Deciding on a Second Line Kit
 

Hello ASC,

As I'm turning 18 in two months from now, I'm currently looking at the available vests on the market. After extensive research and acquiring reviews from many types of vests, the CIRAS seemed to please many people. From these research, I also noticed the Wee/Wasatch line of vests. I'm about 5'9 120kg (I'll need to check that for sure) and plan to sport CADPAT BDU's (As I used them for paintball, yet another paintballer converted to airsoft). I've read shared opinions over the Pantac Wasatch vest. The thing that makes me hesitate on getting the Pantac vest is the fact that the way the Wasatch is setup makes it sag on the front (front heavy). I read also that it could be fixed when you put plates inside or attach some gear on the back panel. I was also looking at Huang's High Quality OD Maritime Ciras Vest. I tried to find a review on it, but only found some relatively short answers that weren't detailed enough. I'm also opened to other suggestions. 180$ is my budget for a vest (Though I can go above that if is suggested). I'm looking for something that is comfortable, a vest that can add a hydration carrier on the back, something not too overkill (although I like the concept of the CIRAS), and something that will last. I won't be sporting a lot of mags and items for the first season around (will add things later if I feel the need to), and plan to try out some vests, before I buy, if anyone is willing to once I get AV'ed at a game or something. You get what you pay for so I'm willing to spend the extra bucks to make it worth my while. I hope I did my homework as intended to. Thank you.

I've had a CIRAS, weesatch AND wasatch. I'm 5'11" and 168lbs. The CIRAS has to be tightened to it's smallest setting to fit me, but then it does. I started airsoft when I was 20 pounds lighter, so the weesatch was my choice at that time. The weesatch is slightly smaller than the wasatch, as it has one less pocket.

If you're 5'9" and 120Kg, not lb, than you're probably better off with the CIRAS, as it's bigger. If you meant to say lbs, then you're probably good to get a small vest. Weesatches do sag in the front, but it doesn't really affect functionality, it just looks a bit weird.

Another option for a light rig to consider would be an actual chest rig and a battle belt, or a bandoleer. I've seen a few guys sport them and they seem like fantastic high speed set ups. Another vest that many people rave about is the RRV. I can't comment as I've never used one myself, but they have no side panels to get in your way, which seems like it would be great.
What kind of rifle were you planning on using? Mag pouch compatibility is something to consider, too.

Ya, I did meant 120lb (Typo). I was planning on getting an M4 (VFC M4 Sopmod) or something in the M4 family line. Though since I'm not AV'ed yet, I can't tell for sure, but I always loved the feel of M4's (Had the chance to hold one (c7), as my Dad was in the Army)

Ok. In that case, rule out the big vests, as they WILL make you uncomfortable, and not agile at all. Been there, done that, not fun.

I'd suggest looking into a chest rig+ belt, or a small vest like the RRV.

But that's just me :p

Oh, and don't spend any money on guns until you see what's available! There are at any given time a billion m4's on the classifieds, many in starter packages (gun+mags+batteries+upgrades) which can save you a bunch :)

Don't forget the CIRAS comes in various sizes. They are NOT one size fits all.

My Recommendation would be the Eagle Rhodesian Recon Vest (RRV). IT's modular and is uber adaptable. Plus there are a tonne of quality clones out there. Check out Pantac or Flyee.

Yah, the VFC was a rough idea, not set in stone. I know that when I get AV'ed, a new world will open:D. The RRV seems like a nice choice, I'll need to get to a game someday to see what people have. I can only make rough plans until I get access to the classifieds.

Due to my small size I got a MOLLE vest that clips down the center and tightens on the side. I was wondering what it is called and how it should be loaded up? I got one double pouch on the right and a triple pouch on the left (m4 dual stacks, use SIG 552 so only one fits) and have been using a water bottle pouch to hold two more. Any suggestions on an alternate set up?

Personally Im in love with the Pantac 1961A Band. Thing is versatile, has room for everything a skirmisher could need to carry. And if you bring a 3 day bag with you into the field for milsim ops you can always resupply there.

http://ascmart.ca/images/products/pa...16%20-%201.jpg

I love my Ciras but that might not work for you considering i'm 6'1 230lbs, a good option you should look into are the recon chest rigs Eagle industries make, probably be a good fit on you. Maybe somthing like this...
http://www.eagleindustries.com/produ...&cat=40&page=2

The RRV looks like what I'm looking for. It has webbing all over the vest which I like. 1337tactical seems to stock the Phantom/Pantac RRV:

http://www.1337tactical.com/shop/pro...p?productId=95

Is there a difference between the Pantac and Phantom RRV, or is it just the name that changed (I know Phantom changed it's name to Pantac.) Which candian retailer also stocks the Pantac RRV? I'm not dead set on getting the RRV, but just analysing the choices I have before really getting one.

Pantac and Phantom are the same company, so the vests are the same.

I'm 5'2-5'3ish... I use a CIRAS when I play airsoft but I am 150lbs. The CIRAS is great but I do feel over cumbered sometimes.I have mine set in the smallest settings and it does not sag at all. However I think the RRV will serve you better since it is probably less cumbersome and no one really needs to run around with plate carriers for airsoft unless its for an impression. I am actually thinking of going old school and using ALICE webbing to see how that feels. Hope this helps.

Thank you all guys for your input, it was very helpful. The RRV seems like a logical route to take. One last thing (sorry if this question is meant to go to the Players, Events section), are there many airsoft games near Quebec City? I'd like to attend one only to see what other people wear and what guns they game with before getting into the ''buying'' process (of course after I get AV'ed). Thanks again.

I'm a Fan of the MAV/KISS style platform.

~Thanato