LBV-88, USGI VS BLACKHAWK

LBV-88, USGI VS BLACKHAWK

[@user-sb9fw6ui2i]

That’s what I was issued in the Rangers, and what I currently have. The only drawback of the 88, is the limitations of the pouches for carrying mags. The remedy I found was putting SAW mag pouches on the pistol belt. 7 magazines will fit in the SAW pouches. I had 4 SAW pouches on my pistol belt and extra pouches on my assault pack.

[@larslevinberget9558]

There you go! Did you attach the ALICE Y or H suspender hooks to the SAW-pouches both front and rear then? And Canteens, First aid, Bayonet, pistol etc at the sides? I have a quite rare issue pouch called the Chaplain's kit that is like a 6-mag SAW pouch. It was issued as a MOLLE item in BDU and DC Camo pattern, but had Alice clips and a strap w/D-rings also

[@user-sb9fw6ui2i]

@@larslevinberget9558 we had the LBV with pistol belt. SAW pouches had Alice clips to attach them to the belt. I tied 550 cord around the Alice clips to keep them from falling off of the belt. We had the drop leg extenders for our pistols. IFAK consisted of a pressure dressing, 100mph tape, and 550 cord for a tourniquet, were attached to the other shoulder strap. Bayonet was taped to the shoulder straps of our LBV’s. 2 1qt canteens were towards the back of our vests. Extra ammo was carried on our rucks. The pockets on the vests were used for carrying smoke and thermite grenades. Frags were fitted wherever we could find room for them on our vests.

[@CounseledRope97]

The MOLLE is vastly superior in terms of configuration over the ALICE and ETLBV.

[@Brent0331]

Well I pulled the trigger..... add another set of gear that I bought because of you. To date: SPEAR system, TWO Eagle H-harness and now a Blackhawk LBV-88.

[@paul7754]

I'm a big fan of the LBV-88 'enhanced'. You can configure an FLC pretty close too but without the belt. I've read the consensus was they were just too hot and grunts just stayed with the 782 gear if they could (pre MOLLE era). I've seen some old pics of Force Recon wearing LBV-88s. Good video and happy 4th of July!

[@thefucrew9865]

Just a reminder, that if the ALICE attachment points or pass-throughs have the soft part of velcro/hook-n-loop, then it was fitted for the Blackhawk BTS attachment system. You can look into that. Keep up the great work !!!

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

i dont know if i have seen that before.

[@thefucrew9865]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536 , it was meant to be a quick change option, through the Blackhawk brand. It was used in their law enforcement line of items, and in the military line too.

[@larslevinberget9558]

The Blackhawk BTS was maybe a better solution than both ALICE and MOLLE ... the ALICE metal clips were from the M1956 gear and really dimensioned for the thick cotton webbing, but the LINCLOE plastic clips were not strong enough, so they stuck with the metal keepers, while moving on to the thinner Alice webbing, since nylon is so strong. That made the connection floppy, when attaching bigger items like the 2qt canteen and E-tool carrier on the pack! There are alternatives like the Bianchi metal keepers and later MALICE clips, while the MOLLE straps are too long and wobbly...

[@camioincogneato3635]

As an Aussie that got out of the army 25 years ago I was quite partial (biased) to the Australian issued DPCU combat equipment...except the harness was replaced with an old US 'Y' harness. Config was bum pack/F89 minimi pouch at the back followed by side positioned F88 Styer mag\F89 pouches with water bottle carriers slung bellow (using web belt eyelets), and a wimp (padded) belt for comfort. The belt was positioned as low on the hips as was comfortable, to transfer weight and keep centre of mass low, and no laying on water bottles in prone position (fire and movement, ambush, etc). This also allowed for the transfer of weight from the pack to the hips rather than keep it on the spine. As there was no equipment on the front of my person it allowed for Para-equipment (reserve chute, pack front slung for jumping) to be worn without the need to reconfigure my webbing. I have always had an interest in how other nations military members configured their combat equipment. Very enlightening. Happy fourth of July, guys.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

oh, i have such fond memories of australia and the people. you guys made us feel some welcome.

[@SnarkyPosters]

I haven't had a problem with the pouches fitting a complete loadout of PMAGs in my LBV-88.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I think that those interior pouches on the Blackhawk vest was for maps, admin supplies, etc.

[@user-sb9fw6ui2i]

The 88 was more for infantry and us Rangers in mind. The Blackhawk was designed more for SF, Delta, and Seals. But I think as time and use went on with the Blackhawk vest, it became more popular with the magazine capacity, durability, and versatility for operator use, that the DoD scrapped the use of the 88.

[@larslevinberget9558]

I have the AFSOC Improved Tactical load bearing vest in DCU-pattern issued with a matching improved buttpack and the tan IIFS-belt. Quite similar to the Blackhawk and Eagle vests also used by AFSOC teams

[@bigoz7]

Great video very informative and thanks for sharing!

[@tomschonborg439]

I was able to get two P-Mags into my top pouches. It was a very tight fit. I can see how the steel mags would fit better. I also have the ALICE belt mounted 3-mag ammo pouches. These have dividers. I cut the dividers out of mine. I don't like the dividers. With the dividers removed I was able to get 3 P-Mags into these pouches as well.

[@alu.304]

They were authorized in the Marine Corps if you wanted to purchase yourself. I happened to luck out and get the Blackhawk version when I bought mine from US Cav or Brigade Quartermasters, don't remember. Blackhawk was US made in the early to mid 90's. The Blackhawk version is a superior product.

[@RealitySurvival]

I agree the Blackhawk is usually thicker on the material. I have one of their big packs and it was the same way. Super heavy.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Maybe I’m crazy but I much prefer the vertical pouch version of the LBV.

[@99Racker]

Those gernade pouches will hold a bore snake and cleaning gear. The other side bug spray, TP or boggy bate or ??. I used these types of gear after the MC and used the pouches for flash bang gernades. The only thing I have reservations on is I prefer a separate battle belt as I always carry a pistol even if the other gear is dropped for moving in tight areas, etc. Picking my own preference, I equip a B/belt with handgun with mags, knife, IFAX, drop pouch, butt pack, and either one canteen with cup or radio pouch (situation allowing). What else goes on is based on belt space and mission requirements. Rifle gear on upper load bearing harness. Even the old Chicom SKS harness works OK as it will also fit AR, AK, and 7.62 mags. Like you I have choices in gear setups. I have carry rules for gear: ALWAYS have some water, TP and at least a couple energy bars. As a minimum, a water flask like the VN issue Air Force water flask, an adequate amount of TP, and a couple or bars in a thigh pocket; more to meet mission requirements. As I mentioned before, I learned to sew and I have sail whipping twine, needles, and sewing palm so could modify this kind of gear to my needs. Like you, I am sure I could fill a couple seabags with acquired 782 weapon gear. Semper Fi

[@vermontvermont9292]

That's interesting, I have 2 usgi lbv-88e. I have no issues with Pmags in the pouches. I've heard people having issues with P mags , I just haven't. One vest is from 94, and the other is from 2000.

[@tannerfoust2346]

Interesting update by Blackhawk. I get a feeling anything in that admin pouch will get real soggy haha

[@charlesshaft639]

Me too, i absolutely hate i don't have grenades!!! Im free in a free country and don't have grenades i would perfer the Dutch mini grenades the V-40s but I would take WW2 pineapples🍍 if i could get them , 🍋 lemons, baseball ⚾ grenades what ever I can get !! Even German potato smashers stick grenades!!

[@tomm2812]

Have a Happy 4th of July. Best

[@TheRedneckprepper]

Now would ya compare to the old school allice load carry weight ?

[@deadeye5155]

No

[@TheRedneckprepper]

@@deadeye5155 ??

[@Op4Grunt0311]

Clear and present danger ……this was rig filmed in it

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

huh?

[@Op4Grunt0311]

@@renaissancemarinetv3536 the film “clear and present danger”…….the actors wore the lbv88 in some of those scenes in the jungle

[@tomquirin4231]

hey brotha , got any marine boonie's there ? , looking for one for trade/swap perhaps , thanks > tom !

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

i dont.

[@shadowfoxcorp]

I wore one at mcrd but never again. I hate mostly ALL 782 gear because it sucks. American 782 gear sucks in general. I like brittish kit. Much better quality and far superior design.

[@TerryWhisk]

Just sold a Tac Force copy of the Blackhawk LBV with an identical spray job, crazy