G&P FSBE with replica SAPI plates, does it work ?

[Brakoo]

Hello there

I'd like to know if any of you guys tried using replica SAPI plates inside the G&P FSBE ? This is the exact model I am talking about :

http://www.wgcshop.com/pcart/shopper...BEWC_cat_Vests

I've been using mine with the foam it was provided with ever since I got it but figured having the SAPI plates might give me a better feel, I am just afraid that they won't properly fit inside hence why I am asking the question here.

Any kind of help and personnal opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[Dirty Deeds]

You could simply borrow my SAPI plates and try it out.

[Drake]

Brokoo, I have a G&P FSBE and use them. It makes a big difference.

Mine is an XL, which, with Hammer's help (whom has a real FSBE), I've determined to work out to a Medium in real FSBE sizes. It takes Large SAPI plates (confirmed that the real one does too).

Anyway, the plates improved several things; it looks/fits better, it was a bit too loose/big before, but with the plates in it's the right size, and the rigid plates act like frame on a backback, distributing weight more evenly on your body. Hard to explain, you have to feel it I guess, but I can carry more weight than I did in my assault vest, and it feels lighter/a lot more comfortable.

Downside is that it makes you even more rigid than with the vest alone, but that's realistic I guess.





Overall it's big, but feels "safer" than my Interceptor (if I had to wear it out where I was getting shot at for real).

We can hook up and I'll show it to you if you want.

[MrEvolution]

when you bought that vest, did it come with the pouches?

[Brakoo]

Thanks for the pics Drake, I spoke with Deeds to make sure the size of the SAPI plate would fit mine and it will so I will end up ordering some replica SAPI plates pretty soon. I have to admit that looking at the pics I can see that it looks much better.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by MrEvolution

when you bought that vest, did it come with the pouches?

I bought it used from Batman, and bought some pouches at the same time, the rest were purchased seperately. But if you mean if they're included, no, a new one doesn't come with any pouches AFAIK.

The yoke/collar is also an add-on (from an IBA).

[redhawk_six]

nice to see my old fsbe and a couple of it's pouches put to good use damn its looking good drake

[Drake]

Originally Posted by Brakoo

Thanks for the pics Drake, I spoke with Deeds to make sure the size of the SAPI plate would fit mine and it will so I will end up ordering some replica SAPI plates pretty soon. I have to admit that looking at the pics I can see that it looks much better.

Man finally someone else who'll be wearing Marine gear around here...

now we just need our own "special" forces tab :lol:



(okay, I clearly have WAY too much free time tonight)

[RecceGod]

Man FSBE are sooo yesterday... CIRAS are all the rage now...lol

Nice set-up. Did it come with foam insert that simulates the soft armor inserts?

[Drake]

Heh, actually, rom what I gathered from other dboards and some friends in the US mil, FSBE AAVs are still in use by Force Recon.

Mine came with a ~5mm white foam insert (looks like the stuff they use under floating wood floors), but I've been shopping for a slightly more rigid foam to stuff my IBA (something that feels more like actual soft armor...) and I'll probably replace the soft armor in the FSBE as well, when I do.

[White_knight]

Drake the vest looks sexeh, did that neck protecter come with the vest, if not where did you acquire it?

also the guarder M.O.D 2 vest looks to be the same as the G&p F.S.B.E. is this true or is there a differance?

[rc_p120]

Originally Posted by White_knight

also the guarder M.O.D 2 vest looks to be the same as the G&p F.S.B.E. is this true or is there a differance?

Different names from different companies, but they are both replicas of the FSBE-AAV vest.

[White_knight]

and i assume guarder is the better quality consdering its double the cost.

[redhawk_six]

No, its not, G&P is king for replica armour gear. Gaurder isnt as good, its just over priced.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by White_knight

Drake the vest looks sexeh,

Thank you

did that neck protecter come with the vest, if not where did you acquire it?

It did not, the yoke/neck protector is a real IBA (Interceptor Body Armor) part. I aquired it on eBay.

As I posted on a different thread (the one about the Guarder IBAs, I think), it can sometimes be tricky getting these parts since there are export restrictions. But there are some around and sellers willing to ship it out of the country (US). There's no import restrictions in Canada. It's fairly pricy though, expect to pay around $75-100 on average.

These are also sized items, so sizing has to match to fit correctly. This was tricky on the G&P FSBE since the sizing is off/unrelated to the real FSBE. My XL worked out to a Medium in 'real sizing'.

also the guarder M.O.D 2 vest looks to be the same as the G&p F.S.B.E. is this true or is there a differance?

Both are replicas of the USMC FSBE AAV QR (Amphib Assault Vest, Quick Release) made by Point Blank. Visually the Guarder vest is more accurate; black interior surface (G&P's is camo like the exterior), black webbing strips where the QD cable runs on the shoulders (G&Ps is OD).

I haven't seen the Guarder one, but I can say the G&P one is really well built. I was actually impressed when I got it, it was much better than I'd expected (and I'd read a lot of good reviews; search around ASC for comments on it). I initially didn't think I'd mount much on it by way of MOLLE pouches, didn't think it would support much weight. But after having examined it up close, I added stuff without hesitation. The MOLLE on it actually looks more solid than on my [real] IBA.

So asides from the sizing nomenclature being FUBAR in relation to the real one, everything seems to be dead on, functionally. My only gripe was one of the PALS channels (the one next to the QR bit) seems slightly narrower than the others, and I've read other people complain about this too. However it's an annoyance it most, and MOLLE straps still fit, it just requires a bit more effort to fit through.

Guarder stuff is expensive no matter what (gear, parts, etc). They made really nice stuff, but it's always expensive. The MOD II is a bit more accurate than the G&P version, but I dunno if that's really worth the price difference. Depends on each person's preference I guess.