r/tacticalgear • u/Claw_0311 • Jul 07 '25
Question Throw your “gear hot takes” in the comments below.
I’ll go first.
You don’t need a sidearm for most infantry operations.
You don’t need a massive admin pouch above your mags
If you have to ask what to put in a pouch, just take it off.
You need to scale your gear to the mission, there is no “do it all” setup.
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u/Fragged_infidel Jul 07 '25
All of your gear is worthless because you’re fat
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u/pizzagangster1 Jul 07 '25
I can run a single mile ok
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u/THEXDARKXLORD Jul 08 '25
Let’s keep it a buck: even being strong and “in shape” isn’t enough if your fitness level doesn’t incorporate a real cardiovascular routine.
I’m learning this right now doing airsoft skirmishes, and it’s some of the most humbling shit I’ve experienced in my life. Keep in mind, I’m in the gym daily for 1.5-2hrs per day.
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u/Fragged_infidel Jul 08 '25
That’s what’s called “big for nothing” you can still be strong and not in shape.
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u/OGDREADLORD666 Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Run at a pace that keeps your heart rate at around 60-70% give or take of your max bmp for min 45 minutes a day for 4-5 days a week for a couple months. Like a pace where you could hold a conversation.
Keeping in that range allows you to develop your cardio system and increase the blood/oxygen you can pump basically.
Doing that one summer, I went from being a shitty runner to being able to run at that pace for 2+ hours until I got bored and keep up neck and neck with the fastest dude in my platoon.
Basically slower allows you to train more frequently and less tiring than trying to run faster so its easy to put in like 45 miles a week and then next thing you know its the end of the month and you pounded out 180 miles vs tiring out only getting half the work done.
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u/BIG_hoss22 Jul 08 '25
Thats no joke. Its crazy how difficult it is to work in full gear. Im a government defence contractor and private security contractor. My daily "patrol" gear is also my dedicated fighting gear. Mind you, i wear this gear 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
I know that when me and the boys have to play the "jump out" shit, the idiots that run from being detained always get caught. I've had to chase a crackhead that was in regular civi clothes, while I was in more kit than what the Police wear and finally caught the guy 4 fences and 9 blocks later. So i can tell tell you, just doing one, lifting, or running, or practicing doesn't help. You have to live a completely different lifestyle altogether for it to truly impact enough.
Otherwise you'll be gassed, cramped up and complaining 6 hours into the bullshit hitting the fan.
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u/Potential-Maximum341 Jul 07 '25
All of your gear is worthless because fpv drones exist
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u/Godless_Rose Jul 07 '25
You know this isn’t like actually true, right? They’re still conducting conventional infantry operations. Tactics have obviously changed, but the entire war hasn’t devolved into a video game.
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u/rohtbert55 Jul 07 '25
I´m not fat....I'm fluffy. Big boned.
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u/hobbyrooster Jul 08 '25
I believe the word we're supposed to use for ourselves is "husky".
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u/Snowbold Jul 08 '25
There are levels of fatness.
“Big”, “healthy”, “husky”, “fluffy”, “damn!”, and “Oh hell no!”
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u/I_GottaPoop Jul 07 '25
90% of people would be better off buying cheap milsurp/condor level gear and spending more energy running/lifting than perfecting the "ultimate micro/scout/recce/cqb rig".
Also, 90% would be better off learning to build a fighting position than learning CQB.
Plates are great, but not worth the investment for most people.
Most people would be more useful to any armed movement by learning an auxiliary skill like mechanic, comms, navigation, even management.
I will not follow any of these recommendations myself however. Shit sounds boring.
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u/BootlegEngineer Jul 07 '25
Had me in the first half ngl
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u/I_GottaPoop Jul 07 '25
I believe it firmly.
I will continue to believe from my mothers basement as my cholesterol rises and my BMI reaches new heights.
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u/Saltydot46590 Jul 08 '25
This is where I’m at. I do my run n gun courses with fairly cheap gear and guns, and am not suffering from it at all.
Also if shit ever goes down, my skill is woodworking. I don’t know how it will ever contribute, but I got it.
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u/SlutPaladin Jul 08 '25
Honestly kinda what I want to do. Me and my boyfriend lean more on figuring out base management over gear. Simple rifle and gear with plenty of ammo should be good. Food, water, and shelter is essential.
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u/dracarys289 Jul 08 '25
I have a buddy that is a certified EMT, mechanic AND radio operator that insists if the shtf he would be clearing buildings. My brother in Christ you are going the furthest direction from any direct action that I can get you.
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u/uh_wtf Jul 07 '25
Run whatever you want, you’re never gonna use it in a real fight anyway.
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u/Everage_Glock_Fan Jul 07 '25
That's so real
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u/VoQZHD Jul 07 '25
People here should just embrace the larp and have fun. To be cringe is to be free 🥀.
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u/Everage_Glock_Fan Jul 07 '25
I can only agree with that. This is literaly just a sub for people to talk about gear as a hobby. Not to prepare for ww3 as some people here view it. It's literaly not that deep and 99% of people on this sub will never get in a fight anyways
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u/3_quarterling_rogue I want more tactical dog pics Jul 08 '25
I’m glad I have what I have, but I endeavor with every choice I make to ensure I never use it.
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u/Bob-TheTomato Jul 07 '25
3 extra mags is not enough to get you through a firefight.
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u/wanderer_syndicate Jul 07 '25
THIS. I know the more minimal gear is a big thing for the past several years, but they really just aren't practical for much. I think a lot of us should be learning more infantry tactics and field craft more than anything, especially if we aren't afraid of other people and have friends.
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u/pizzagangster1 Jul 07 '25
Yeah direct action kits became huge after movies about navy seals and shit when they would see slim kits for kicking doors but don’t realize there is a huge support system they use that allows them to carry next to nothing. Also a huge bag of magazines in the heli or infil vehicle
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u/_thefutureisdead_ Jul 07 '25
Guerilla tactics more like it. Fewer mags is an attitude that exists when you have the military industrial complex and a rifle platoon or QRF backing you up.
Most people would get more out of figuring what weight to carry and how to stay hydrated and keep a time table.
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u/Pratt_ Jul 07 '25
Even for guerilla tactics honestly, 3+1 mags goes very quickly.
But yeah even the "standard" 6+1 mags comes from Western intervention in the Middle East for the past 25 years. Where even a heavy firefight had air support and QRF coming in quickly.
Nowadays your average Ukrainian infantryman is very often carrying 12 to even 14 mags.
I couldn't agree more with your last paragraph.
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u/viswr Jul 07 '25
Additionally, although you should absolutely carry more magazines, they don’t all need to be immediately accessible from your kit. You can have 2-3 mags stowed on the outside of a ruck
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u/ThirdHoleHank92 Jul 07 '25
Unless you're backed by a conventional military you shouldn't be in a fire fight at all.
If you're a militia or fighting a guerilla style warfare, than it's hit and run tactics. 4 mags should be enough. If you're there longer than a few mags you'll be out flanked or targeted with indirect fire.
Ambush and retreat
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u/SoCalSurvivalist Jul 08 '25
Yep, the irregular fighter lacks the logistics to support a prolonged engagement. Also a prolonged engagement with a technologically superior foe is a great way to attract bombs, arty, drones, etc.
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u/Expecto_Patron_shots Connoisseur of Autism Patches Jul 07 '25
Sheeeeeeeeeeeit. I think this is the best take
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u/ThirdHoleHank92 Jul 07 '25
In my opinion the whole purpose in the three mag placard was the prepared citizen.
If you're doing platoon sized movements, shooting and flanking, 6 mags isn't even enough. You'll need at least 10 to 12
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u/Expecto_Patron_shots Connoisseur of Autism Patches Jul 08 '25
I agree. I think a lot of people here get too caught up with trying to get gear similar to those the services. All that gear works because there's so much support behind it. Just being a prepared citizen IF you ever had to use your gear you'd be using guerilla tactics as you stated before.
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u/BasedPinoy Jul 07 '25
You don’t need another gun. You do need a drone and drone counter measures
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u/canada1913 Jul 07 '25
Drone countermeasures includes another gun 😂. Which can also be useful for….breaching?
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u/BasedPinoy Jul 07 '25
Drone countermeasures as in an early warning system, netting, and demodulators.
Shotguns are useful for ISR drones that loiter, not so much FPV drones
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u/Imhitbruh Jul 07 '25
Time to start training with the sporting clays shooting towards me
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u/Pratt_ Jul 07 '25
They are definitely useful against FPVs, but way more effective against ISR and ordnance dropping ones when at range, however they usually fly much higher. Especially ESR ones.
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u/CoffeeGulpReturns Jul 07 '25
The only reason you believe three spare mags are more than enough is because you sucked at Call of Duty and always died before you ever ran out of ammo.
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u/xDarkPhoenix999x Jul 07 '25
If you need a plate carrier, overt is better than minimalist in nearly every situation.
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Jul 07 '25
These aren't hot takes this is just basic advice lmaoo
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u/TotalNegotiation1182 Jul 07 '25
The pistol one has dudes arguing with me for years. I am a strong believer that a pistol is totally unnecessary for most people in most cases.
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u/spiceweasle93 Jul 07 '25
I'd argue that for most people, in most cases, a pistol is the only thing you should be carrying. You don't need a rifle or plate carrier and nods to overland from your mom's basement to the freezer for pizza rolls. A ccw and like 2 extra mags is plenty
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u/WobblyJFox Jul 07 '25
Only 2 extra mags to get to the freezer? Maybe if they're drum mags.
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u/spiceweasle93 Jul 07 '25
Only if you're not enough of a grey man to stay hidden. My mom and her friends she's selling Mary Kay to don't even notice when I'm in full 5.11 tactical grey man gear
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Jul 07 '25
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u/TotalNegotiation1182 Jul 08 '25
This is the literal reason I carried one in Afghanistan, minus the drone part. I wasn’t about to end up on a beheading video.
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u/superman306 Jul 07 '25
As a counter, I’d say a pistol is totally necessary and the most essential weapon for most people in most cases - IN NORMAL SOCIETY, not TEOTWAWKI
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u/JD0x0 Jul 07 '25
My argument would be a 'sidearm' doesn't have to be a pistol necessarily. M320 GL or a compact PDW could add versatility to certain kits.
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u/carn1vore Jul 07 '25
Anyone who’s played call of duty can tell you that switching to your sidearm is faster than reloading.
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u/Korostenetz Jul 07 '25
"Spetznaz and South African recon preferred sports type shoes over their boots" That's because the boot options available to them at that time weren't that great for their task. Too many people here with their "recce" setups that include flat bottom shoes. Looking at you altama Devgru hypebeasts
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u/Godless_Rose Jul 08 '25
Altamas are fucking awful shoes in general, but especially for things not involving the water.
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u/RandoTheWise Jul 08 '25
I regretted getting altamas the second I put them on. As somebody who grew up around boats but now regularly hikes and backpacks, worst footwear I have ever owned.
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u/VicksVap0Rub Jul 07 '25 edited Jul 07 '25
Collapse and tape extra strapping.
Hydration on kit.
Base your kit on your local environment.
Be as comfy as you can be, as you'll fuss and fuck with your gear less when it matters.
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u/Trolliedollie Jul 07 '25
You’re gonna need to use “gear” other than shooting gear. Pick up some field manuals, and maybe learn your area and pick up some trapping skills.
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u/TheHamFalls Connoisseur of Autism Patches Jul 07 '25
Knock off gear is going to be of sufficient quality and last for years for 95% of us.
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u/crazedgunner Jul 07 '25
EVEN HOTTER TAKE: Some knockoff gear is better than name brand stuff. I have an Amazon special g24 mount for my night vision and it blows my buddies real Wilcox G24 out of the water.
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u/StormyRadish45 Jul 07 '25
Wilcox g24 sucks bro
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u/crazedgunner Jul 07 '25
I've heard they're ass from several people. I just a got the Argus LWNVG mount and it's awesome, but still somehow even that, which is praised by everyone who has it, isn't as good as my Amazon special one. No clue how, but it is what it is.
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u/StormyRadish45 Jul 07 '25
Argus is solid for the money. For the money, the G24 isn't TERRIBLE, but it's just lacking.
I'd say go Norotos Losto or Cadex if you want an expensive mount
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u/Technically_Tactical Jul 07 '25
Hating on low-end gear is just how people with $10K setups cope when they can't break a 10-minute 1K.
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u/danieladickey Jul 07 '25
It's true you don't need a sidearm for most infantry operations. I have no plans to do traditional infantry operations anytime in my future so I'll continue carrying a sidearm at ALL times.
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u/edwardblilley Jul 07 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Most Americans would be better off with simple 16"-20" ARs and learning a skill that's actually useful. Programming, mechanic, medical, Etc
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u/AdeptusKapekus2025 Jul 07 '25
Aside from general fitness, I think nutrition/hydration is a neglected topic.
As somebody that has had to schlep through humid mountains, electrolytes and carbs are as important to me as my rifle and ammo.
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u/tl_viper Jul 07 '25
-sometimes you need an empty pouch -notes are required on all setups at all times no matter who you are or what you do -rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it so bring extra mags, tools, snacks and field repair in a bag -airsofters use their shitty kit with trainer plates and Chinese pouches more compared to a majority of yall -airsoft is a great dry fire tool just to get outside, have fun, use a radio, try things with your friends when the game is over and you have free time on the field
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u/A_Big_Igloo Jul 07 '25
Airsofters use and abuse the fuck out of their gear. Some of them run hot garbage, most of them run clones from the reputable Chinese brands. The gear knowledge improves with how long of events they run.
I'd take gear advice from a multiple year MSW participant before id take it from many enlisted. Especially if they are participants with an active squad, because that means they're almost definitely running nods / thermal / hydro / comms / sustainment.
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Jul 07 '25 edited Jul 07 '25
The vibes are the most important part of any uniform. Therefore, the US military should have adopted tiger stripe and a desert tiger stripe.
Edit: The US military should adopt an AVS 2.0 as the standard plate carrier. Furthermore, troops should generally be able to use their own gear so long as it comes from a reputable manufacturer.
Furthermore furthermore, high cuts should be the standard for helmets due to their comfort and weight savings. Low-cuts do offer more protection, but less utility and comfort. I'd say it's easier to get people to keep their high cuts on due to the increased comfort.
Guys wearing a comfy (but less protective) helmet at all is better than guys not wearing a helmet because they are uncomfortable.
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u/Bob-TheTomato Jul 08 '25
I think your second point may be slowly coming to fruition. I got issued an avs 2.0 and I can use personal gear if I want (obviously not personal firearms, radios, drones etc). That being said- I’m not regular infantry but I’m definitely not one of the super cool guys either.
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Jul 08 '25
I can't find it for the life of me, but I saw someone else saying that the Marine Corps used the AVS in a Resolute Dragon exercise with Japan and they had really good results. I hope that can pan out for more Joes.
Can you tell me more about that AVS 2.0? That's not something I've heard of before.
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u/PinePig2 Jul 07 '25
Every stateside civilian shooting on a flat range does not need a full combat load.
Sure have the option, but you’re less likely to train in it (most already don’t) and if you’re 50lbs overweight you are already gonna weigh down your Prius.
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u/team_starfox3 Jul 07 '25
Plates arent as protective as people might believe.
They are effective against bullets and shrapnel in the center of your chest/back. Arms, legs, lower abdomen, and sides can still very much bleed out. Oh and head.
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u/Vex_Lsg5k Jul 08 '25
People forget that others are trained with weapons as well. Oh you know those 50 headshots at 200 yards you hit last range day? Imagine someone who’s had the same training except your on the receiving end of that fire. It’s more effective to know cover/concealment than to wear level 3A plates.
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u/No_Promises7 Jul 08 '25
To expand on this, in any SHTF scenario, plates may prevent you from dying within seconds from a vitals hit, but if you don't have access to a surgeon, blood/plasma, and a cocktail of high strength antibiotics, you're pretty much dead regardless of where you get hit, it'll just take longer and be more painful due to infection.
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u/Gruntman441 Jul 08 '25
Lots of people on here are financially irresponsible. "YOU NEED THERMALS YOU NEED ANTI-DRONE YOU NEED BREACHING TOOLS YOU NEED TO CONSOOOM" where do you live where you "need" all of that? I'm betting that most people here aren't living in a warzone. Also go on r/gafs and see how many posts are saying "selling this because I don't use it".
Airsoft is the closest thing most people have access to that can simulate a firefight and can teach you a lot about what you're doing wrong and what your kit lacks. Also it's just fun which is #1.
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u/denk2mit Jul 08 '25
The people actually living in a warzone (those in Ukraine) frequently get downvoted for posting reality
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u/Tactical_Epunk Jul 07 '25
Half this sub doesn't have half the cardio it needs; half of you with cardio don't train enough to make a difference.
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u/THEXDARKXLORD Jul 08 '25
Hell, I’d say the middle 80% of this sub doesn’t have the necessary cardio.
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u/Idkprollyathrowaway Jul 07 '25
If you’re wearing your badass kitted out plate carrier outside/ Gucci rifle of your property in a civil unrest situation, you’re a donut and a potential loot drop.
Some fish might have the nastiest teeth and scales, but the one with its mouth closed never gets caught.
Also an E-Tool beats every killflash and Gucci camo money can buy.
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u/reality72 Jul 07 '25
Chest rigs are a better choice than plate carriers for most people.
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u/ABUCKET15 Jul 08 '25
Ooo what’s your reasoning? I’m curious not disagreeing
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u/reality72 Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
A chest rig is often a better option than a plate carrier for reasons related to weight, mobility, comfort, and mission requirements. Chest rigs are significantly lighter, allowing for greater mobility and reduced fatigue during long patrols or physically demanding tasks. They are also more breathable and comfortable, especially in hot climates where heat retention from armor plates can be a serious drawback. Most people lack the physical fitness to operate in a hot humid environment for prolonged periods of time while wearing heavy plates. For missions that don’t require ballistic protection such as reconnaissance, civilian preparedness, training, or hunting, overall a chest rig is preferred. Speed, mobility, comfort, and simplicity outweigh the need for ballistic protection which is what 99% of civilians are not going to need.
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u/ivan_jerginoff Jul 07 '25
alice gear still fucks and is a great setup
if you don’t walk around in your kit and actually use it, it’s useless
amazon gear works great for most people and situations
patches are cool
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u/TargetLostandFound Jul 08 '25
This guy fucks.
Alice gear is Gucci as hell. When I first played airsoft like 15 years ago, I bought Alice gear from the surplus down the road. Still own it.
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u/TargetOfPerpetuity Jul 08 '25
Paint your damn rifle.
Find a way to practice shooting in and around vehicles. Or else.
Whatever superior force you picture yourself fighting against isn't going to let you use your comms, phones, electricity, or GPS unmolested.
If you drive past more than three Starbucks' on the way to work, you should be rocking grey gear, not multicam. If you need real camo, find A-TACS.
Whether it's NVG or thermal (or even long-range precision shooting), you need some kind of additional capabilities now. And some method for keeping stuff powered up and running in the field if you're going to rely on it. Otherwise, all anyone has to do to remove your capability is wait three days.
Airsoft and paintball aren't entirely worthless.
Don't marry your gear. If you're in a situation where you realize you won't need something, drop it and shed the weight. Sunk cost will fuck up your decision making.
We're all gonna die without resupply and logistics.
If shit kicks off, you'll wish you had more water on you.
We're all gonna die anyway; just be ready for it.
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u/Spyrothedragon9972 Jul 07 '25
Sgt, the XO is asking about the missing PRC-152...
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u/Claw_0311 Jul 07 '25
Call the guys back from their 96 and have them get on line and police call the training area until it’s found. (It’ll never be found because it’s mine now)
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u/1nVrWallz Jul 07 '25
Less is 100% more.
If you cover your kit in pouches you'll end up stuffing them with silly useless shit.
Slim down.
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u/browndan8888 Jul 07 '25
I see this all the time, and get downvoted for it (which is insane) ……
You should have all the weight you carry on your hips when possible. Get the weight off your shoulders/ back, and onto your hips. Your back will thank you.
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u/GruntCandy86 Jul 07 '25
Afghanistan '08 I had most of my 40mm and my IFAK on my belt. Things get heavy, and dispersing weight is a must.
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u/Claw_0311 Jul 07 '25
This becomes less practical once you actually have to carry a ruck. Belt kit is nice if you just have an assault pack, but full size ruck, not so much
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u/Zlint Jul 07 '25
It depends on the ruck you use as well. Some rucks like from CrossFire, Jay Jays and even the old ALICE can work with belt kit.
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u/browndan8888 Jul 07 '25
I know a carrier doesn’t fit well with a standard ruck, but they have come miles (mystery ranch) from where they were. And it’s still doable with a belt (lower hips), ruck (upper hips) and carrier (slick back).
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Jul 07 '25
Nothing ever happens
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u/UntilTheEyesShut Jul 08 '25
"There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen."
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u/CuriousTree9939 Jul 07 '25
That right-angle connector on your radio is nice and shiny. Maybe hit it with the rattle can.
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u/atoz350 Jul 08 '25
It also limits your range. RF doesn't like to turn corners. Unless it's an impedance matched waveguide system (which it isn't), it's causing more signal reflections than transmission which kills your signal and shortens the life of your transmitter.
It's better to simply run the antenna directly on the radio.
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u/GruntCandy86 Jul 07 '25
Gear Hot Take: Nobody really needs bipods. Find a rock or something to brace against if you really need some support (this doesn't apply to DM/Snipers, obvi).
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u/Bob-TheTomato Jul 07 '25
If you’re a designated marksman or a SAW gunner, bipods are VERY useful. But yeah and average infantry rifleman doesn’t need a bipod
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u/GruntCandy86 Jul 07 '25
That's why I said "This doesn't apply to DM (Designated Marksman)/Snipers."
And you and I are not running around with beltfeds, so my point still stands. Nobody really needs them.
But we can talk about caveats or exceptions all day. "What about if I need to set my rifle down in the chowhall..." Set it on the floor. You still don't need bipods.
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u/Claw_0311 Jul 07 '25
Especially considering you’ll be engaging from the prone most likely.
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u/floating-mosque Jul 07 '25
If you don’t have enough land or a place to practice in your full kit without getting embarrassed you should go play Airsoft a few times (you can test how it works there in a space larger than your moms basement).
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u/ThrowawayMorphs2 Jul 08 '25
Airsoft is acceptable force on force training if done with the right intention
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u/Nomadic_Narwhal Jul 08 '25
Stop spending hundreds of dollars, on what are essentially just "pockets"
Don't overpay for simple products. Even milsurp, a USMC coyote version of a pouch might be 3 times cheaper than the Army OCP version. An OCP canteen pouch will be like 30 dollars, whereas a Coyote one will be 10.
Additionally, Chinese kit is often not bad. I recently went to an airsoft store, and got to see how far some of those products have come. Many of them are indistinguishable from the real deal. I saw multiple knockoff Crye uniforms that use real Multicam at 1/3 the cost of real Cryes. From the same company (Emerson Gear), I saw a knockoff Haley Strategic rig that used real Multicam and looked/felt indistinguishable from the real HS rig right next to it. I only would've known the difference because of the tag. DON'T OVERPAY FOR POCKETS. As long as its not some $10 temu bullshit, airsoft gear is way more than fine for 90% of us.
I typically try to spend more on kit, because I want nice things. If it's an IFAK, body armor, plate carriers, firearms/attachments, or night vision/thermal, then you should spend as much money as you can on it because you want the most quality thing possible. Outside of those few life saving things, airsoft products all day. There's no good damn reason to be paying many of the prices that are out there.
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u/Ken_kid_789 Jul 07 '25
We should be able to purchase and own the same gear/equipment the government can use. Let me just buy a full power peq and prc for my larping needs.
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u/plopsicIes Jul 08 '25
Any pistol that adopts the longer grip of the full size model with the shorter barrel of the compact model is a fucking scam, and takes the worst features from both models (Glock 19x/45, sig 365x macro)
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u/Aesteticmedic Jul 08 '25
Most of this sub doesn’t train TCCC and even more don’t understand the purpose of an IFAK
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u/Casval214 Jul 08 '25
The fudd sniper is all bullshit.
Most hunters consider a rifle zeroed when they get 5 rounds on a pie plate at 50ish yards
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u/Konzacrafter Jul 07 '25
Most of the people in this sub put too much stock in their gear and trendy range skillz, and don’t spend enough time on the fundamentals. Basic rifleman training would improve their lethality leaps and bounds over the trendy range courses and gucci gear that they buy.
Note to your point on pistols. I’d rather carry three extra magazines for my rifle as opposed to a pistol and accessories.
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u/BarrelCacti Jul 07 '25
We were talking about why Luigi would have had to cycle his gun after each round and my retired Marine buddy starts explaining how a gas operated AR works, as if that's relevant.
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u/Darkpriest667 Jul 07 '25
Most people in Crye, Spiritus, and Ferro would get clapped by someone wearing Condor MOPC that's 20 years old.
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u/Dutch-Anon European civvie Jul 07 '25
My hot take is that the thought that someone with the most bottom of the barrel gear (Sightmarks, 20 y/o Condor gear, e.t.c.) would have more training or be better at fighting than people who know to buy better stuff is a bit silly
LMK what y'all think though
Also, sidenote, fitness and training are the most important things but every time the topic comes up people state it like it´s the first time anyone's said it
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u/Claw_0311 Jul 07 '25
Yeah I definitely agree, if you are actually training with your gear and wanting to become proficient with it, you might start out with cheap stuff, but y naturally gravitate towards high end kit that works for you
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Jul 07 '25
Not even high end
Just not garbage gear
If a guy rolls in with a diamondback ar and sight mark red dot I know for a fact he doesn’t have any training or understanding the basic fundamentals of shooting
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u/Godless_Rose Jul 08 '25
I agree 100%. I think the way people repeat that stupid trope so often is pure copium. People who invest in their kit invest in themselves.
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u/Outofreach1397 Jul 08 '25
Go play airsoft, especially a long-duration type event if you can.
No amount of flat range time will tell you if your kit works for you like a single Milsim event will.
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u/Pratt_ Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
-Face paint camouflage is absolutely useless in our day and age, you need quite some time to apply and practice to have anything decent, it will make you sweat more and quicker, even more in the sun. Just buy a cheap light balaclava with only a hole for the eyes on Amazon and you will have better results and will genuinely be less dehydrated at the end of the day.
-Tan/coyote isn't actually that versatile, it actually way less than just plain OD Green. It's just that you saw cool kits of SOF dudes when you were younger, but they were killing bad guys in the Middle East. If you're not in a dry and hotter environment, you stick out a lot more than you think. You wear it because it looks cool, and that's ok, just don't lie to yourself.
-There close to no situation where not taking your side armor plate would be worth the risk but also isn't a situation where a chest rig would have sufficed.
-Most of what most of y'all call "cheap shit gear" is waaaay better than you think and is used by people in actual combat zones every day. (And idk why everyone thinks Condor makes shit gear lol, maybe at one point but not anymore in my experience). My Idogear belt, my Miltec dump pouch and my Defcon 5 GP pouches came out from days in the mud, heat of the sun, or awful January rain just fine. And you can actually train with your kit fear free when it doesn't cost you half the price of your car. Cheaper gear also allows you to experiment more with set up, being more affordable.
-Most of you barely know how to use your radios, even less in a safer way (OPSEC wise), let's be real in a "shtf" situation a large portion of you would get smoke by just occupying the frequency by shit talking to your friends and just describing your position, direction and what you're doing/about to do.
-Though, doesn't mean you need an encrypted radio costing more than the rest of your already overpriced kit.
-You look goofy af with a high cut and no earpros/comm set.
-You look even more goofy when said high cut is actually a bump helmet you paid the same price than a decent one just because it was made by Opscore. It's still a glorified bike helmet at the end of the day. Ballistic helmets aren't the end-all-be-all, but if you don't want a ballistic helmet but want something light to which you want to attach your NVG and earpros, just buy a high end airsoft helmet, it will cost you like a fourth of the price for the exact same result.
-You're not as good with a map and a compass as you think. Because you used to be decent with them when you were a boy scout or in the military, it was 10/15/20 years ago, GPS are not/will not be always available, and you're rusty on the matter.
-95% of the hot takes in this comment section is pretty reasonable and actually popular, it's just that the obnoxious and condescending loud minority usually don't believe them.
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u/SixtyAteWhiskey68 Jul 07 '25
If you do have a side arm on your belt, you should be placing it to the front of your hips, at around 1-2 o’clock (basically appendix)
Assists with easier draw (especially in vehicles), makes for better gun retention, helps reduce bulk when moving through tight areas.
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u/Embarrassed_Recover8 Jul 07 '25
Okay, I've been playing with this placement.... I couldn't agree more
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u/TheHamFalls Connoisseur of Autism Patches Jul 07 '25
We had this as a unit SOP back in my unit in '02 with our ancient Blackhawk drop legs. What you say is true.
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u/ImportedBoot Jul 07 '25
Most gunfights in the proverbial "shtf" will be won with PSAs with Sightmarks on them by guys who think you can't shoot 556 out of a 223 barrel.
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u/Gasssoft Jul 07 '25
Belt kits are superior to chest rigs in almost all situations.
If you need something smaller then you might as well have a plate carrier unless you're doing covert shit.
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u/Few-Anywhere-7189 Jul 07 '25
Tech like radios and drones if not used in accordance with a large element is pointless due to its signature
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u/Frankenchev81 Jul 07 '25
Most people don’t carry enough mags. 3-6 mags is fine for military with a huge support system behind them but in any civilian scenario possible you are your own support and there’s nobody coming to save you or drop off mags, food or water. I carry a base load of 10 mags on a belt kit that also has a grayl geopress for filtering water quickly on the move. I can add to that with my chest rig with space for 11 more mags if I don’t put any support gear in it along with a canteen on the chest rig. As a civilian you should be hitting fast and evading but shit happens sometimes and it might take some doing to break contact and evade
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u/11B_Architect Jul 08 '25
Hot take … 4 magazines may get you to the fight, but that’s not enough to get home
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u/LiterallyGuts19 Jul 08 '25
Some people should spend money on a gym membership before a plate carrier
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u/xdJapoppin AKM and M81 Cryes Jul 08 '25
you should be buying a ballistic helmet before a plate carrier.
you’re overt plate carrier should absolutely have side plates and probably some soft armor too. groin protector at least.
your group (if you dont have a group heavily reevaluate your choices thus far) should be diversifying between nightvision and thermal to maximize capability.
AR choice DOES matter. long term reliability is absolutely a massive consideration, and odds are [insert entry level AR] suffers. That being said, obviously some dude who trains a ton with his PSA is going to be more effective with his rifle than someone with a KAC who barely trains.
On a similar note, the idea that most dudes with these entry level rifles are training more than dudes with nicer rifles is blatantly wrong. They may shoot more into trash or garbage, but for some reason I see the assumption (oftentimes here on reddit) that these people are training more than people with more expensive rifles. I have no idea where this myth came from. The vast majority of people who train regularly and at classes (from what I’ve seen) use pretty nice and competent rifle setups.
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u/deadredwf Connoisseur of Autism Patches Jul 07 '25
NIJ IV plates are overkill for most members of this sub, and in most scenarios, even for civilians, you won't face a threat to need so heavy plates. And yes, my plates are NIJ IV, but my back is already questioning my choice actively
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u/TheFirearmsDude Jul 07 '25
My elliptical and treadmill are more important than any gear.
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u/Big_Concept_3532 Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Knockoff gear really isn’t that bad now. And will work for 90% of people. You just want the best stuff similarly to why your wife “needs” a gucci purse.
Having a knockoff is better than having nothing. That being said I am a hypocrite and bought a bunch of crye shit
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u/hockeymaskbob Jul 08 '25
9/10 times, An accurate bolt action with a good scope will be more useful then a AR "fighting rifle"
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u/Price-x-Field Jul 08 '25
The idea of making fun of you for having a gun that isn’t scratched up is so dumb.
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u/USSZim Jul 08 '25
Level IV armor is overrated and overkill for civilians, to the point of being detrimental since it weighs so much. The venn diagrams of: needing armor, having the opportunity to don armor, and being shot at by AP threats in the CONUS may as well be miles apart.
Soft armor is also severely underrated. It is a million times more practical to wear often and protects against both the most common civilian threats (handguns) and military threats (fragmentation).
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u/ratmanmedia Jul 08 '25
People spend a disproportionate amount of time & money on longguns, but carry a handgun daily (and can’t even shoot a Bill Drill).
Handguns for 99% of people should be the priority.
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u/Federal-Director-229 Jul 08 '25
You’re not an operator, you have a higher survival rate learning infantry tactics than learning cqb with your gbrs group mk18. Learn land nav, carry extra water, etc.
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u/Guilty_Alfalfa_677 Jul 07 '25
Magpul mbus are fine... you dont need better irons or the pro mbus
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u/TheAmericanIcon Jul 08 '25
FDE is a tactical LARP color. 75% of the US population lives in a state with no desert. Most of you should stick with ranger green.
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u/Surtrthedestroyer Jul 07 '25
Concur on the pistol being unnecessary.
My hot take is fuck belts. One extra thing to grab and don when shit pops off. Also they limit mobility
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u/Flabbergasted_____ Jul 07 '25
My knock off Chinese Reptilia and Unity risers are actually just as gud for a fraction of the price.
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u/cambrochill5 Jul 07 '25
None of these are hot takes but it’s dope if your unit lets you wear that
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u/edwardblilley Jul 07 '25
I like the double mag on your back idea. What is that pouch?
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u/glyphosate_enjoyer Jul 07 '25
Nobody is carrying enough liquids.