BattleLabs FAPC - looking for user opinions
 

Ok kids,

I've been looking into picking up a more modular setup. I first have to admit I'm a gear snob - I don't buy reproductions, only the real deal. I kinda dig the CIRAS look, but not the bulk. In my research I came across the BattleLabsTactical Fast Attack Plate Carrier (FAPC) from Diamondback Tactical, as recommended by www.militarymorons.com.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/i...mages/FAPC.jpg
http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/B...PC-P46C85.aspx

Many of the same features as CIRAS, but more compact, and has the ability to add a cummerbund later, if I so desire. Plus, It's cheap as dirt.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/i...ges/BLPF18.jpg
http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/F...ts-P44C85.aspx

Does anyone have any experience with this piece of kit, or the retailer? I'd love to hear about it from someone who's spent some time in one, firsthand, who can elaborate on their personal PROs and CONs.

Holy cow... exactly what i was looking for... and dirt cheap! O_O!!!!

It's a great Plate carrier !

I'm actually using the 204 tactical FAPC, but it's basicly the same.

it's not as lite as a tacticcal vest but it's definetly not as builky as a ciras or a RAV. Specialy if your using singel mag pouches.

I worn it over 12 skirmish, games, and milsim and i must say it did protect me from some bloody hit. in CQB it's a deram to wear (protection and mouvement)

I have to say that it get sometimes heavy but never inconfortable.

Here's what i'm brigning

8 to 12 mags (depending if i use the m4 or the mp5)
flashlight
2 pistol mags
water bladder
utility pouche

The look is still pretty unique.

Here's some pics

i'm on the right side
http://www.saguenayairsoft.com/Album.../target16.html

in it's bulkyer configuration

http://img520.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vestebt9.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?i...estedossa9.jpg

If you want some more details pics or if you have some specific questions i'll try to answer it !

I don't know about the product but I had a very bad experience with Battlelab :( lost around $150 in shipping, handling ... and nothing I could do ...

I've purchased from Diamondback before when they were clearing out their Paraclete and BHI stuff. Good service and were willing to ship via USPS on request to make it more affordable vs the big brown truck default option on their web site. Had to call to get this option though.

Don't know about this specific piece of gear though as I haven't tried it.

Care to elaborate? Did you get burned on the shipping/postage, or was the gear crap? There's a huge difference. Shipping costs and brokerage are irrelevent to me - I buy the best, but I expect to pay for it through the nose, too, even though I look for deals like any sane person.

call ahead an insure that they have the item. there's been a few people that have waited for months before they recieved an item.
will they even ship this item out to canada? I know that there is a few things that they will not ship to Canada (okay well export I suppose I should say)
you'd think that the ciras would be bulky, but really it's not that bad at all. just makes it that much more comfortable really. it's when you add the ballistic shoulder pads, groin protector, and neck adaptor that it starts to get a little more akward.

the gear is ok (lower quality than Blackhawk IMO) my pb was I ordered a bunch of gear online, they charge my VISA, then call me to tell me that some products were out of stock, charge back my VISA, but too much, so charge again and then again another product was out of stock :mad: same process again.
A month and half later I received my order (at least what was in stock) and lost more than $150 in transactions. Call them, no explaination...so now I deal with Farmboy for gear :D

lol I was looking at that vest today before I even saw the thread...
Thinking a nice alternative to the Crye Multicam vest for when I eventually get my set of MC...since the CP vests are almost impossible to get.

Morb stated that they no longer ship to Canada and the website tells you different things depending on where you are on it (One sections says some items it will not ship, and when doing the checkout it states no international without AFO/APO address). I have a call into them today since they had yet to open when I just called (damned Mountain time!). Once I get the official word on being able to receive products from Diamond Tactical I'll post here.


I'd go with the 204 if it was offered in Crye MC. However I would like to have the whole thing in Crye and thus stuck with a US retailer.

You have to call em or email to make an order to Canada..I just recently ordered some stuff from them.

I called them last week, and much to my surprise, they said they would ship it to me with IIIa soft armor.

I am going request USPS....

your shitting me? with the 3A? hmmm...:D

Guess it depends on who you speak to down there. I called about 6 months ago and they told me they no longer shipped to Canada. Period.

Are you saying i look fat in my Ciras....:D
What ever works for yeah. I see what you mean though. It does seem to be a bit smaller