Smarts Parts SP-1 with CAR Stock
12" J&J Performance Ceramic Barrel
Empire Reloader B
Kingman Spyder MR-3 Carry Handel
Strengths:
Great fit
Light
Breathable
Customizable
Effective
Weaknesses:
Cheap Material
Bad Clasps
Review:
I bought my vest at OK DDay 2008 last year to fill my need for a better paint carrying option than a Pod Pack. At $75, loaded with 4 pod capacity on the back/four on the front, horizontal CO2 pouch, map pack, multi-tool pouch, and an internal hydration pouch, it was the obvious choice.
The similar SpecialOps vest, the Broadsword, normally costs $130!!!!
I removed the front fours, attached via velcro patch and snaps rather than a molle system. The vest worked great all week, and during the Big Game itself, the map pouch's bottom was ripped out by a snagged branch. The material on some of the pouches is a synthetic weave and not very durable while the pod packs and CO2 pouches are a Synthetic/cloth blend that is much stronger.
The other issue I experience with my Vest is that the rear 4 pod pack is attached via a molle system, but the snaps that secure the loops to the pack are not strong enough to remain snapped on with full pods during running or diving. This causes the pack to flop behind me, though still secured to the vest by the stiff loops.
Otherwise, the Vest works great, and does its job greatly! Its cheaper than the competitor's product, nearly as good, and comes in a wider variety of patterns and colors!
Conclusion:
Buy it if you want/need a tactical vest, but don't have the budget to buy the real thing or the SpecialOps product.
