Stu at EssTac sent me some double KYWIs a couple months ago. I picked up several single KYWIs through SKD a while back and was very impressed. The doubles are no less impressive. A cheap, simple and rugged option for well-retained but easily accessible mags in HSGI Wa/Weesatches or EssTac Double KYWI MOLLE pouches.
Full writeup: http://paxgear.blogspot.com/2011/02/esstac-double-kywis.html
Very similar to normal EssTac KYWIs. 0.092" black Kydex folded over onto itself. Hook material adhered to the outside so that they’ll stick to HSGI pouches when the OEM Velcro straps or shock cords are removed. Drainage holes in each pouch. Only difference from the original KYWI, apart from the fact that these KYWIs hold 2 mags, is the addition of the removable elastic loop for better retention of one of the mags after the other one has been drawn. I did not find it necessary at all. It comes right off if you dont want it.
Installation takes seconds. Rip out your old retention device, Velcro straps or shock cord depending on your Wa/Wee’s generation, and pinch the KYWI together and insert it. Done.
Stu says he’ll be offering a dedicated MOLLE-compatible pouch for the double KYWIs so even if you dont have an HSGI carrier, you can enjoy the awesomeness of KYWIs. Should look something like this:
Like single KYWIs, the mag’s ride height is adjustable by simply removing the hook material, cutting the KYWI to the desired height and reapplying the hook material. Mags also lock into the doubles just like the singles and will pass a thorough jump test. I performed an inverted rappel with various mags to test retention.
Pmags were retained best. L5s and USGIs slipped slightly. USGIs draw smoothly, Pmags and L5s a little rougher but not noticeable under stress.
The only issue I had was my own damned fault. As pictured below, Pmags dust covers can trap other mags beneath the Pmags. So if you run the unnecessary dust covers and draw your mags out of order, you might run into a problem. Otherwise, it’s really a non-issue.
All in all, just brilliant. Bout $15 for a double and $6 for a single on SKD. A great deal on a great bit of kit.
