Chest-rigs are Dead - This is What The Modern Rebel Needs | SSO SMERSH LBE Overview

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In this video we overlook the SSO SMERSH, an iconic Russian LBE following the inspiration of older US Alice gear but greatly improved. I truly believe this style of gear would be a great asset to anyone that needs the capacity to carry enough gear for self sustainment in an hostile area
#tacticalgear #tactical #milsim #airsoft #aliexpress #shooting #military #russian #smersh

[@uncompliant]

If you missed it - assessing the difference between LBEs and ChestRig. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGWimaVrdBgeacsi=QrUr3Ks1M15w0XuG

[@Charles_Gunhaver]

Can’t wait to revisit this comment in a few years when LBE is dead and chest rigs are in

[@epluribusunum5318]

@Charles_Gunhaver The change in gear the US military has gone through is interesting. We left LBE behind because we moved to almost exclusively vehicle patrol and operations in the middle east, a chest rig/plate carrier puts everything in your lap when you sit down instead of taking up space beside you. Now that it seems like we're going to be fighting peer to peer or peer to near peer conflicts where sitting in a vehicle all day is suicide, troops are dismounting and spending more time outside the metal coffins. Where LBE putting all the weight around your hips is better for both mobility and stamina. We also went from heavy, full caliber rifle rounds in the world wars and Korea to small caliber rounds with high velocity being the end all be all. And now we're moving back to large caliber rounds. Its fascinating seeing things change in real time. But not as fascinating as watching various influencers and guntubers showing you why you need this esoteric and backwards thinking piece of kit that only costs several hundred bucks and is exclusively made by the company sponsoring them. That is fucking fascinating.

[@PPPumpkineater]

This. I'll rock an RRV, a fighting belt, and an assault pack all day everyday. My next piece of webbing is a the SADF pattern 83 battle jacket. I'm not an LBE fan (because I hate climbing stuff with the weight on just my hips). So the battle jacket is my way of spreading the weight all across my body. With a PTR that weight in ammo across the hips can be too much in my opinion.

[@Kieran.Walsh.]

Yep

[@TacShooter]

lmao

[@thegalapagos57]

It's never gonna die, it really comes down to personal choice and goals

[@Wastelandman7000]

In other words we're going back to ALICE gear. Good. Was never all that enthused by chest rigs.

[@davidmacon1138]

Best reason to get familiar with a thread and needle as well.

[@lucastonoli3256]

Having used a Smersh and a SAS belt for over 24 hours a couple of times, you're wearing it a bit too low. It would be best if you felt the belt's pressure right on top of your hip bone. Yes, the straps are incredibly long, especially on the smersh, you're better off cutting them down once you find the right position, leaving some play room for different situations (more or less clothes). These setups can play along nicely with a small 3 mag placard and a plate-carrier, making it quite flexible. A few cons: It weights quite a bit, and regardless of weight distribution, you don't want to pile up too much weight on your body. It takes more training to get nimble and fast with pouch usage, you probably never be as fast as with a good combat chestrig.

[@sgtrock6213]

I have a smersh and I love the carrying and capabilities

[@michaelsarkisian1047]

Yeah, I'm underwhelmed as I was hauling around ALICE "Y" harness and web gear in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s

[@PeteDaAggieGuy316]

Who makes those mag pouches? They are similar to Alice mag pouches but better.

[@ThomasOfTheWarband]

I'm rocking a british webbing from the 80s with my custom chicom personally. I love it a lot.

[@harry_h45]

Pattern 58 webbing? It’s beautiful but very outdated, mainly because of the material used and how it doubles in weight when wet - upgrade to PLCE it’s infinitely superior 👍

[@ФедяКрюков-в6ь]

So basically we made a full turn back to WWI style load-out

[@notundermywatch3163]

I love it when Gen Z discovers the stuff that was standard issue to us

[@BratislavMetulski]

And even is. Most assault units in ukraine wear the belt, plate carrier combo. That dude figured out that round wheels exist 😂😂😂😂

[@foreverfaithful2014]

Time is a flat circle. Loved when I got issued a molle belt with Y suspenders in the Marines

[@notundermywatch3163]

@@BratislavMetulski I'm actually surprised they use this high speed set up when fighting long sustainment battles. I was expecting to see our cold war era style load bearing systems come back but no

[@notundermywatch3163]

@@foreverfaithful2014 my favorite set up when I operated in Africa and SE Asia

[@darrylmuse9948]

😂😂😂

[@Deathloec]

LBE has never been dead. Shit has always been supreme. the hippies are finally just figuring it out

[@xxxxxx5868]

If the LBE is now just becoming popular wouldn't that make you the hippie

[@cliccclacc6561]

@@xxxxxx5868are you guys trying to say hipster

[@JR-ld1et]

I think the hippies knew already lol the rest of the people are figuring this out now

[@gorbalsboy]

Grow up little boy ,😢

[@turnermd1302]

The hipsters are rocking LBE because it's the new hotness, I'm rockin LBE cuz I'm poor

[@renoblevg5375]

You can combine the chest rig and LBE for both worlds instead of choosing one or the other

[@HoldenCaulfeelz]

How DARE you try and bring critical thinking and logic to the 21st century.

[@renoblevg5375]

@@HoldenCaulfeelz you're right, I'm sorry...30 flogging for myself tonight

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

Yeah it's almost like front mounted gear is best suited for low profile items you need quick access to and anything fatter than six inches should really be on your sides or behind you.

[@gorbalsboy]

Don't think youll be allowed that in the girl guides wee man😊

[@gorbalsboy]

​@@mr.stotruppen8724your gut is eighteen inches and in front still your knob is only three,so that balances out ya wee tadger

[@cathoderay305]

So, a fully-equipped battle belt with shoulder straps or ALICE kit. I'm old enough to have worn the 1980's version. Worked pretty well back then, as long as you allowed some room in front for going prone.

[@zacharycastor7967]

Okay... I am no one. I dont know anything. Once upon a time I was in the army and then I did remodeling/construction/roofing. You dont want to load the hip line exclusively... it WILL be painful in the future. You dont load the chest or back exclusively either because back right? Dispersing your gear around your body as balanced as possible has many benefits. Thats my 2 cents.

[@GhostRider659]

properly adjusted LBE will distribute the weight between the hips and the shoulders.

[@daisychain4096]

That water is going to beat you to death when u take off running my friend

[@zacharycastor7967]

@daisychain4096 you got it. Plus, a full combat load, assault pack with whatever you deem necessary and hopefully a couple sensitive items to give you an edge... water is a must for anyone hiking at a state park homie. 🤣 come on now.

[@daisychain4096]

@@zacharycastor7967 hiking? Not what was shown homie come on

[@BillyHill360]

I agree. Once upon a time was one of Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children myself. The hip kit in this video has too many large pouches for me. I’d rather have a small ruck in tandem with the hip belt

[@ioncefellfrommars]

So back to the 60s and 70s era LBE. ... great! Glad i still have mine

[@michaelrizea3108]

I'd rock it for light field recon .... Even when it's loaded and weighed down with ammunition and water it feels comfy and I don't feel the weight Much

[@LionheartSJZ]

Just like fashion, gear trends always come around full circle.

[@tomlee6263]

Me too 😂 🎉

[@Zambezi_]

ALICE gets a lot of praise but the English PLCE needs some attention. If you look around you can get a whole rig for under 100 bucks. Best way i found to run it is 2 of the double mag pouches on the left and right sides. 3 large gp pouches on the back. there might even be a bit of space left over for another pouch of your choice.

[@uncompliant]

Yeah those look nice too

[@surftor_]

I'm starting to experiment with modding the Osprey webbing, the MOLLE on it lets you use the GSR haversack as a buttpack which is super versatile, decided not to go with the Virtus webbing since I've only heard bad things. I've attached a PLCE h-harness yoke to it and got some pouches but I've still got to use it some more before I know what the right setup is.

[@jaredowensby8558]

I've got a Smersh and a PLCE as well as the SADF Pat 83 Battle jacket and Chest Rig. I love all 4 for different reasons. PLCE and SSO really shine for 308. 83 chest rig is great for that too. Battle Jacket is best for 5.56.

[@capitcha]

they are at max 50 bucks in some popular stores. but yeah ebay has them for less than 100 if you want more than the 4 basic pouches

[@PreppedScots]

@@surftor_fancy seeing you here lmao (we’ve talked about PLCE and Virtus on discord) But in general I can vouch for plce but in terms of those overseas I advice using a molle belt instead like the mentioned osprey belt since it translates much better for customisation and not stuck to a proprietary system

[@angryveteran8585]

Alice gear is a cheap alternative. You can get rid of the metal hooks and just use 550 cord to attach it to the belt in the rear, helps it play better with a ruck. Cut up an old foam sleeping mat to pad the waist belt. You're a little limited in pouch selection, but you can make it work. If you decide you don't like it, you didn't spend much and can have an extra rig to pass off.

[@uncompliant]

Factsss

[@JD-bd5uu]

ALICE gear can still work for sure. Add a molle padded outer belt over an alice style belt to get molle attachments (Even a cheap Amazon special will get you started). Take the metal clips off the alice pouches and use plastic malice clips instead. Alice 3-mag pouches still work great and there’s no Velcro to wear out or get filled with mud. I’m not a fan of Velcro only closures.

[@cliccclacc6561]

Malice clips work better

[@rogerjensen5277]

I don't know if they are still available but I have two add-on side pouches for the ALICE system that each easily hold a two-quart soda bottle. I used these for extra water and/or extra rations like (instant) rice, ramen noodles or freeze-dried foods from the #10 cans! The only thing I don't like about the ALICE is that all the weight is on your back!

[@rotgut14]

That's what I did when I was in, replace all of those untrustworthy Alice clips that dug into all of us one time or another. I wonder how many of them are out there in US bases rusting away. Wish I had a dime for every one

[@burtbiggum499]

If you turn the mags sideways you can fit three per pouch

[@robshirewood5060]

Preferably with bullet facing outward, yes.

[@jameskelly3488]

Still have my LBE and Ruck like I used in Ranger school 1977 hanging in garage ready to go

[@uncompliant]

That's hard 🦍

[@jameskelly3488]

Always in the fight brother

[@warblerblue]

Always be ready, I salute you. (got my LBE ready to go too.)

[@c.andrew3944]

Low profile carrier for plates + LBE seems like the best of both worlds - the tradeoffs of a plate carrier (weight distribution, lower round count, maneuverability) are almost always worth the tradeoff (protecting your vitals from bullets). Taking the ammo/equipment weight off the shoulders and distributing it to the shoulders AND hip while lowering your center of gravity/mass to a lower point is definitely better from a running/maneuver/marching perspective.

[@taylorbennion3706]

I like to run a low profile carrier with a small mag placard on it then layer the LBE over top so even without the lbe I still have a few mags on my carrier

[@flyoverkid55]

@@taylorbennion3706 Exactly.

[@flyoverkid55]

I've been using LBE for over 30 years, and found it mates up with a plate carrier quite well. I try to keep each set up [ carrier/ LBE/ patrol pack ] under 20 lbs. to distribute weight as best I can.

[@Raz_Tactical]

Yup, you can also combine it with chest rigs if you want more sustainment, Your chest rig then fits your combat load while the LBE handles the sustainment, you can take the LBE off when not needed and still have your full combat load on your chest rig. Many guys I know that did recce did this rather than carrying big backpacks

[@sometrucka5881]

My chest rig is out? Time to get my grandpas LBE from Nam out of his old Marine footlocker. Im gonna be hip again.

[@asovietplaytpus5828]

Old Gen Smersh and Partizan rigs for life.

[@Polskii77]

unpopular opinion: LBE and Chest rigs in unison will be the new leading edge

[@LWBrown-md4wm]

The military has gotten it wrong for so long. The weight of whatever you're carrying should be on your hips( legs), the strongest muscles on your body, not on your shoulders. If in a pack, the weight should be high on your shoulders, for balance, not low and off your lower back. That causes constant stress to all your muscles and really screws up your balance.

[@ViktoriousDead]

This is fully part of the degeneracy of the tactical gear industry.

[@OEightHours]

We still carry webbing in the British Army for training, shit is super comfortable when carrying a ruck just like you said. Also on a plate carrier or chest rig you can't carry 600 rounds well I mean you can but it would definitely impede your movement so I guess it is kind of dead?

[@uncompliant]

I misunderstood the first time I read your comment, but yeah...I didn't mention in the video but a very slick plate carrier like a crye mbav would really work well with this setup. Even a ferro slickster which is a lot cheaper

[@mistermann7579]

@@uncompliant LBE, under body armour/plate carrier. Works great unless you've got an IOTV or some shit.

[@bussiboibrian6058]

I just managed to get a SSO Smersh today, the weight/rigidity is superior and comfortable. larping w nvgs too

[@cercaz]

Where'd you pick it up?

[@capitcha]

@@cercazfacebook groups

[@erwin643]

In the post-Vietnam era, we were trained to live in the prone position, behind cover, period ("Oh, but look out: Everyone has a little plate carrier to protect them now"). I can't believe that chest rigs were ever in. You can't reinvent this stuff.

[@seagray5727]

Well... to be fair... most of the fighting in the gwot centered around direct actions and building clearing... so chest rgs really shine for that. But you're right. Going prone in them sucks.

[@erwin643]

@@seagray5727 You're absolutely correct. Times were different when I went through my Infantry OSUT at the beginning of 1982. They actually gave us ONE DAY of MOUT training. All the rest of the Infantry experience was "in the field." But I still remember it, and it made sense: We trained to attack a building by climbing to its top and attacking from the top-down. Also, the need to at least TRY to be ambidextrous when in the prone, shooting around the corners of buildings. Granted, I'm an old dog, but I still think it was good training, as a preparedness-minded individual.

[@damolux3388]

Going prone is about to come back.....once we start fighting a near peer, trained, standing army.

[@erwin643]

@@damolux3388 Good point. IF we ever fight a near peer. Due to low birthrates globally, good luck with any country trying to field a standing army. Even Russia knows that this is their last shot at fielding an army for a war. And we don't even want to talk about the even worse demographic situation in Ukraine.

[@oldtrooper8320]

@@erwin643 you’re STRAC brother. I love your top down assault concept on structures 5 stories and under. ‘86-‘91.

[@TheRandomPolishGuy]

Millenials discover the yoke and belt

[@jollygoodyo]

Gen Z

[@TheRandomPolishGuy]

@@jollygoodyo you are right

[@wanta1776]

Belt kits are great for holding a lot of stuff, but your movement is so hindered. Ive used a smersh and a kit built off an ATS warbelt with velocity harness for about 2 years, and i had to go back to rigs. I think the answer for conventional warfare/sustainable loadouts is somewhere in between rigs and belt kits, maybe an updated load bearing vest. And yes i know you fatigue faster with weight top loaded as opposed to your hip line, but modern equipment weights are too much to be stacked on only your hips. Just my 2 cents. Love the channel

[@danmorgan3685]

This is functionally a modernization of the old, US ALICE system. That's not a bad thing of course and I suspect some of the principles would apply to this. For example the butt pack is best used for things that are bulky but not heavy. Things like a poncho and poncho liner. I used to mount an old, army first aid kit on the top of the butt pack by attaching it to the butt packs carry handle. I don't think that will work anymore because the trauma kits have changed and accessing it wasn't that easy anyway. A big benefit of this system is it's a lot cooler to wear in hot weather. You can also easily take it off and still leave your plates on if you have to do some kind of manual labor.

[@rustyshackleford2723]

No music please...

[@civicsr2cool]

Rip vehicle ingress/egress

[@uncompliant]

Totally depends, I really think the threat of a conflict in the south Pacific has units thinking about more sustainments in jungle environments where pulling up in vehicles is not so easy

[@GWE1000]

What vehicle egress? Who’s picking you up man? Your mom? In reality you’re walking

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

@GWE1000 If you limit your response times and distance to how far you can walk you are going nowhere fast.

[@maksymlem6117]

@@GWE1000 bullshit. In Ukraine, EVERY aspect is being done by APCs and pickups, even on extreme close frontline. Evac, ammo, water, food, engeniereng, wood for trenches, rotations. Fitting veichle fast and comfortable is extremely crucial. Moving on feet in era of thermal mavics and fpvs is suicide. Youre looking for fastest supply drop and transfer to trenchline possible. Thats why Toyotas and others are back in town)

[@flopus7]

@@GWE1000 my mom said she can pick us up if your mom can infil mechanized infantry are everywhere, gwot was an anomaly. Even forbidden prepping would still involve movement with cars and stuff

[@TexasRambo]

All fun and games until you have to ride in a truck for a few hours..

[@gunterstraus606]

I love that the nylon material SSO used for their SMERSH is extremely reflective of IR, and the webbing is very absorbing, making it stand out under NODs really badly

[@jimbeam8042]

You can now buy IR treated smersh in atacs and multicam.

[@SolarGeneral]

Get camo spray paint and stop your bitching boyo

[@gunterstraus606]

@@jimbeam8042 I don't know if they make them in those patterns anymore, but yes. My theory is that they imported US made stuff to make those so they are compliant.

[@thegalapagos57]

A lot of soldiers in ukraine like lbv under plate carrier

[@blacktronpavel]

I HIGHLY encourage folks get a classic US LBE/LCE as a baseline*. Inexpensive, readily available in good or even new condition. This rig looks pretty good too but probably runs a higher price tag.

[@warblerblue]

LBE can be configured for shotgun, rifle, PCC, whatever you need,

[@blacktronpavel]

@@warblerblue exactly

[@melvinhowell5469]

Condor offers H-harness and battle belt set-ups that are workable at low cost...for those of us who really are on a tight budget...All the Best...

[@ClayinSWVA]

Also, H harness is better than Y and it supports the buttpack better.

[@mr.v4486]

Lmmfao. Imagine buying Russian shit when US surplus dominates the market. Side note: That's all out dated kit. LBE was getting phased out with bdus for a reason.

[@justanothergunnerd8128]

Interesting and useful outdoors, but doesn't seem too great for use in vehicles, especially a civilian vehicle.

[@maksymlem6117]

Good luck running the narrow trenches with this ass, or trying to fit APC or a car seat))) You guys have like really computergame based imagination of war) Yes warbelts are used in Ukraine and are more common than rigs, but noone puts anything big at back, to use transports, and we are trying not to make it to wide to fit foxholes and trenches. Setup on video is hilarious and unrealistic. Good video tho, thnx! Like!

[@davidmecham9676]

What crap. You can’t carry shit on that thing. I use a battle belt and a chest rig and a pack. Using just and LBE is dumb for a combat load out.

[@happynowfarms]

You are a no-go at this station! How can you have a butt pack without a poncho liner in it? That's Light-Infantry 101.

[@grempus1118]

Mfw kommandostore is selling this (usually an $80 item) for 300 bucks

[@seanchang1202]

2:34 Love to see the buttpack come back to action again. But I think this whole system is still being used by UK even nowadays?

[@michaelrizea3108]

I want to get a 1 of those 😊

[@jakegrube9477]

I run both a type 56 sks chicom and an alice rig and nobody can stop me

[@Harrydog88able]

This. I have some sets of these, in addition to PCs and molle belts. For a basic nonarmored setup, what is offered at this price point is hard to beat. Oh and throw in an assault pack as well.

[@michaelrizea3108]

​@@Harrydog88able I run a Soviet era chi AK chest rig over stranded Alice ....note a standard 20 round m16 ammo pouch can fit a 20 round AK mag too

[@michaelrizea3108]

2 20 round AK mags in the Alice pouches ( 1 in each ..left and right side) and 3 or 4 standard 30 round AK mags in chest rig,

[@soap5393]

Could you show this rig with added full sized ruck / back pact - for spending a few days out?

[@rioyr6210]

The British do Load bearing belts the best. Pretty much all of their infantry exercises are built upon sustainment and living in the woods where everything is carried on their person and not in vehicles. Many smaller companies make belts like this as the current issue Virtus one is a bit shit.

[@prfwrx2497]

That's what war belts and combat suspenders are for. Wear them under your plate carriers. ALICE, PLCE, Smersh, or any modern MOLLE belt. They all work more or less. Suspenders = you can lug more shit. A well kitted heavy war belt basically replaces or augment an assault pack. But they're all useless if you can't move quick with all that weight on you.

[@tlarson5422]

"The iconic [lumbar disk herniator] is something well talk about later

[@SenorTucano]

Everything old is new again

[@ErichRahm-Gaming]

nope. nice try. i'm not buying any more shit

[@mr_clean91]

I build a load bearing system a few years back by attaching surplus ALICE suspenders to a modern MOLLE waist belt. This setup is much more comfortable than the belt on its own or chest rig. Added bonus is the pouches and equipment can be shifted to the sides and rear so your front stays own for easier prone

[@DesertRat.45]

The combat fashion show. Dont forget face paint used for lipstick

[@fatalerror6474]

Love the Smersh. Great Video. If you like Harness, also give british LRRP a try, there are a lot of dirt cheap surplus, often never used an the market. Bought also one, great value!

[@uncompliant]

I might score one to review it

[@patrickoneill6821]

I picked one up on ebay for $75 surplus, not the LRRP version, it's got 4 mag pouches and 4 canteen pouches or GP. I was 11B for 13 yrs. in US Army, this is the most comfortable load bearing system I've ever worn, love it!

[@nvm168]

are the mag pouches able to fit saiga 12 mags in it ?. bcuz in my shit smeared country , im only able to buy shotguns.

[@vladboy1]

I have used lbs first was brass hardware then the weird plastic buckle and finally the quick release buckle (best imo) then in the 90’s switched the vest and plate carrier if you want to move around the lbe seemed to work the best also could carry more stuff the set up was two canteens on the back 1 L one o the R middle was your butt pack with poncho rolled up tight on top held by boot blouse bands to the belt two ammo pouchs L and R front pistol holster right knife left pistol mag pouch left between the knife and canteen med/ compass pouch L shoulder chem light green taped to R strap gas mask L leg Alice pack on back

[@gungriffen]

Chest rig isn't a bad idea but fuck they put everything on it till you looked like Peter Griffen.

[@PreppedScots]

Using a Virtus webbing belt and H-harness for a sustainment webbing setup and the GSR haversack/fieldpack acting as a buttpack, I’ve easily lived for days at a time off the mainland and in the highlands here in Scotland

[@flamegator3251]

I cant lie the lady screaming in the background of the video was so incredibly annoying.

[@AmericanRebel.Crusader]

LBE will never die

[@N238E]

We should consider the pros/cons of LBE and chest rigs. I was a US Infantryman from 2014 to 2019 and became thoroughly acquainted with the FLC during those five years. What I like about it the most is the ability to throw it on quickly and buckle it from the back. We all had it configured with the zipper closed at the front, and the backstrap flipped around so the buckles were exposed in the back. We had the IFAK on the far left side and the canteen on the far right side. If you were right-handed, the two triple-mag pouches were stacked on top of each other on the left side of the torso. The right side usually had another empty canteen pouch or saw pouch for stuff like nods, rhino mount, j-arm, etc. We made it work but it looked like ass. The TAP was introduced right before I left. I never used it, but I do own one today. I have it setup with 12 mags, an IFAK, one canteen, and one admin pouch. It's heavier than I remember the FLC, but our FLC only had seven mags. I replaced the Y-harness with an H-harness, but I noticed the Y-harness is quicker to throw on/off, but not as quick as the FLC was. This is the extent of my experience with chest rigs. I never used LBE so I don't know what it's like, but I'm curious to see how it compares.

[@TheTyrial86]

Was in 08-13, I have used ALICE, the duece gear LBV, and the FLC. Alice gear is better because the mag pouches are monsters. I have seen guys turn those same pouches into IFAK's. It is far better for foot patrols. If you can, get a pad for the pistol belt. It is best because it is designed to be worn in conjunction with a pack. Everything else isn't. Plus, ALICE packs are just tanks. FLC is nice because you can adjust it to be really large to put over heavy clothing, along with being able to configure it for faster reloads. But it lacks the ability to use main packs with it.

[@thepatriot7112]

Why does nobody use regular canteens anymore?

[@michaelrizea3108]

I do ....

[@ozarkman291]

RIP rucksack users

[@uncompliant]

Really comfortable with ALICE pack, As I said in the video

[@burtbiggum499]

If your ruck isnt high and tight youre wrong

[@BigMakBattleBlog]

In short.... chest rigs are only good if enemy uas no artillery...

[@Dkoarn]

I have a bunch of surplus USMC double mag pouches & 2 cantine pouches on an old 5.11 battle belt, IFAK in the very back. I think i grabbed some crye suspenders and an old duty belt for the inner part. There's no real use for me having it, but it's fun to see hanging up in the closet!

[@tacicalandpractical2413]

What were back to 1985 gear now...?

[@michaelrizea3108]

For light recon I think is ok

[@cqwickedwake7651]

Id say smersh is a pain in the ass to carry, even literally, so much weight pulling you that down low, it is old tech for a reasaon

[@IntoTheVoid1981]

Plate Carriers and Chest Rigs have a reason, as the LBE has too. Last few decades wars for the US and allies were mostly assymetric wars, where the soldiers spent most of their time inside the vehicles, and mostly fought in urbanized areas. In vehicles and buildings PC and CR gives better comfort and streamlined siluet, than a bulky LBE around your hips. But in symmetric (or almost symmetric) wars, infantry spend most of the time dismounted, and more under-urbanized areas, where you fight in the fields and woods. In thos circumstances the LBE gives more comfort, because it places the bulk of the weigth through your waist and hips directly on your legs, and relieves your spinal chord, on the other hand your upper body has a much better ventillation by not being enclosed. The bulk around your waist is much less of a problem in the fields than in cramped CQB scenarios or during an 8-hour vehicle patrol. That being said, if you assess the environment and mission, you can tailor your equipment accordingly. In a more CQB/vehicular situation a rigged PC/CR with a slick belt setup, in a more fields/woods and foot patrol situation a rigged LBE with a slick PC is a go for me.

[@BlaineKK37]

For anything other then swat style close combat, or just pulling sentry or being some kind of bullet catcher like in a trench, lbe and lbv are the way to go

[@DistinguishedMenofCulture]

Stick with Alice gear each magazine pouch will hold THREE 30 round magazines instead of the TWO 30 round magazines, your crappy pouch holds

[@matthewmarek1467]

The return of ALICE gear. A great loadbearing system with room for improvement. ALICE 2.0?

[@michaelrizea3108]

I'd fuckin rock it for light field recon...more comfortable

[@harpermanz1872]

Not keen on these rigs unless you’re carrying an LMG. Movement is definitely hindered especially crawling. Much prefer a chest rig and a patrol bag unless again your on the gun.

[@jmmartin7766]

Just found a bunch of LBVE-88 rigs in M81 for $20 at my surplus store -- They're excellent for a MMOAB ("Minute Man On a Budget") 😁👍

[@squidog94]

You can also disassemble the shoulder harness from the side panels and use that with standard ALICE suspenders or just plain 1in webbing to make your own H harness.

[@Hiro6Red]

😂u funny he doesn't wear it 😂 uses a chestrig .so why is he advertising it lol lmao...my personal opinion it horrible too much stuff heavy

[@romeorifles300]

I have run sets of Alice, PLCE, Bundeswehr webbing, a new gen sso smersh, SADF battle jacket, and some others. Mostly normal range use and light hiking. So far PLCE is my favorite.

[@andrelockridge9109]

Load bearing equipment such as the British PLCE & Russian Smersh is superior in desert & tropical environments! Also better weight distribution.

[@tonybarone5757]

The VA said I’m 100% T&P because I wore a LBE/LBV for 22 years. 🤷🏼‍♂️, good luck running around with a full combat load around your waist.

[@kofool888]

Stuff is quicker to access on chest rig and not flopping around. You can comfortable hold 12 magazines on the front. Weight is carried better so you can go farther and quicker. On a belt it is bouncing all over the place giving you problems with momentum. There is a reason are military stopped using those in general. Getting in and out of vehicles and small spaces is harder too with a belt. You can always do both too. Also the idea that you should have nothing on your chest and front to maximize the prone fighting position is not the best idea. Hugging the ground like a coward at every opportunity or have stuff you can access quickly and fight back instantly? Not wasting time trying to grab some non-existent cover. You are really only going to gain a few inches. Is that going to save you life? More often than not no. Just stop obsessing's over hugging the ground all the time. You visibility goes down too. Know the proper time to take the prone position. Don't just base your layout on something that seems good at the time. When you get into battle you will understand your mistake and then it may be too late.

[@MotoCampAdventure]

3:36 9-second reload lmao Great video otherwise man. I think the chest rig has a niche use case and most people are better served by a belt kit like the smersh. I say this with zero real world experience other than fake bb warz at milsim west.

[@Raz_Tactical]

LBE really can't be beaten for sustainment, In my PLCE kit I can carry like 12 mags, 4-6 grenades, water, stripped down mre, radio and an Ifak, Ususally enough to last 48hours in the field. Add to this a bergen and as long as I have a source of water I can purify I could easily stretch this out to a week or 2.

[@davidleonard1813]

LBE will never die. Simply because the weight distribution leads to less fatigue . ALICE, PLCE, Russian, this that company. That is the only real argument of which is best. My experience was ALICE gear 4 point suspension like this Russian kit, initially. The Brits got PLCE 6 pint suspension. Ahha might be a good idea. The Australian Army made new harneses with a chest buckle and plastic D ring. Bingo now simply by a slise buckle and 25mm webbing you can be 6 point. Cool. Then add Drings to minimi pouches x 2 ammo, mag pouches x1. Add Malice clips. Put a belt pad on. And there it is. Add as many points if suspension for a few dollars customised to your load and comfort. Perfect. Sure everyone is vechile mounted orientated chest rigs. But patrols LBE reins supreme and always will. Because soldiers cant always be in on a vechile. LRRP, Snipers, Spotters the truck broke an axel, the apc is clapped out. There will always be a place for LBE. Now as i have no need of it, i still use it. As an older hiber i live off my belt and shelter abd sleep from a small light backpack. Even if its just a 12 15km walk in 104F in summer i take a Alice harness with just 3 water bottles I dont eat on my hike if its just a day. Its less tireing in the heat from that, even though its heavier, than a 3lt camelback dragging on my back. Thats just my experience and what I find works for me others may have a different opinion

[@LairdErnst]

First, this was an honest assessment of a product and I appreciate hearing different perspectives on gear. Second, I wore an H harness LBE back in the ABU days of the Air Force and the best thing I could say about it was it was better ventilation wise than a plate carrier. And that it could be thrown on or taken off quick-ish. The lack of plates to bump your head against was a benefit. That being said, I do not think they were superior to a plate carrier in most other respects. Third, I’ve had more real estate with a plate carrier than an LBE for pouches and they give you the option to split the load between your vest and a belt. LBEs tend to hang around the waste or hips so that’s not an option. All of the little things like a flashlight, multi-tool, and IFAK/JFAK have fit on a belt and kept my plate carrier free for magazine pouches. Fourth, I acknowledge that each piece of gear is useful depending on the situation. For a long range patrol not having a plate carrier is nice and just having the necessary items for comms and ammo (among other things) is much more pleasant than carrying around a plate carrier and a rucksack. I will also acknowledge that an LBE is probably better for civilians who lack the training and conditioning of infantry or other combat career fields’ conditioning/training. So for private use on your property it would likely be better just to have a day bag or an easily mobile LBE or chest rig to patrol or explore it if that’s something you’re interested in. Lastly, I’m doubtful that chest rigs are going to fall out of popularity because of their simplicity and ease of use. Not to mention it is easy to modify your level of protection by adding an undercover vest beneath your shirt, add the chest rig over that and cover it with a jacket if needs be. LBE is not particularly concealable and is useful for what it was made to do, hold more gear. If things get cold or wet you have the option of putting it over your layers but that’s true with a chest rig and a plate carrier. Those are my thoughts.

[@aceofspades5876]

Germany's still issuing the "lochkoppel", a modular nylon LBE. Works great with assault packs, but less with big rucksacks; doesnt work with the german MOBAST armor system at all.

[@col.callan7961]

Every situation requires different setups as demanded by circumstances. There is no right or wrong setup, but let your “environment “ dictate your preferences.

[@theunknownatheist3815]

“SMERSH” was the counter intelligence unit of the NKVD during WW2 for the USSR. The NKVD was the predecessor of the KGB. Odd name choice. Which n Russian, is short for “Death to spies”. 😂

[@CharlesHansen-gl4lh]

So the ILCE system from the 50's, 60's, 70's 80's and 90's is back? It was the typical rig for USAF Security Forces, pain in the ass for prone position shooting, especially with gas mask bag and kevlar flak vest.

[@killshotskillington1028]

With the new MGS remake, LBE coming back in style

[@InspectorDilligaf-fv5nq]

Its all about preference and training. The old GIs say the 1911 is the best gun ever, the less older ones say the glock G17 or Sig 226 is best… this is the 45 vs 9mm debate

[@spook949]

Watches scytoxil once:

[@strikeforce5331]

So real

[@tortoiseloverboy]

*thing that has been around forver* is DONE!!! *thing that has been around also forever* IS IN!!!!!

[@SicsemperevelloMortemtyr-by9hj]

If you watch Speedball(paintball), you don't want anything in your way, especially when you're running and jumping over stuff.

[@MrJoshuaBFPO666]

Seriously mate, British Military have been rocking this type of rig since the 1960s. Reinventing the wheel old pal.

[@Revup1]

Horses for courses. I've used both 'webbing' (PLCE rather than LBE) and chest rigs for real. Personally I hate chest rigs. For mobility when vehicle mounted and in an urban environment chest rigs are best. In the field and with irregular resupply 'webbing' is best. The idea with LBE is that it is a layered system, and matches with day sack or ruc. Best system IMO is the British PLCE from the 90's....but then I'm biased, as I lived out of this kit for weeks on end!

[@arielsolomon5645]

Different strokes for different folks. Big thing is people put too much shit they don't need on their gear. I'm a photographer and videographer for the US military. My setup reflects that. I use a battlebelt with a deep and bungeed up dump pouch for my long lens, saw ammo pouch for a paired down MRE, a small utility pouch on the butt because all the butt bags I used just bounced around being uncomfortable. an IFAK which is going to get expanded soon to include burn kit, and my 3 magazine pouches. My body armor has an admin pouch and 3 more magazines. I've always been a fan of the belt and suspenders loadout, but load yourself down like a balloon and you just turn into a goofy waddling mess. Keep it lean, use a backpack for your gear, use a truck for more gear, and use your home base for the rest.

[@gantulgaganhuyag717]

SMERSH = Smerti Schpiona "Death to Spies" Post WW2 Soviet SMERSH basically rounded up all the POW and either sent them to build roads in the Siberia or to work them to death in gold mmines in Siberia. So SMERSH had negative connotation for ex soviet or communist countires.

[@2jay490]

The brits have had the same kit for about 50 years. The obvious issue is you can't carry enough ammo for your primary weapon. If you have ever been in balls to wall human wave fire fight (or surrounded) you would realize even 500 hundred rounds of 5.56 is not enough. The only effective to do this is with cross body bandoliers. You need to keep your ammo, water and aid kits separate from all else. So you can dump all else to the ground lighting your load. I'm assuming that protective gear is going to evolve into a more flexible garment that can breathe. Well I hope so anyway. Good hunting to you, keep your butt down, never be the first or last, never go back the same way you went out, never stand when you can squat down, and try to stay away from cluster fucks (OK that's almost impossible).....

[@0bserver416]

I like to combine both LBE (buttpack for everything bulky) and chestrig (admin, binos, fire).

[@lukerope1906]

I find there's lack of MOLLE magazine pouches that are fully enclosed and don't use velcro. I dislike velcro and open mag pouches.