Combat Vest Review

This vest is made my Tactical Airsoft Gear of China. It uses a MOLLE system in which it is covered in webbing that the pouches attach to. It comes with two (2) double rifle mag pouches, two (2) double pistol mag pouches, and two (2) utility pouches. The rifle mag pouches can hold two magazines each for a total capacity of eight mags, plenty for any skirmisher. The pistol mag pouches allow the user to carry four pistol mags. Both the pistol and rifle mag pouches have velcro covers which are both fast to open and secure. The utility pouches have zip tops. Each utility pouch has a large capacity that can fit nearly three 3000 round bags of bbs. There is also a hydration/plate carrier on the rear. Because it is a MOLLE system pouches can be bought and added to optimize your load out. The rubber pieces on the shoulder straps are weird looking in my opinion and don't serve a real purpose. Otherwise, I like the layout of the vest.

The vest has a very aggressive look. The flash accentuates the difference in color between the straps and the rest of the carrier, in normal light the colors look much better.

This was taken without flash to show the true colors of the vest (all others are taken with flash to show the maximum detail.)

The vest is lined with a lot of padding, more so than I have ever had in another vest. As a result it is very comfortable but hugely bulky. Stupidly bulky. This is probably the biggest flaw of the vest, the size of it seriously hinders your agility and maneuverability. It sits in the middle of the chest over the vital organs just like a plate carrier should. There are adjustable straps on both the top and sides to adjust the fit. However, at its smallest setting it is about a medium, those under 140lbs may have a little bit of looseness even after the vest is fully tightened. The construction of the vest is quite sturdy. The materials seem rigid and there were no errors in stitching or otherwise. I feel like this vest could take some serious abuse and remain undamaged. One area that does concern me is where the two straps at the top of the vest connect. The straps are held together by a metal bolt, this area could be worn and torn after prolonged use.The point where the shoulder straps meets the rear of the vets is held together with metal bolts.


The vest also has a ciras like detachment feature. By pulling out three cords the vest falls away into several parts. In the real world this is used when a soldier has been trapped by his vest in debris, caught, or otherwise held up by the vest. That soldier could then pull the cords and free himself. In airsoft however it is utterly useless, and simply a huge pain to put back together again once it comes apart.

Pros:
-Strong materials.
-Good value for money.
-Good looking.

Cons:
-Bulky.
-Quick release feature is lame and does nothing.
-Color difference between shoulder straps and the rest of the vest.

If you like the look of this vest then consider buying it, however it's definitely not on par with some of the higher end stuff out there. It's worth the investment to grab a high end plate carrier such as the ones offered by Condor. If you don't want to spend a lot of money and will only be using it for backyard wars, this might be what you're looking for... otherwise, move on. 

Original article at: http://www.airsoftreview.net/cms_view_article.php?aid=75

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