Combat shirts: any practical value if not using IBA?

[Buncheong]

I confess to an interest in gear that was not issued when I was in, combat shirts being one of these.

But I don’t wear (or own) body armor - is there any practical value to owning one? A solid color Crye G3 combat shirt would look cool AF but a justifiable use for it would motivate me to disregard price tags and forgo frugality.

Thanks for any input.

[okie]

Sounds like an excellent reason to get armor if you ask me. I mean, that would nip your whole quandary right in the bud. I get that it's expensive, but I'm assuming that's probably not a deterrent to you since you're contemplating getting a Crye shirt.

[Arik]

That's the only way to wear body armor?

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

[Lowdown3]

For the price of the CRY (your wallet will be) combat shirt you could buy a quarter zip issue Massif combat shirt and probably also a nice plate carrier.

[AndyLate]

I have one in multicam a buddy gave me when he came back from AFG. I would say there is no value to them unless you are wearing a vest over them. I wore mine once before I outgrew it in the horizontal direction.

Andy

[ST911]

But I don’t wear (or own) body armor - is there any practical value to owning one?

Nope.

[Buncheong]

Thanks for the replies, Gentlemen. I appreciate your time and viewpoints.

Perhaps a better question would have been whether or not to get IBA. I’ve always figured having never trained with it when I was young, and now being middle-aged/heading toward oldster, I prolly should not get it.

[Boy Scout]

Sounds like an excellent reason to get armor if you ask me. I mean, that would nip your whole quandary right in the bud. I get that it's expensive, but I'm assuming that's probably not a deterrent to you since you're contemplating getting a Crye shirt.

LOL, agreed. If you’re an outdoorsy person, they are pretty good in the bush for cooler weather. The sleeves are tougher than the body which usually doesn’t get snagged but breathes better.

Heck, if anyone wants a combat shirt for no other reason than just to have one, just go buy a cheapie on eBay and try it out. They’re at least worth a laugh on the range with some of the patterns...

[okie]

Thanks for the replies, Gentlemen. I appreciate your time and viewpoints.

Perhaps a better question would have been whether or not to get IBA. I’ve always figured having never trained with it when I was young, and now being middle-aged/heading toward oldster, I prolly should not get it.

Get a Crye LV MBAV with soft armor inserts, both available from OP Tactical. It's like wearing nothing at all, and you can add SAPI plates later if you want, put a chest rig on it, etc.

[M1ashooter]

I'm a portly 64 year old and have body armor. I figure why not. The cops have it so why shouldn't I have it! It like insurance, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

[markm]

LOL, agreed. If you’re an outdoorsy person, they are pretty good in the bush for cooler weather. The sleeves are tougher than the body which usually doesn’t get snagged but breathes better.

This. I don't know the ins and outs of what Crye is and all that stuff. I grabbed a Propper "combat shirt" and pants in on of the alternative camo patterns. (I forget which one). It works good for hunting and outdoors stuff in mild to warm weather.

The heavier sleeves with zipper pockets are handy out in the sticks for carrying gloves, phone, etc.

[officerX]

I confess to an interest in gear that was not issued when I was in, combat shirts being one of these.

But I don’t wear (or own) body armor - is there any practical value to owning one? A solid color Crye G3 combat shirt would look cool AF but a justifiable use for it would motivate me to disregard price tags and forgo frugality.

Thanks for any input.

What can it do for $175 that this one can't do for $50?? T.R.U.® 1/4 ZIP COMBAT SHIRT (https://www.truspec.com/uniforms/combat-shirts/tru-14-zip-combat-shirt)

[Alex V]

I have a Proper, 5.11 and Crye combat shirts. The fit and finish of the Crye is better than the 5.11 and immeasurably better than Proper. I think you do get what you paid for, like anything else.

Flannel daddy has a good review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ9U4Rpfn8g

There are plenty of ways to wear body armor and it depends on the temperature. I've worn it in classes over insulated base layers in the cold and I really like the Velocity rugby polos in the heat.


For the price of the CRY (your wallet will be) combat shirt you could buy a quarter zip issue Massif combat shirt and probably also a nice plate carrier.

the Massif 1/4 zip is $220, the Crye G4 is $185. Where are you finding Massif 1/4 zips for like $30?

https://tacticalgear.com/massif-advanced-1-4-zip-combat-shirt-ocp?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=bingads&hp=y&pa=428809534827181&msclkid=a0ff641ccaf91ba11d0304361867771c&utm_content=massif#/24026/22644,22429/1&dl=b

https://cryeprecision.com/ProductDetail/aprcsw02lgr_g4-combat-shirt

[ViniVidivici]

OP, maybe it's time to consider furthering your evolution and get armored up. Not a bad thing.

Me, I have zero use for an ACS when not using armor.

[Buncheong]

OP, maybe it's time to consider furthering your evolution and get armored up. Not a bad thing.

Me, I have zero use for an ACS when not using armor.

You guys are persuading me, I confess ...

[Buncheong]

I'm a portly 64 year old and have body armor. I figure why not. The cops have it so why shouldn't I have it! It like insurance, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

You, Sir, are an inspiration to me. I appreciate the post, bigly.

[Lowdown3]

I have a Proper, 5.11 and Crye combat shirts. The fit and finish of the Crye is better than the 5.11 and immeasurably better than Proper. I think you do get what you paid for, like anything else.

Flannel daddy has a good review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ9U4Rpfn8g

There are plenty of ways to wear body armor and it depends on the temperature. I've worn it in classes over insulated base layers in the cold and I really like the Velocity rugby polos in the heat.



the Massif 1/4 zip is $220, the Crye G4 is $185. Where are you finding Massif 1/4 zips for like $30?

https://tacticalgear.com/massif-advanced-1-4-zip-combat-shirt-ocp?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=bingads&hp=y&pa=428809534827181&msclkid=a0ff641ccaf91ba11d0304361867771c&utm_content=massif#/24026/22644,22429/1&dl=b

https://cryeprecision.com/ProductDetail/aprcsw02lgr_g4-combat-shirt


I would check Ebay, over $200. for a Massif shirt is more than a little high.

Bought new ones at surplus stores for $50. or less, used ones for less than that, got to look around.

[GTF425]

I couldn't get longer than 3 months out of the issued Massif's before tearing holes across the upper back/shoulders. Plus they smell like a cat pissed on a pretzel. The forearms are way too tight and if you were issued them like I was in the pre-zipper collar days, you probably both cut the sleeves off and cut the collar to help them be somewhat comfortable.

My currently issued Crye uniforms have all held up well and are very comfortable, particularly the combat pants. I would not pay retail for either of them, but you can get the shirts on the used market for $100-$125 in the common sizes like M-R. How much it's worth is up to how frequently you wear them. I serve a lot of warrants in the summer so I appreciate having the combat shirts.

If I had to buy my own combat shirt, I would get one of the 1/4 zip Tru Spec ones. They're very cost-effective and comfortable. I have one in woodland that I picked up on a whim for like $60, and it's easily on par with the Crye in terms of quality and comfort.

[Lowdown3]

I couldn't get longer than 3 months out of the issued Massif's before tearing holes across the upper back/shoulders. Plus they smell like a cat pissed on a pretzel. The forearms are way too tight and if you were issued them like I was in the pre-zipper collar days, you probably both cut the sleeves off and cut the collar to help them be somewhat comfortable.

My currently issued Crye uniforms have all held up well and are very comfortable, particularly the combat pants. I would not pay retail for either of them, but you can get the shirts on the used market for $100-$125 in the common sizes like M-R. How much it's worth is up to how frequently you wear them. I serve a lot of warrants in the summer so I appreciate having the combat shirts.

If I had to buy my own combat shirt, I would get one of the 1/4 zip Tru Spec ones. They're very cost-effective and comfortable. I have one in woodland that I picked up on a whim for like $60, and it's easily on par with the Crye in terms of quality and comfort.


I've tried to phase out all the old ones (pre-collar) from our gear. My son likes them and hangs on to them- holes and all... I told him he can't be a tactical hobo LMAO.

Honestly the Condor knockoff quarter zip short sleeve shirt is pretty comfortable, it's right there with the issue one IMO. Under a plate carrier in 3 seasons it's really comfortable.

[GTF425]

I told him he can't be a tactical hobo LMAO.

Hahahaha. Stolen.

[ViniVidivici]

You guys are persuading me, I confess ...

And see, here's the thinking:

Most situations you can envision that would have you bringing a rifle, extra mags and IFAK to the table......are situations where you'd want your soft parts covered as well.

[BoringGuy45]

I have a Velocity Scarab. I figure, for my shirt, I can wear a green t-shirt and look like SF, or a flannel and look like CIA SOG. Either way, I can look like a badass mofo and I don't have to drop $200 on a combat shirt that makes me look like a dork if I wear it without the armor ;)

[Esq.]

I've bought quite a few from Botach on close out for very little money. Most of mine are Tru Spec. They are fairly comfortable and practical shirts honestly and under a carrier make life a little easier.

Generally, I don't worry much about what other men wear. Maybe that makes ME odd but I've never thought so........Just saying....

[TehLlama]

They are a proper accessory for armor, and otherwise only situationally useful (e.g. running with a weight vest, etc.). Plenty of people spend way more on dumber stuff with less utility, but even with three PC's ready to go, I haven't bothered snagging one since turning in my old FROG stuff