Surplus vs Repro, What’s Best? | Airsoft vs Re-Enactment | AATV EP150

[@harrybailey4772]

I think that there is always a good medium between looking absolutely knackered and brand new. I always make my kit if its repro look used but not to the extent of ridiculousness.

[@mikkoveijalainen7430]

As a military museum worker I do have to admit that I've used good quality replica outfits and kit in our exhibitions.

[@frankpolly]

I kind of felt called out with this XD. I actually have a killstreak when it comes to originals. Bought an original M1943 jacket for $50 3 years ago and now I love it so much that I still wear it almost every day as my jacket. Now luckily it was a size 43R jacket which aren't actually super rare to find in the US in new old stock, but here in Europe reenactors and collectors bid good money for them. Worst thing I ever ruined was an original Mitchel cover. I bought it from a former Dutch soldier who said it was part of his issued kit and I believed him because I was like 8. Then I saw Vietnam war movies and noticed the Graffiti on the helmet cover and I wanted to do the same to my green helmet cover. So I graffitied an original Mitchel cover not realizing what I was doing. Worst part about it are the spelling mistakes. I still own the cover, but I have the brown side out to hide my fuck up. Now for airsoft, I do run some originals like an original Russian lend lease thompson pouch for my WW2 USMC kit and an original Jungle first aid kit for both WW2 and Vietnam. For my modern day USMC kits I pretty much only run original, because it is still very much out there plentiful and cheap and reproductions aren't really available yet for a lot of stuff. I can buy a cheap Chinese first aid pouch in coyote brown, but it wouldn't look like the original at all while I can find loads of the original pouches for the same price.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

We’ve been chatting about this today. I wonder if in 50 years time re-enactors will be looking back at videos of us running around in what we consider plentiful modern gear and shaking their heads at how frivolous we are being :)

[@dragdragon23]

It's vise versa here in the USA, Buying over sea's stuff is sky high and Some that were cheap, Is not cheap no more.

[@arrtee1959]

Show us your Rhodesian kit!!!!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

When I get the right gat! :)

[@arrtee1959]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Got to be an L1 or a FAL. Question is only a matter of which is re-released or released first hahaha if you know what I mean. Looking forward to that videos release mate!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Yeah I’ll be getting the VFC LAR/FAL when possible.

[@crewgadjy]

Just please don't model any short shorts. :)

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Got to be short shorts with Rhodesian kit.

[@Aren-1997]

Depends on age, availability, and how you are planning on using it I would say. You can still pick up brand new unissued post-war battledress which is very similar to WW2 stuff for £20-40 at times. I wouldn't feel that uncomfortable using that in airsoft as it doesn't have significant history to it besides its age. It's also significantly cheaper than repo stuff from SoF ironically. All my Brit kits are original as it's just so much cheaper in general. 90s onwards DPM and you can even still find the stuff in their original bags for almost nothing pretty regularly on eBay. My only repo is my U.S WW2 kit as it's harder to find originals in the U.K. WW2 original stuff is always gonna be more expensive and you wouldn't want to use it anyway as it is just too historically significant. That said original 37 pattern webbing is still very available and I use that with my WW2 kit. Also the blue RAF webbing no one seems to want but which you can repaint with green Blanco to fit in is a nice little trick. But I think unless you are going for full accuracy for any reason, airsoft wise all that matters is getting the general look right and prioritising your own comfort. Like you said about the boots I would agree with that. As much as I like my Brit Cold War stuff, putting on DMS boots and Puttees is a far cry for a good pair of standard black combat boots.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks for commenting. You make some very good points. Boots is a big one for me where I’m prepared to let historical accuracy slide. I’ve got messed up feet and ankles after years of doing stupid sports so it’s just not worth it for me. Some good black leather combat boots fit in pretty much everywhere with a little mud on them!

[@DangRockets]

I had a German parka in the early 90's, wish i still had it, was indestructable.

[@harryb8945]

In my reenactment group we try to use as much original kit as possible. Although for clothes this is difficult so we can make a exception, but in terms of webbing and Helmets we only really except originals. Reproductions are just not up to scratch.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Webbing is generally much longer lasting indeed. Some more niche items are getting really hard to find though.

[@harryb8945]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV this is true. A prime example for American kit is the T handle shovel covers, but fortunately theres one good manufacture of repro ones in the UK. But so long as you stick to a basic impression original web gear can be found for relatively cheap if you're willing to follow advice.

[@someimperialfist1404]

Never used re-pro before. Ive been lucky and got my hands on all of my grandpas stuff from nam. When i got it it was all torn up and kinda falling appart since my uncle and his friends played soldiers as kids and burned some bits and even left some gear in the dirt/mud that i later found as a kid... Why they did it was because grandpa was a drill instructor and all his gear WAS clean and well taken care of. Thankfully he saved himself a spare kit that he gave to me. Best kit ive ever seen. Helmet, boots, uniform and webbing all looked and smelled like it was just given to a green gi. For airsoft im going to try some repro stuff that is later war stuff. Wont work for trying to look like my gramps but ill just fudge the year since his stuff is all og early nam gear. Think we were soldiers early.

[@quarterjukebox208]

There are some very good repro vietnam jungles, you pretty much need repros for early first and second pattern poplin jungle trousers and jackets.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I really would’nt want to use originals for Airsoft even if they were more available.

[@jackpenn2956]

Really enjoyed this. Great production quality as usual Gadge is super knowledgeable!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

He is. His warriors series for airsoft action magazine was excellent. We’ll be doing more to bring that back for KZbin.

[@jamesmckeand5607]

Really interesting points. I have been an 18thc reenactor so everything I wore was repro and I had no problem with that. For airsoft I have put together a cold war bundeswehr kit that is almost all original because there isn't much repro gear out there, I do have some reservations about useing so much 40-50 year old kit for running around the woods playing soldiers but the trousers are repro and trousers take the most abuse so that is one thing I feel should be repro if possible.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Indeed. Totally agree with trousers. Partly why good sizes can be hard to find, lots of them have been worn out in use at a faster rate than tops and the same goes when surplus. Regarding your Bundeswehr kit have you done any Gunman Cold War games?

[@jamesmckeand5607]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV No gunman games yet, I really only got into the idea of cold War airsoft at the end of 2019 and then well pandemic... That said yes the gunman games are high on my todo list.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

There are some others that do the kit for them so well worth popping over to the gunman Cold War Facebook group and saying hi.

[@James-C24]

Amazing video. Lots to learn and a good source of usable information.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Thanks James. We’re trying to get this sort of knowledge out of the remoter places of the internet and more available.

[@epilepsy_johnson]

Love these videos. Also loving Gadge! We need more of him!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Don’t worry they’ll be plenty more of Gadge and this sort of video.

[@epilepsy_johnson]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV exciting stuff Tom! The detail and explanation of alternatives is what I love. I would make a current Green Beret kit but there is no set stuff apart from Combat Trousers haha. You can rock any type of known pc and say your a USASOC. Interested in a Rhode Kit and doing everything spot on when VFC drops there FAL. ( I’d even go as far as sanitising the trades)

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

That’s the next Replica for me. Looking forward to it.

[@epilepsy_johnson]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV I’m excited to see you running around in those Summer Shorts ❤️

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Gotta get back in the gym and start squatting again in preparation.

[@Dan-Dan46]

Great video as always, I honestly agree about using repo kit for Airsoft, I’m also trying to put together a Cold War Brit kit, and I’m stumped on the trousers I’ve got a repo pair of lightweights I’d like a pair of Tropical or Windproof trousers but finding them in “ weightlifter build” isn’t easy.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I think I’ve seen one pair of ‘weightlifter’ build windproof trousers on eBay and they went for silly money.

[@Dan-Dan46]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV if you do one aimed at British gear could you or Gadge shed some light on the sizing,I.e Size 1thru 9?

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Sounds like a plan.

[@gadgeharvey5544]

@@Dan-Dan46 its probably not enough content for an episode. Sizing roughtly goes in one height for three widths... so for example 1, 2 & 3 are for the same heigh but for slim, regular, large builds... you can find lots of conversion charts online.

[@brandname_sa4139]

I mean unfortunately the kit i when with which Is 80/90s SADF has taken me over 4 years to get everything, and with no reproductions that have been made so going to south Africa or finding here In the uk is challanging and at the cost of around £400 but i would not look back and happy to be used during airsofting as it's taken me so long to gather and it's part of my country's history.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Awesome. I’ve got a few bits of SADF kit. A battle jacket and chest rig. Great kit.

[@AZSP1966]

I like that Tiger stripe shirt Gadge is wearing. I think that's the one they call the gold version because of the yellowish green leaves.

[@gadgeharvey5544]

Its is what Soldier of Fortune sell as 'gold tiger', the actual classification of 'gold tiger' also refers to the more floral pattern on the stripes... due to the wide variety of dyes used many of them could fade to being quite gold or silver toned but in the 'tger stripe bible' they refer to this actual camo variety as being most likely to fade like this. The SOF ones are 'pre faded' to give you that look. I love this look too but its probably the least accurate tiger repro i own if im honest.

[@whats7257]

I've always purchased Genuine Russian kit because its readily available and isn't stupidly expensive. I'm just venturing into 'Nam impressions though and for running around the woods on a weekend, I've got to say I'm going Repro all the way. Its still not been "cheap" to start from nothing for a full load out of kit, but its been a downside cheaper than say getting a genuine M1 and m56 webbing. I think the point raised about what you're wearing the kit for is spot on. Living history, wear history. historical Milsim/airsoft repro has got to be king.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Sounds wise to me.

[@ThinBrownLine]

As per normal, great vid Tom. I dont have much experience with older repro/real kit but for newer stuff (gulf onwards), in my opinion, a lot of the time either is perfectly fine. Theres a metric F ton of the 80/90s Brit dpm and even more if your going modern, cheap and accessible for original too. I have found that quite often, repro dpm or mtp can be more expensive than original, and quite often a lesser quality.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

There’s not a vast amount of repro DPM /DDPM about. Most of it was private purchase so intended for serving soldiers to supplement their issue kit. I’ve got some awful dragon supplies tropical kit I need to do some distressing on. It’s much less of an issue if you are a 20 year old serving soldier size too! As for MTP/Multicam I guess a lot of that is intended for that airsofter market and most of the lower end stuff isn’t great, though probably just fine for a skirmish in the woods once in a while.

[@ThinBrownLine]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV yeah, I agree, the low amount of repro dpm/ddpm is what makes it more expensive. I did buy some of the lower end repro mtp, lasted about 2 hours before the crotch went riiiiip lol, I now try to only wear original mtp, have always worn original dpm though but do own a pair of repro ripstop dpm bottoms which are bloody orrible and only wear them for gardening 😁

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

@@ThinBrownLine we did a comparison on a series Crye style combat repro trousers a while back and compare different price points to the real thing. Worth a look

[@ThinBrownLine]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV I may or may not have to give that a watch later 😁

[@AZSP1966]

@@ThinBrownLine Gardening Ha !!! You're pretending your planting landmines aren't you Sherman?

[@Downesy65]

I’ve lost track of the hours I’ve put into your ‘namsoft related videos fella & I can’t say cheers to you both enough for the amount of insight while I’ve been putting my first Vietnam themed load out together. I keep seeing events down south but being based not a million miles away from your good selves I wondered where the best list of events up t’north might be? Cheers in advance.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I’m not sure. There are some US and VC / NVA groups on Facebook though so worth joining one of those

[@Solidsnake0208]

I’m always amused once Gadge starts talking about this stuff as you can see he’s absolutely in his own element with this stuff and is a proper gear hoarder 😂 I think I’m quite lazy in this regard in that my WAS plate carrier is all I use, it’s comfy, does the job and can be easily configured for the different RIFs I own. I’ve been playing since about 2007 and currently all my airsoft stuff takes up atleast an entire double IKEA wardrobe, so I couldn’t realistically imagine buying several period correct load outs, I just don’t have the space. I also generally prefer modern kit. If I was going to build a modern loadout I’d probably opt for the real stuff as opposed to repro for the majority as it’s generally harder wearing and the resale value is greater.

[@gadgeharvey5544]

I have a loft conversion full of storage crates and boxes of AEGs :)

[@Solidsnake0208]

Gadge Harvey wondered if I was commenting on the right video for a second as I run a Loft Conversion business! 😂 Waste of a good opportunity for a beautiful master bedroom and en-suite that is mate!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

My house is creaking at the seams now. There may have to be a cull and I’ve got a 10th of what Gadge has stashed away :)

[@Solidsnake0208]

Anvil Airsoft TV any chance of a video on your pizza oven in the background? I’ll be honest it was the only piece of kit I was lusting after in the video

[@gadgeharvey5544]

@@Solidsnake0208 i say loft conversion, its not much more than decent floorboards , a better access ladder and striplights... origally it was the loft put in in the 1930s so no flooring and no lights and an access hatch bilbo baggins would have struggled to sneak through.

[@knockerwhite4192]

I can relate to Tom with the size 9 hunt! But I always believe that if you're reenactment kit looks 100 years old or whatever, it looks wrong, guys kit was issued new (or as near as damn it) and worn in. I love the idea of owning original kit that fits me but to me, a good repro almost looks better and in a lot of ways is more correct to what should be portrayed.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Yeah as we talked about it can get taken to ridiculous levels where it just wouldn’t have been worn in that condition. Maybe appropriate for a living history or a display but not for airsofting

[@derdersoft]

Great idea for a video. Can relate to trying to find Cold War kit in the hungrier man sizes. Took ages to find some Portuguese lizard in a larger size.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I'm looking for some larger sized lizard for a 90s merc loadout video at the moment. Total pain! :)

[@derdersoft]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Endless trawling through Ebay and Etsy to find it. Doursoux in France has some repo kit, but expect to pay a lot for it. The larger French stuff seems to be a better fit. The Portuguese stuff tends to be rather short on the arms. Anyway good look with the search.

[@James-C24]

The thread difference might be the originals may use special Jungle thread which is designed to be more durable in a Jungle environment.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

We’ve got some original thread here for repairs. It is indeed different to normal which just rotted very quickly.

[@makukawakami]

gadge got that gold tigerstripe. looking nice!

[@gadgeharvey5544]

Many thanks, i really like it but it is very 'bright' for UK gaming unless its a very sunny day.

[@makukawakami]

@@gadgeharvey5544 you'd be hard to spot on a wheat field though 😆. Or it's more viable during autumn

[@gadgeharvey5544]

@@makukawakami it works like all tigers on that 'light through foliage' contrast but its so light that you need a really bright day as its so contrasting in my opinion. On the polar opposite my silver fade tadpole sparse are quite dark tone so contrast less and work well on duller days.

[@eckiefleckie4938]

I wear all original as it just so bloody cheap and easy to get near me

[@JoshFoden]

I mainly focus on Cold War era American kit (post Vietnam) & have found that while there's still plenty of real surplus uniforms available, there are some well made reproductions that are almost as hard wearing the originals & certainly look the part. However; I've found that real surplus webbing (pouches, belts, etc) are far superior to any reproduction I've found, they're built to last whereas the reproductions I've purchased have already fallen apart :( TLDR: Replica uniforms = good, replica webbing = bad; but this opinion is purely based on my experience with 1980s / 1990s American kit.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Hi Josh. Good input thanks for that. It’s not a period I’ve got any experience of so it’s good to hear from someone that does.

[@hairydave82]

For airsoft its repro all the way, apart from webbing which is usually fairly bomb-proof. I'd love for a company to do repro 68 pattern clothing, especially in bigger sizes.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Yup agreed! I can’t really find anything 68 pattern that’ll fit that I’d be happy playing in. I’m going for windproof and lightweights instead.

[@PorkySeven]

Hi folks, greetings and salutations from deepest and darkest Québec. Came across your channel through Rifleman Moore. Just wanted to add my two pence. Since the days of the printed catalogues of Silverman's in Mile End, I have only been very rarely been able to buy or acquire used kit. I have mostly been obliged to buy either custom made or repro kit ( fat B@$!@&d size) no matter the subject. The only time I truly managed to snag real issue kit was late Cold War CF kit. I don't do reenactment; I do impressions. This leaves me the option of being a little more creative with uniforms that I could not ordinarily get in my size. Well done on the topic of the show.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I love Rifleman Moore’s channel. Such a great source of information. Thanks for stopping by!

[@katmanco3699]

You guys heading to dustoff Eversley?

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Not sure yet. Will depend on whether we can secure a pass from the CO.

[@katmanco3699]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV Pass? Co? I think im being thick, throw me a bone 😂

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Need to okay it with our respective partners :)

[@katmanco3699]

@@AnvilAirsoftTV gotcha. If your coming ill see you there

[@Terminatorbart]

I prefer surplus if the price is good!

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

A lot of of the gear were talking about in this episode is now significantly more expensive as surplus than reproduction or very hard to find.

[@jefferydahmersglasses4771]

Only downside with surplus is that it smells horrible

[@46templar]

I could never afford real but repo aslong as it has pkenty of wear in it and can hold its own.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Easy enough to wear and weather things. I should probably get someone on the show to talk about it.

[@46templar]

Its awful you dnt think when your a kid that the stuff you like wont be around when your a adult Tom. I had a A1 gas mask with bag and tin with a unused cleaning cloth and a yank helmet with Reversible helmet cover

[@Chavylifts]

Other than my boonie hat because I can’t find a real John Wayne dense boonie hat from nam all my stuff is authentic Tropical rucksack John Wayne dense tiger stripe 3rd patter vibram boots Web gear Stabo rig

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Sounds awesome. I love the look of the Stabo rig