The Rhodesian Recon Vest [OVERVIEW]

In this video we take a look at the always awesome RRV. To show it off, a L.A.R.P Tactical TF RRV was used, which is an amazing reproduction of the RRV from back in the day.
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[@ViktoriousDead]

Wore this thing for years, best issued chest rig I ever had, the ability to carry armor on it was pretty awesome too. I need to get my hands on one again again. It essentially inherited the name “Rhodesian” from its precursor which was incredibly similar to a true Rhodesian-made chest rig. It replaces the ELCS kit. It really is a fantastic piece of kit. Being able to tuck the “bib” in or keep it out as shown here for more space was awesome. We used to modify them with 550 cord to turn the X harness into an H harness. RLTW

[@craykard8325]

It was one of the best rigs I ever won. Not too much, not too little. Just right! I ran mine with the Tactical Tailor pouches (those were bomb proof) and a mixture of others. Had the admin pouch. Worked like a charm.

[@Dan_Backslide]

Hop sent me. Subbed.

[@VentureSurplus]

Hell yeah!

[@craykard8325]

Had a Eagle Industries RRV in Afghanistan (my own purchase) in 2010-11 Afghanistan deployment. Loved it.

[@charlesaferg]

Did you wear it over armor or just throw a plate in the front? (or with rear bag?)

[@craykard8325]

@@charlesaferg mine was worn over the plate carrier they issued us. For a brief time I found a rear section with the MAP but found I ran better with just RRV.

[@charlesaferg]

@@craykard8325 awesome thanks for the info. Would you say this is a superior platform to a TAP with an upgraded harness? Again appreciate the knowledge here.

[@craykard8325]

@@charlesaferg It's a personal preference thing. it never caught on at my unit and I was the only one who wore it. In the MRAP it was too bulky to wear with back panel. If you get wounded people may cut it off on you so it can add a layer of complication. if it's issued not a problem, if it's your own purchase than it can be expensive. I had three, one was made by London Bridge and one was a donation from a friend 18B I befriended.

[@sorryforthings72]

Just seeing the word Rhodesia warms my heart

[@BlackTalonXT]

Thanks for the video. Informative as always.

[@dvonehrlich]

Thanks for the details. More than one of the many abbreviations spoken did fly right over my head though. 😊

[@catalinegreanu]

Cool. Thanks for the details!

[@bigoz7]

Great video very informative and thanks for sharing!

[@hunterkiller232134]

It's called a Rhodesian because the Pattern 83 and its Rhodesian cousins was so popular and recognizable that "Rhodesian" became a synonym for chest rigs. Its mostly forgotten now because of the huge explosion of tactical gear on the market but the US lagged behind when it came to personal load bearing gear. The Chinese had chest rigs since the 1950s, the Soviets since the 1980s, and the SADF & Rhodesians since the 1970s. SFLCS was the first time real chest rigs had been issued to the US military, while in 2003 many line units were making due with the FLC.

[@vickvelez1869]

I have two of them one in black and the other in OD Green. Thank you so much for the tips and tricks. Love this video "always stay ready" 👍 🇺🇸

[@Carlos-Dangerous]

I want one in OD green 😢 Have it in coyote brown and acu

[@pastamur0928]

I have the flyye rrv and i love it, 4 years using it in the chilean army on a mountain unit and is really reliable and good to use

[@chambo5953]

Damn, you're a good salesman. Now I want an RRV too.

[@remotetrekker-dg3re]

I have a blackhawk RRV. Great piece of kit.

[@ironteacup2569]

Good stuff. I love the spray job.

[@VentureSurplus]

Appreciate it!

[@sebleonard8273]

Ayo that new pouch paint scheme is *chefs kiss*

[@SwordShieldTG]

Here because of Brass Facts and Hop. Subscribed, building my cart now

[@andrewcopeland1517]

RRV is such a vibe

[@brazzy1467]

I still have the one I was issued from the 160th. I use it as my turkey vest best idea I've had in a while.

[@orpheusepiphanes2797]

This is a good rig, one of my first I tried. Great concept. The issue I found is that you kind of needed a certain phyisique for it to really fit you well. Im 6'2 170ish pounds and I couldnt make it fit the way I wanted. If youre built more like the host it'll fit you better. The Tasmanian Tiger Mk2 chest rig is IMO an amazing improvement on the idea

[@scuzzy2142]

Love my Eagle RRV had one back in 2011 and loved it and had to get another one when govt stock was being liquated. Have a MAP pack modded onto the back of it.

[@froginthewaves8450]

NICE!

[@gavinsmith6108]

You know I like watching these videos because the information is really interesting, it's just I don't view myself as a guy who would ever need this equipment. Still love the content, thanks for posting.

[@dirty-civilian]

Legit.

[@martinhermanns2515]

Rhodesian - chest rig - recon - eagle industries❤ omg it's time to polish the one eyed gopher !

[@themischeifguide]

The RRV is a classic, there’s newer a subjectively better rigs these days, but if you have an RRV you're not really ill-equipped. They're heavier being 1000D but they last forever. I set mine up with three doubles across the front, two medical pouches on either side and an admin on the bib. I've tried a plate but its too unbalanced for me. A back panel would solve the problem. I really like my RRV and the early one has a single thick webbing row for ALICE compatability. If they decided to sell back panels, I think these would be more popular. SORD still makes their own really good versions and old gen Blackhawks were good too.

[@Baqization]

The MBSS Plate Carriers Back Panel from the SFLCS Kit does fit somehow. I am not sure if there is a specific adapter needed but i dont think so.

[@xXSpaceMexicanXx]

I picked up one of your original RRVs and I love how slick and light it is. I'm still looking for that H strap tho, I'm hoping y'all will have some made or even find a box of some in a corner somewhere 😭

[@VentureSurplus]

we are in the process of getting some reproductions made :)

[@xXSpaceMexicanXx]

​@@VentureSurplus This has made my night 💜💜💜

[@hunterkiller232134]

Jury rig one up with 550 cord. The H strap is just a length of Cordura that connects the shoulder straps in the rear. Very easy to jig up. If you don't like that idea, hop on 8492 Nylon Works and get some Cordura of your own and some G hooks and triglides and you can easily make it

[@ericcabrera1019]

Do you guys carry that top you have on?

[@paul7754]

I'm not a fan of 'chest rigs' in general but the RRV looks like the 'Mother' of all chest rigs! I like the FLC for a variety of reasons - split front, MOLLE wraps around sides and back, it's also light without bulky shoulder straps (conceals well under a heavy shirt if kept reasonably 'slick'). The #1 reason is the price! I'm convinced body armor and vehicle mounted patrols pushed the 'chest rig' into service. They're great for LE and as quick response rigs for civilians but wearing gear on my chest while humping 45lbs (mostly water) on my back in desert mountain terrain - no thanks! You need to 'release the heat' somewhere.

[@Jbwbirntup]

@Venture Surplus I have the unicorn rear panel in RG

[@VentureSurplus]

Now that's fancy

[@darknet180]

how are you mounting that GP pouch as a dangler? Also as a side note, a separate mic would make these videos a lot easier to hear and understand. Love the explanation of the rig!

[@VentureSurplus]

There are 5 rows of webbing along the center. With the center mag pouches mounted a row higher than normal, it leaves a row on the bottom for the pouch to dangle.

[@MichaelSmith-lf6yc]

Do you guys work in trades?

[@GunpowderNitro]

Just bought one been looking for good ak mag pouches and the h harness adapter both r just about non existant ant thoughts on ak mag pouches ?? And would u know were i can get the h harness back strap adapter???

[@hunterkiller232134]

There's tons of AK mag pouches. If you're looking for cheap Condor and Blackhawk make compatible pouches. If you want American made, a standard USGI triple mag shingle holds AK mags. You'll just want to cut the button flaps and get an HSGI bungee retention kit to add retention. If you want something more modern UArm, a Ukrainian company, makes double mag pouches that hold AR and AK mags. I believe Tactical Tailor and Emdom both make AK mag pouches. You can always go with a G Code Scorpion or HSGI Taco. Those are open top universal mag pouches but the Taco can be made into a bungee retention pouch with the aforementioned HSGI bungee retention kit. The H harness adapter is just a bit of Cordura webbing that connects the X harness and makes it an H. You can make your own with 550 cord, or if you want it more professional looking get some nylon webbing, a triglide and some G hooks. Amazon or 8492 Nylon Works has all that.

[@jakedixson1821]

I've got an OG RRV with back panel in Ranger Green.

[@themischeifguide]

You're lucky to have that back panel, that puts you among the elite few.

[@jakedixson1821]

@@themischeifguide Honestly I had no idea they were so rare.

[@themischeifguide]

@@jakedixson1821 Flyye makes a chinesium copy, but I dont really trust it. I've even never seen a ranger green back panel and only a few in mjk.

[@jakedixson1821]

It's an Eagle Industries back panel and not a reproduction. I'm pretty sure Ranger Regiment wore them with ACUs back around 07ish. I picked mine up from a former batt boy when I was a Ranger Instructor. I'll do some more research to confirm if Regiment used them or not I'm pretty certain they did. The only thing I didn't get from him was the adaptor straps in Ranger Green needed to join the front and back panels. I had to order those from Eagle and I recall at the time they only had Coyote and OD green in stock so I ordered OD green. The panels are Ranger Green though. This is intriguing ti be honest.

[@themischeifguide]

@jakedixson1821 thats right, I wasn't doubting you. I was just saying back panels are hard to come by and green even more so. RRV's aren't perfect but even without back panels they're pretty awesome. A lot of the old stuff holds up well. I'm probably in the minority of people that actually like FLC's. Properly adjusted mine sits like a split front chest rig. I tend to prefer my FLC to my LBX split front.

[@ST0NEHAMMER]

When larptactical rrv back plate bag?

[@bd3199]

Will you do more videos featuring the DCU and BDU? The raid mod BDU is cool. Will it get it's own video?

[@VentureSurplus]

I'm always open to suggestions so that is a possibility for the future!

[@bd3199]

Thanks for telling me. I can't wait to see more great videos. Your layering video was great and gave me ideas on how to wear thinner less bulky layers for warmth. I just got the ECWCS Level 1 top and pants. I'm going to get waffle tops now. Thank you for the video it gave me inspiration on how to handle the cold.

[@SB-gb3wp]

What dangler pouch are you running on this rig?

[@VentureSurplus]

Eagle Industries Utility Pouch

[@mikerilling6515]

If you take a shot of tequila every time he says RV when he should be slowing down his speech and saying RRV, you’ll be dead of alcohol poisoning at 4:49 RLI issused the FAL but you’re selling one for the AR platform with 30 round mags Do you have a model for FAL mags ?

[@TacticalGaggle]

Could you list or link the pouches on the rig?

[@Venture_Lucas]

I’ll get a list up Monday!

[@KangarooJakk]

Tracer Tactical makes a nice modern RRV

[@the_drunken_gunman7457]

Doesn't hold a front plate though

[@KangarooJakk]

@the_drunken_gunman7457 If youte concerned about plates, you can wear a slick under it. Frankly, if you want plates, the RRV isn't a good option either, considering you only get a front plate

[@the_drunken_gunman7457]

@KangarooJakk You could, but when doing a long-range patrol you may want not to wear a plate carrier. If contact is a high enough possibility, you may want your front plate in the rig, back plate in the ruck. Half your armor is better than no armor reacting to contact, assuming you dump your ruck. Been playing with the idea of a chest rig that I'd also the front half of a carrier, or making straps for a four point qd harness for your front plate bag/mags for a while. Rucking in your carrier sucks, especially with anything involving the back plate and your ruck frame blocking the kidney pad from use

[@KangarooJakk]

@the_drunken_gunman7457 in this very civilian use case, ruck is getting dropped when bullets start flying. I'd argue rucking with a rear plate is for less cumbersome than fighting with a 50+ lb ruck...

[@the_drunken_gunman7457]

@KangarooJakk it ain't about fighting with a ruck on or fighting with a ruck off, it's about rucking with a carrier on or rucking with a carrier off. Patrols are attached to the heart of the infantry mission, specially in the first two words "Close with." Patrolling a long way in a carrier and a ruck sucks with issued gear. I've been there and did not enjoy the experience. Look at it like this: it's not a vehicle based dismount patrol that I'm thinking about here, where the distances are small and you'renot so focused on sustainment. I'm thinking about a long range patrol where some individuals typically only wear a chest rig and their ruck, leaving armor behind. I'm not thinking about dropping a plate where you'd normally want one, I'm thinking of how to add protection where it's typically set aside

[@randybrown140]

Better than the South African vest🤔

[@demonseed19]

$234?!?! Are you high?!

[@bluedogguy]

comment.

[@taylorfreeman5504]

Eagles are much cheaper. Condor makes one too.

[@punkavaug]

Whats the condor one called?

[@taylorfreeman5504]

@@punkavaug modular chest set

[@taylorfreeman5504]

@@punkavaug it comes with a built in hydration bladder pouch

[@taylorfreeman5504]

Sportsman’s guide is selling Eagle industries rrv for 71.99

[@GLEN1061]

There is nothing "Rhodesian" about those vests!

[@JohnDoe-mp1yn]

take it up with companies back in the 2000s

[@MrSwccguy]

Because we say Zimbabwe now

[@woodsghost9088]

But the name is sexy as hell. He can take my money now!!!!

[@SilverShamrockNovelties]

“Rhodesian” is a generic word used by many professionals to refer to chest rigs. It has nothing to do with the origin of the item.

[@orpheusepiphanes2797]

​@@MrSwccguy *You* can if you want

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

luke you my main nizzin. i guess we really dont shoot prone anymore, so we dont need to worry about all that stuff on the front. i kinda split the diff and keep my stuff on the sides and back quarter. just in case i get to shoot prone. prob gonna be on a knee though really. guess if ima gonna be in a vic around town, that might not work either. phuccit. too many unknowns. love yer stuff as always.

[@SoyLoco-kt1tk]

I have one in Supposedly a hard to find Coyote color. Its still viable.

[@hentaiEnjoyer42069]

not the racist dog whistle