Chest rigs...

**CGSteve** · 09-16-10, 22:41

I must give the Esstac Trim Bush seen in the link a plug: (http://www.skdtac.com/Esstac_Chest_R..._p/ess.505.htm)

First and foremost for me is that it fits me. I'm manchild sized and getting gear that fits has always been a problem for me whether it was issued by Uncle Sam or self purchased.

The Trim Bush can be adjusted small enough for me to wear snugly and although I didn't get anyone to "model" it, I'm sure it can be adjusted large enough to fit the opposite body type.

I was lucky enough not to have done too much trial and error before finding the Trim Bush. It was only my second piece of gear that I bought and as of right now, my needs do not dictate getting anything else.

I have used the rig during informal shooting competitions (ACTS), and I plan on using it for a TigerSwan class coming up in Dec. I am active LE, but I have not worn it for work just yet. I did however try it on with our issued soft armor (US Armor XLT3A) and it fits fine over it along with my uniform. The rig sits right above the waist and does not interfere with drawing a sidearm from our duty belt and holster (BLACKHAWK/Safariland). Note that our pistols protrude about 3" from the body the way it is worn on the duty belts.

Right now, it is set up to run with an AR 15 type rifle/carbine but the great thing about the Trim Bush is that the panel used to hold the mags is removeable and they make a 7.62 panel for AK/AKM/AK74/.308 firearms. Changing out panels is cake as all it is velcro. I bought the 7.62 panel as well in the event that I ever decide to train/use those other platforms. The only additional pouches I have on the rig is a double pistol mag pouch and a trauma kit.

The only thing I'm worried about is wearing it with a Raven Concealment holster as judging from the pics that I've seen of it, it sits higher and is closer to the body, making it seem like the rig would interfere with drawing. I'm still waiting for the holster to arrive so no fitting can be done now.

**Icculus** · 09-20-10, 15:01

Ok I'm currently torn on what to get. The final candidates are the BCM03 and a TT 2-piece MAV with X harness. I'm a simple civi and up in the air on which will suit my needs better. 1000 cordura of the TT seems like it would be sturdier but the 500 nylon of the BCM is definitely lighter (up to a pound from the weights I saw posted). Padded shoulder vs non-padded--honestly I don't have enough experience to know which I would prefer? With the TT I like the idea of being able to use Basic Hydration Pouch as it seems like a slightly more secure option (less side-side swing of a heavy water bladder). Obviously I could use this with the BCM03 but then I'm really wasting $ as I would have 2 hydration pouches, one of which won't be used. The TT seems to have a little more space for mounting pistol mags without having to double them up on top of the carbine mags. The BCM seems to be cut a little better to access and IWB holster. Decisions, decisions any thoughts from people who have owned both or those that have far more experience than I? Just for the record I'm a bigger guy 6' 2", 250 lbs (dang I need to lose some weight).

And of less importance, I do like the Multicam but I think the ranger green would look less Mall Ninja--green works better than coyote for my local environmental setting. Any feedback is appreciated

ETA: I see the post, even though I got a DB error but it didn't seem to push the thread to the top so who knows if this post is really even here

**BattleDrill3** · 09-24-10, 01:18

Icculus: If you're just blasting at the range, the TT 2-piece MAV with the center adapter is the best shit ever. Get it with the Y-harness; makes 25 LB's feel like 10. No huge pads to get in the way of shooting; nice flat ones to distribute the weight evenly. Puts most of the weight on your upper back between the shoulder blades and off the shoulders. I used it for a couple years in Iraq and the 'Stan with and without a vest. The problem, as I stated in my previous post to this thread, is how loud velcro on the center adapter is. Other than that, if not real-world, or not snoopin' and poopin,' I cannot recommend it highly enough.

If you're worried about buttstocks slipping on the shoulder, BDS tactical makes a nice non-slip shoulder pad to help the buttstock stay in place. Get a rubber buttstock pad for the M4, and you're good to go.

Be safe.

**Cannon_fodder11b** · 09-24-10, 01:53

I have a TT 1 Piece MAV, with the generic x=harness.
It works great. We call them "Racks" The point of the Rack is to be worn higher up on the chest. Any lower its a LBV. On my Rack, I have 2 of the TT single stacked triple mag pouches...both are stacked together mounted on that is my small Demo pouch. To the right I have a Zippered TT multipurpose pouch used to stuff my PVS14s and nods mount. To the left I have 2 TT 3 mag pouches. This setup worked great with the Interceptor body armor. (On the rear of my body Army I had a 3rd single stack triple mag pouch turned upside down so if the kids in my squad needed some ammo they could grab it from me without interfering with my target ID/Target engagement.

That being said the design of the new body armor....
A MAV doesn't allow for the new body armor to be removed easily, and interferes with the quick release feature.

I have been a fan of TT since 2000, back when they had reasonable prices I used to own a Plate carrier in Woodland pattern before the army said we can only use IBA. Sadly as much as I love the gear coming out of TT...they are over priced and forgot who they're primary customers are. I do not want to have to take out a home loan to get some decent gear to replace the bullshit the army is issuing me. No im not a geardo, Im just tired of getting issued crap made from the lowest bidder and sewn together by blind people....

**vel525** · 09-30-10, 11:00

Lots of great info in this thread so first, thanks!

I ended up ordering a TT MAV 2 piece and X Harness and it is way too big! I'm a little guy 130lb and 5'6 and even when I tightened everything all the way I could fit more than a fistful between me and the MAV. So I'm going to send it back and am now back to square one.

The company I bought it from suggested the MAV one piece. Is the one piece that much smaller? I was really hoping to get a two piece for easier on/off.

Does anyone know how the USGG LLCR compares? Can it fit smaller people? Figured I would ask here before I contact USGG directly.

Thanks.

**Watrdawg** · 09-30-10, 12:48

I'm 5'5" and 175. I went with the Mayflower UW chest rig and it fits me fine. You may want to look at it. I also have a TAG Gladiator and it fits fine but there is no room to downsize it anymore. I wear a size 44 coat and the TAG just fits. May not be enough room to downsize when wearing a T-Shirt or light shirt. In heavier closthing would probably work for you.

**titsonritz** · 09-30-10, 13:30

Vel, you should look at O.S.O.E. They make some great “little guy” rigs:
http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/...oducts_id=4136
http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/...oducts_id=4319

If a split front is the way you want to go:
http://www.originalsoegear.com/md.html
http://www.originalsoegear.com/palsmd.html

Regardless, IMO an X-Harness is too much for these little rigs, but a padded H-Harness is perfect:
http://www.originalsoegear.com/hharness.html

Some flip out on the price tag but I can tell you, once you see and use them you’ll know where that money went and quality is worth every penny.

**vel525** · 10-01-10, 13:02

Originally Posted by titsonritz

Vel, you should look at O.S.O.E. They make some great “little guy” rigs:
http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/...oducts_id=4136
http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/...oducts_id=4319

If a split front is the way you want to go:
http://www.originalsoegear.com/md.html
http://www.originalsoegear.com/palsmd.html

Regardless, IMO an X-Harness is too much for these little rigs, but a padded H-Harness is perfect:
http://www.originalsoegear.com/hharness.html

Some flip out on the price tag but I can tell you, once you see and use them you’ll know where that money went and quality is worth every penny.

Thanks, will take a look.

**J_B** · 10-01-10, 16:24

I really like my SOE Micros. I'm 5'6", 180lbs and stocky. I tried the SOE MookieWarRigLite but it just felt way too big.

I ended up with 4 Micro Rigs. 1 for my patrol car and the other 3 (OD, MultiCam & choco chip) because I'm a Micro Rig whore. I only use the OD for my USAR stuff. The other two are there for classes etc.. All with the h-harness.

I'd really like to try a MayFlower UW but will have to get rid of some SOE Micros first.