Drop down danglers

[NothingClever]

Hey guys. I'm been toying with the notion of putting a drop down pack on my PC. I've been hearing that it is starting to(maybe a while) is coming in favor of some cool guy groups

So I ordered the TT drop down. I want to put my IFAK in it so I have instant access to it. Plus I want it off my PC. I'm not in a position where I'll be kicking doors for hours straight so I don't need the IFAK as an arm rest lol.

But for those who run one, do they swing back and for a lot when you maneuver? And when you go prone does it swing out and bunch up under you?

It seems like it might.

Basically I want to know if it's a good move or if I just wasted $40.

[D_M]

I can't speak for the TT pouch, but I have a Spiritus Systems SACK and it doesn't swing forward.

[ExplorinInTheWoods]

I'm not a fan of danglers. If you're going to do one make it small, it's when you're in the prone they don't let you get as low to the ground.

[drtywk]

I run one on multiple setups and have no issues with them flopping. If you are wearing your armor correctly, it is a non issue. Also, don't over pack them, they are designed to carry the bare minimum. I run a small IFAK or Survival/E&E/signal kit in mine. IMHO, the TT and Ferro pouches are too big. TYR and Spiritus are nice. You can also modify a horizontal GP pouch from First Spear, Eagle, TAG, TT, TYR, etc to work with some Velcro One-Wrap and some 1" plastic loops. kind of like this TYR setup: http://www.tyrtactical.com/_ui/images/products/GPSPM_0096.jpg

[contax_shooter]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3716/33245219056_67f99bfeed_b.jpg

My PC basically serves as a weighted vest when I run the track. The SACK is usually loaded with my wallet, iPhone 6s and car keys. I certainly flops against my belly but nothing unbearable.

[Arch]

I've seen some pictures of HSLD guys wearing them, but from my limited non-military/non-LEO experience anything below the waist line is a nut-buster. I've not used a dangler, but did try a f*$ bag (fanny pack) in conjunction with a PC. I probably had it overloaded, but it was uncomfortable.

Why not just mount a tear-off IFAK on your PC?

Full Disclosure: I'm just a guy that likes to shoot a lot, and often wears gear while doing it. As such, my gear doesn't have any real purpose outside of those I've made up. Therefore, I have the luxury of selecting where and what I put on my battle belt and PC (i.e. I don't have communications equipment, etc to contend with).

Short story: listen to someone with real experience...not me.

[_Shay_]

I used one on my work PC for a while. I liked being able to reach it with both hands, and it kept me from having a bulky ass pouch on the side of my armor.

Personally, I like it. It's not for everyone, but I could live with the trade offs, such as it flopping around.

[tsalagi88]

I can't speak for everyone, but I can say that in my experience I haven't had any issues going prone with my setup. I use a ferro dangler and I have it mounted high enough so that the top of the dangler hits the bottom of my plate carrier when I lean forward. The way I have my dangler packed the top surface of it is relatively flat and rigid so that if I'm leaning forward or about to go prone it wont fall away from my stomach because it's a flat surface (the top of my dangler) butting up against another flat surface (the bottom of my PC) if/when gravity pulls it. And it is about the same thickness as the my PC and the magazines attached to the front so it's not sticking way far out in front of everything. I figure as long as you're meticulous in the way you pack it, you should be good to go. As for the flopping...it happens, but it isn't bad enough to make me wanna ditch this setup.

[Hojo15]

I got one from Chase Tactical. About 8" wide and 5" or 6" tall. What I like about this is they have a level IIIA SA3100 insert thay can be added to provied lower abdominal coverage.

[drummerdude1188]

Use a Spiritus SACK on my work setup (LE) and haven't had any issues with prone or flopping around. Have it set up as a med kit with TQs and med stuff. I have a ferro one too and the Spiritus is a superior product hands down.

[Jellybean]

If the pouch you bought is the TT "Plate Carrier Lower Accessory Pouch" I suspect you may see a little more sway/flop-forward than average due to the pouch simply being velcro'd through those plastic slot bars. You'll have to put whatever you plan to in it and run around to be sure.

If it flops to much for your liking, send it back and get a SS SACK. It's pretty much the same size as the Haley hanger, just executed better, IMO. And if neither works for you, than likely nothing else will.

Personally, I also find top-opening pouches easier to get stuff out of than front-openers like the TT and Ferro items- stuff always gets caught up in the corners trying to get it out, harder to reach into, especially if wearing gloves. YMMV.
Something to remember, especially if worn ICW a plate carrier with mags on the front, between the plate + mag thickness, you probably will not be able to see well (if at all) into the pouch looking down on it. So if you're one of those organization freaks with your med kit (or anything else you put in there), you're pretty much going to be grabbing blind at it all.... IMHO, if I was using a dangler as an IFAK, I'd put all the supplies in some sort of easily opened plastic bag, and stuff the whole thing in there, so I could simply unzip the dangler, seize whatever my hand found and yank the whole thing out in one shot.

Obviously, do not load it up with batteries, flashlight, multi, or whatever other extras you want- I'd say 2 lbs or less would be max for comfortable wear. I mean, sure you could fill it up with whatever in an emergencey, but the heavier or the more "hard" objects you stick in there, there more noticeable the flop will be, and the more it's going to suck to lay prone on.

As far as danglers for IFAK use, I've seen a couple folks running the Mayflower/Velocity LVBOK like this, but I'm not sure if they had it custom built to be a dangler, or DIY'd it. Cool concept for thought though...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd_kwQNUIAADJNz.jpg

You could alternatively try a Manly Fanny Pouch :laugh: but like ARCH mentioned, if you run it front, it can potentially slap you around a bit. Running it off to one side or rear would be better, but I can also assure you that if the minimal flop of a dangler annoys you, the more pronounced flop of the tac-fanny will irk you even more. The one big plus this does have, is you can take it off- easier to access supplies, or throw it over the top of your pack as a quick-detach go-bag. So, depending on your usage needs, you don't *have* to wear it for long periods of time. YMMV.

I'm currently using a SS SACK, and I quite like it, but I just use it as a light "extras" GP, not an IFAK.