Looking For Lower Cost Molle Gear

[Abraham]

I say lower because I've yet to see any supplier that isn't horrendously pricey.

Am I being a cheapskate?

Maybe, but from what I see the cost of something incredibly simply like a two AR magazine holder costs $5000, well O.K., I exaggerate, but only by a little.

What gives with the outlandishly high cost of the gear?

Is there a supplier that doesn't want millions and my first born to buy some of their gear?

Thanks!

[RottenApple]

If you're in DFW try The Army Store in Garland. I've bought a lot of milsurp molle gear there as well as some of the older stuff. I picked up a WWII E-tool there for $12 a couple years back. This thing has a pick on it that'll punch through a steel helmet.

[EEllis]

Good Molle gear should be expensive. It should be designed for extended, daily use, in the worst conditions possible. So yes you are being cheap if that is what you want. Maxpedition and other companies make good products for reasonable money. Now if you just want the look without paying the price for the quality there are plenty of knockoffs that sell for much cheaper that why cheaper than dirt has customers. You could also just check Amazon and do a search. You might even find some that are almost as good for a CHEAPER PRICE.

[Abraham]

Thanks all for your replies.

EEllis,

I finally did look at Amazon and the pricing is significantly less expensive than the sites I've been visiting. However, much as you correctly pointed out there's quality and well, less than...

The other thing I've begin to realize is I don't really know what I need in the way of Molle gear.

So, without creating a new thread - What's the basic set up necessary for someone like me who doesn't (at this point anyway...) need this gear - but if one day, the world goes nuts, as in civil unrest (that's a euphemism I detest, but I can't really spell it out, so...)

My guess: A molle gear vest capable of attaching three AR mags or what do you any of you suggest?

I can't wear a fully loaded out anything due to some back problems, but a vest and three load AR mags and some drinking water I could do.

[Dadtodabone]

How about a bandolier and a canteen?
What about Alice? You can ditch the metal clips and use zip ties to secure gear. GI surplus is very reasonable priced. Don't buy knock off stuff.

[Abraham]

Dadtodabone ,

I do like KISS...

I talked to a gun parts supplier guy recently and asked why (generically speaking) do gun things like a simple qd swivel, for instance, costs so darn much?

Answer: That's what the market will bear.

If you review some of the better quality parts suppliers and what they're demanding for their gun gear it's (for the most part) far costlier than seems reasonable to me. And, I can afford it, but I hate feeling like I'm being hosed...able to afford it or not.

[ammoboy2]

I would recommend one of these if you have back issues. I belt is better way to go. Just add a couple of TACOs and you are good to go. TACOs are great mag holders.

http://highspeedgearinc.com/proddetail. ... GPB&cat=18" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EEllis]

I would recommend one of these if you have back issues. I belt is better way to go. Just add a couple of TACOs and you are good to go. TACOs are great mag holders.

http://highspeedgearinc.com/proddetail. ... GPB&cat=18" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think that was kind of the thing he was talking about price wise. If I may offer some more suggestions. There is cheaper gear out there, some quite good, and you don't need the highest quality. Condor Tactical is one. I've been real happy with some of their gear and they have a "battle Belt" that equals the one above for under $20. You would also need a belt, because these are "covers" that have the belt going through it and you should get a H harness suspenders set. With Condor you could get everything for less that the original price of the belt cover.

Condor H harness $15
http://www.airsoftmaster.com/condor-h-harness/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Battle Belt $18
http://www.airsoftmaster.com/condor-gen-2-battle-belt/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Belt $14
http://www.airsoftmaster.com/condor-tactical-belt/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now I just did a quick search for condor tactical and it came back to an airsoft website that happened to have the stuff onsale but you may even find it cheaper. Airsoft or not this stuff may not be the best but it is the "real deal" and should work for a a problem arises scenario. Attach pouches around your waist, hydration pouch on your back, small amounts spread out shouldn't bother you at all.

[gigag04]

Prices will vary depending on whether it is the first choice of the weekend paintball commando or the serious warfighter.

[EEllis]

Prices will vary depending on whether it is the first choice of the weekend paintball commando or the serious warfighter.

First that's not always true, second the price isn't what makes gear good. Condor for example is a real company that makes professional tac gear. That a company doesn't ignore a market that may be many times bigger than those who truly need quality gear is hardly a knock on them. Not to mention gear that someone uses weekend after weekend as some of those guys do may be overkill for someone who is just looking for some bug out gear that he may not need to last for very long. Look at the gear or check out the reviews. I'm not saying it beats the big names but it is professional gear at a much lower price point.

[teraph]

Condor gear isn't too horrible, but I have an issue with it. It is made in Asia (at least it was last time I checked). The same goes for Maxpedition and a few of the "cheaper" companies. Most of their gear is pretty good and has been beat to heck and back and survived. BUT, I tend to like to buy American made. I would personally look at a MOLLE Fighting Load Carrier (FLC) with mag pouches on Amazon that is either new issue or MILSURP. I use one at work and I have a couple for competition. You can usually find them for less then $20 total or so. If you want something different, there are a host of companies that have gear made in the USA. On the lower end of the cost spectrum you have Spec Ops Gear. This is the same gear that AAFES sells on post at Clothing and Sales. It is pretty good gear. On the mid to high side you have Tactical Tailor (just up the street from me (WA), and I can vouch for their gear) and High Speed Gear Inc (HSGI). These are just a few of the companies that make their gear here and employ American Citizens.

The following link has a whole slew of manufacturers whose gear is Made in USA
http://www.survivalblog.com/2013/07/fie ... akers.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This guy (warning, he doesn't always follow the 12 year old daughter rule) does a really good job of breaking down how to carry your different gear (tiered system). Even though it is from a irregular force standpoint, there is a lot in this article that can be used starting at EDC all the way up to a foot mobile campaign.
https://mountainguerrilla.wordpress.com ... -examples/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

P.S. I tend to like Camelbak Hydration Systems and failing that some 1qt canteens and canteen pouches/2qt+pouch have always worked for me.
edited link and some grammar

[EEllis]

Well technically Condor does make some stuff in the USA. They added a production facility in 2009 here in the US. I believe they only make slings and a few carriers with all the bags and pouches still done overseas.

[DocV]

Have a look at the Old Grouch.
http://store.oldgrouch.biz/usedmollegear.html

[texanjoker]

I have seen the same stuff you can buy online at the gun shows. Get it online as the guys at the shows are inflating the prices...

cheaperthandirt has some you can view online. I bought one once but returned it as the holster was a joke.

[gigag04]

Prices will vary depending on whether it is the first choice of the weekend paintball commando or the serious warfighter.

First that's not always true, second the price isn't what makes gear good. Condor for example is a real company that makes professional tac gear. That a company doesn't ignore a market that may be many times bigger than those who truly need quality gear is hardly a knock on them. Not to mention gear that someone uses weekend after weekend as some of those guys do may be overkill for someone who is just looking for some bug out gear that he may not need to last for very long. Look at the gear or check out the reviews. I'm not saying it beats the big names but it is professional gear at a much lower price point.

Opinions will vary of course, but I don't consider Condor's products to be professional grade. Maybe I'm too stingy with that term as I reserve it for brands such as Eagle, Tactical Tailor, TAG, etc.

I don't know any serious professionals using Condor gear to make money.

It will definitely meet the needs of the occasional training class for a casual user, as will other similar airsoft crowd gear.