideal, I don't mind Coyote or Highlander/Nomad based gear, it just seemed like it'd be too brown lol (though highlander seems to be a good balance between the greens and browns). Alternatively, I could wait it out a while and see if TMC or someone else will be putting out their replica combat uniforms in Multicam Tropic, think its got more green than MAD.

That HSGI belt looks nice, really dig cobra buckles but priced more than I'm willing spend for a belt at this point. Won't require gear of that quality for a game I'd hope lol.

At this point, it feels like I need to get out to a game to get a feel for the field and things before putting together a finalized list of gear. Heck I haven't even looked into slings, pouches, or KNEEPADS (definitely important, something about knee pads being cheaper and painless vs knee surgery lol), gloves I can go with a pair of mechanics but its kinda hard to build a kit until I decide on a base camoflage pattern to run with.

Was airsoft always this complicated or is it just me? :P

*Oh and my googlefu sucks... I have yet to find pics of anyone running a headset, goggles (not ballistic glasses), half mask, and a ball cap... (seen some helmets with all that stuff but most of it was mounted on the helmet rails/straps) has anyone seen this combo or is it too much of a headache to manage good fitment with all of that stuff on your head?

[Danke]

I run that setup all the time.

The trick is to make sure the goggle strap is tight and it's the first strap you put on.

The the headset and mask go on. The trick is to leave those straps loose. Not flappy loose, just comfortable.

That way you can shed the mask if you want to drink or pull off the headset if your radio goes down without having to remove your eye protection.

I've even worked all that hardware with a cowboy hat.

[Red Dot]

Awesome advice Danke, having the eye pro first... makes complete sense.

[beta678]

Originally Posted by Danke

I run that setup all the time.

The trick is to make sure the goggle strap is tight and it's the first strap you put on.

The the headset and mask go on. The trick is to leave those straps loose. Not flappy loose, just comfortable.

That way you can shed the mask if you want to drink or pull off the headset if your radio goes down without having to remove your eye protection.

I've even worked all that hardware with a cowboy hat.

Sweet, thanks for the tip! Knew there had be some trick to getting everything on.

I can't even imagine how a cowboy hat would fit with sordins or the like lol, but it must have been one awesome tactical six-shooter/highnoon duel setup.

[ThunderCactus]

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