Does anyone have suggestions on a black beret other than DSCP?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:54:26 -0400

I'm looking around for a different beret. I don't like how short the excess of the beret is on the DSCP ones. I've seen folks wearing the Rothco ones, but I've tried a few times for those and they always seem like there's too much. What brand makes the berets for airborne or is there a trick to making the rothco's fit?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 1:24 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 01:24:26 -0400

@pfc Robert obourn I have done Ranger Joes and Marlow White. Off some posts they have stores that have them pre-shaved and pre-shaped and cheaper!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 2:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 02:42:05 -0400

My red beret was DSCP, I believe it is the standard brand sold at clothing & sales. I have never seen a Rothco type. I'm not sure what you mean by excess? Are you pulling the beret to one side too much causing that side of go past the ear?

The way I was taught in the 3/504: 1) tighten strings to fit on your head so the bottom edge when worn is parallel to the floor, 2) Cut strings, then burn the ends so the wax keeps it from fraying and cut off tag 3) Shave beret completely, 4) Soak beret in water and then put it on your head, 5) shape beret by pinching the left side to create the crease, then fold the other side so it touches the top of your ear (although many will pull it down further despite the regs), 6) smooth out any creases by pinching the left side and gently tug on the folded right side, 7) wear it for an hour or two until its semi-dry. 8) if the flash doesn't sit flush when worn, you can trim the backing behind to make it flatter.
The hardest part about a beret is maintaining the shape afterwards, and keeping it your pocket without distorting the shape.

If you're going to buy a Rothco or some other brand just make sure the color is the same as a DSCP. I wouldn't worry about the cost since you're only buying two (one for general use and another for inspections/parades). That should last you for years, so if you think about it in long term then the cost isn't a big deal.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Mar 27 at 2017 7:13 AM

MSgt George Cater — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 07:13:56 -0400

I was taught by a Royal Marine ages ago to boil the beret then do all your shaving/ shaping. Being wool it shrinks and tightens the weave. You can stretch it back out as needed during fitting.
It comes out pretty well.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Mar 27 at 2017 1:30 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:30:00 -0400

I tried a pre-shaved one from Ranger Joe's a number of years ago. I seem to recall it working well, but I went back to prepping a regular one after that. After boiling it, I never noticed a problem with excess material

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 2:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:11:42 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member ranger joes or us cavalry

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 4:37 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 16:37:07 -0400

http://www.rangerjoes.com/Beret-Plain-P533.aspx

Beret - Plain Ranger Joes

Ranger Joe's mission is to provide the world's finest combat gear and 100% customer satisfaction.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 4:38 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 16:38:06 -0400

http://www.joedrouin.com/item.php?nbItemID=100&nbTypeItemID=33&nbCatID=7

Joe Drouin Enterprises Ltd

At Joe Drouin Enterprises Ltd., we specialize in mounting, supplying, and manufacturing both miniature and regular size medals, decorations, and various other accoutrements and accessories for both serving and retired military, fire prevention, and law enforcement personnel as well as their families, amongst others.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 28 at 2017 12:41 AM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 00:41:40 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member Yes... Some %^&$er stole my worn in and formed beret last April, which I had since they first came out... I was pissed... But there are many places you can shaved, formed and ready ones... This is just one example. Thank God for Google.http://www.marlowwhite.com/buying-guides/black-berets.html

Black Beret Comparison

The Choice of the Professional Soldier since 1879.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 9:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 21:09:13 -0400

Ranger Joe's.