Warrior assault gear

[muttbutt]

http://www.uktactical.com/acatalog/warrior-assault-systems-vests-and-rigs.html

anyone know anything about them, GTG?

[22.5degrees]

I doubt they're good to go. The products are blatant copies of better built stuff. That being said I've never handled their goods. They might be well built, who knows.

22.5

[Hollis]

I doubt they're good to go. The products are blatant copies of better built stuff. That being said I've never handled their goods. They might be well built, who knows.

22.5


I don't have a clue as to how good they are but the name, "Warrior" hits me wrong.

[22.5degrees]

I agree Hollis. Like I said, it could be good but most times companies who blatantly copy existing designs are usually poorly made copies produced in the far east for a fraction of the cost of the real deal with usually poor materials. you take your risk.

22.5

[ZoneOne]

Just from browsing the site, I think it's a sham. But like said above - we could be wrong. If you are looking to purchase gear that you would bet your life on, go ahead and spend the extra couple of hundred. Unless you think you're not worth it?

[ex Strathcona]

try here http://www.dropzonetactical.com/lbe/modcanvest.html
life time guarantee, the guys in my old regiment speak highly of them.

[22.5degrees]

I don't mean to trash tal your golks Ex Strathcona, but DZ can be sketchy as well. A lot of their pouches are poorly made and almost none of it is MALICE compatible. I find their prices are way over inflated as compared to comparable products even after exchange and shipping. I haven't dealt with them in a while so it might have changed.

22.5

[khukuri]

by browsing the site the seem mostly to sell famous brands stuff... like. 5.11 tasmanian tiger, blackhawk and camelback etc

[KIWI_68]

Check out militarymorons first! By the sound of it he does a thorough job on all the kit & and who makes them. It help you make a decision on want you may like to purchase??:)

[Argyll]

Interesting comments, seeing as the US SOF were issued CIRAS rigs in Iraq that were made not by Eagle , but by a company called "Phantom", to test and evaluate, and 3 of my old team mates bought them from the SF, and they were of pretty good quality....I have a few items coming from them, and I'll put them through their paces, if the stuff is crap, I'll be sure to address the issue directly with them.

But I'll leave you with this little tidbit, would you rather have your cheaper $200 dollar Vest suffer from wear and tear, or your $700 dollar one?...My Eagle CIRAS after two weeks in a turret was worn through where it rubbed against the framework!!!!

[muttbutt]

Interesting comments, seeing as the US SOF were issued CIRAS rigs in Iraq that were made not by Eagle , but by a company called "Phantom", to test and evaluate, and 3 of my old team mates bought them from the SF, and they were of pretty good quality....I have a few items coming from them, and I'll put them through their paces, if the stuff is crap, I'll be sure to address the issue directly with them.

But I'll leave you with this little tidbit, would you rather have your cheaper $200 dollar Vest suffer from wear and tear, or your $700 dollar one?...My Eagle CIRAS after two weeks in a turret was worn through where it rubbed against the framework!!!!
Aren't "phantom" an airsoft company?:|

[Andy S]

I have a couple of Warrior bits, good kit, I have th PSD chestrig and its better sewn than BH stuff. Really good bit of kit, without the stupid markup of the branded stuff.

Great customer service too, my Pentagon light went wrong, they sent me a new one straight away.

[Argyll]

Aren't "phantom" an airsoft company?:|

Mate, I've worn some of these copies on Ops whilst I was waiting for my CIRAS to arrive, and there's nothing much wrong with them, infact I swapped an HGSI WAASATCH for an ACH helmet,and a replica plate carrier/vest, I wore that vest for a month, and it was fine, then I gave it to another team mate, and he wore it daily, it held up to the rigours of Iraq just fine.

[22.5degrees]

Andy,
BW is crap. There stuff is sewn in such mass quantities that their old school level of craftsmanship takes a serious hit. Some stuff is usable, other stuff is junk.

Question for you Argyll. Is your life worth a $200 rig or a $700 rig????? hard to bitch about the cost and the quality if you don't survive the day....

22.5

[Argyll]

It's not the rig that keeps me alive mate, it's the Armour that's inside it, and the SAP plates.......plus my skillset,tactics and training, and team work, there's no difference in wearing a $700 rig,or a $200 if it's not ballistic, when I first started in Iraq, we were not allowed to wear Assault rigs, or anything that made us look like we were on "offensive" Ops, we wore a Ballistic vest,the same one I wear with my CIRAS, with level IV plates, and a 5.11 Ops vest over that...

The argument is a moot point, reason being if the Rig you wear is not a full ballistic rig,such as the CIRAS, you're not offered the same protection as say a simple plate carrier, like the Blackhawk type.....a simple thing that costs.......$200!!!......
It's the Ballistic soft armour that's offering the protection, I have the BALCS soft armour that now fits into my CIRAS,or the PACA soft carrier, which also can also hold Ballistic plates.
Many guys wear the Plate Carriers , with no soft armour under it, and what they should realise that their plates need soft armour under them ,unless they're Stand Alones, with the soft backing,as the impact from a 7.62mm will break their ribs, but the soft armour under a plate will absorb that impact, and redue that impact substantially.

[kongman]

It's not the rig that keeps me alive mate, it's the Armour that's inside it, and the SAP plates.......plus my skillset,tactics and training, and team work, there's no difference in wearing a $700 rig,or a $200 if it's not ballistic, when I first started in Iraq, we were not allowed to wear Assault rigs, or anything that made us look like we were on "offensive" Ops, we wore a Ballistic vest,the same one I wear with my CIRAS, with level IV plates, and a 5.11 Ops vest over that...

The argument is a moot point, reason being if the Rig you wear is not a full ballistic rig,such as the CIRAS, you're not offered the same protection as say a simple plate carrier, like the Blackhawk type.....a simple thing that costs.......$200!!!......
It's the Ballistic soft armour that's offering the protection, I have the BALCS soft armour that now fits into my CIRAS,or the PACA soft carrier, which also can also hold Ballistic plates.
Many guys wear the Plate Carriers , with no soft armour under it, and what they should realise that their plates need soft armour under them ,unless they're Stand Alones, with the soft backing,as the impact from a 7.62mm will break their ribs, but the soft armour under a plate will absorb that impact, and redue that impact substantially.


do you buy most of your gear and customise it or is it supplied

[Argyll]

I buy most of my gear, for the simple fact I know it works, and is supplied by the right people, and I can chop and change it Mission dependant,and it means I can have it with me, and move within 24 hours fully kitted out, minus weapons.

[22.5degrees]

I understand what you're saying Argyll. I was trying to set up a scenario where you're "low dollar" gear fails you, thus your ammo and other kit end up anywhere other than where you want them. Which is why I asked if saving some money on low dollar gear that may cause a loss of equipment was worth the savings. I'm just being an ass here. I fully agree, as long as the kit works I'll use it. Unfortunately a lot of low dollar gear won't hack it.

A quick question for you. Why would wearing a rig be a no no? Its not like the locals don't know who and what you folks are all about? Somehow I don't think seeing several well armed foreigners would alarm them.

22.5

[Argyll]

Oh Dont get me wrong mate, cheap and nasty gear can cause problems just like you point out, and I'll agree with you, it's all about the craftsmanship, if the stitching looks good and of a high standard, and the cordura looks sturdy, chances are it'll stand up to the rigours of real Ops,some of that replica stuff is better than some of th kit issued to the Brit Mil!!

[kongman]

sorry if im asking alot of question's but i have applied with a couple of companies ( security ) who do work over there and i just trying to get a feel of how you guys work , coming from military they do thing a bit differently so im trying to make the transfer as smooth as posssible.......but half the stuff you use and the military now wasn't being used 10 yrs ago its all new to me

[Argyll]

The Warrior Gear plate carrier just arrived, and I can tell you it's very well made,and the material feels no different from my old HSGI WAASATCH, the stitching is good,the prrof of the pudding will be on Ops back in Iraq.

[muttbutt]

The Warrior Gear plate carrier just arrived, and I can tell you it's very well made,and the material feels no different from my old HSGI WAASATCH, the stitching is good,the prrof of the pudding will be on Ops back in Iraq.
keep me updated on how it holds up will you mate?:)

[Argyll]

Roger that!!

[22.5degrees]

hey Argyll, what seems to be working in the sandbox for footwear? I see all kinds of kit. Danner deserts, Merrell hiking shoes, what is your take on footwear.

22.5

[t2d]

Argyll, have you had the chance to have a look at the rig through night vision yet? it doesn't say on the site if the gear is IRR. How tall are you? if you don't mind me asking cos in some of the pics of you wearing the WASSTACH in your gallery it looks to be a bit on the short side and the WEESTACH that this rig is based on is meant to be smaller. also can you fit a bladder inside it as well as the plates or do you need seperate carrier?
Thanks.

[22.5degrees]

t2d,

I run a wasatch now for competition. The weesatch is smaller in regards to internal magazine capacity. The rig is fairly short, it is meant as a chest rig not a vest type system. Fitting both plates and a bladder in the rear panel is very tight. I recommend attaching your bladder to the outside of the rig and keeping plates inside. Hope this helps, I'm sure Argyll can give you some more advice based in his experience.

22.5

[Argyll]

Argyll, have you had the chance to have a look at the rig through night vision yet? it doesn't say on the site if the gear is IRR. How tall are you? if you don't mind me asking cos in some of the pics of you wearing the WASSTACH in your gallery it looks to be a bit on the short side and the WEESTACH that this rig is based on is meant to be smaller. also can you fit a bladder inside it as well as the plates or do you need seperate carrier?
Thanks.

I'm not bothered about trying to disguise it at night time,so IR doesn't apply,I'm 5' 8" I dunno about the rig being short, it's not supposed to cover your entire stomach, even my issued Body Armour does not cover my stomach,most sets of BA have a gap of a hand width between the vest and the top of the trousers....the WEESATCH is not smaller in size, it's smaller in Carrying capacity, the WAASATCH could hold something like 16 mags, the WEESATCH only holds 10, both less if you use one of the slots for Personal Radios, the WEESATCH can still take the standard 10 x 12 Plate front and back, as can the warrior, as I have plates in it right now.
Yes you can insert a bladder, I don't they're a pain in the arse when sitting in the front of an SUV,I only wear the camelback if I'm dismounted for more than a couple of hours, plus I have my camelback in a molle carrier.

22.5 degrees,reference footwear, I have Salomans, Oakleys, and Merrells

because it's wetter and colder I'm wearing Salomans , but when it's roasting I wear Merrells

[t2d]

Thanks guys.

[kongman]

so you strap most of you ammo pouches on your plate carrier it doesnt come in 2 pieces............... plate carrier/ assault vest ......

[22.5degrees]

kongman,
I'll try and help you here. The answer depends on the platform being used. The wasatch or weesatch series have mag pouches sewn in. There is a slot between the inside of the plate carrier and the outside where all the PALS webbing is. You can add additional mag pouches if you wish to the PALS webbing. The down side is mag placement is not negotiable. Not to mention as you use magazines the rig loosens up slightly with every mag. I personally don't find it to be a huge issue, some folks don't care for that.

Other plate carriers such as the Paraclete RAV or Eagel CIRAS are more of a vest by design. These allow for snug fits to the body which don't change when consuming munitions. The entire rig is covered in PALS webbing. This facilitates mounting any pouch pretty well anywhere you have room for it. Your pouches are external, there usually isn't any internal mag storage. Upside is the lack of adjustment required after doning as well as complete freedom of pouch placement. Downside, they tend to be quite hot to wear as they are a full encompassing rig. Depending on your pouches used the overall "protrusion" of your gear can hinder your ability to enter small areas or ride comfortably in vehicles.

both styles mentioned are plate carriers, they are capable of carrying SAAPI plates, also known as hard armour. The RAV and CIRAS can also carry the soft armour inserts for smaller calibre protection as well as a greater area of protection. Most plates are 10 inches by 12 inches for a large plate.

To answer your question. The we/wasatch series are 2 piece systems joined with fastex buckles at the sides and the shoulders. The CIRAS and RAV can be considered multi piece setups. However, once assembled they remain in one piece and act as such when worn.

22.5

[kongman]

thx for the help 22.5 i suppose when i get some more info ......if i can get some work ill ask what they equipment there guys us and adapt to that rig ....

[Shaun945]

I have just used a Warrior Ricas rig out in Afgan for 6 months and it was as good if not better than some of the kit that the americans were issued. Why does kit cost so much in Europe, the wages that we have to pay to skilled machinests, So 9 times out of ten the big UK companys send the materials to the Far east and get it made out there, in the case of Warrior thay have UK reps on the site where there kit is made to keep the quality correct.

[Argyll]

I wore the PC for a good while, it held up well, it's still in use daily, as I gave it to one of Local Nationals for doing a good job in a contact.

Several guys on my project have the RICAS......including me, it's a good bit of kit, if it can stand the hardships of realtime Ops in real HRE's,then it's more than fine for airsoft, and shooting competitions.

[Andy007]

Iv used mine on 2 operational tours of afghanistan and its a great vest. I have mine lined with NIJ IIIA soft armour and also the standard british Osprey Plate. The vest is cheap but not nasty.. It may be a copy of something but its very popular here in the UK as it comes in at About £125 with all the pouches. I bought mine from www.specialforceskit.co.uk (http://www.specialforceskit.co.uk) and they also lined the vest for me with Bulldog soft armour NIJ IIIA. I have also seen these vests on www.uktactical.com (http://www.uktactical.com) as well. Great vest guys and very under rated.... I think these days people are afraid not to wear Blackhawk cos of military fasion!

[Andy007]

http://specialforceskit.co.uk/store/ricas-assault-system-with-ballistic-protection-option-p-338.html

Heres the link

[jock4688]

Looks like copies of plat-a-tac & sord from OZ.

[zenislev]

What style soft panels does the RICAS series fit? I have an older vest whose panels are still good, however the carrier needs replaced and I am looking for an upgrade over the original. I already asked customer service at specialforceskit and they replied that they were not the ones who install the panels, as this is done by an off-site subcontractor. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[SkiSalomon]

Does anyone know who produces Warrior Assault Systems? More specifically, how to get in contact with them?

Their homepage is apparently under construction and therefore not a big help. Aside from that, I can only find a few UK retailers. Thanks

[SkiSalomon]

So no one knows how to get in touch with Warrior?

[Sabre]

Warrior Assault Systems kit is made in China, in the same factory as the Templar Assault Systems kit is. It's cheap, but apparently fairly serviceable. I know plenty of blokes who have used their kit for full tours in Afghan and it's still going strong.

I don't think they have a site....you may be thinking of Warrior Webbing, which is a different supplier based down in the south of england.

As for the RICAS, I am told it fits the Osprey soft armour filler and Osprey front plates, but not back plates.

[SkiSalomon]

I must admit, I dont know all that much about Warrior. My boss asked me to figure out how to contact them and I am drawing blank. I've heard some good things about them from asking around.

http://warriorassaultsystems.com/ appears to be their website but it is useless in its current state.

thanks for the response though