Paintball

[blackrain]

Ok so everyone has seen my " How To Build a Tacical Vest". Now here is the review.
Total cost was $107.00.
I know you can buy cheaper out there, but those vest are usually "fixed made". Meaning you have to settle for what the manufature offers you, or you have to follow the Paintball popularity crowd.
I bought what I wanted and set my vest up the way I wanted. I care less if I'm set up like a heavy gunner, sapper or what ever else name people brand themselves with.
Technically if you look at it I'm just carrying a basic "COMBAT LOAD" of paintball magazines compared to Military which is six 30 round clips.
Everything is MOLLE. I like MOLLE, but it might not be everyones flavor. However I used it for my guid, reanson being if I'm not happy with the set up I can change it around per my playing style.

So on with the review:

Carry Pouch:
Very well made and worth the money I paid. I knew if I waited long enough and search, I would find one at a great deal. It's dule zippered, came with a velcroed American flag and has many pockets for such items as an ID, multi tool, keys, etc. Your imagination dictates it's use. I really didn't find a need for the two hooked laces, so I cut them out.



Hydration pouch:
Found this way less than the big names sell it for. To be honest half the price. It also comes with a bladder. Once again well made. No loose sewing, no blemishes, very good stiching. Also has MOLLE webbing on back of pack to add more gear. This also has 4 MOLLE straps for attaching to the vest( thanks for the reminder Daryl).


Pod pouches:
These would have been alot less expensive if I would have searched "Cheaper than Dirt" cataloge alot a little longer. I bought these from Opsgear. They were a decent price and on sale so they were what I needed to match my vest. Well made no loose stiching. Velcroed flaps with snaps. Snaps are not hard to pull apart. so you won't need a pair of vise grips to open the flap to get the 100 rnd POD. Since I had 100 RND pods, that was the type of carriers I needed.


The belt:
Picked this up from RAP4 a few yrs ago. Or did I buy it from someone on MCB. Can't really remember. Still brand new. Came with 2ea 9mm pouches.


The vest:
I saved this for last so I could go in depth with it. It is well made. It really exceeds the price I paid for it. The zipper is plastic, just like on my other vest and those that are sold elsewhere. It's sturdy. Has two front clips. The MOLLE webbing was sewn in very well.
I didn't notice and stiching coming undone or any webbing out of line. Weaving in the gear was not a problem.
Perfect spacing for the straps. Has two velcro patches on each breast side. I imagine those are for "Blood type patches or unit patches or other military items of intrest" Maybe it helps certain gear attch better. Either way it's for attachment.
It adjust on the sides. I like this. Iam a ROUND PERSON, so this helps alot. I adjust them all the way out. Still not restrictive.
The soulder straps are adjustable. This will let you make the vest drop lower or pull it up a little more. I like this feature, helps to cover my "ROUNDNESS".


Vest inside:
I imagine if I was really into scenario games the inside would be very helpful. It has to zip up pockets on each side on the vest. Would be good for storing maps, orders, secret agent stuff etc. Mesh is sewn in very well and zippers are too.
The back netting can be used to put in a hydration bag and then put on the vest. Personally if I was going to do that, I would sew down the mesh just to form a nice pocket so the hydration bag is limited in it's movement. Doing this will free up the back of the vest for spare gear, pods or a pack.


Back of vest:
This is really the only problem I see. To me there is not enough webbing on the back. One thing I hate is any gear smacking me on my rear end or just plain riding low. So I will add about 4 rows of webbing to correct this issue. I have 50 yards of the stuff, why not use it.


Webbing:
Like I said, 50 yards of the stuff. lol I'll make a tactical sling with it. I have the correct clips laying around.


So here it is all finished up.
I haven't put on the Hydration pouch till I do the Webbing mod.


So let me know what you think. I know I got my Monies worth. Do I feel that this will work for me? Yes I do. Like I said, I need a vest to travel with, so this is my choice. I hope whatever everyone else buys will fit their wallet and budget.
Later,
Blackrain

[darylparkinson]

Good review Man. Does your Hydration pack have 4 straps on the back to hold it? If so it is the same as the one I have. You will need to add 2 extra straps if you want to use the molle webbing on it.

[blackrain]

Yep has 4 straps. I'm just andding four extras so it rides real high on my back. Gives me some room for extra pods if I want to carry more.
Later,
Blackrain