I'm a 11B with the NH 3/172nd C. MTN Co. and I was told to look for a new LBE. Any suggestions or other gear i will need? The LBE we are issued are the same that you get issued in boot (the korean era style POS). Blackhawk gear i used in the Corps was crap, so looking for other stuff. any help would be welcomed.

ours is like a webbed vest with a pistol belt. I hear we are getting a pretty fancy waterhydrationsystem/lbe also

Before my unit got deployed they were issued the new army MOLLE gear...some of that is okay...but I personally liked my old stuff better. Check out the new MOLLE gear

As much as i hate to say it your right about the issue stuff isnt always the best stuff for the job. Here are some web sight's that I use alot to order what i need. You can't do the best job unless you have the best gear.


http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/index.tam

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/agcatalog/index.tam

http://www.uscav.com/Home.aspx

http://rangermade.us/

http://www.soldiercity.com/category-exec/category_id/43/last_category/43

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SGT_RD,

I like the issue molle gear, it is really easy to configure to your need(s). It wears differently than the old ta/50/782 gear. Blackhawk is not on my list. Anything that is "made in the USA" is fair game for my money
I purchase spec ops brand componets to add to my molle. All of our gear at this point is on IBA for the duration of our tour. Chest rigs are pretty good but it you can try the gear on first that would add to you tool box when you go to purchase.

I liked my blackhawk vest as it was more comfortable and even stylish than the LBV, especially for a tall, slim individual myself. Makes the weight feel more distributed.

Only problem with it is that its totally incompatible with the interceptor body armor!

Steve,

Didn't they put a ban on the blackhawk body armor? I thought I had read that somewhere. Is it the same level of protection as the interceptor? Just curious.

I am referring to the tactical vests...used for carrying ammo and other equipment. They are mesh and do NOT provide any protection.



They are VERY comfortable, but with the increasing SOPs requiring soldiers to train with their armor, I've found it impossible to wear these over the armor and have it fully zipped. Plus, I need an extender for the belt.

I have to agree with the SOP in regards to wearing the IBA. I'm a M113/Bradley driver, and find that attaching canteens, ammo, etc to the IBA hangs up on everything in the vehicle. We were issued a nice little backpack, that I hang everything on. Thus when mounted I throw the bag in the back, and dismounted I wear the backpack. This seems to work well with the IBA on as well.

I hate the camelback hydration systems, they always leak.

Anyone have suggestions for a good M249 SAW sling?

Tactical Tailor out of Fort Lewis Washington is my first choice in vests. I abused one for a year's combat tour in Iraq, and haven't so much as a frayed edge.

Sgt.U.S.ARMY, Infantry Sniper, Iraq Combat Veteran