Looking for a chest rig. Have researched. Came up with a few options. [Archive]

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curlyburns5

08-19-12, 00:06

choosing the right chest rig. Options listed.
Bought an HSGI Sure-Grip battle belt a few weeks ago and I love it. Its rugged, comfortable, and stays where it should. Now I’m looking for an addition to hold more rifle mags. I am looking for something that sits high enough on the chest to work in conjuction with my battle belt. I have looked through the standard sights at chest rig set-ups, M4C and here. I have a few I’ve been looking at and was wondering if anyone has any experience with any of them or suggestions.

Top contender is:
http://www.optactical.com/hsaosmchrig.html I like the minimalist and compactness of this rig. Again, I have several of their products and have been more the pleased with the quality and service.

The next one I am looking at is:
http://www.optactical.com/orsoepamwrli.html I like that it has a built-in admin pouch. My concerns are on the durability of the zipper and how the rig carries the weight of the mags. Will the two layers tend to sag when my mag pouches are fully loaded?

I am also looking at this one:
http://www.optactical.com/orsoepamirig.html Basically looks like just another one like the HSGI rig. Very minimalist.

The last one that caught my eye was this one:
http://www.optactical.com/higrgechrig.html I know nothing of the company. I can’t seem to find much review-wise on the company or rig. The minimalist design appeals to me. I also like that the shoulder straps look padded. Would really appreciate some info on them. I don’t want to mistakenly order some airsoft jumk.

The function of this rig will be mainly to carry 3-4 AR mags, maybe an extra pistol mag to use during some training from a friend of a marine friend of mine that seems to know his stuff. He's trained at DARC (on a side note, he's taking me to play opfor during a few training classes DARC has coming up. If you haven't heard of DARC look them up, especially over at lightfigher, they have some great AARs from some courses there. If everything goes good I might be able to get into a class in the future because the owner is a personal friend of my marine friend.) Also a flashlight and knife/multitool maybe if I don’t find room on my belt for it. I consider the belt my first line and carry a blowout kit on it as well as a dump pouch in the rear. So, any thoughts guys?

VaeVictis

08-19-12, 00:58

krm375

08-19-12, 05:43

Take a look at the MINI MAV from tactical tailor as well, I like the set up of the crossed straps in the back with one securing strap low. I have mine set up with 4 mags across the front. I keep my pistol mags on my belt.

I would like to take a look at this as well if I were in the market for a new one.
http://www.blueforcegear.com/rackminus/

calicojack

08-19-12, 06:18

i've used the OSOE MWRL 8 mag (same thing but with 4 rally man pouches on it), put a full size tear off ifak on one side and a radio and pistol pouch on the other. Now mind you i'm no high speed operator but Would go "trail running" with it from time to time (the woods are about the only place around here that one can go out in mid-full kit for exercise without getting hassled by the JBT) and even fully loaded I never had a problem with the zipper. John's kit is pretty much bomb proof. There have been several "fan posts" on his fb page of .mil personnel over in the sandlot with his gear.....

Hmac

08-19-12, 07:00

I have a MAV chest rig with the X-harness. Nice and simple, comfortable, and cost-efficient. It's very well-constructed and has been very durable for me. It's a little cumbersome to get into quickly. That hasn't really been an issue, but if I were to do it over, I'd probably go with the two-piece.

http://SSEquine.net/mavchestrig.jpg

ICANHITHIMMAN

08-19-12, 11:03

I wore this type of rodisean style. Chest rig over my Iba for a lot of years. The best I ever used was the battle lab it held 6 mags real tight to my chest, this dosent interfer with going prone.

j-dubya

08-19-12, 11:09

I also suggest taking a look at the Ares Armor line.

curlyburns5

08-19-12, 14:50

Thanks guys. I'll look into those. I would prefer an all-molle set-up because I already have extra tacos/mag pouches. Something that I've wondered, do the sewn-in pouches flop around alot when empty? I just don't care for the idea of being tied down to any specific configuration. I haven't considered the split front yet but that seems to be something to consider for ease of donning it. The rackminus looks interesting but I hate jumping on the "newest hotness" bandwagon. Do you think the lack of backing material decreases support/stability when loaded? I'll keep looking at y'alls suggestions. I appreciate the help

VaeVictis

08-19-12, 15:03

I'd say the sewn in pouches are actually more stable than the pouches attached by webbing. Ares does make an all MOLLE (http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/AA-ASCR4.html) version of their rig if thats what your looking for.

Vash1023

08-19-12, 15:05

i second ares armor. that or eagle

krm375

08-19-12, 15:24

I like the modularity of the MINI MAV from Tactical Tailor, using my own Diamond Back Tactical short open top mag pouches. I configure my rig with 4 mags on the front. I have the tourniquets rubber banded to the extra molle on each side, but you could fit a pistol mag pouch or radio pouch on each side should you need it.
I have used the mayflower recently, and liked it initially, but the mag pouches were really tight and it took some work to get the mags out of the pouches.
I have had no issues with the individual pouches being loose, or less stable than the fixed pouches.

review of the pouches I found online:
http://jerkingthetrigger.com/blog/2010/03/22/diamondback-tactical-short-open-top-m4m16-magazine-pouch/

Toxicodendron

08-19-12, 18:02

WillC

08-19-12, 19:03

You simply can't beat what London Bridge has to offer, their rigs are not designed by some dudes sitting in an office and they are quite a few generations deep at this point.

I see nothing wanting in any of their setups, and I am personally staying away from the MOLLE rigs these days.

However, if I was going in the direction of the systems you posted, I think the Blue Force Gear, Mayflower and Crye systems are the best... but that HSGI "The Chest Rig" is pretty much "game over" when it comes to MOLLE Rhodesian's.

whick1

08-19-12, 19:06

I'd recommend taking a look at what Ares Armor (http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/AA-ASCR2.html)has got to offer, their Atalanta slim rig may be right up your alley. They have 4 different versions of it but the Slim-light sounds like it would suit what you need. It's got four front mag pouches and enough MOLLE to add plenty more mags. I recently bought one myself and it's a really well made piece of gear.

I have been using one of these for about 2-3 months now as a duty rig and love it. It has everything I need andnothing I don't. I have the Atalanta Light which has 4 integrated mag pouches with bungee cords to retain the mags. PMAGS fit well in them. There is molle webbing on top of the pouches and on each side. It also has built in mesh pockets on inside where i pack admin accessories. My current setup is 4 pmags with a double pistol mag pouch to the left and a double handcuff pouch as well. On the right I have a HSGI Bleeder with my CAT, Combat Gauze and Israeli bandage as well as EMS shears. I mainly use it for search warrants and active shooters The rig is made very well and is easy on/off. I have been impressed with it so far. I would definately recommend to anyone.

RAM Engineer

08-20-12, 11:40

http://www.blueforcegear.com/m4-chest-rig/

Did you say "minimalist"? Perhaps you haven't seen the Blue Force Gear "Ten Speed Chest Rig".