I’m looking to get some sort of load out system for my DDXV. I’ll be using it for range work, cabine/pistol courses (in the not too distant future), and just in case (having a rifle and mags and nothing to carry it all with doesn’t make sense).
I’ve been researching a lot and have more or less made my mind up about going with a chest right over a vest. It just seems to be suited to my needs and a little more versatile than a vest. I don’t have an ass-ton of money to spend so I’m looking for less than $100. Having said that, quality and usefulness are paramount.
I’ve found two that seem to be pretty much what I’m looking for. The first is the Phalanx Chest Rig Type 4 Fury by T.A.G… The second is the Eagle Universal Chest Rig. There are a few differences but they are the same basic layout. My main needs are the rifle mags, and being able to carry my Glock or Kimber and spare mags. One big difference is the Eagle has double mag pouches. I’m debating if this is too much (bulk wise) with having the pistol mag pouches as well. They both have pouches on the sides. I think the Phalanx ones are removable, not sure about the Eagle. I do know that SKD has a version of the eagle without the radio pouches. I guess I could use them for IFAK and other items.
Basically I would fist like to get some opinions on build quality. The Phalanx is 500 wt. nylon, and the Eagle is 1000D cordura. Also if anybody has used either of these or can provide some insight, I would appreciate. Other suggestions would be welcome as well.
There are a few threads where the Eagle/SKD is discussed - this onehere jumps to mind. I’m not familiar with the TAG rig, but I’ve run the Eagle through one carbine class. Personally I don’t need to carry 8 rifle magazines and 4 pistol magazines, so I’ve looked to other load carry solutions. Eagle makes quality kit and offers several different chest rig options.
I have the Eagle SKD chest rig and for the money it is first rate. I don’t have the need for 8 mags, so I bought their conversion kit to change one of the pouches to a pistol holster. I use this rig for long line operations when we hang from the bottom of a helo by a 150 foot line and are droped into remote outdoor marijuana gardens. For that type of operation, you have to wear a special harness which makes it difficult to effectively carry equipment on your waist. With this rig, I can cary everything I need on my chest incluindg AR mags, pistol and pistol mags, and snap into and out of the stabo line very easily.
I looked long and hard for a system that would let me do this (without spending $$$$$) and this rig was the answer.
The SKD universal chest rig is the perfect bang for buck rig. A ton of our customers add a medical kit and a utility pouch on the outside MOLLE as most people don’t need to carry two radios. Carrying 6 mags, a pistol, 4 pistol mags, a medical pouch, and a utility pouch will fit most most needs. It also keeps the waist free for a kidney belt from a pack.
I don’t want to clutter up your options too much, but I’ve had the chance to test out some gear from US Grunt Gear. The gear is superior quality and their customer service is first rate. Their rigs are about fifty bucks more than what you’re looking at now, I think. If you wait another paycheck or two, you’ll have a rig that will last you a good while. These folks can build anything you want too. They’re worth checking out. Rob_S did a write up on these at tacticalyellowvisor.net.
Thanks for all the replies! Some good suggestions too. If I were going to use it more often or in a professional role, I might be looking to spend a little more.
So then the radio pouches on the Eagle are permanently attached? I wasn’t sure if the SKD just didn’t have them, or were made without them. I could use those pouches, but it would be nice to just attach some smaller profile ones to the molle there. I really do like the pistol conversion of the Eagle/SKD, that was one of the things that really drew me to it in the first place. Also, how often do they get these at SKD? Really would like one in ranger green.
The standard model has the radio pouches sewn into the rig. We had Eagle make them for us without the radio pouches and just put MOLLE there instead. I’ll contact Eagle and find out when we will have them back in stock in Ranger green.
For regular Joe use I’m not a fan of chest carry for the pistol, especially assuming everyday concealed carry is part of the equation. Obviously there are pros with different needs. If the thinking is that this is going to be something you’d grab in an emergency then I honk it’s a better idea to include armor. For me, chest rigs are a training-only tool and used to carry carbine support equipment for the carbine (ammo to backfeed the belt, multitool, maybe some lube) as well as medical supplies.
All that said you can’t go wrong with Eagle and SKD. great manufacturer and fantastic retailer.
Cool thanks for the clarification. That’s what I thought but wanted to make sure. I’d appreciate it if you could let me know when you’d get them.
rob_S, I know there are different pros and cons for the different systems. And quite honestly I don’t know what I “need” right now. If I had the resources I’d go with armor and the whole 9. But I did want to have something in the mean time. Kind of like you said, I need something for training, and to use as dedicated carbine support. That way I have everything I need in it to grab and go if needed. The sidearm conversion is kind of an option I may or may not need or use. Kind of a nice thought to keep as a bug out type item. I could probably actually go cheaper, I just can’t bring myself to sacrifice quality.
I’d want the solution with the minimal amount of strappage. If I really thought armor/load carriage was part of my HD plans I’d run a dedicated plate carrier with pouches attached.
Thanks, Rob. Just wondered if there were any advantages to running the chest rig over the armor. I have buddies that always ran chest rigs over their MOLLE compatible body armor over-seas. The strap issue is definitely a valid one. The Corpsmen always griped, as well, that it was one more layer of gear that they would have to fight through if they ever had to perform first-aid on you.
Ha, no problem. I appreciate learning all I can. I’m sure my needs and preferences will evolve over time. It helps learning all you can before making a choice though. Helps minimize wrong choices.
If you haven’t done so yet, read Rob’s articles on his website. It really answers some questions about what you “need” vs what you see some .mil guys have.
I was just looking at the Eagle LE Active Shooter rig. It’s similar to the universal, but doesn’t have the padded shoulder straps which I kind of like (rob_s article brought up a good point about that). The description states that there is a holster insert that can be used to convert one of the mag holders, but I can’t find it anywhere. I can’t find it on Eagles page, do they still make it?
I knew of the thumb break. The description for the Eagle LE active shooter rig says there is a holster covered in hook to place a sidearm in the pocket behind the two middle pockets.
I’ve been looking for one in RG for a while myself.
The Universal rig is great and I’ve been using one (SKD version) since the SKD version first came out. I’ve never run it with 8 mags though. I usually only keep one mag in each pouch. The one thing that would make that rig better is the addition of a H harness.