I’m thinking it’s time to upgrade from my surplus FLC and get a better chest rig. I’m considering a Tactical Tailor 2-piece MAV. I wanted some opinions on people who have used them first. Mainly I’m interested in how well they manage weight. My biggest gripe with the FLC is that when I start putting more than 3 AK mags on the front, the whole thing becomes unbalanced and uncomfortable. Thanks.
All Chest rigs are front heavy. Just the nature of the beast. Adding a hydration kit to the back helps balance it out quite a bit.
My two favorite chest rigs are the MAV 2-Piece (I rocked this this for years - been to Iraq, Afghanistan and them some), My other new fav is the Esstac Split front Boar. They have very similar features so you can’t go wrong with either. I highly recommend the better shoulder straps for both in case you are not using Body-armor with 'em, and even if you are. The main difference between them is the Esstac has internal mag pouches and is a bit more expensive. Look into both of them, but either one will not disappoint you.
SOS
I’ve used a 2-piece MAV for several years with great results. It has comfortably carried 6 rifle mags, a pistol, IFAK, and a GP pouch with other gear during all day treks and several other classes. However, this is with the upgraded X-harness, which I feel is a must. It channels the weight down the spine and I feel helps balance the rig out.
Definitely a good piece of kit.
I figured that, but with the FLC a load of a couple mags felt heavier than it should have when I compared it to a surplus LBV or even an LBE with the same amount of mags. Maybe I didn’t have the vest tight enough or it had to do with me doing the so called chest rig conversion. I figured something like the MAV would be able to handle the load better. Glad to hear it’s G2G.
Infidelprodigy, I see you live in Nevada. Can I assume that the X-harness didn’t trap any heat? Heat retention was one of the reasons I couldn’t get excited about a surplus LBV I bought.
I have no issues with hotspots under the X-harness. My MAV is the first rig I reach for for all-day comfort or to put under a ruck and head off into the desert. It is just large enough for the essential combat load, but small enough that you don’t overload it beyond what the design is supposed to support.
I just received my 2-piece MAV kit today courtesy of ATS tactical. I just had one small nit picky question. The vest was made in 2005 and used national molding fastex buckles. They don’t seem quite as robust nor do they snap together with the same authority that the buckles on some other gear I have. Did anyone ever have an issue with the buckles holding up? Other than that tiny concern I really like the MAV so far. I might have to look at an x-harness one of these days though.
I worry about breaking my buckles too. Somehow it hasn’t happened. Probably b/c the mags hit off anything before the buckles. ITW makes plenty of Replacement buckles should the worst happen. I guess if you can’t get those just use 550 cord making it like a one piece until you get replacements. Plus the center piece adapter could be used also.
SOS
I’ve got some ITW repair buckles already so I’m good so long as the female end is the one that breaks. What surprised me was that the plastic was softer than ITW buckles(maybe to keep it from getting brittle in the cold?). That being said, if you haven’t managed to break a buckle, I imagine the MAV will easily hold up under my light duty use.
I got the last 1-piece TT MAV Complete kit from ATS on clearance. I got the 1-piece because I didn’t want an O.D. Green chest rig, which was probably a bad decision making rationale. I think the 2-piece rig may be better choice, but when the item is on clearance, you have to take what they have left.
I’m thinking about getting the X-harness too. Does anybody have experience using it with the 1-piece TT MAV? Should I get an X-harness?
I’ve been using a 1 piece MAV with an X harness since 2007. Great combo.
Def Get the X-harness.
SOS
What color was the 1 piece MAV in(just curious)? The olive drab didn’t bug me since it’s green here part of the year. Plus, I don’t really have any camo clothing so I’m not going to blend in with anything anyway.
I like the 2-piece MAV so far since it sort of realizes my idea of an improved LBE. It is fast and easy to put on and doesn’t take up too much space on me. I ended up sticking all the pouches from the kit on the vest for now until I can figured out what to do with them, but the large utility pouches seem fairly well thought out. One question on the large utility pouch. TT says a 1.5 liter hydration bladder can it in it. Has anyone done this?
It was ACU. I didn’t really want that color either, if I was going to pay full price, I would have gotten Coyote Brown.
I would have liked the two-piece also because I used LBE way back when I was in the Army too.
Not a military guy here (probably should be though). My tac gear collection started out with a surplus LBE and while I liked the concept, I was having trouble effectively upgrading it. I figured for the cost of the MAV on closeout I could get a modern more user friendly setup that wouldn’t cost much more than spending money on LBE upgrades that may or may not work.
The benefit of the MAV is that you can easily change whatever color it is just by changing the pouches. Get the X-harness in whatever color you want. Then change the pouches if you have the complete, or just add pouches in the camo pattern you like. Nobody will ever know the base is ACU. Just an easy way around changing the color and saving money instead of buying a whole new rig. I’m also a fan of Spray paint. The fabric bleeds through the paint and you end up with something pretty neat looking.
SOS