Crossfire DZ Rig Setup and Use Case

[@xxvengefulonexx1924]

Gonna be watching your vids for the rest of my career and after. All the tips and tricks helped me out in 7-24. I appreciate it big dawg, you're one hell of a role model and instructor. Rah.

[@arhysr]

Whoa that’s insane

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Go and do good things devil

[@-Agent_47_]

Belt kit is love, belt kit is life

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I’m a big fan

[@docdolittle8057]

Your gear selection/setup is subject matter expert level. Everything has a purpose or two and I have learned a lot from your ideas and videos. Keep doing what you’re doing! I’ve cleaned up my plate carrier, chest rig, and working on war belt now.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for the support man!

[@docdolittle8057]

@@TheGruntPerspective need more SNCOs like this.

[@Buckaroomedic]

I'm glad to see that the LBE is making a comeback. I understand the need for chest rigs during the past 20 years. I tried wearing LBE while mounted, which was difficult and uncomfortable for long road movements. I still think chest rigs have their place. As a young light infantry medic in Panama during the late 80’s, I lived out of my LBE. I carried my M-5 aid bag on my back. I didn’t want to load the aid bag in the large ALICE pack all the time.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

It’s much more comfortable then all this garbage on a plate carrier for sure

[@btr-70]

Love your content, have for over a year now. Yours is by far the most informative and well put together channel I've seen relating to gear. Your videos aided me immensely in setting up my kit to function properly.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I’m glad I could help man!

[@Kieran.Walsh.]

If I’m not mistaken I believe an improved version is in the works addressing the drag handles likelihood to snag and also making a 4 pouch option in the rear and those 4 pouches may be removed for more customisation.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

That sounds interesting

[@saltimussodium696]

Is this for sure? I was gonna snag one but might hold out for v2

[@Kieran.Walsh.]

@@saltimussodium696 It you go to prepared pathfinders video on the dz rig there will be a comment by a man named diz, he is the creator of the dz rig, he says a four pouch prototype is in the works.

[@Diz0321]

@@Kieran.Walsh. Yeah that diz is an asshole but it's true. There are lo pro harnesses, additional pouches, and possibly a 4-pouch and/or all molle belt in the works. Probably won't hit the street until next spring though.

[@Kieran.Walsh.]

@@Diz0321 Haha, thanks Diz.

[@mikehoncho4637]

Always a treat seeing a new video. Appreciate you brother and your service.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheDirtCook]

As someone who has used a rig similar to this on mission, I couldn’t agree more that these rigs are life savers. However there are some things that I’ve learned using my rig on long dismounted movements with contact that might be able to help you in the future: 1.) buy a harness with padding or wider shoulder straps! If you’re worried about your straps bunching up under your plate carrier, most decently priced padded ones are nice and comfortable while distributing the weight better when you’re carrying a full load. Jesus even the LCE straps had pads! 2.) Dump pouch is important; and not just for ammo. It will be much quicker to toss that mag in the pouch than trying to slide that into a pouch, especially in dirty or muddy situation in the prone. It also doubles as a pouch for grenades (please tape your grenade spoons 🙏) or anything else you have to grab on the go real quick. *edit* I saw you add your dump pouch on your plate carrier; so all good there. Lots of people put it up front but I like it on the side. Just personal preference. 3.) This may be considered a hot take, but poncho would be more fitting than a tarp. A large poncho will be something you can actively wear if you need to move around (which will happen any moment) and can also double as a tarp if you tie off the hood. For those days you are out on position, it can also keep you warm at night as a windbreak. 4.) keep batteries in your hand pockets (yes, the ones you’re technically not allowed to use). It may seem like an awkward spot but when you are dealing with large changes in temperature your batteries can die if they arnt next to something warm. Also, if your NVGs die on mission at night you’re gonna want to access those batteries as fast as possible, and that front pocket is easy access. 5.) Where’s the Zins/Dip/Smokes? At least have some freeze dried coffee pouches or caffeine pills. Almost everything else you have in the video in one way or another I used and did not want to get caught without. I might actually try to buy those ammo pouches you have in the video. Two others things I’d also add from my experiences that may or may not work with you is having my E tool and a roll of electrical tape accessible. The E tool is super important when your blendage/position is blasted all day and needs repairs or you need to dig a temporary position. The E tool pouch is also useful because if you don’t want the e tool on a quick mission you can add grenades/rope or other equipment you might need. The E tape is a pet peeve of mine because everyone laughs at the guy with a carabiner and E tape roll until someone needs it (it always does).

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I appreciate the advice! Thanks for watching

[@richardreser150]

Thanks for showing this. It’s definitely a viable option from the TAPS that we are both issued. Be safe

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mr.Bobcat1776]

Thats a sweet rig. The fact that you can easily put 3 PMAGs in each mag pouch is is badass.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yeah they are great mag pouches

[@PracticalTacticalFedeli]

No stupid music no over the top hype. Just pure information🇺🇸. I’m about to snag one of these DZ rigs-I personally never understood running a slick carrier underneath one of these rigs…WHAT IF you have to drop your fighting load and now you have zero ammo or any other kit on you-glad you touched on this subject by explaining what you still carry on your carrier-I feel like this and taps go well together

[@xusmico187]

Love the fact you spend money to have good kit. I did that in the 80-90s. Had one inspection 782 sop set up. One set for field, training , combat. Always improving as new ideas came up, SgtMaj be damned. 10k nods that break.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I wish they were 10k, more like 30

[@xusmico187]

@@TheGruntPerspective true I was thinking of my old 14s

[@Diz0321]

Very good review, from a current grunt perspective. If you are working in conjunction with a PC, this is very good scoop. If you are paying attention, you have seen how this is currently being used in Ukraine. It was designed to work in conjunction with a rucksack for long range recce work, but yeah, it will work nicely in this role as well. We are currently designing lo pro shoulder harness just for this reason.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@sergiikaraban]

Hi man, greetings from Ukraine!)) I use three belt kits during last three years. Normal range belt(ronin), classic war belt but i come back to old school PLCE(budget was the reason full kit under 100 usd). As battalion srg mjr, I teach my freshmans to assemble their kit, on pretty much same platform as you show on the video. Thank you, you are doing a great job!!!

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@trundelingporpoise2404]

If anyone is curious, the SO Tech 6 point harness does away with the buckle on the chest strap and instead uses velcro. I really like it because it removes the rub point created by a buckle under a plate carrier

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Might have to get that

[@PerFecTD0P3B01]

Do you have a link? I tried looking on their site and couldn’t find just the harness.

[@JP4271]

Great review & breakdown of the rig - especially the part about the differences between med/large & large/Xlarge sizes. I wasn't initially sure which one to get but your description solved the issue. Summarizing other similar LBE rigs and prices was handy too. The CF doesn't seem as expensive now and will be an easier sell to the Mrs.....

[@thomasfinley7754]

Just ordered a CF3 ruck today! I've been wanting for 8 months. Lol

[@cptnemo20kl]

I don’t know if it is aligned with the kind of content you want to produce, but I am curious to see this rig combined with the plate carrier to illustrate how they integrate together on a person. Positioning for clearance of the carrier, the split loadout between the two systems, how it may look with a patrol pack. Between the GWOT carrier loadouts, the high-speed/low-drag chest rigs/PCs with battle belts, and the rise of these LBE/PLCE types, it would be interesting to see how they look combined for that long term combat sustainment.

[@ProtectAndPersevere]

Cool rig and great breakdown man

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks man

[@strackete5441]

As much as I love Belt kits, I personally prefer as a rifleman a Smock combat jacket. In my current setup with a slick vest under the smock and a split rig . Works very well for European forest and mountains ever with a big backpack. PS: I really love your perspective on the whole loadout topic 👍

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I have never used or seen a smock in real life, seems very interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@VB6000.]

Just ordered mine. Hope it fits me good. I’m an inbetween size. I’ll probably copy your loadout except for the NV. Thanks for the video.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Thanks for watching!

[@praharin]

I have a hill people gear prairie belt which uses a plastic cobra buckle. I really like to compared to a normal side release.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yeah a lot of people prefer it, nothing wrong with it, just not necessary

[@sectorseven07]

I have the same philosophy on belt kit for the exact same reason. I found that in terms of slick with no armor "recon" based setups I still preferred a chest rig. But belt kit under a PC is great for when you have to stack a lot of shit on top of a lot of shit. Including for MG's.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

@@sectorseven07 thanks for watching!

[@xc8487]

The Army is currently experimenting with new belt rigs and jungle uniforms and equipment. If you want an affordable US made kit, the Nixieworks integrated belt and butt pack and surplus or airsoft triple mag pouches. I personally have the Nixieworks in M81 with a Dark Angel Med pouch back left, two surplus medium GP pouches, and two surplus double mag pouches up front. I also have two surplus 2qt canteens in the side pouches. Poncho, thermarest pad, and bivy under the butt pack. Map, compass, headlamp, notepad, pencil, bug repellent, chap stick, facepaint, snacks all go in my BDU chest pockets or side cargo pockets.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

The nixie works rig looks amazing, how is it with armor on and with a ruck?

[@xc8487]

@@TheGruntPerspective I don't own any armor right now, so can't say. As for my Alice ruck, If I drop the belt lower it works with some interference. The rig does work well with a regular backpack. If I wanted to carry a lot of mags, the rig does work with a P83 chest rig. The next thing I'm thinking of adding would be Flatline Fiber dump pouches woven behind the rear most molle sections.

[@Ilia1138]

Nice grounded and based setup. In Ukraine we usualy do not carry more than two grenades. In trench and building clearing we use one cheap chinese molle belt with lots of grenade pouches. If you carries such belt your second man in a pair throws them ( we shifted to dispersed pairs instead of teams because of FPV drones and cluster arty) And also on medical kit. It is a rule that you carry not less than six CATs or rubber bandages.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Very interesting, thanks for watching!

[@charlesl5226]

My question about all this/ all your videos…what unit/ version of the marine corps are you in that allows you to wear and use that many different types of cammo. Haha I was hunted down because I dared use a multi cam triple double mag pouch when I was in.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Now days most leaders are okay with multicam. Seems like focus has shifted from uniformity to effectiveness in combat

[@bthemedia]

11:30 The 3xMag pouches… those came With the Crossfire DZ rig kit?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yes they do

[@isaacramirez3634]

Something I don't see a lot of people talk about is using a chest rig in place of a plate carrier(In certain situations). I'm not saying like a fully loaded TAPS but maybe a macro/micro rig. I used a similar setup in Bridgeport MTX, A Spiritus chest rig that held my basic admin stuff, 3 mags on chest + 1 on a side wing, a radio side wing pouch for a black gear radio and the shaw concepts raid pouch as an IFAK. Nothing too crazy but I think it supplements the belt kit well

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Yeah it definitely would. But I start to question, if you’re carrying all this ammo you’re obviously expecting a fight, so why would you not wear plates? Not digging on you but just in general

[@mikehoncho4637]

I'm not going to wear plates because of the weight buttttt I'm going to weigh myself down with a bunch of extra "necessities".

[@isaacramirez3634]

​@@TheGruntPerspective Fair point

[@Diz0321]

@@isaacramirez3634 This is from a cold war/black boot Marine perspective, but, they are times and climes where PC's just can't be practically worn. I know that might be against doctrine if you're AD, but for long range patrols in stupid hot weather, the chance is high that you're gonna be a heat casualty way before you can accomplish the mission. That being said I'm a huge fan of a simple micro chest rig, to supplement the belt kit if and when necessary. So if it could also take a plate, yeah better than nothing. But I would want the option of humping it/them in my ruck, and then jocking up for "actions on" at the ORP.

[@CzechSixTv]

I've been running an HSGI Sure Grip belt with a Direct Action Gear Y harness(fits under a carrier) as a lighter version of the PLCE/DZ Rig for a while now. It's incredibly comfortable with 6-8 magazines and GP pouches compared to even a lighter loaded "shooters belt". When you're on foot in rough and steep terrain like here in central PA, having the weight down low is also very advantageous. I did however just order a DZ rig in God's flannel because I wanted something a little more substantial to act as a support shelf for a pack. Multicam tropic would have been nice but sadly isn't an option. On your point about what's happening in Ukraine and the US military doing a better job of logistics, It should be mentioned that we haven't fought a conventional war against a peer or near peer enemy in a very long time. What's currently going on in Ukraine is worlds apart from what the US was doing in Iraq and Afghanistan for the last 2+ decades.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

You’re absolutely right. But we do have past examples fighting in large scale wars where our logistics trains worked well enough.

[@zacharyw9048]

So, not to be mr. Keyboard warrior but i need to know, this setup strikes me as hugely unevenly weighted, with the 6 mags on the left (~6 lbs) and the pigsticker and ifak on the right, has that caused any irritation/discomfort for you? Great video as always, keep up the amazing work

[@TheGruntPerspective]

It has not, but I kinda tried to combat that by putting my canteen on the opposite side of the mags as well.

[@Diz0321]

@@TheGruntPerspective It's a matter of taste, but also what yer up to. If I was going into an assault, might want all those reloads other strong-side for quick reloads. If I was doing a loong off-set, might switch up to half on strong-side. Just depends. You could also run smoke/frags strong-side only to off-set.

[@davidb9323]

How do you work with this around vehicle transportation, especially wearing a place carrier?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

It’s not terrible to sit in bench seats. But it would be a problem in regular seats

[@Dencoan]

Any advice on how to properly fit this rig to your body? Should the front buckle be more inline with your belt or belly button? And the back side of it above your butt on lower back?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

@@Dencoan no. The top of the pad should be where your pants belt sits

[@pillburbank967]

Sick video, planning to get more use with my DZ rig but having trouble with getting it to work my with the waist strap on my pack especially on stomps. Do you have any experience with the rig in this situation or do i have to just embrace the suck?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

You most likely need a short back frame. They aren’t as popular in America, the frame that I like to use with my belt kit is the crossfire DG3

[@ldsnurse9268]

Where to you get the smoke grenades?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

@@ldsnurse9268 they are dummies

[@gldude14-lt4qc]

Crossfire DZ nuts 🥜

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Comedy gold

[@UnrealMarineTM]

What is the battery case where you keep your AAs and CR123s? Cannot find in online except for Condor that is no longer available

[@TheGruntPerspective]

This one is the condor one. But there’s some very similar to it on Amazon

[@cap6888]

Any chance you could link up the Big Agnes foot print? It packs down so small, it would be great to carry as an emergency shelter (like you do). Would love to get one.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

www.rei.com/product/188361/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-bikepack-footprint I think this is the one

[@chuck110001]

It's been a long while since I was in. Is the Cream Corn allowing multicam now? Used to be only marpat or coyote.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Most leaders are okay with it. It depends though

[@lightstrider8239]

So are you able to wear non marpat / coyote gear as long as it's multicam? How's that work with conforming to regulations?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

It depends on who’s in charge of you but most marine leaders are okay with multicam

[@TheSlayer.]

Does the DZ rig have some molle or webbing to add a dump pouch?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

@@TheSlayer. it does have molle on the front of both sides of the belt

[@TheSlayer.]

@@TheGruntPerspective Do you think this would work as a good belt setup without the yoke? I currently use the issued TAPS upgraded with the spiritus systems upgrade and wear it over my MSV. Thanks for the help your video is very informative

[@TheGruntPerspective]

@@TheSlayer. I would not recommend using the belt without the suspenders. You could absolutely swap the suspenders for something more low profile like I did though and wear them under your plate carrier

[@sbura_]

what's your opinion on buttpack vs just more gp pouches ?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I’ve done both, I do prefer the GP pouches. The buttpack is great though if you need to carry something large

[@PreTo13]

You can fit your pvs31 in the peli? Or just a 14

[@TheGruntPerspective]

31’s

[@jovenalasis4468]

What pouch did you use for your multitool?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Tactical tailor multi tool pouch

[@chadgriffith-e3y]

You broke not one but two sets of 31’s? Not judging but I had no idea they were that fragile. Tell me, did they break during a drop or something along those lines?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

They were both inside of padded pouches and some how they got crushed. I don’t know exactly when but both times I went to mount my nods and they were in pieces

[@chadgriffith-e3y]

@@TheGruntPerspective Glade I don’t have the capital to buy some 31’s like I did want. I’ll just stick with a PVS14 for now

[@TheGruntPerspective]

@@chadgriffith-e3y oh haha they were not my nods, they were the military’s.

[@ninja5672]

Why not a buttpack size/style center pouch, and 2 canteen pouches? Why the XL canteen/GP pouch, and then a center XXL canteen/GP pouch? Seems like a loss of space and more pouch material used.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I’ve used both styles. I actually prefer this one more

[@scottzike1054]

good looking rig .. well done video .. only issue is the price .. they are seriously proud of it

[@andresvalentinesantos8746]

Hey could you wear your gear so we can see how it all fits together. Spin 360 fully geared out 😂 sometimes I don't even know how it's supposed to look

[@AlexanderColli-pm9nt]

We need to move back to the LBE for near peer.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

It might be necessary, like I said in the video though assault packs are also an option that I think most guys would choose

[@MrSwccguy]

You wear this with the AVS?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Sometimes, not usually

[@uncompliant]

LBE Love 🥵

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Huge fan

[@samueladiwinata3440]

2 vid one day let's go

[@TheGruntPerspective]

As a little treat

[@peepermeow3078]

Good video as always. Do you feel like the depth perception gained with PVS31s outweight the inferior durability, increased weight and bulk over the pvs14?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I think so yes. As long as you have something like this to keep them safe

[@DUD3_BR0]

Anyone ever figure out the best way to run a pistol with one of these things without removing pouches?

[@zeke2095]

How’s running in this?

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Fine. No interference, just the weight of the belt

[@andresvalentinesantos8746]

Hey could you wear your gear so we can see how it all fits together. Spin 360 fully geared out 😂 sometimes I don't even know how it's supposed to look. You could blur your face

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I do a lot of that stuff on my instagram. Have not done it for this kit yet though

[@CDNR711]

If you bought the Pelican case brand new it’s waterproof to 10m.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I did. Pvs 31’s are water proof up to a certain depth as well. But still I’m not trying to get them submerged

[@kodyhamel8127]

Thank you

[@-Agent_47_]

Say less, a second post

[@TheGruntPerspective]

A little treat

[@LFAnon]

You got that thing packed like Hermione's purse!

[@TheGruntPerspective]

My belt of many nicknacks

[@sierrabravo5505]

1st yep yep

[@TheGruntPerspective]

Hello

[@quintus_rex7381]

What’s a situation you would prefer a large belt like that over a smaller belt and « larger » PC ? That said, I think Ukraine is the most educational place for us at the moment. Their war experience plus the combined experiences of all foreign volunteers/ countries that host Ukrainian boot camp/FTX make them the perfect educational opportunity.

[@TheGruntPerspective]

I guess it’s hard to put my finger on a specific situation, but any situation that would place me farther from my logistics element then normal. Maybe recon patrols, maybe ew warfare is a concern and we’re trying to use radios as little as possible, or maybe just a deliberate attack or clear where I know we’ll be expending a lot of ammunition.

[@quintus_rex7381]

@@TheGruntPerspective Ok, so it’s all about carrying more stuff to be more autonomous from logistic ? I’ve never tested larger belt. I’ll test that

[@Diz0321]

@@quintus_rex7381 In a nutshell, yes. It was designed for a grunt who is working without a robust log train and/or motor transport. In other words, you are basically on your own for awhile, and patrolling on foot. It was to designed to work more with a rucksack, but in this case, working with a PC as well.

[@quintus_rex7381]

@@Diz0321 Nice pov, i will definitely try it. I’m used to long patrols on our own but it’s with rucksack/bag pack and fully equipped PC instead of belt kit I’m ordering one asap to try that

[@martykelley2001]

ITS A VIETNAM JUNGLE RIG !