Vests Styles and Brands

[Doombringer]

I have been researching all day and came down to 2 popular models for my first vest.

It would either be the RRV or the CIRAS (force recon).

What are the pro, cons of each ? Is it only a matter of style or there are any real advantages of either one?

Also, what about the brands ? I know that Pantac is always a safe buy, but a full loadout is about 300$. I know that Huang is selling some Ciras vests, there is also the ebaybanned ones, Flyye, and many other chinese brands. I would like to know which one is a good quality\price, relatively safe buy ? Or I should just spend 300$ on a Pantac one... ?

Thank you

[Drake]

The CIRAS is full wrap around armor and as such maybe slightly bulkier/restrictive, but offers more MOLLE real estate.

The RRV by itself can be configured several ways (chest rig with or without hard plate, straight or crossed shoulder straps, or with a real panel attached), making it a bit more versatile. The typical MFR setup is with the rear panel (usually with a MAP) attached -- providing front and rear hard plates -- and worn over a PACA LowVis soft armor.

You lose MOLLE space on the sides but the setup feels a bit less restrictive: it's similar to the MBSS+PACA setup but with the RRV offering more MOLLE space.

PANTAC's CIRAS is generally considered a very good copy, genuine Eagle ones being prohibitively expensive (and sometimes difficult to obtain in proper Coyote Brown, since you want to do MFR). Couldn't say how other copies fare, depends on how fussy you are etc. and you'd have to check reviews.

As for the PANTAC RRV, I have mixed feelings about it; it's superbly built, although there are a few minor differences with the real Eagle RRV (namely some of the Fastex buckles and the D-rings for the bib, otherwise it's almost dead on). My biggest gripe with the PANTAC RRV is the shoulder straps (padding) are much stiffer than Eagle's and I've found it extremely uncomfortable or sometimes almost impossible to wear with the shoulders strapped across the back. The genuine Eagle has much more supple shoulder straps and doesn't pose this problem.

With the rear panel installed, however, the PANTAC RRV is excellent.

The genuine Eagle RRV is a bit pricey but still affordable for airsoft if you're willing to invest a bit in gear.

Other brands, YMMV. Bean has a review of the FLYYE vs. PANTAC RRV. Anything else will probably be below PANTAC. Again, depends how fussy/cheap you are.

Of note, the PANTAC MAP has a few minor design differences compared to Eagle's, but I find it superior overall because of them (build quality is identical).


Pic of PANTAC RRV with a [wrong color/khaki] rear panel from a plate carrier. I was using the KA PACA under it. http://tacticalmoose.com/mirabel-06-06-09/060609_15.jpg

[coach]

I got a VooDoo plate carrier a while back and it's a nice fit. I didn't get plates as the rig is a bit thick but works well for my needs. Molle all around for lots of different loadouts. http://www.oneshottactical.com/merch...egory_Code=VDT

I've finally loaded it up with some Condor pouches from Army Issue.

[DJBackfire]

I use the Pantac RRV, I like it because of the versatile setups you can have with it, like the bib down, having the straps crossed and etc. I am also a very small guy...5'8" and 145lbs so I have to crank the waist and the shoulder up alot. The waist one is fully done up but the shoulder ones have a little bit to go. There is also a decent amount of molle space on it. I currently only have 4 m14 pouches on it....

Hope this helps

[Donster]

in terms of the BEST buy for vests and such. you want Eagle or Tactical Tailor. however, if you are complaining about a $300 pantac rig, than those two companies i just listed are probably not for you. however, they are the best in terms of quality. there is a review on this site somewhere regarding the Flyye stuff. Just search it. Use google to find other reviews on other gearstuffs

[Wrath144]

I'll +1 the Voodoo tactical and One Shot Tactical. Very good retailer and quality product, I have the modular chest rig and it holds everything I need stock with no extra pouches (although I don't carry much, the included hydration bladder is awesome though). Also, the integrated mag pouches DO hold AK mags. You may be able to squeeze two in each, but it holds 2 M4 mags comfortably. I have not had any problems with stitching/build quality etc. It is good stuff for airsoft!

[Stealthee]

Would you say that Eagle is the best brand compared to Pantac and Flyye since they're American-made?

[pugs144]

Originally Posted by cloaked

Would you say that Eagle is the best brand compared to Pantac and Flyye since they're American-made?

Yes, considering it's the brand Pantac and Flyye like to knock-off.