L.B.B.
* Due to requests, we are offering the LBB in a set of 2x instead of the standard 4x. However, if your combat load is greater than 50lbs, we highly recommend that you buy all 4x brackets to distribute the load evenly around your hips.
*Patent Pending
Why we invented it:
If you've ever worn a full combat load for a patrol, on post, or during a field exercise you'll understand how sore the muscles in your neck and shoulders get as well as the back pains your gear causes. Do it for long enough and you'll have the same back problems most of us have. We invented the LBB to protect your back and spine from injury and to counter the fatigue in your neck and shoulders that degrades alertness and combat effectiveness.
Problems it was designed to solve:
Problem #1
Back pain is the #1 complaint "in garrison" by military personnel according to a medical study done by John Hopkins and Walter Reed (Nov 2011). This is due to a combination of factors: the weight of our combat loads/packs and the shock our spines take during field exercises and combat operations. Of course, as veterans, we didn't need a study to tell us that.
Our Solution
The LBB transfers the weight of your combat load onto your hips and legs, protecting your back and spine.
*If you already suffer from back pain or injuries due to your gear see our injury rehabilitation forum to understand the injury and rehabilitation tips from our expert.
Problem #2
The weight of our combat load starts to tire out the muscles in our neck, shoulders, and back. This fatigue becomes a distraction that hinders alertness and degrades combat effectiveness while on post or patrol.
Our Solution
Because our legs are anatomically designed by nature to take more weight and shock, the LBB shifts the weight to your legs, through your hips. This is similar to how a waist strap on a hiking pack transfers the weight to a hiker's legs, allowing them to carry a heavier load and not fatigue as quickly.
Problem #3
We don't want you to move your gear (mag pouches, grenade pouches, first aid kit, etc.) because it affects combat efficiency.
Our Solution
The LBB is modular and can be moved around existing equipment. We have also added PALS (aka MOLLE) attachment points so that it can go under your existing gear.
Problem #4
We want it to be usable regardless of what kind of issued body armor you get.
Our Solution
The LBB is designed to work with body armor that have PALS attachment points. So whether you have a MTV, Plate Carrier, IOTV, etc. the LBB will work with it.
Problem #5
The weight of our combat load is on our chest, not our back.
Our Solution
The LBB comes with four brackets, two up front and two in the back. This evenly distributes the weight.
Problem #6
Our gear is heavy enough, I don’t want new gear to add more weight.
Our Solution
The total weight of the LBB is 15 oz.
Problem #7
Medics need to remove your body armor quickly in case of injury.
Our Solution
We use Velcro closures in the LBB so that it is easily removable in medical situations.
We get a lot of "junk" with the products we buy (e.g. manuals, shipping foam, etc). Some of it is required by law and some of it is needed so that your product gets to you in good condition. But there isn't any reason why these things can't be designed to meet other needs we face in the field.
The Instructions
Normally, instructions are printed on paper and thrown out right after the customer assembles the product.
Our Solution
We printed the instructions on a bandanna so that it can be used as a sweat rag, chafe guard around our necks, weapons cleaning rag, etc.
The Box
What else can the box be used for after you open the product? Many of us use MRE boxes as a writing surface, for frag orders, markers, signs, etc., but they warp and fall apart when wet.
Our Solution
We added a water-proof coating to the inside layer of the box so that it can be used as a writing surface. If you don't want the thickness of cardboard, you can soak it in water and the water-proof surface will peel off -- allowing you to use it like paper.
*If you are only using 2x brackets (instead of 4x), the attachment instructions below are the same, but see images (below the instruction images) about recommended placement location.
Web Belt Instructions
*click on thumbnails for each step of the instructions*
Battle Belt Instructions
*click on thumbnails for each step of the instructions*
Placement Instructions for 2x LBBs
*click on thumbnails for more information about placing only 2x LBBs*
Video Instructions for 4x LBBs
LBB How It Works:
1) To protect your spine and
2) Eliminate fatigue in your neck, shoulders, and back
Video Instructions for the LBB
Fitting and user tips:
1) For comfort, place all LBBs over the meaty parts of your hips/waist. On most wearers this is usually near the side seam of their trousers, so the front and rear LBBs will be close together.
2) There is no slack designed in the PALS attachment points on the LBB. This is to stop “gear flop.” The easiest way to mount pouches and equipment on the LBB is to first remove the metal bracket, attach the gear, and re-insert the bracket.
3) During long humps with a 100lbs pack, some users who like to place their rear two LBBs close to the small of their back remove the rear two brackets or remount the LBB more toward the sides of their hips
for comfort.
4) For wearers who are repelling, LAPD SWAT offi cers have found it useful to wrap the LBB sleeve around their repelling harness. This keeps the repel harness from shifting out of place, which had been a problem in the past.
5) Most users (particularly SWAT officers) keep some of the weight on their shoulders for balance when maneuvering (e.g. arrest/take-downs, climbing, crawling, shoot and scoot, etc). Users that do this recommend starting with a 50/50 split. Then adjust as you train to figure out what works best for you.
Reviews
Rating: 5/5
I've been a Marine officer for twelve years, and approximately eight of those
years have been spent in operational units which spend significant time in
the field. I have three combat tours and am preparing for a fourth
currently. I've worn different types of tactical vests (both with
and without armor plates) and I've carried quite a bit of tactical gear.
One consistent problem with all of this gear is the amount of weight
it has placed on my neck and back. Shifting the weight to
my legs via my hips is an ideal solution. The Load Bearing Brackets
(LBBs) have facilitated this solution. Recently, I spent six days in
the field wearing my vest (plate carrier with armor plates) for
about six to nine hours each day. We conducted live-fire
training, patrols, hikes, MOUT training and convoy training. I
attest that the LBBs helped to ease the weight of my
vest. Approximately 60% of the weight of my gear was distributed to
my legs due to the LBB, adding a great deal of comfort and efficiency to my training.
I will use the LBBs during my deployment to Afghanistan, and I anticipate that
the three or four combat patrols/movements I conduct each week will be
measurably improved due to the LBBs.
- Maj McAvoy, 3d Civil Affairs Group
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Rating: 5/5
I've been involved for a number of years now within the tactical community, 4 yrs USMC- 2 yrs in 1st Force Reconnaissance and currently, for the last 12 yrs, assigned to LAPD SWAT. I've constantly struggled with comfort in carrying my tac gear. It was either too heavy, not properly balanced or cumbersome. This caused confusion on what to carry and what to leave behind in order to make my vest tac rig more bearable. As time progressed and collateral duties expanded the need to carry more equipment became necessary. I've experimented with different suspender type systems but still experienced heavy pressure on my upper, lower back and neck. My team leader introduced me to the LBB from Regulation Tactical, designed by a United States Marine. Over the course of six months I've used this system everyday during training which included maritime, climbing, covert and dynamic movement. Additionally, I've worn it on several actual SWAT call-ups, warrant services and long area K-9 searches. What I found is that the design allows the weight from my load bearing vest (MOLLE system) to be evenly distributed over my tac-belt and hips. This removed the weight bearing down on my shoulder/ trap area and reduced pressure on my lower back. The system requires that the belt stay attached to the vest, this prevents the belt from riding too low and actually lifts the belt up. This system will definitely add longevity to my career.
- Officer Sanchez, LAPD SWAT
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The LBB does as advertised. It shifts the weight off my back and onto my hips. I wear it with 30% of the weight on my shoulders and the rest on my hips. Great product.
- Capt Bayer, 15th MEU
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Rating: 5/5
I have been on my department's SWAT team for a little over 4 years. During that short time, my body has felt the effects of carrying heavy loads during training/callouts. Recently I had the opportunity to try the LBB and was extremely pleased with the results! I was able to distribute the weight to both my shoulders and waist, and at the end of the day did not feel any of the shoulder, or back pain I commonly feel after training days.
During the day I constantly changed how the weight was distributed (between my shoulders and waist) to see what worked best for me. I personally prefer a 50/50 split of weight on shoulders and waist. I also had the opportunity to test it during an activation and again, was very pleased with the performance. I would absolutely recommend this product!
After using it, I can't see myself ever going without it!
- Officer Compte, NPPD SWAT
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Rating: 5/5I have done three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and been in the Marine Corps for 11 years. Throughout that time, I have had to wear a vest with heavy loads. These loads constantly put stress on my neck and back. I am a female Marine, with a much smaller frame than the average male Marine. The strain on my back from the constant load was inevitable, however I have recently begun using the LBB. What an amazing difference it makes. It took the load from my back and put it onto my waist. This redistribution of weight made my tactical load so much easier to carry. It also protected my back from any unnecessary harm. Thanks for developing the product. My back thanks you as well.
- Maj Zummo, 11th Marines
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Rating: 5/5
The LBB system lets the operator distribute some of the weight of your tactical vest from your shoulders to your waist. How much weight is up to you and how you set the adjustment. Like many middle aged cops I have lower back problems. The ability to put 40% of the weight, on my waist and off my shoulders helped me immensely. There was a notably difference the day the LBB was attached to my tac vest. I found myself much more comfortable during training and less sore after a full day in gear. I highly recommend this to anyone with "old guy" lower back issues.
- Officer Montero, NPPD SWAT
Reflex Mag Pouch
*Due to demand, we are experiencing a 4-5 week back-order. Order now to reserve your place in line.
Multi-cam will be available in late June. We are also currently working on a Gen II for the Reflex Mag Pouch with features that customers have requested. The Gen II will also be available in late June/early July. More details to follow in the coming weeks.
*Patent Pending
Why we invented it:
The R-Tactical Reflex Mag Pouch was designed to save time during magazine exchanges in tactical situations. One of our frustrations has always been the difficulty and time-consuming nature of re-inserting an empty/half-full mag and pulling a new magazine. Dump pouches are a work around, but it still doesn't exactly solve the problem, and using a dump pouch means more time during exchanges. The R-Tac Reflex Mag Pouch is our solution to this problem.
Problems it was designed to solve:
Problem #1
It is difficult to put an empty/half-full magazine back into a magazine pouch -- it's the reason many of us use dump pouches. There are many reasons why it's difficult, sometimes it's the design of the pouch, sometimes it's the fabric, sometimes the nylon straps are too tight, and sometimes the magazine that is still in the pouch gets in the way.
Our Solution
Our solution is the reflex pressure mechanism that pushes the remaining magazine forward and opens up a slot for your empty magazine to be inserted (see video).
Problem #2
With current magazine pouch designs, it takes time (time we don't have) to exchange magazines. Dump pouches are a work around, but finding your dump pouch, dropping the empty magazine, and reaching for a full magazine require more time than necessary.
Our Solution
Because the Reflex Mag Pouch is designed so that empty magazines can be easily inserted behind the full magazine, an operator can pull a fresh magazine in the same place and same motion as they re-insert used magazines. This saves time because you aren't forced to look down for your dump pouch, bring the empty magazine and drop it in, and then reach for your magazine pouch and the full mag. With the Reflex Mag pouch, it all happens in one place.
Problem #3
Current magazine pouch designs make it difficult to pull magazines because they are either both the same height or there is fabric in the way.
Our Solution
Our solution is to shape the pouch so that the "ready" magazine (outside mag) sits higher than the second magazine. The increased height allows the operator to find the mag easily (even when using tactical gloves) and allows the operator to grip the "ready" mag using the web of his hand and thumb. The pressure mechanism also keeps the remaining magazine away from the body and held in a known position making it easy to find and pull without the need of looking down. These features allow the operator to keep his eyes on the enemy and the environment.
Problem #4
After you pull the first magazine from a double stack magazine pouch the second magazine has the tendency to fall out during dynamic movements (running, jumping, dropping to a prone, take-downs, etc).
Our Solution
The Reflex Pressure Mechanism in the Reflex Mag Pouch holds the second magazine in place during dynamic movements. You can turn the pouch upside down with only a full magazine in it and that magazine will stay in place (see video).
Problem #5
Our current combat/tactical load is already heavy enough (it's why we designed the L.B.B.) and new solutions shouldn't mean more weight.
Our Solution
The average weight of standard magazine pouches is 4.5 oz. The R-Tactical Reflex Mag Pouch weighs 5.5 oz.
Problem #6
When designing the Reflex Mag Pouch one of our priorities is durability. We put our gear through a lot of punishment and it needs to hold up.
Our Solution
The pressure mechanism has no moving mechanical parts so it won't break. It is designed to be rugged, you can stomp on it and it won't affect the mechanism. You can leave your magazine inside the pouch for any entire deployment and it'll still work (see video). The pouch is made from 1000D Cordura Nylon.
The current Reflex Mag Pouch was only designed for 5.56/223.
We are currently working on an AK-47 and 308 version that will be available this summer.
Reflex Mag Pouch Explained
The video below shows what the Reflex Mag Pouch does.
Retention System Demo
Designed to hold magazines, even when there is only one (empty or full), so you don't lose them during dynamic movements (running, climbing, getting to and from prone, take-downs, etc). This video shows the retention system of the Reflex Mag Pouch even with a full magazine.
Function Demo (PMAGs, different placement, different grip)
We understand the importance of muscle memory and gear placement. Regardless of where you place the Reflex Mag Pouch, which way your magazines face, or what grip you use to pull them, the Reflex Mag Pouch was designed so that you can use it where you want.
Durability Demo
The Reflex Mag Pouch was designed for durability in combat conditions. The below video shows us stomping on the Reflex Mag Pouch.
Reflex Mag Pouch Tips
Reflex Mag Pouch FAQs
Q: What size magazines does the Reflex Mag Pouch fit?
A: The current version only fits 5.56 magazines (USGI and MagPul). An AK-47 and 308 version is currently being developed for release this summer.
Q: Will camo colors be available?
A: We are looking at various Camo color options for May 2013. Multi-Cam will definitely be an option.
Q: International Shipping?
A: We are working on international shipping and adding countries as we work through issues. We just added Canada and are currently looking into the UK and Europe. Thank you for your patience.
Rating: 5/5
After seeing this product being demonstrated on Youtube I called Regulation Tactical and chatted with the owner. He took the time to answer my questions about his product and was very helpful. After working extensively throughout the Middle East for the last 15 years and using a variety of mag pouches, Regulation Tactical's product is a refreshing change. Not only that but their customer service is top notch.
Upon receiving my mag pouches, I quickly put them on a variety of kit pieces such as my vests and battle belts. I teach tactical firearms and hand to hand combat classes here in Kansas and so put this gear to the test. After numerous mag changes (very smooth) and falling drills with full-kit on they are still like new (minus the dirt!). Even the flap that pushes the mag next in line wasn't affected. However, I have assurance by Regulation Tactical that it will be replaced for free if I do manage to break it. I haven't been able to try the new AK Mag Pouches yet, but have no doubt when I get my hands on some, they will pass my previous tests.
Jeff D.