by Jewish Ninja » Fri Aug 24, 2012 3:31 am
If you're set on a CIRAS, keep an eye on Ebay. Eagle ones usually go for $250 that are in great condition. They go for a cheap price since they are old hat compared to the new hotness out there. Eagle ones also come in sizes S-XL so look for a small and you're golden.
There's also the BAE RBAV. It's designed by the same chap that did the CIRAS (Matt Johnson) and is basically an updated version of the same thing. Downside of them is even used ones go for about their retail price. There may be a China clone of it, but I haven't seen it. On the plus side, it's designed better and I believe they made it a bit lighter.
Going back in time, there's the DBT Predator carrier. It doesn't have a QR function which is not needed in airsoft. They can be had for around your price range as well ($100-170). It looks more like a Paraclete RAV than a CIRAS but it's still a full coverage carrier.
There's also the Paraclete RAV. Its a very old system that is releasable. You can find the MSA Paraclete one for pretty cheap as that's when the quality took a downturn (I've handled both Pre and Post MSA pouches and there is a difference in terms of the stitching). Finding a Pre MSA one is not easy nor cheap, but it will last forever and hold it's value when you decide to sell it better than others. There's also plenty of China clones of this. Pantac, Flyye and TMC make a clone of it that I know of. I know there are other brands as well, but I don't know their names off the top of my head.
Disclaimer:I've never owned any of the above, but I've done a fair amount of looking on each of them since I've had a chubby for that style of vest forever. I've never bought one since they are on the bigger side and I like my smaller carriers (EPC/ FAPC/Banshee).

Threepeat! AP Gearwhore of the Year.
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