Solid Snake.pt
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Posts posted by Solid Snake.pt
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I had never heard of G1098 before actually, but now that I looked them up they have some nice things. Thanks for the tip.
You can also look-up Begadi's stuff (begadi.de), they do DPM, although I'm not entirely sure how their DPM matches up compared to traditional UK DPM. It looks more akin to Portuguese DPM or the old UK Tropical DPM -- the green seems "brighter", more vivid. Pattern seems to have larger shapes, too.
Unsure of their quality, but I believe it's quality stuff, 1000D and have heard good stuff from them.
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They shouldn't, not without significant filing - the F2000 frame has some slotting for the back of a regular USGI-type magazine, which on a P-Mag is ridged. The ridging on the P-Mag blocks the P-Mag entry into the F2000 magwell.
I can't really describe it any better than that, only a picture would help.
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A small update on my end that might be relevant to other users, given that it covers one of the issues I was afraid of -- that I might have to deal with G&G directly to get spare parts.
And I did. My gun stopped feeding and one of my local techs suggested it was most likely the tappet plate causing the issue. Tried fitting a Deepfire P90 tappet plate in (V6), but it wouldn't fit -- so the tappet plate is proprietary.
However, I'm glad to say that G&G offers a direct-to-customer maintenence service. I e-mailed them, stated the part number that I needed (taken off their exploded diagrams available on their website) and a week later, a tappet plate arrived at my door step along with a shitload of goodies -- a G&G patch and a ton of G&G stickers that they usually send to shops they deal with.
Excellent, excellent service on their behalf. No other word to describe it other than purely professional. I was supplied a tracking number and even after the packet arrived, Amo over at G&G asked if everything was alright. Top notch service.
Gun's still performing stellar as ever with non-stop service since February.
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Pretty sure they shouidn't fit the VFC -- they're SR25 magazines, the VFC magazines are propietary. So they should only fit the CA SCAR-H.
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The "Coyote Tan" colour is a couple of shades lighter than say, Pantac's Coyote Brown. WAS's current Tan is actually quite dark, but I much rather this colour. I'll try to get some natural light pics comparing both colours when I get the chance. In the meantime, here's a picture of me getting my kit ready with the RAPTOR in Coyote Tan outdoors. Should give you a good idea of what CT looks like.
Their website definitively needs work - I wouldn't have guessed they made it in CT had I not checked the "colour" option in the multicam vest section.
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Following CKinnerely's purchase, I bought myself a DCS in Coyote Tan. Loving it so far, going to be field tested this weekend.
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Warrior RAPTOR PC in Coyote Tan
Layout:
12x M4 magazines + 1x Speedloader XL + 2x handgun/speedloader magazines
1x WAS Double NSR pouch
1x WAS Medium general utility pouch
1x WAS Double 9mm pouch
1x 5.11 Double-stacked magazine pouch
1x 5.11 Double low-profile magazine pouch
STRIKE MOLLE platform + Blackhawk SERPA CQC Level-2 for Sig-Sauer SP2022 (the P226 fits decently enough)
Behind:
1x WAS Small PMR radio pouch
1x 5.11 Single-stacked magazine pouch
1x 5.11 Medium-sized dump pouch
Desperately needs some fake SAPI plates for some shape.
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Update on the topic - the RAPTOR is still generally holding up fine after over half a year of tortuous use. I've swapped the layout around, got some different pouches.
It has little signs of wear on the outside, though the primary velcro belt is tearing itself up. I might end up contacting WAS since they say they offer some form of "operational guaruantee" or something of the sorts. Or I might just have it restiched. It seems to hold itself fine, but I don't like seeing that tear on it.
And it is indeed a heavy little *bramston pickle*. Mine fully loaded weighs around 6-7 KG and I don't have fake SAPI inserts (unfortunately).
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I think you have to hand it to G&G for making the G2010 a really outstanding out-of-the-box performer out of a rarely-seen platform. There are some issues, but most are pretty trivial (modifying midcaps to fit, need for a sling adaptor to retain the stock buttpad, etc) compared to some other "unique" guns that have released and quickly acquired reputations for terrible performance and reliability; I'm looking at you, ARES TAR-21 and PTS Masada.
Quoted for massive truth. Having used mine regularly (by "regularly" I mean "my other AEG has been sitting in the corner since then"
) since February, it's been a rock solid performer. I was very weary before buying it, having heard of the cut-off lever problems, the mid-cap issues, some horror stories here and there, but mine has been flawless so far. After modification - which is admitedly a needless hassle, had they bothered to research their own design a bit better - the magazines feed and fit flawlessly.My main gripe is the lack of parts availability. I think I might've managed to order the RIS and Hunter upper-receiver kit from a local store. Keyword being might, given I've been told it's been ordered, but only the Hunter upper has been confirmed to be on route and customs in Portugal can be a real *badgeress* about airsoft parts and I've only seen WGCShop stocking the RIS set. And I really want that damned RIS. This is however something you have to be able to deal with, should you chose to pick out more exotic weapons like the F2000 family.
Also, the fact that they've made the hop-up a propietary type is something I'm not too happy about either. If I need replacements, I need to contact G&G and the M4-type hop-up on a weapon like this seems like a rather poor design choice. Had they gone with a standard M4-type one, I'd be fine with it, easily replaceable at least, but the fact is they've made a dial-type adjustment on a weapon with so much room to adjust the hop-up and a propietary one, to make matters worse. Something more akin to a drum-type hop-up would've made far more sense (G3 types, I believe?).
G&G do seem to offer direct customer support on their site, but knowing how customs is in Portugal, I'm not really willing to risk ordering larger parters like the RIS kit.
Still need to get a MOSFET on it ASAP, been using it with an 11.1v 20C 1600mAh LiPo. It hasn't complained yet and the contacts don't seem even remotely charred, but I'd best really not abuse it too much. I'll probably have to find someone to custom-make one, given there's no drop-in MOSFETs for P90-type triggers to my knowledge.
It is a rock-solid performer out of the box - shoots great, reliably and accurately. I only found that if you compress the spring-guide too much when you adjust the power the gun will no longer cycle on auto. I just swap the spring instead.
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Regarding the F2000 itself, mine's still running fine. Swapped over recentely to an 11.1v LiPo, 20C. Seems to handling it fine. Completely stock, accuracy on it is awesome, think I'm using a 110 spring, at the lowest setting, it's putting out about 360 FPS/0.2g.
No problems other than the fact that the power adjustment is a bit iffy -- set it too high and the gun won't be able to cycle on full-auto. Other than that, nothing noteworthy.
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Thanks for the suggestion Waco Kid, I'll definitively give it a look, it's a shame UKTactical doesn't sell those kind of adapters, as I'm considering ordering more pouches. Shipping to Portugal is quite expensive (~26 pounds), so most of the time I tend to order a fairly large order (say, > 100 pounds) each time, otherwise I'm breaking the bank for a few bits of kit.
The Raptor is still holding up fine after tortous abuse -- gone through just about all kinds of rough usage (aka scraping against about any kind of surface/annoying plants in the woods) and not a single tear. The stitching is pulling a bit in a couple of areas, but so as long as I don't pull them they seem to be holding up just fine. Pretty sure my old ACM vests would be half destroyed by now.
Being the slowpoke that I am, only this past weekend I noticed that there's internal adjustors for the shoulders ... not to mention I found out because unfortunately I had to make use of the QD wire mid-game -- which worked flawlessly -- and as I tried to figure out how to reinstall the wiring I noticed the internal straps. Fitting much more snugly now. Also confirmed my suspicion that the cummerbund isn't really removeable - even though you could remove it and the QC wiring along with it, you're left with a single internal velcro strap (the first "belt" you wrap around when placing the vest) without a place to attach it to, as the other strap is integrated into the cummerbund.
I also got a double NSR (velcro-type, 4x STANAG holders) to replace one of the frontal M60 pouches. I'll most likely order a few singles in CT whenever possible, but for now, they're out of stock besides in triple configuration. The plan is to "phase out" the M60 pouches in the front and have the following setup:
- Double NSR (4x STANAG), to my center-left - 4 rows
- Double low-profile (or 2x single, 2x STANAG), to my center-right - 4 rows
- General, medium-sized utility pouch, at the left border of the cummerbund - 4 rows
- Radio pouch & Double 9mm magazine pouches installed on the general pouch
- Triple low-profile (3x STANAG), at the right border of the cummerbund - 6 rows
- Hydration Carrier on the back, backplate's left side
- 2x M60 magazine pouches, stacked upon one another, backplate's right side
Thinking about tossing in a command panel in the front, not sure about that yet, afraid it might be bulky as well and as I'm using a G&G F2000 as my primary, I find that I need a lot of free space in the chest so the pouches don't meddle with my shoulder-firing position (i. e., can't engage to the F2000 to my shoulder due to pouches getting in the way).
Not sure about the M60 pouches. I tend to use one for holding a canteen and the other for magazine storage in the front, center-left, while the double NSR is for quick reloads at the moment - I carry 8x low-caps + 1x hi-cap and an XL speed loader. I transfer magazines from the M60 pouch to the NSR as I use them up midgame, during quiet times or while waiting for respawn. However, they're really, REALLY cumbersome and I'm lacking a bit in the mobility department. The besides obvious motion restrictions, they're concentrating the weight a lot in such a small area, vest's sagging a bit so the idea for the low-profile pouches is more mobility and better weight distribution.
Positioning is based on me being a lefty -- I find having "bulky" pouches to my right side a lot more restrictive, hence why the general pouch, NSRs are being thrown over to the left and having low-profiles on the right.
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The screw can be checked easily -- just look inside the magazine well and check for a protruding screw. It basically blocks any magazine that has a longer plastic protrusion on top, behind the feeder release-spring, if you can see what I mean.
Grab any hi-cap STANAG and compare it to most real/low/midcaps and you'll see what I mean. Personally it didn't bother me as STANAG mags are dirt-cheap and the modification just takes about five-ten minutes per magazine with an x-acto knife or something that you can cut plastic with.
The cut-off lever, you can only check by removing the entire gearbox. Fortunately, much like the P90, it's absurdly easy to remove:
- Remove the rubber buttstock.
- Remove the two Phillips head screws that are covering the gearbox on the backside and the plastic cover.
- Remove the two-allen screws centered in the side of the body, closest to the rubber pad. These two hold the actual gearbox in place.
- Just slightly loosen the allen screw located highest on the F2000, closest to the rubber pad. This one just keeps the two body halves together, so it helps when removing the gearbox.
- Pull the gearbox out, voilá.
To see if it's changed, just compare it to the picture in the first page of this topic which shows how to modify it. Personally, I haven't touched mine as it's been working like clockwork. Why fix what's not broken?
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The current F2000's out there, I'd reckon there's three versions available, talking only in the Cybergun-G&G aspect of things and not discussing if they're Hunter/Tactical versions:
- First batch of G2010's.
G&G markings(G2010, Airsoft Gun, blah blah), original G&G box and manual. Individual serial numbers. No FN markings.
Original cut-off lever; notorious screw in the magazine well.
- Second batch of G2010's, arguably left-overs from the first batch rebranded for Cybergun.
I say most likely left-overs, as mine is one of these and the new markings were most likely simply inserted onto the earlier production models; Same G&G markings, but has a laser-etched "Licensed by FN-Herstal" and FN symbol in white in the original FN marking position. Cybergun-boxing and manual (very, very poor compared to G&G's original manual) New serial numbers most likely, as mine is A001XX, and I've seen non-Cybergun'd weapons with higher numbers.
Same cut-off lever and the same screw, no changes.
- Third (or second?) batch of G2010's, now F/FS2000's;
Original FN F/FS2000 markings; correctly etched FN symbol, not in white; Cybergun boxing and manual. No idea on serial numbers.
No idea about the cut-off lever and/or the said screw.
Essencially, as far as I can tell, if you get one of the first two "generations", you will have the same issues that have been discussed here, no idea about these "third" batches. I have to say however that mine has had a few thousand rounds put through it so far and I haven't had any issues aside from having to modify magazines. Put a weaker spring in it, other than that, it's entirely stock. Everything works fine; dual-stage trigger, semi-auto fire, haven't had a lock-up or jam.
I did notice that the barrel gets dirty ridiculously easy, so it's a good thing I clean it between games.
I also do wish they hurry the hell up and launch addons for it, I'm itching to get my hands on a frontal RIS nd the damned Hunter uppers have been out of stock everywhere.
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I'd say about the size of a CIRAS in length, but width it seems to be a 'sleeker' fit. Same amount of MOLLE rows from top-to-bottom on either vest.
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My little CA SCAR-H. Before...
After.
Stock's a VFC fitted by a local (airsoft)gunsmith, Blackwolf, very nicely fitted.
Painted the lower with Krylon's awesome flat black, only removed the tan applied by its previous owner on the upper, it looks somewhat blued, though less than the actual photographs seem to show, the flash aggravates the effect by a ton. The reason I didn't paint the upper...
Gorgeous little intact trademarks underneath the old paint layer. Such a round serial number.
Oh yeah, the bright yellow, you can blame that on the idiotic Portuguese laws. 10 cm from the muzzle backwards and the entire stock -- nevermind the fact that certain guns don't have a stock (any bullpup). Sigh.
Left side's a bit botched as I tried to apply some satin varnish on it, only to realize the layer was far too thick and making the gun look 'white', so I just hastily removed it. Right side of the lower is pristine-perfect.
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Having recieved mine last week - a Taiwan version, System 7, metal slided as well - I can comment on it a bit:
- Excellent shooter, very, very accurate with even .25g despite people recommending the use of heavy BBs with these guns. I can attest that they do reach 30m range accurately with 0.32g and amazingly, not that slowly.
- Came a bit dry from the factory, it occasionally jammed half-way through the action, having the slide stuck in mid-cycle. A thorough cleaning and relubing did the trick, its cycling properly.
- The action can get a bit sluggish at lower temperatures (say, 10ºc, which is cold by my standards
) , but I'd expect no less from a metal-slided GBB. Sluggish, but still performs well and consistently locks on the last shot.- Surprisingly, being a lefty I did not find the controls odd to use. Nothing I can't reach with my index or middle finger, I have medium/large sized hands (9-10 glove size). Love the controls and their simplicity.
- On the subject of ergonomics, despite being a double-stacker the design fits perfectly into my hands and I had a 1911 prior to this. Love the ergonomics on it, it's not overly complicated whilst sitting very, very nicely into my hands. Kudos to Sig for such an awesome design. It's also slighty shorter than a Glock 17 or a USP, but bigger than a Glock 19. Perfect size, if you'd ask me.
- The paint on the metal slide is surprisingly hard-wearing, it's not that flaky ###### you see on WE guns. The gun flew quite a few meters the other day against hard concrete and had only a slight mark on the rear of the slide and on its rear sight.
At the 140 euros I paid for it, I'd whole heartedly recommend it. Gorgeous gun and an excellent shooter after I did a proper lubing. Love it to bits. The only cons I can point out are the crappy lubing it came from factory and the fact that the sights are a *badgeress* to adjust - which I had to do with a hammer and spur after the gun decided to go Superman on me.
EDIT: The safety feature is common on KSC weapons -- the USP I bought back in 2006 or so already had it. You could cock the hammer without engaging the slide and dry fire it. I do NOT recommend doing it though, as it WILL cause needless wear on the hammer, which I learned forcefully as I nearly shattered a SOCOMGEAR's 1911 MEU's hammer to bits by dry-firing it at home.
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Tempted to get one. Currentely split between one of these and a KA Sig 556 variant. To be honest, I'm leaning torwards the 556. As far as I can tell from skimming through the thread, the very high price tag is basically for name(well... model)sake. It suffers from the same issues as ARES/STAR designs (I won't be contributing to the whole "IS IT OEM'D BY STAR?" discussion, relax), the initial package comes sporting a fixed stock and no ris option, for no less than 500€ and I've seen some EU shops run them around 600€+.
Considering you can get something relatively out of the ordinary (which is to say "not an M4 variant") for around 400€ sporting a RIS option right off the bat and with less reliability issues... I don't know. I have to say that even though I do love the ACR design, shelling out 500€, plus a few more hundreds in PTS-only options doesn't attract me much. Especially with the whole bit about the AK lower not being Marui-compatible.
Bare in mind, I'm not saying the gun sucks - I can't comment as I haven't even had the chance to hold one, let alone look properly or comment on it aside from what I can deduct from forum posts. I absolutely adore PTS's products, they're top-notch and well priced, but I can't help but feel the ACR feels out of line with the rest of their product line. It feels overpriced, reminding me of the days where you had to shell out 400€+ for a non-RIS, Full-Metal M4 that wasn't a Marui and as such, BOUND to have tons of reliability issues. Again, I'm not saying it's the case, but the analogy stands.
EDIT: Forgot about this little particular bit -- to top it off, I have to paint it accordingly to the absurd/draconic Portuguese laws. So that's painting a very, very, very hefty investment. Just the thought of doing it makes me cringe.
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I don't like the Nemesis look, personally. It looks a bit cumbersome whilst having the typical lightweight plate carrier design to it, the Raptor is more of a 'wrap-around' type of PC, which I prefer by far.
Also, they've expanded their CT line a bit, bastards added the M60 type pouches as well as a few others.
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As per requested, a small configuration image of front/side/back layout, the cummerbund is a mess as I just threw the vest on for the pictures.
A slight update as well, as I've been able to take a more clear look into the actual vest and compare it to other similar systems. Looking at my Osprey, I did remember something I do honestly miss on this vest, which are the small Camelbak specific buckles which are present on the Mk 2, as pictured:
I've been spoiled by these little bastards here, which make it obscenely easy to equip or remove a Camelbak from my vest, no need to adjust anything, just buckle the cover on/off, instead of having the bother of equipping the Camelbak on top of the vest, buckling the chest strap and adjust the shoulderstraps accordingly. Even current US Army issue IOTVs have specific Camelbak attachment points (albeit, specific for their issue Camelbak) and given that WAS's primary sales audience are UK troops, I can only imagine the absence of these under one of these three hypothesis:
1 - Most likely, WAS would rather sell their own MOLLE Hydration Covers/Backpacks, which do not include a bladder.
2 - Direct Camelbak attachment is not that popular of a pick, I can only theorize that it's more common for hydration bladders to be stored in cargo packs like the Camelbak Motherlode.
3 - Just plain oversight, though I find it unlikely given none of their current PCs offer these buckles.
It's more of a quibble than anything else, but I do quite honestly hate the way Camelbaks hover over a vest instead of having it attached to it and it is a bit disappointing when comparing to something more mundane like their old issue vests. I could just buy their MOLLE cover but I'm quite honestly not fond of the idea of having to remove the bladder from either cover every time I want to swap gear, as I already dislike removing the Camelbak's bladder every time I want to clean it properly. I'd rather just remove and requip the Camelbak as I do with the Mk2.
Other than that, I'm still very satisfied with the PC, it's just a shame their CT line isn't as varied as the MC one right now.
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They have around the same shade in terms of luminosity, but the coyote tan is a brown hue, whereas the tan has a more of a khaki, slightly greenish hue to it. I can tell them apart, but they're very, very close.
As for pictures, as of right now I think I don't have any in-use photos for them, but I'll try to get around to getting some ghettotastic bathroom photos.
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WAS's new Raptor in Coyote Tan
Amazing bit of kit.
A rather long review here for the curious ones.
Setup:
2x Minimi (actually M60) type pouches in Tan, one with the internal divider and the other for general utility/dump pouch use
1x General/Medic Medium-sized Pouch in CT
1x General Radio/PMR Pouch in CT
Needs moar pouches.
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I had noticed that as well but I can't say it's been anything more than a nitpick, especially considering even whilst fitting the vest I've yet to have removed them from their position. My complaint would be that at first glance it looked like they'd easily detach, but it hasn't been the case for me so far, neither in actual use nor in simply fitting the vest. I tend to grasp the vest by the shoulder section as I put it over my head, so they don't detach.
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First off, this review was originally written in Portuguese and posted on the PTAirsoft.org forums, here. I translated it as I find some people might find it useful around here, especially given how popular WAS gear seems to be within the UK. Without further adue…
Warrior Assault Systems Raptor RAC Review
1. Introduction
2. Characteristics
3. Packaging/first impressions
4. Externals and functionality
5. Field use
6. Conclusion
1. Introduction
Warrior Assault Systems (WAS) is a UK-based company that manufactures gear for theater use. All of the platforms they make, from Plate Carriers, tactical vests to harness-type systems are made in Cordura 1000D, usually being based on other company’s systems, such as the RRV, Weesatch, CIRAS, etc., and adapted with their own improvements directed torwards their primary target audience, UK armed forces. Recentely, they’ve added two new different Plate Carriers, the Raptor RAC and the Nemesis, while the at same time launching their new Elite Ops line of products in Coyote Tan Mil-Spec (CT498) and Crye Precision’s MultiCam, the MC line without a doubt spawned by the UK’s recent adoption of MTP.
The CT498 line of products is most likely directed torwards the North-American and PMC market, due to the popularity of Coyote Brown items being used by US forces in general (USMC, SF, amongst others), being that UK Tactical refers the Raptor as being based off the opinion and commentary from US SFs. It’s importante however to mention that Coyote Tan IS different than Coyote Brown, being more akin to a brown-hued Tan, as the name indicates, so something close to a light brown, at least two shades lighter than Pantac’s Coyote Brown.
I picked the Raptor not out of wanting to follow any particular impression, but out of my own research for a vest that was versatile in terms of colour, so I could wear with several different patterns beneath. I’d been looking at WAS’s gear for quite some time, having read a lot about it on ARRSE and ArniesAirsoft, which frequentely mentioned the UK Tactical, the WAS distributor (essencially, WAS’s retail front) as having a good reputation as well as the gear quality being really solid. The gear is frequentely spotted in UK-forces photographs in service in Afghanisthan.
I was split between going with Pantac gear and the WAS PCs and I ended up with the latter due to having difficulty getting the Pantac gear I was after within the EU, an IOTV and some pouches to go along with it in CB.
The WAS base platforms are fairly expensive, being it that the whole set ran me about 202.40 pounds (~240 euros). However, everything was bought separately, UK Tactical does offer some sets for certain PCs and it does run cheaper (around less 40 euros or so, with more pouches included), but for now, there’s no such option for the Raptor.
The individual pouches themselves are very well priced, being around 20-30% more expensive than an ACM Nylon equivalent, while bearing in mind that this is a whole different level of item quality.
2. Characteristics
The Raptor, or so I’m told, is supposedly based off TAG’s RAC, being that it is not all that different when compared to a naked Paracleve RAV.
The characteristics for the Raptor base, taken off the UK Tactical site:
99.8% Infra Red I.R. Treated 1000D Cordura Fabric and Webbing
Fully Adjustable for Height and Girth
Holds Side Plates in Removable Pockets
Quick Release System
3 D Spacer Mesh Lining
Holds SPEAR cut Soft Armour
Holds all size Balistic Plate inc Large E-SAPI
Plates held in separate Plate Pockets with height adjustment
Split Front Flab for quick access
Ballistic Collars, Shoulders and Groin Protection can be fitted
Gear I ordered:
Elite Ops Raptor - CT
2x Minimi SAW Pouch MSP - Tan
1x Medium Medic / Util. Pouch – CT
1x Adjustable Radio Pouch - CT
The review will take a close look at both the platform and the additional pouches’ practical use and quality. The M60/Mini type pouches were bought in Tan due to the lack of a choice of the same pouch in CT.
3. Packaging and first impressions
The order took about 8 days to arrive here since it was made, from a Thursday to a Friday (six working days). Keep in mind, I DO live in Portugal and not in the UK!
The shipping process is not entirely clear, as UK Tactical didn’t send me any form of message stating if the package had been shipped or not, but a quick international phone call quickly resolved my doubts as I was told the order was shipped on the very same day it was made. I do recommend you do telephone instead of e-mailing them, as they’re known for a slow e-mail response.
The online store also suffers from not keeping the items automatically up-to-date accordingly to available stock and from, as I said, an unclear shipping process. Other than that, UK Tactical’s service was top-notch, especially considering the item is for recreational use (they do ask what use you intend for it at the end of your order).
It arrived wrapped in two layers of your typical plastic wrapping that you usually get from NACEX/SEUR/etc and with another layer of clear plastic underneath. The items also came wrapped in a humongous nylon WAS logoed bag, a very nice detail!
No invoice came with the order, which did catch me off guard, then I reminded myself that I do have the digital invoice so it should be fine.
As for the gear itself, having a Guarder Cordura Tactical Vest, an ACM Nylon FSBE and still an issue DDPM Cordura Camelbak to compare… I was awed by the quality. The cordura used is extremely rigid compared to the other two items (Guarder’s and the Camelbak’s), but still flexible and waterproof.
The difference between Tan and CT is not as notorious in person, mainly visible through fotographs or minute observation. The actual tone is very similar, differing only the hue. Somewhat of a mixed blessing, a bit disappointing for me as I did expect (perhaps unfairly) for CT to be a little bit darker.
4. Externals and functionality
First off, this PC is HUGE. It’s not supposed to be something lightweight like RRVs and such, but more akin to something like a CIRAS. It has a truckload of MOLLE real-estate. The stitching on the vest is very, very good and I’ve yet to spot a single loose thread. It’s a little bit heavy for those who prefer lighter options, such as harnesses, but the weight distributes itself quite well.
The vest is one-size-fits-all, but is adjustable on the shoulders, the neck area and the waist-strap. You can also adjust the cummerbund in the area where the quick-release system’s wiring – shown further in the review -, hidden in the rear of the vest, underneath a small Velcro-enclosed lid.
You equip it in a similar fashion to how you would a CIRAS – you open the cummerbund at the center to each side, remove the velcro side-points and you put your head in the opening. Adjust the waist-strap and do the previous steps in reverse. It’s not an easily removable vest, but that’s more of a flaw of these full-sized plate carriers rather than of the actual vest.
Back to the fabric – it’s rigid as I mentioned, but it fits your body in an extremely snug fashion. The vest fits me fine despite being a small-statured guy (something like 1,70m, ~80kg). Even though it’s quite bulky, it is breathable despite being a huge piece of kit, thanks to the interior lining with a dense, flexible but robust, breathable mesh that applies some space between your chest and the actual fabric. It also has a softer, black, velvet-like fabric around the neck and shoulder area which I suspect is Velcro. As for the Velcro itself, it’s all heavy-duty and extremely strong, being that I have issues opening the M60-type pouches at times.
The buckles are also all ITW Nexus, ensuring far more durability than your typical ACM ones.
As for the quick-release system, I’ve yet to test it, but it’s supposed to have an easy reinstall process. You trigger it by pulling the small tab installed by default on your left shoulder, which is reversible for the right shoulder, according to the user’s preference; it’s also protected by the actual vest when not in use and has Velcro attaching it as well, another plus, ensuring in your sprints that it won’t get stuck somewhere and split your vest into two pieces. The reinstallation process involves passing the cables from the shoulder through the loops in the backside, hidden by the said Velcro lid, where you also are able to adjust your cummerbund for width.
It also has the now-traditional carry handle in the back, secured by Velcro when not in use. I’m certain it can handle its intended use. There’s also an elastic SAPI plate holder within the vest.
I believed the cummerband MIGHT be removable, but I’m not entirely sure as it seems to be crucial to the QR system. Underneath it, it’s also possible to install small MOLLE pouches, such as an M4 mag pouch, between the actual platform and the cummerbund (as shown in the reference photo).
5. Field use
I’ve had the chance to field it twice so far. Even though rigid and heavier than your typical RRVs for example, the weight wasn’t felt over four hours of game time. It’s quite comfortable and I do prefer the full PC style of gear.
The whole vest fits snugly and tightly and doesn’t bounce around as long as you adjust it right. I’ve rolled, fallen, jumped with it and not a scratch on it. The same goes for dirt and the like, it just doesn’t stick to the vest. It’s almost self-cleaning.
It does suffer when you try to crawl with it, mainly due to the type of pouches I’ve attached to it, rather than a fault of the actual platform’s design (again). Whoever prefers a lightweight system will certainly opt for more low-profile pouches.
As for the said pouches, the M60-type ones are very practical and versatile. They can triple as a dump-pouch – they come with a slotted cover to drop whatever you want in them -; utility pouch, as they have an internal divider which is removable, you can fit drum mags in it or any kind of gear you want. They can take up to 6x STANAG-style magazines and even 6x M14/SR25 magazines, as long as they’re inserted in parallel rather than perpendicularly. It’s a more rare kind of pouch, more versatile and very practical.
The utility pouch is your standard job. Heavy-duty zippers which won’t open unless you want them to.
The radio pouch is just that, again, simple. A little expensive for what it is, perhaps.
6. Conclusion
Even though the base platform is quite expensive by your typical Airsofter’s standards, the price reflects itself on the quality right away. I sold off old gear, older vests to help finance this one and without a shadow of a doubt, it was worth it. It’s different than the usual CIRAS and the like, it’s versatile for several patterns, it’s quality and will endure the abuse I will give it. It’s also still comfortable, so it’s without a doubt filled all the points I was going for and WAS material is now an excellence reference for me.
The quantity of details WAS puts into their gear is visible – from the comfortable neck/shoulders, to the interior, breathable mesh, the presence of side-layers of MOLLE on their pouches to augment the real-estate, it’s obvious the amount of research and time the company invests to satisfy their core sales audience. The quality and durability of the fabrics used is obvious and I suspect this vest will last me a very, very, VERY long time before it shows any signs of use.
Their gear does suffer at the moment for having small variety in CT and for the CT being brighter than I expected it to – it’s similar to their tan, as I mentioned, being more of a brown-hued. However, I’m not surprised for the lack of variety given they seem to be focusing more on their MultiCam line, given their sales demographics is mainly UK forces.
The pick for Coyote Tan over Coyote Brown is however, still unclear to me.
I originally made this review to intend as a good commentary for the WAS items for the Portuguese crowd rather than just aiming to review the actual main item, trying to keep away from making it a brag-fest and instead try to actually pinpoint pros and cons, but I found it very, very hard to find actual flaws and not due to a lack of trying.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the review and merry Christmas,
Sneakiest
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Really good looking Troppentarn-ness going on there, really like it.
G&G F2000 Video Review inc. RIS
in Rifles (AEG)
Posted
Using mostly DBoys metal low-caps and STAR regular GI low-caps with the top area filed off to fit the gun. 7 euros a piece, five minutes with an x-acto knife per magazine and the magazine issue is solved.
I've been using mine nearly non-stop since February last year, so far the replacement bits have been:
- ICS Turbo 3000 - stock motor was near-dead after a year of 11.1v usage.
- New trigger assembly - original one nearly burnt out from LiPo use. Ordered directly from G&G and replaced it.
- Tappet plate - original one died after God knows how many thousands of rounds (~8 months' worth of skirmishing) with an obscene RoF. Ordered from G&G.
- ICS POM Piston - the original piston, although not bad, was a bit worn from use. Replaced it sometime around the end of last year.
- Prometheus 6.03 455mm - a tad longer than the original 430mm barrel, but nothing a slightly longer flash hider can't cover.
- Replaced the original spring for some other I had laying around the house. It'll do 360 FPS on the minimum setting. Have another for "CQB" days - goes from 250 to ~300.
- GATEE.pl's MERF 3.2 Mosfet - wonderful bit of kit, an amazing bang-for-buck Mosfet. Incredibly easy to install as well, very complete.
This gun is my pride and joy. It shoots like a freaking laser gun alongside G&G's .25g Biodegradables. With the EoTech replica I use on it, where the reticle is is where the BBs go. No exception. There's no noticeable spread in the BB flight pattern - it's laser-accurate. Effective range is in the 50-55m.
Didn't replace gears, gave it a bog-standard motor and it works like a dream. Reliable and with a high-enough RoF (~20-22 BBs on a 1600 20c 11.1v LiPo).