If its Cold War stuff - yes - Modern stuff not so much
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Airsoft Forums UK
Skara
Not looking at building an impressions kit 
I'm more interested in seeing what they use and why
I'm more interested in seeing what they use and why
Shaydee
Yeah those pages are pretty good for that sort of info Shame red-alliance is down at the moment as there's quite a bit on there. They've got an entire thread dedicated to the development history of SSO/SPOSN (the guys who made the smersh and partisan harnesses).
Shame red-alliance is down at the moment as there's quite a bit on there. They've got an entire thread dedicated to the development history of SSO/SPOSN (the guys who made the smersh and partisan harnesses).
Skara
The idea is to build a kit that would be easily recognizable as somewhat Russian, but without falling in the realms of impressions.
Was thinking a suit + smersh (or similar) and that's it.
Was thinking a suit + smersh (or similar) and that's it.
Skara
Leaning towards a simple smersh + *insert pattern here* suit atm
Asomodai
Gorka/Smersh would be my choice. Russian as anything and "could" have been used by multiple units.
Shaydee
I'd recommend one of the SSO Partizan or Sumrak suits personally. I've had a Partisan-M for just shy of 4 years and that's held up well walking through scrub and numerous washes, depending on what the climate is like around you they're also relatively light so not bad in the summer and you can always pack extra layers for warmth if needed in winter time - the M has autumn/summer patterns which are reversible as well 
If you want 'typical' russian patterns that are recognised you'll be looking at SS-Leto, Berezka and SPECTRE in suit form. Gorkas are great also (I have a demiseason suit in blumentarn) but they are mountain suits and can get reaaaal hot dependent on weather conditions.
Oh and have a look for a reseller on one of the facebook groups, usually they can get you the new SSO stuff cheaper than grey shop will sell it. I've got a newer gen smersh hanging around that I've been meaning to sell if that'd take your fancy - not sure what postage would be like though.
If you want 'typical' russian patterns that are recognised you'll be looking at SS-Leto, Berezka and SPECTRE in suit form. Gorkas are great also (I have a demiseason suit in blumentarn) but they are mountain suits and can get reaaaal hot dependent on weather conditions.Oh and have a look for a reseller on one of the facebook groups, usually they can get you the new SSO stuff cheaper than grey shop will sell it. I've got a newer gen smersh hanging around that I've been meaning to sell if that'd take your fancy - not sure what postage would be like though.
Skara
I am a sweaty pig, so a gorka would be of very little use to me.
I will surely buy one at some point for those (very few) game days in sub zero temperatures but for the most part I'll be wearing light and breathable stuff (obligatory sleeveless blue telnyashka). Saw the "recruit" suit on grey shop, I guess it's super flimsy given the €27 price tag.
Patterns: I'm looking at something that works in my area, currently looking at izlom, SS-leto and the green/gold berezka. Still unknown tho.
Rigs: the smersh would be nice, it seems a really simple yet extremely clever rig. Not digging the other rigs, too bulky imo (talking about the RRV style ones). The only other viable one would be the 6sh112 or whatever it's called, but that price tag would put off Elon Musk himself..
I will surely buy one at some point for those (very few) game days in sub zero temperatures but for the most part I'll be wearing light and breathable stuff (obligatory sleeveless blue telnyashka). Saw the "recruit" suit on grey shop, I guess it's super flimsy given the €27 price tag.
Patterns: I'm looking at something that works in my area, currently looking at izlom, SS-leto and the green/gold berezka. Still unknown tho.
Rigs: the smersh would be nice, it seems a really simple yet extremely clever rig. Not digging the other rigs, too bulky imo (talking about the RRV style ones). The only other viable one would be the 6sh112 or whatever it's called, but that price tag would put off Elon Musk himself..
Adolf Hamster
The gorka isnt massively warm on its own, the idea is it's meant to be combined with under-layers.
Smersh is a very convenient rig, hard for mounting pistols (i settled for left shoulder) but otherwise comfortable and spacious
Smersh is a very convenient rig, hard for mounting pistols (i settled for left shoulder) but otherwise comfortable and spacious
Skara
I see a lot of people are hating on the gorka + smersh combo.
No idea why tho ?
No idea why tho ?
GeorgePlaysAirsoft
for impressionists its not really about specific bits of kit but rather the look as a whole. smersh and gorka is the "generic russian" look from maybe about 15 years ago. Also smersh is a good bit of kit for what it is (its a belt kit and has the same advantages and disadvantages as any other) but the new ones look, and by most accounts, are a bit shit - that may not be a big deal for you. But at the end of the day who cares, you can have "kit from russia" without it being "russian kit" if you get me
Skara
What do you mean by "they are shit"?
Shaydee
In comparison to the older generations they're a bit stiffer material wise and the stitching ,etc, isn't as good - it's a 500D sort of nylon-y stuff, as an entry level Russian getup I don't see it as that bad to be honest, though there's certainly better (I spent a bit too much and moved to a partisan harness soon after). I had no issues when I used my newgen at Berget for a long weekend and other game days, a lot of others have no qualms with them either. I think a lot of the 'bad rep' (if you can call it that), comes from people getting a newer gen smersh and a cheapo grey shop gorka and going 'Hey look, I'm FSB now' or 'Check me out I'm Kapkan' and the hardcore guys getting all riled up - typical internet stuff really.
The newer generations aren't really used (they've seen some use in Syria and the like at least from a few reference images I've seen) and they've been overtaken by a lot of other rigs (TT MK2 copies, the 6SH) - though there's a boat load of different kit that has been used by different Russian units over the years.
The newer generations aren't really used (they've seen some use in Syria and the like at least from a few reference images I've seen) and they've been overtaken by a lot of other rigs (TT MK2 copies, the 6SH) - though there's a boat load of different kit that has been used by different Russian units over the years.
GeorgePlaysAirsoft
TLDR: The new smersh is a totally fine belt kit but its not as good as they used to be and thats a shame
Shit was a bit unfair I suppose, it will be fine for airsoft im sure. From what I've read there has been a pretty significant decline in quality in the last decade or so, I can't speak from experience but its a common anecdote. Whilst its not fair to judge a book by its cover you can basically see for yourself, take a look at what is being sold on grey shop or whatever vs the older models from a decade or so ago. Looks pretty different imo (and not in a good way) - alas the price seems to have remained the same! I'll admit to having an older model smersh (though its on permanent loan to a member here!) but i don't have a financial or emotional investment in it!
Shit was a bit unfair I suppose, it will be fine for airsoft im sure. From what I've read there has been a pretty significant decline in quality in the last decade or so, I can't speak from experience but its a common anecdote. Whilst its not fair to judge a book by its cover you can basically see for yourself, take a look at what is being sold on grey shop or whatever vs the older models from a decade or so ago. Looks pretty different imo (and not in a good way) - alas the price seems to have remained the same! I'll admit to having an older model smersh (though its on permanent loan to a member here!) but i don't have a financial or emotional investment in it!
Adolf Hamster
can't say i've had much issue with my gorka/smersh quality wise and they're grey-shop.
of course i suppose it's all relative, some folks consider anything other than hand-stitched by communist era maidens as terrible.
still comfy and still more than good enough for airsoft purposes. the purists would hate me anyway combining digi flora with an olive smersh and then happy to run an m4 with it
of course i suppose it's all relative, some folks consider anything other than hand-stitched by communist era maidens as terrible.
still comfy and still more than good enough for airsoft purposes. the purists would hate me anyway combining digi flora with an olive smersh and then happy to run an m4 with it
Shaydee
@Adolf Hamster, they get some bad rep as they started labelling things as legit and sending out repros from what I can remember, I've certainly had no issues myself. You can get a lot of stuff cheaper from resellers is why I don't go to recommend them for anything other than smaller bits and bobs, though I do like the old add to basket, paypal, done style of shopping!
I forgot the backpack I use with my HPA'd M4 a few games before lockdown and had to use my partisan to hold the tank - a whole other level of heresy
Like you say though it's airsoft and they're a perfectly valid combo, especially for running around in the woods comfortably. Hell it's the reason I stepped up to a more expensive version, because I was satisfied with how the entry level stuff worked and wanted to go even more russkie. It'll end up being the death of my wallet though with the advent of my wanting a VSS and an issued leafy suit - airsoft is a wonderful but cursed hobby when you have no self control on spending
I forgot the backpack I use with my HPA'd M4 a few games before lockdown and had to use my partisan to hold the tank - a whole other level of heresy
Like you say though it's airsoft and they're a perfectly valid combo, especially for running around in the woods comfortably. Hell it's the reason I stepped up to a more expensive version, because I was satisfied with how the entry level stuff worked and wanted to go even more russkie. It'll end up being the death of my wallet though with the advent of my wanting a VSS and an issued leafy suit - airsoft is a wonderful but cursed hobby when you have no self control on spending
Adolf Hamster
they do seem to have a bit of a mix of genuine/repro stuff, not really too fussed. i'm the kinda guy who's happy to run a £14 amazon red dot on an e&l
tbh i like the russian asthetic because it's a bit different to the usual sea of multicam out there, being comfortable and practical is a nice side bonus.
tbh i like the russian asthetic because it's a bit different to the usual sea of multicam out there, being comfortable and practical is a nice side bonus.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/526447614230865
https://www.facebook.com/groups/342974125862243/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/600502416823142/
http://www.red-alliance.net/ is also handy but it appears to be down at the moment.
Few reference galleries I have saved off also.
Some FSB stuff
https://imgur.com/a/8Poih
https://imgur.com/a/uVzVZUm
45th VDV promo/training stuff
https://www.vitalykuzmin.net/Military/45thORP/
Edit: plenty of resellers on those pages as well offering legit kit and mostly lower prices than the generic grey-shop offerings. Majority of stuff on grey-shop is newer gen and not really used anyways.