Molle/Alice rig for paintball

[unifyzero]

I'd like to get a Molle/Alice rig for paintballing.

As for specific details:

I'd like a rig that will stand up to a lot of abuse. I plan on using this for paintball (I like to slide, dive, jump, hop, skip... you get the picture), but would also like to use it for a tactical vest loaded for real world classes, range, and of course Zombies. Something durable, functional, but won't break the bank. Is there anything that fits the bill for under $150

I'm looking to get a Crossfire 68/4500 HPA bottle for use with a remote. Does anyone know of a rig that will hold the bottle? If there is a Molle/Alice Hydration pack that I could throw the tank in that would be excellent. I don't have dimensions for the bottle at this time, but will post them once I get them

I'm also in the market for Mole/Alice accessories that will hold pods. Any suggestions as to specific style or brand that stands above the rest?

Edited: To make the topic more broad

[Skull_Hide]

Well let's get some basics, if you want us to see what models of stuff your talking about please post links, it helps.

Also for $150 buck you may be kind hard pressed but it is possible. If it were only for paint ball I'd tell you to get some UTG unit vest or some over lower quality vest with all the pre position and permit pocket vest. But since you say you may actually want to use this rig in a serious situation I'll give you a serious answer.

If I was you and wanted my rig ASAP and not save for super high end expensive gear like some others like too. I'd look into Modgear made by Condor like their plate carriers, they're more than enough for paint ball and good enough quality for real use, plus the amour capability is nice if you want, they run around $70-180 buck depending on model. Now if you want a vest I would look at a 5.11 Vtac LBE vest, a good all-round vest, just can't carry amour but very versatile, they run around $70 bucks, I own one and I'm very pleased with it. Now with your remaining money you'll need pouches for your rig, check to see if Spec Ops is sill having a clearance sale, they're quality is high and their prices are killer right now, load up on as many as you'll possibly need. There you go.

[Kutter_0311]

Are you doing MilSim paintball? My airsoft team was pretty hardcorps MilSim, but paint pods just aren't sized like rifle mags. IIRC, 10rd tubes are pretty close to the length of AR mags, but it stops there.

If you have pods that will fit, check out Eagle's chest rigs at SKD(link).

The 6-mag AK rig(link) may be your best bet, as AK mags are much bigger than AR mags. This may be a good base to build on.

I couldn't guess what you'd stick that tank in, no idea what it looks like.

[unifyzero]

I guess I should have been a little more clear. I can afford a more expensive vest, but only if the extra money is worth it. I'm willing to spend a little more, but if I can get the same value out of a $150 vest I see no reason to shell out the extra cash. I'm also not dead set on a vest. After looking through http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=59742 I've decided that a chest rig or even a belt with a backpack/hydration system might be a more sensible route for me.

As for the Crossfire 68/4500: http://www.crossfireinc.com/products.asp?cat=30 It's about 2/3 of the way down the page, the "68 PSI Stealth System Skull." It looks like it's pretty fat, and I read somewhere that it's about 10" tall (not sure how accurate that is). I'm waiting to hear back from Crossfire as to what the bottle dimensions are.

Are you doing MilSim paintball? My airsoft team was pretty hardcorps MilSim, but paint pods just aren't sized like rifle mags. IIRC, 10rd tubes are pretty close to the length of AR mags, but it stops there...

...The 6-mag AK rig(link) may be your best bet, as AK mags are much bigger than AR mags. This may be a good base to build on.

Not currently playing MilSim, but it's something I would like to look into for the future.

There are actual paintball pod pouches made for molle gear (example: Rap4 Vertical 4X MOLLE Paintball Pod Pouch). Not really sure if they'd have much in the way of practical application in a real world setup. I like the idea of that 6-mag AK rig though, if the pouches will pull double duty for pods and mags. How would AR mags fit in the AK pouch? I'm guessing they'd be loose and bouncing around, which would be pretty annoying.

Thanks for the good info so far. I'm definitely keeping an eye on that Eagle 6-mag rig.

[BullOnParade]

I think the camelbak delta 5 can be found for about 150, try opsgear.com. It sits lower than traditional MOLLE vests, so not really designed for a battle belt line underneath. If I had to guess, try shopping around hor water bottle carriers, my 5.11 ones hold a 1L nalgene or 1L Gatorade.

[unifyzero]

Keep the good information coming! The Delta 5, looks pretty awesome.

Anyone have experience with it? It looks fairly light and breathable for a full vest. Is it low enough to ruin my idea to get a belt with a dropped and offset holster?

BTW incase it helps at all my real world set up would be for an AR and a 1911

[BullOnParade]

Check the "tactical" link in my sig. It's almost completely cleaned off now though. It's breathable for a Full vest but Full vests are hot, regardless. The hydration system is definitely the selling point on it, if you can find one local, try it on, but it can be found online for much less than msrp.

[Kutter_0311]

Are you doing MilSim paintball? My airsoft team was pretty hardcorps MilSim, but paint pods just aren't sized like rifle mags. IIRC, 10rd tubes are pretty close to the length of AR mags, but it stops there...

...The 6-mag AK rig(link) may be your best bet, as AK mags are much bigger than AR mags. This may be a good base to build on.

Not currently playing MilSim, but it's something I would like to look into for the future.

There are actual paintball pod pouches made for molle gear (example: Rap4 Vertical 4X MOLLE Paintball Pod Pouch). Not really sure if they'd have much in the way of practical application in a real world setup. I like the idea of that 6-mag AK rig though, if the pouches will pull double duty for pods and mags. How would AR mags fit in the AK pouch? I'm guessing they'd be loose and bouncing around, which would be pretty annoying.

If the AK rig works with pods, get the AR rig for your rifle.

Gear that pulls double duty sounds good on paper, but fucks you in the end. It's a great way to ensure that you find 5.56 when you need paint, or (worst case) find paint when you need 5.56, or a squeegee when you need a TQ...

I'd say, if the AK rig works for you paintballing, buy and set up an AR rig in a similar scheme, if an AR is your "Oh Shit" gun. This will allow about all the transfer of skills/muscle memory you're gonna get out of the arrangement, as reloading a paintgun isn't very much like reloading an AR. On the up side, it will allow your movement habits and other gear(cammies, kneepads, gloves, etc) to transfer over pretty well.

I will say, I tried running 1 rig for airsoft and AR, and it just doesn't work out. You end up dragging along a lot of gear that isn't needed, when you really want to be light, quick, and purpose built.

Oh, and airshit guys really freak out when you pull out a mag of 5.56 (like it would fire through an airshit gun )...

[unifyzero]

Gear that pulls double duty sounds good on paper, but fucks you in the end. It's a great way to ensure that you find 5.56 when you need paint, or (worst case) find paint when you need 5.56, or a squeegee when you need a TQ...

That makes sense. Having to buy 2 would suck because I'm a bit of a penny pincher, but as you point out it is probably a much better way to go about doing things. Especially with how absent minded I tend to be. Dumping 30 rounds of 5.56 into a hopper might not go over so well.

I'd say, if the AK rig works for you paintballing, buy and set up an AR rig in a similar scheme, if an AR is your "Oh Shit" gun. This will allow about all the transfer of skills/muscle memory you're gonna get out of the arrangement, as reloading a paintgun isn't very much like reloading an AR. On the up side, it will allow your movement habits and other gear(cammies, kneepads, gloves, etc) to transfer over pretty well.

Wait, so you don't just pour the ammo into the little trap door near the top of the gun? No wonder I've been having so many problems getting it to work correctly! On a serious note, I do like the idea of keeping most of my gear the same and setting the rigs up similarly to promote that muscle memory, a big part of the reason I wanted to use a double duty set up.

Oh, and airshit guys really freak out when you pull out a mag of 5.56 (like it would fire through an airshit gun )...

If I recall right Chucky dumped some bullets into paintball guns, and that worked pretty well!

[Kutter_0311]

Glad my KISS grunt-sense makes sense to you, sometimes I think I don't explain my ideas in a way others can understand.

Hopefully, that AK rig will fit your pods without any mods. This may be the first thing you want to buy, as if it doesn't work for you, the whole scheme needs to be re-evaluated. Still not sure about that tank. Best buy it, then find something to carry it in. 'Mater artium necessitas' and all that...

On the up side, if it won't work, I'm pretty sure I'll buy it off you(as long as it's NOT BLACK)

[BullOnParade]

Sharing a rig to multiple purposes can suck. Just go about it differently. If it's MOLLE, have different pouches for different things, and if you're really smart, different colours for the two different jobs. Can you run black pouches for your paintball and tan for your SD/range kit? It's my experience, nylon, like the firearms it supliments, isn't something you stop buying. Some company will always have a new pouch you think will do a job you didn't really need done, but you'll buy it anyways. Or you'll see Spec-Ops has a redonkulous sale on chest rigs, and everyone and their sister will buy one to find out it fits more like a bra (Oh, btw, I didn't jump on THAT deal ).

Start with one kit, and load it out in a way to do two jobs. Then start to acquire more pouches that do different jobs, keep an eye on the bug out gear deal thread. Also keep an eye in the trading post, guys are always wanting to get rid of pouches or rigs that don't work for them, but might work for you. Won't be long you'll have a rubbermaid tote full of nylon to pick and choose from (sooner than later if you aren't choosey about colours). Sooner or later, you'll find a deal on a second rig, and you'll already have all the pouches to load onto it you could want.

In the past three months I've set up a tan LBV with mag pouches, med pouch, and utility pouch for under $50 (not including shipping, because I'm in Canada, it runs the price closer to $100). I didn't even NEED a second LBV, but the deals were there, so I jumped on it. There's also a Scout/Battle belt in progress which I think I'm around $20 on (belt, padding, harness, canteen+pouch, utility pouch)

[Foxen]

Question... for your paintballing... you doing more "Mil-Sim", or Rec-Ball, or you paintballing to help you "train" for possible "never gonna happen shoot outs" with people?

The only reason I ask is because as a paintballer, I would almost never wear any "hard" gear on my body, especially the front side. Little metal or plastic clips, even the belt buckle, anything that could or would make a bounce into a splatter I'd think twice about. Looking a the Delta5 vest, which looks awesome btw, I would forgo it for the bounce factor sicne the vest, although "cloth", looks like "hard" material.

On another note... I also noticed that folks with Mil-Sim Airsoft and folks who run "real" gun gear set up....is a bit different than say the more hardcore paintballers. Although I normally run a stock class pump (1o round tubes and 12 grams), when I do run semi I run with pods on my back side facing DOWN. That's for ease of speed and smoothness of transition of pod to hopper. Airsoft guns that I see wear their ammo pouches in the front...face up....as with our soldiers in their tac gear.

If you're going pure all out paintball without the "mil-sim" experience, I honestly would go for more bounces (less hard surfaces or harder surfaces like the Delta5 vest), and a pod system that runs smoother than what folks with real firearms use. You will still get the experience of being functional in your peripherial gear...like gloves knee/shin pads, etc.

Anyhow, just my two cents and I know it doesn't really answer your question.

On a different note...I finally tried Airsoft this past weekend. UGH. I am SO not use to running around with such heavy gear. I had a Y-Strap with a web belt... with 3-4 surplus ammo pouches on it, each with it's own M4 mag... that thing was damn heavy for me. Heh. I thought, as a paintballer I would be okay in a "tactical situation", but playing with a stock class pump Phantom (light as hell) with no more than 120 rounds on my body and 4 12 grams, I was wrong. Even though I was playing with Airsoft ammo clips (metal), they were weighing me down...either that or I am really getting too old for this kinda stuff.

[Foxen]

On another note...the "dump pouches" may be able to hold your tank...if you secure it tightly with stuff... but do you really want to run it remote?

[oldsoldier]

I am with Kutter on the keeping the gear separate thing. Last thing you want to do is grab the gear, only to find it loaded with PB shit from the weekend...not a good scenario. One option would be to get a chest rig, and get separate pouches-switch to the PB pouches when doing that, then change out the pouches to your carry stuff when not in use. This may be the cheaper way to go for you, in the long run.

[ultra magnus]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Army-Pilot-Surv ... _500wt_949

These can be found cheaper sometimes if you keep an eye out for them. They make pretty great budget vests.

[maldon007]

Although I normally run a stock class pump (1o round tubes and 12 grams).

Nice! Fellow pumper, my scenario team is mostly pumpers... My old tourney team was all pumps (BIG Pumpin')


Back on topic, I got nothin' sorry.

[Foxen]

Nice! Fellow pumper, my scenario team is mostly pumpers... My old tourney team was all pumps (BIG Pumpin')

Back on topic, I got nothin' sorry.

Hey...shout out to another fellow pump player! There always seems to be so much respect between us pumpers. =)

[unifyzero]

Glad my KISS grunt-sense makes sense to you, sometimes I think I don't explain my ideas in a way others can understand.

I know that feeling very well!

On the up side, if it won't work, I'm pretty sure I'll buy it off you(as long as it's NOT BLACK)

That's one thing I'm really starting to consider. It looks as though the gear trade is alive and well, so if I end up with something that works I sell it to someone that it will work for... On a side note (and completely hijacking my own thread), why do I see so little black on gear setups? Is it because of the heat absorption?

nylon, like the firearms it supliments, isn't something you stop buying. Some company will always have a new pouch you think will do a job you didn't really need done, but you'll buy it anyways. Or you'll see Spec-Ops has a redonkulous sale on chest rigs, and everyone and their sister will buy one to find out it fits more like a bra (Oh, btw, I didn't jump on THAT deal ).

Something I'm a little worried about myself. Luckily I think I'm too frugal to end up going overboard... Of course only time will tell.

In the past three months I've set up a tan LBV with mag pouches, med pouch, and utility pouch for under $50 (not including shipping, because I'm in Canada, it runs the price closer to $100). I didn't even NEED a second LBV, but the deals were there, so I jumped on it. There's also a Scout/Battle belt in progress which I think I'm around $20 on (belt, padding, harness, canteen+pouch, utility pouch)

I've been impressed when I've seen prices listed on some setups I've seen. I really went into it believing I wouldn't be able to afford 2 setups, but the more I look the more it looks like I can get 2 for the price I thought I would get 1!

Question... for your paintballing... you doing more "Mil-Sim", or Rec-Ball, or you paintballing to help you "train" for possible "never gonna happen shoot outs" with people?

The only reason I ask is because as a paintballer, I would almost never wear any "hard" gear on my body, especially the front side. Little metal or plastic clips, even the belt buckle, anything that could or would make a bounce into a splatter I'd think twice about. Looking a the Delta5 vest, which looks awesome btw, I would forgo it for the bounce factor sicne the vest, although "cloth", looks like "hard" material.

For now just recreational. In the future I might look into some mil-sim. The bounce factor is something I've thought about and decided I'm not terribly concerned with. Maybe as I get into it more and get more competitive it'll start to bother me. For now though I just have fun going out and getting shot up. In the event that happens I'll just leave the vest in the car.

do you really want to run it remote?

It adds more expense, gives more parts to fail, makes me less mobile, etc. but I've got a Tippmann A-5 so the bigger the tank I can carry the better. My gun and tank just arrived by mail today, but I'm stuck at work so I haven't even been able to see how it feels. Maybe I'll decide I don't need one, for right now I like the idea of the remote, but I'm not entirely sold on it. A big part of the reason I'm trying to find out what I can carry it with, is so I can determine cost vs benefit.

I am with Kutter on the keeping the gear separate thing.

I'm pretty well set on this idea now. As I said earlier now that I'm seeing prices aren't as crazy as I thought they'd be I'm really thinking 2 separate, but similar setups might be the best way to go. Although Foxen said it, usually a "Tactical" setup will be completely different than a paintball setup, so the similar idea may be a hard one to get operational. Who knows maybe different is better. If I have a high pressure air tank on one vest and a hydration system on the other one day I'll probably end up taking a blast of HPA to the mouth instead of water!

BTW, please look for the abridged version of this post in your local book store. Now available on tape narrated by a guy that sounds vaguely similar to Morgan Freeman.

[Foxen]

BTW, please look for the abridged version of this post in your local book store. Now available on tape narrated by a guy that sounds vaguely similar to Morgan Freeman.

Hehe...

Tell us how things go... I'm especially curious about how you feel about your marker with the HP tank. Most people can manuever with an HP tank and be fine.

Also curious, you playing woodsball, or more speedball/airball set up? If the latter, are you more a front player (up close and personal) or mid, or back support player? I'm assuming you've played before several times and are getting slightly more serious with paintball. Regardless, I hope you have lots of fun!

And lastly, if you're still newish to the sport, or an oldie like me, "paintballtechpb" has some really great tips and how-to vids on YouTube. He explains things in ways I only wish I could explain, and more. Been learning some new stuff from him and although he comes from the speedball world of tournament play, his advice is sound for rec ball/woodsball too.

Enjoy!

[unifyzero]

Tell us how things go... I'm especially curious about how you feel about your marker with the HP tank. Most people can manuever with an HP tank and be fine.

Also curious, you playing woodsball, or more speedball/airball set up? If the latter, are you more a front player (up close and personal) or mid, or back support player? I'm assuming you've played before several times and are getting slightly more serious with paintball. Regardless, I hope you have lots of fun!

And lastly, if you're still newish to the sport, or an oldie like me, "paintballtechpb" has some really great tips and how-to vids on YouTube. He explains things in ways I only wish I could explain, and more. Been learning some new stuff from him and although he comes from the speedball world of tournament play, his advice is sound for rec ball/woodsball too.

Enjoy!

The tank is empty but it feels fine right now. It's really short, and using it as a "stock" works a lot better than I would've thought. Of course this is just running around my apartment, I'll see how it performs on the field tomorrow morning!

The field I play at has both, and honestly I like both. Not as big of a fan of speed ball though. I haven't played much at all, but I've loved it every time I've played so I finally decided to get into it regularly. I guess I'm more of a "in your face" player. I hate sitting behind cover and waiting for people to move, I'd much rather stay on the move and try to make things happen (which, for me, usually means getting shot in the face!).

looked at a couple videos from paintballtechpb, thanks for pointing me in that direction.

[Kutter_0311]

I guess I'm more of a "in your face" player. I hate sitting behind cover and waiting for people to move, I'd much rather stay on the move and try to make things happen (which, for me, usually means getting shot in the face!).

While I haven't played ball in years, I bought an A5 when I came home. I immediately ran a line on it, and I liked how it handled better that way. Mind you, I didn't get to play with it, as I got dragged into aircrap about that time. I will say that my 68Carbine was perfectly balanced with a 9oz bottle/stock, but for "in your face"/CQB range, I think you'll find the weapon more nimble/flexible without that weight and size bolted onto it. A stock isn't a must have for accuracy, at any rate.

[maldon007]

I gotta disagree on a stock (or preferably a back mounted tank) not being needed for accuracy... It really helps. Its the same reason rifles are more accurate than pistols, stability. There is a reason pro players stopped using remotes 20 years ago & never went back to them, ever. It works.

As far as weight, compressed air weighs very little, I haven't met too many people who can tell a full HPA from an empty. Pretty much only guys who work at fill stations & are also anal enough to really study it. I think a 68/4500 weighs 1.6 oz. more when filled than empty... But it also doesn't slosh around like Co2, better balance. You will love HPA, it is light years better than Co2.

Pics of the gear please!!

[Foxen]

Unify, I was wondering why you decided to go with Molle/Alice as opposed to the paintball harnesses out there right now. I haven't checked paintball gear in a while, but I'm guessing they'd run around the same price... one of those say 6+1 harnesses that go around your waist... velcro'd tight, able to hold at least 6 x 150 ball pods etc. That would run what, about $40 with pods? Just curious. Although for a front player, personally, I would sacrifice ammo for mobility.

Although a paintball marker stock adds some accuracy, as an "in your face" front/CQB player... I'd recommend learning to tuck the tank and marker nice and tight against your body. I'd recommend running a barrel no longer than 14 inches (I run a 11 inch nickel for my phantom). Mobility and the ability to stay nice and tucked in yet flexible enough to really work your bunker makes the difference for the up front in your face players... both in woodsball and speed/air ball. There's been games in the woods where I was sharing the same bunker as my opponent... and any inch exposed meant my elimination. We probably didn't quite play woodsball quite the same way others do...

Is your airtank drop forward or more of the standard "stock" position? Many mid and front players I know prefer a drop forward to minimize the marker, and to provide a more center balance. It's a preference thing though, so whatever suits YOU best and whatever gives you the best feel...that is most important, likewise the same with the gear... whatever best suits YOU as a player. =)

And... repeating what was stated! Pictures!!!

[unifyzero]

After being able to take it out I have to agree with those that said the tank probably helps more than it gets in the way. I'm thoroughly satisfied with it. That being said, if the tank was any longer I would probably look at a remote. My friends HPA and CO2 tanks are long and skinny and I don't like them nearly as much however the short fat Crossfire 68/4500 turned out great. I really didn't notice any difference in the full vs empty weight. I think the only time I wished I didn't have it was when I was prone. Then the tank makes it awkward to get a comfortable shooting position.

Unify, I was wondering why you decided to go with Molle/Alice as opposed to the paintball harnesses out there right now. I haven't checked paintball gear in a while, but I'm guessing they'd run around the same price... one of those say 6+1 harnesses that go around your waist... velcro'd tight, able to hold at least 6 x 150 ball pods etc. That would run what, about $40 with pods? Just curious. Although for a front player, personally, I would sacrifice ammo for mobility.

I wanted to go Molle/Alice for the dual purpose issue in the beginning. Know as I learn more I'm starting to lean towards just going with the paintball harness probably a 4x1 for paintball, and getting a separate Molle/Alice vest for real world stuff.

Pics of the gear please!!

And... repeating what was stated! Pictures!!!

I've got a few more things coming in the mail... And I'm stuck on a ship right now, but as soon as I get the rest of my gear and can get off the floating tuna can I'll do my best to get some pictures up. Look for a BUMP with some pics in it about a month from now!