Hey all,
I’m looking to get opinions on your favorite chest rigs. I’d like to buy something “budget friendly“ to start, knowing that can include a large price range.
However, in the interest of giving this thread more enduring value, feel free to also post your favorite rigs that may be out of the budget price point, with an explanation of why you like them, as well as some basic details on how you prefer to set yours up. Pics are always a plus. Cheers!
This has turned in a simp for velocity systems thread. Platatac is still based though.
Chest rigs… My favorite actual chest rig is my Platatac Peacekeeper. But for something that is super budget friendly, the Eagle RLCS is outstanding. It doesn’t quite run at chest rig height, its actually between chest rig and belt rig height, but it is cheap and rugged. Split front, which helps if you have to lay prone in an ambush position for a couple hours.
Pretty new to the game but the Helikon-Tex Guardian is what I have and I like the fact that it holds a 8 rifle mags a few pistol mags and has two gp pouches to the side. It's not modular but is definitely well made and carries a full load well. I feel it works well as an entry chest rig. I'd prefer an H style harness over the crossed back straps though.
I also have a Chicom type 63 which I bought mostly for fun but could work for keeping some extra 20rd ar mags in addition to wearing an alice rig. The Chicom rigs are cool if you are on a strict budget and just need a placeholder until you can upgrade or a friend rig for SHTF.
Check out the TAP (Tactical Assault Panel) and LBV88/LBVE.
Both are surplus and offer great bang for the buck. Give then a google to see if they’re right for you. eBay usually has both aplenty.
I own both so here’s a bit of user advice for anyone interested. The LBV88 pairs with a belt so most of your gear will be stored there. The benefit of the rig is it pulls your mags to the sides of your body more instead of being directly up front on your chest. This has its own pros and cons like anything but in my opinion is cool. You can customize the TAP via whatever pouches and panels you want to run on the front of it via molle. So plan to spend an extra bit getting the pouches you want unless you already have them. Also, if you go with a TAP, getting an ACU version on eBay or something will likely save you a decent bit of money. Once you put pouches on the front you won’t really see the panel itself anymore anyway. Plus ACU isn’t bad, people just give it shit.
(I’ve seen ACU TAP’s for 20 bucks on eBay and multicam TAP’s for 90. =stupid)
Also forego the USGI TAP x harness system and get an H harness. You usually have to buy the TAP and harness separately so this shouldn’t be an issue. I run a Spiritus H harness with a Trex back strap. Maximum comfort.
No matter what, get something quality that works for YOU.
And don’t be surprised when you end up picking up something else not far down the road too. The rig fits the need! Best of luck in your search brother!
In terms of “budget friendly“, you have a few options, I’m gonna list the open-ended ones since I don’t know what you are doing.
Your first is military surplus. Ebay has a ton of US military surplus you can purchase, including a good amount of chest rigs. I am preferable to the RRV from Eagle, my setup can hold eight magazines, some admin, radio, and water. As an added plus it is designed to along with a plate carrier if you please. Just go on there and search “surplus chest rig eagle” or LBT.
The other option is also budget, which is Amazon. Besides Condor, there are a bunch of no name chest rigs that will fit your budget, and there are a lot of variations so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one to suit your needs. That being said, buying a $35 WingFong chest rig introduces a new set of questions you need to ask yourself.
Why does purchasing a “budget” chest rig matter? If you know that you are probably going to save up and buy a more expensive set of gear, any gear, why buy cheap things now? You will be better off in the long run saving your money for a little longer and buying a nicer rig that you know is good, not “just as good”
I think a guy really should have three or four different chest rigs, to do everything. But if I could only have one it would be a Velocity Systems Hybrid, with a double mag pouch on one side and a canteen pouch on the other. You can get six mags plus water, or whatever you want to put in those pouches. It’s not a terribly expensive rig.
Thanks @dimsumho123 . The LBX Lock and Load looks like a good place for me to start.
@Coniferous Origins I get your point. For me, part of the issue knowing where to start is having so much out there to choose from. I’ve looked up reviews on YouTube, but I figure I’d rather get some data points from people on what they’ve ran/liked than trust the guntubers. As far as what I’m looking to accomplish? I’m not looking for anything especially low profile, but don’t intend to make this a beefy rig for long term operations either. Just something middle of the road in capacity that’s durable, holds a few mags, and won’t kill the bank while I try to learn what I like/don’t like and LARP in the woods/on the flat range.
TBH, if youre wanting something that does everything, just look at VelSyst options. You'll figure out real quickly what you want.
My favorite is my Crye Precision Airlite
In general the issue with these questions are how open ended they are. The variation across the board in tactical nylon is astounding, and we're at a point where there's almost a chest rig for everyone fulfilling any role. @dimsumho123 said it: what are you trying to do, what equipment are you trying to use, and what your preferences are.
I've had a lot of different rigs from small to large, modular to set in stone, etc. and I found good and bad in all of them. Ask yourself this: what mission are you trying to accomplish, what do you want to be able to carry, what weapon platforms are you trying to use it with, do you want to be able to use it in conjunction with a belt kit, what duration do you intend on wearing this for, etc.
My advice, it really comes down to what you're trying to do, what equipment you are trying to use, and what your preferences are. Personally, I hate elastic retention. I actually prefer closed top, velcro pouches. If that's your thing, side-stepping the shitty amazon warrior stuff, I can whole-heartedly recommend the LBX lock and load. I picked mine up for like $80 on sale. A lot of built in features and carrying capacity for the AR platform, for a good price. If you're a high-speed, door kicking, pipe hitting type, then that's probably not the best option for you. In terms of my favourite rig, its probably the Crye Airlite. I made the terrible financial decision of only putting Crye pouches on it. Its by far the most comfortable chest rig I've ever used. Great weight distribution. Modular. And the way I have it set up, carries 8 Mags, Med, and 3 Small GP pouches. Hope this helps. Cheers.