Ferro has to know the number of people subscribed to each item. Wish they would just discontinue the regular slickster for the molle version, seems stupid to not simplify production. Armor and NVG was the hole in my preparedness. Guess ill limp along with my crappy LA police gear Atlas for now. Not like im gonna duck tape some L210s to myself.
@@almostontimehero5415 I have a glock 48 10 rounder, and 50 rounds of defense ammo. I’m fucked. Money is tight as hell, but a rifle and optic is for sure my next purchase
Short suggestion for anyone putting together a load bearing vest or plate carrier - if you have a utility pouch or oversized med pouch, stuff an xl emergency poncho in there. It adds a negligible amount of weight to your loadout and you won't use it often, but if you ever get stuck in rain you'll be thrilled to have it (along with a bunch of applications in an actual emergency).
@@Hoplopfheil that's pretty close to my setup. I have a mylar blanket in my med kit and keep an orange emergency poncho in a ziplock sandwich bag under the hydration pack bladder.
Honestly, for me, a ton of this stuff is out of my budget or not relevant to me but there's just something about these videos that I love. Hop, you're probably my favorite "guntuber" or whatever. I always watch your videos no matter what it's about and as much as I like James at TFB, I see a video and hope that you're the one doing it on that channel. Keep it up. Also, I miss that cool flectarn camo.
Regarding the slick back panel, I had a similar regret and almost started a similar journey as you did in trying to adapt a hydration pouch to work. However, I stumbled upon Whiskey Two Four. They seem to specialize in paintball kit, but among their various woodsball doodads I found accessories for various plate carriers, including the Ferro Slickster. They make two "sleeves" for the rear plate bag, one that features a 2L hydro pouch, and one that's all molle. I ordered one on a whim, and now my Slickster is wearing and ATS Antidote. Worth looking into if someone doesn;t want to buy a whole new carrier
Ranger Green ktar AND mini dangler? you basically have unicorns part of your kit, with how unobtainium those are nowadays. edit: AND those shoulder pads, someone's been doing some serious digging around for this gear
Amen. I've been looking for shoulder pads for TWO years and have never once seen them in stock. Ever. I just ended up getting a coyote Slickster and rattle canned it green. Best decision I ever made--although a better one would have been to just get the green boy. Dang airsoft kids have them, yet people that need/want them for practical use can't get 'em at all.
@@AngryB4ker Strange, I have a RG Slickster in MED with molle back that no one seems to want. Been trying to move it in a few different pages, might just end up keeping it if I can ever get the RG KTAR adapt panel back in stock.
@@willjenningsfly Possibly bad timing as of this month; Ferro actually just restocked almost all of their Molle back panel Slicksters. I'm sure you'll be able to get a snag on it in another month or two when the hype reaches its normal levels. Hop's prediction came true lol
I think the slickster is best suited for two things: LEOs who already have 95% of their gear on their belt, or guys who just want a PC that they can mount rifle mags to. If you're trying to attach mags, comms, first aid, hydration, and then some, it just won't work.
Yes! My first plate carrier purchase was a cheap shellback plate carrier + plate combo I found on Reddit r/gun deals for $300 total, but it came with lvl 4 plates. Then I upgraded to the Agilite k19. I have stuffed it with 8 fully loaded ak mags in the backpack (amap 3) and there is still room in the back pack to throw an entire 6 pack on top of that in there. Agilite makes great fucking kit!!! However remember those shellback lvl 4 plates I mentioned earlier? Yes, they’re too tight, they’re so tight, one edge of the inside of the Agilite k19 has slightly frayed. But that ain’t shit fr.
@@steviewonder402 Agilite had some issues with some of the early line k19's plate bag sizing. had to cut some unnecessary stitching in the mouth to get my poly's to fit. they have since fixed that with newer line carriers.
MPEC is the best carry I have ever used, Jesse and Tim at Defense Mechanisms are great dudes. If you ever get to train with them I highly recommend it.
Just a tip to any die hard fans of the slickster that need a scaleable back panel; Whiskey Two Four makes both a laser cut molle adapter, and a hydration carrier that attach over the rear plate bag.
That’s exactly the transition I made. I originally got the Slickster because everyone talked it up, only to be dissatisfied with the lack of features. I’ve been running the MEPC for a while now. No regrets. It’s the Slickster perfected.
Love my MEPC, switched from a Slickster because the MEPC has more capability out of the box and they don’t charge extra for molle rear bags when you order👀
@@Hoplopfheil I ordered their multi cell cummberbund with quick release and took them 3 weeks to make it and ship. All stitching and craftsmanship is excellent on it. Currently have it on my old Condor MOPC till the APTUM arrives. Hopefully all goes well.
@@Hoplopfheil Just got the APTUM in. Took 3 weeks total. Took them only 3 weeks to make and send me the cummberbund I ordered previously as well. Far as I can tell on the stitching and material, it's well made. Made as good as my Ferro Slickster was.
Man ferro had plenty of molle rear plate bags in stock and on sale for $47 (I believe) back in Dec/Jan. They were the large ones, but they still work fine with the medium front bag and hescos.
I added a templar gear ROC buckles cummerbund to mine, pretty much the same as the normal slickster elastic cummerbund with mag pouches but with ROC buckles in the front. Also allowed me to hold the foldable antenna of my radio using a relocation kit since it has a smaller elastic pouch in the back of the cummie. i have the cable of my shoulder mic coming from the back through the shoulder too then i can connect my headset to it. I do plan on getting a second PC that's more "overt" with lvl4 plates tho. I have L210s in my slickster and i like it being relatively basic and thin so i can wear a backpack over it or concealed under a jacket when i remove the front flap holding my mags. Pretty disapointing of Ferro to not sell the molle back pannel by itself anymore. The MEPC looks like a great alternative to the slickster with more features.
You should just get the other carrier that Ferro Concepts offers FCPC V5. It’s in stock and it’s sounds like you’ll get the features you were wanting out of the slickester. It’s still a pretty “slick” carrier too.
Ferro has been having some QC issues, so I wouldn't recommend their stuff until they get that fixed, on top of that, most of their stuff is typically a tad gimmicky. Problem with the FCPC is that it's pricey, most people looking to buy a slickster are typically budget minded buyers(typically they want a plate carrier, but don't have alot of money for one). My usual recommendation is just save up a bit more for a jpc 1, or an spc, other options are out there as well.
I have 2 ferro slickster with the spiritus mk4 chest rig and I upgraded to the assault cummerbunds and I have the adapt back panel banger. Highly recommend the assault cummerbunds if you weren't switching. Also whiskey tango four makes a molle back for slicksters
When staging your TQ, don't cover the windless rod with the time label hook and loop. leave the rod exposed so you can quickly turn and tuck it when applying. With massive hemorrhaging, fine motor skills go out the window, the less you have to mess with the better.
Yeah, plenty of other things to slow down tq application. So why add another? Stage your tq correctly. You’d be surprised how fast the loss of blood will effect you.
Lol I remember asking Ferro Concepts during one of their Q&A’s on Instagram about restocking the molle back panel and they answered how they only sell the front and rear molle plate bag combo only and that was probably 5-6 months ago
Probably too late, but wtf idea has a panel specifically designed to work over the slickster that will give you laser cut molle on the back panel. It also covers the back strap velcro which helps.
And that's a good thing. You don't need pouches and bags and flaps you won't use or fit what you want. Plate carrier for armor and essentials. Camping back pack for food, water, sleeping bag etc. My carrier is simple and my camping backpack has enough supplies for two weeks.
Since I couldn't find molle rear plate pockets without spending tons and tons of money, I just made some small molle sized cuts and used a lighter to seal the edges to prevent possible fraying. Molle velcro attached to the bottom half of a minimap pack fits over the cummerbund, and the other half of the pack is attached via the "molle" cuts. Structurally still sound and I'm not worried about anything ripping or tearing at all. Used it in casualty drag scenarios and some other things that stress the carrier. Works very well.
The slickerster is good for a “keep in your trunk” light duty carrier I went with the Shellback Rampage, I live on a farm in the middle of the National forest, so I have more 1-2 day patrol type things in mind for *insert whatever scenario. Got to love it, better then anthing I had in the Army and is really good at weight distribution with a battle load, radio, IFAk. The cumber bund has mag options if you don’t like stuff all over your check bulk wise.
I love my mepc. Have you tried the Arbor arms Jedburg or one of the nut rucks as an alternative to the ferro dangler? My nut ruck rides pretty good under the cummerbund velcro.
Good analysis. I just ordered a MEPC as well. I’d appreciate hearing how your plates fit into it when you have a chance to post a video on it. I noticed you went with the 5” mesh cummerbund. They make an elastic Quad mag cummerbund Very similar to what you were using on your slickster. Any particular reason you went with a different design in that department?
I've been really happy with UARMs RPC. Very modular. Not cheap though. I bought every piece for it so far, including their lvl3+ UHMWPE "stand alone" plates. I'm in about 2.5k so far. Super durable. (By "every piece" I mean every armor and comfort component, not mag carriers or med pouches and the like. Their pouches/carriers are a bit pricey for me. I'm looking for domestic alternatives).
@@Callsign_Ewok Beez makes one, you can get a MEPC with an elastic cummerbund and slick rear panel, Whiskey Two Four makes a lowpro carrier, and there's the T-Rex AC-1.
@@Hoplopfheil in Canada choices are a little limited on what you can get. Also the Perroz are about the same price as the Ferro and I like to support Canadian businesses which both are.
If you are in the market for a carrier in between the "slick" stuff and more featured, scalable carriers, I highly recommend the Ferro FCPC. I originally ran a Shellback Banshee Elite 3.0 or whatever, the USA-made one. It's also a fantastic carrier but is more of a full-featured, battle ready carrier and it can be extremely bulky, even by itself, before you start attaching stuff to it. On another note, I think people tend to put entirely too much crap on their carriers. In reality, your carrier should be as slick as possible while still fitting into your mission set. For a civilian, honestly, this means there should only be a few critical items mounted. You should also have some sort of a scalable belt, a la the Ferro Bison Belt, my personal favorite. Civilians often think the military guys are humping every possible piece of gear to be ready for every possible mission/situation they will find themselves in. Again, this just isn't true. Ask any guy who humps around for a living and they will 99% of the time tell you they try to minimize what they carry, down to the bare necessities, when possible. In terms of my opinions on Ferro in general, I agree with you Hop. Their stock system sucks and the whole philosophy on "drops" pisses me off to no end. While there may be a path for users to acquire their gear if they are .gov/.mil/in critical duty need, if you fall between the airsoft kiddies and the serious users, you're kinda screwed. It doesn't help that tactical gear is in vogue and nearly every airsofter is buying this shit up so they can look cool out on the field.
Comms, ammo, med, and water isn't remotely close to too much crap. That is almost bare necessity. Even then you're still missing paper, pen, map, gps/compass, spare batteries, cleaning kit, and possibly spare small parts for your rifle. Even in direct action environments where a plate carrier is required you need to be able to sustain yourself to a certain degree without worrying about when the next resupply is.
@@skullofserpent5727 yes and no. All of the items I mentioned can be carried on your person between a PC and a belt. An assault pack would carry more mission specific items and sustainment for a 24+ hour period. I was speaking more of the PC by itself since the OP believes too many "civilians" carry too much crap. Most common sense setups I see, including Hop's have ammo, comms and water.
@@Ty-sq7yi yes. That's what i meant. Essential stuff plus food for couple days, maybe poncho and similar. Best way to determine what u need is to wear that PC for couple of days and write down what he needed and didn't have on hand.
Lately I have been leaning _hard_ towards the Velocity Systems Modular SCARAB Model SC7. It has the SCARAB LE front with the LT back, SCARAB Cummerbund and Quarter Side Flaps. For some odd reason, I still have not squeezed the trigger on this purchase. I have been in contact with a Mr. John Hollida over at Velocity Systems in regards to fitment and other crucial details that are required before purchasing. However, I currently have two legitimate PCs for both my wife and I so we are in no hurry at the moment. Although, my wife makes a good point. With everyone/everything experiencing ridiculous lead times on a plethora of products; she suggests that I place the order now that way it comes as a pleasant surprise once delivery occurs approximately 4-6 weeks later. Any thoughts or opinions on the Velocity Systems Plate Carriers? Stay classy my friend.
The Slickster can definitely be made into a capable carrier, albeit far more expensive than most because you have to buy everything extra. I’m running mine with a defense mechanism molle cummerbund w/ first spear tubes, RDR gear MSP placard with AXL tall half zip, swift clip side buckles, raptor tactical shoulder pads, the molle rear bag with a condor hydration carrier/mini pack, source bladder, Beez combat system baofeng pouch, UV9R, abbree antenna/relocation cable, disco 32 PTT, blue force gear TQ holder, plus a full IFAK in the MSP pouch. TSG level 3 extreme PE plates. Cost a fortune to get it where it is, but it’s now an awesome overt carrier. It definitely makes more sense to just buy something better suited if scaled up is what you want. IMO the best mod for the Slickster is replacing the cummerbund with a molle version and tubes.
i've got the Whiskey Two Four bladder-carrier for my slickster and its been great. it wraps around the rear plate bag and is solid as hell, it won't be going anywhere unless you want it to.
MEPC seems great. Making me question on getting a scarab now. I know they're slightly different but I wish more channels did plate carrier reviews and online is always a bag toss of "I like my *insert PC*" which is often either a slickster or JPC. Ferro with it's terrible restock problem is why I'm probably never going slickster. JPC because of the plate slack (currently running heavy lv 4 hesco plates). Scarab is still my top pick but mepc and k19 are making me question it sometimes.
I watched your video, EOD Fish's video, and some others and ended up going with the FCPC V5 after trying another carrier from a very highly regarded company. I think for scalability the FCPC is the perfected slickster. I like the idea of the Defense Mechanisms one, but I do like Ferro's back panels a little more.
Love it here. I don't rock the same kit y'all rock but 🤷🏼 takes all kinds right? I went safe life lvl4 & long story short like almost all of it. Nothing is perfect & it's all about where you come from and where U are headed. Cheers & thank U for the hard work & dedication.
I'm with you, but it's still nice to see how other folks do things. Tactical is not as much the kit, but how you apply your tools at hand to problem solving. It depends on the needs at the time too. I've got a clip on belt mag holder that holds 2 30's and a tourniquet. Can fit another 30 in my pocket. With the 1 in the gun that's 120 ready to rock. My "hittin the woods" pack beside the bed has a duplicate belt pouch and a pocket spare. My pack weighs less than a lot of folks carriers and I can do an overnight out of it, dig a foxhole, eat a couple meals some of them hot, etc. I do envy the sh*t out of his night vision though. That's on my to-do list for both fun and coyote hunting after dark.
WTF Idea makes a "bra" type adapter for slick carriers to put a molle panel on the rear. Worth checking out IMO. Great video Hop, I've been following your evolution with this rig and your radio routing issues for a while.
Update: I got mine in and it’s freaking awesome! I now have a place to rubber band on my milspec plastics cuffs. Not to mention the elastic loops and velcro ties help with cable/antenna management. I use the left velcro tie and a Ferro PTT retainer to hold my Breachpen. The WTF panel literally solves all Hop’s issues with the Slickster and mine as well. I think it’s better than Ferro’s laser cut panel, in my opinion due to the management loops on the back.
Nice review, Hop. Hey, just a quick tip... I would not run the "time" strap of the tourniquet (tq) over the windlass of the tq. I have always been taught by medical professionals who are smarter than me to stage the tq with the time strap fastened to the hook velcro so the windlass has room to sit in between the plastic piece. Hard to explain here... just something to look into, and when you train with tq, you'll see what I'm talking about.
For me, my only issue with most carrier rigs is the fact so many people seem to think they’re super high speed carrying only 2 mags and a fuckin granola bar, and thinks that’s enough. I’m not, I want 6 mags on my rig. And if I want to have 8-12 total, put some on a battle belt. That’s just my 2 cents.
Just leaving this here for anyone who might need it. Whiskey Two Four sells a plate bag "sleeve" that goes over the rear plate bag and gives you full molle capabilities, and it's cheaper than a new carrier.
Hop, If you're looking to sell your slickster, I am very interested! Ive been wanting one for so long but I always am broke when they are in stock. But I just graduated college and have money burning a hole in my pocket!
