Hi All
While PBI has a very loose remit towards kit and the normal PBI kit list stands for all airsoft events we have decided to provide a list of recomended kit and sources for two reasons.
Firstly getting our kit from a set number of sources increases overall uniformity and makes us look more authentic but secondly and most importantly we know the listed items to be *good* they may not always be the cheapest but they are correct, well made and value for money.
This guide is really for those diving into British re-enactment and splashing out on kit from scratch.. too many time we've seen folk convinced by somebody trying to offload inappropriate items to the unwary that a certain smock is 'perfect for British airborne' when its not etc.
While this is not exhaustive it covers many of the biggest issues. Also note should you wish to assist in 'PBI in the public eye' events kit from this list is even more important.
Headwear:
While the most desirable helmet is a reproduction para helmet from Pegasus Militaria the majority of the group use RAC armoured crew helmets with the addition of a leather chin strap secured to the liner, chinstraps are available from Soldier of Fortune and will be fitted for you by the group. Another equally suitable alternative is a repro fibreglass shell made by Sgt Heide of PBI.
Berets are best bought from either What Price Glory or Soldier of Fortune.
Clothing:
Denison smocks are best bought from 'Soldier of Fortune', you require a half zip type and they should cost around £99. While there are cheaper smocks this model is very accurate and worn by the majority of PBI.
Battledress is acceptable from any of the following suppliers: Pegaus Militaria, Motion Picture Props, Spearhead Militaria (ebay), Richard Knight, Soldier of Fortune or Warhorse.
Webbing:
1937 pattern webbing with brass fitting from 'Sabre Sales' in Portsmouth. Sabre will (if you let them know what unit you are portraying) sort you out with accurate and correct kit for the cheapest prices you can expect to find them in the UK. You require: Belt, 2x brace straps, 2 x basic pouch (popper fitting), water bottle and holder (envelope is fine all those a 'skeleton' holder will allow you to do early war impressions and is preferred.
As additional items you should look towards getting a small pack (with 'L straps' although these are not required for the primary impression) and a bayonet frog.
It is advisable to acquire a second 37 pattern belt for around camp at displays or events when you are not required to or do not wish to wear full webbing.
Boots:
Ideally you should try and get original or reproduction double soled leather ammo boots fully 'pebbled' apart from the toe cap and heel. Modern fully smoothed ammo boots and DMS boots are acceptable.
Insignia:
South Staffords insignia should consist of embroidered shoulder titles, however, your pegasus patch and 'airborne' strip should be the printed type, your glider badge should be sky blue on khaki. We recommend 'Montys Locker' for most insignia.
2 Commando insignia should consist of a shoulder title of the word 'commando' and a circular combined operations patch (alternatively you may leave your commando BD unbadged). Again we recommend 'Montys locker'
Small kit:
Clasp knives and lanyards are again best purchased from Sabre Sales for around £5 (claps knife is worn on a lanyard around the waist and put into a pocket when wearing BD and best attached for ease of use to the shoulder under the epaulette with a denison)
Scrim scarves *need* to be two colour brown and green (dark brown and green as well), again £5 from Sabre Sales
Things to avoid:
Modern scrim scarves, these are either incorrectly one colour or tend to fade quickly to a mint green.
Replicators made denisons - while some group members have had no problems at all with these many have found the camouflage pattern to fade or completely dissapear very quickly when washed or subjected to heavy rain. Its probably worth spending an extra £30 and getting the SOF one recommended.
Post war webbing, webbing with black metal fitting and or tab and loop fastening is post war and while not a terrible thing its no more expensive to get the correct stuff as its in plentiful supply... When calling sabre sales tell them you require brass fittings and popper closures and they will source them for you at no extra cost.
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
thread tidied up in a bit to include any new bits.
Please note its *recommended* kit, you can still buy what you like but if you're buying from scratch we recommend the kit listed.
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
