High Ground Media, LLC

Continuing to advance its line of minimalist and durable tactical pouches, Blue Force Gear (BFG) recently released its Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch. This “stackable” pouch includes an outer band of laser-cut MOLLE material that allows for adding pouches, such as BFG’s Ten-Speed Single/Double Pistol Pouches. Combined with BFG’s newest PlateMINUS V4 plate carrier, the overall system is an extremely lightweight and functional option.

Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch

Introduced in late 2019, the Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch builds on BFG’s line of minimalist Ten-Speed Pouches and includes a single row of MOLLE on the front to stack additional pouches.  Made from the same Ten-Speed 500D military-grade elastic as other Blue Force Gear products, Stackable Ten-Speed pouch is made to hold three M4 style magazines (or other similar sized items). It provides a secure and weight efficient pouch, that has a minimal cross-section when empty. It uses TEX 70 bonded nylon thread throughout to ensure all stress points maintain their durability.

The rear of the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch has BFG’s proprietary Helium Whisper MOLLE mounting system made from ULTRAcomp laminate, giving it a threaded strength greater than 1000D nylon while reducing overall weight by up to 60%. The ULTRAcomp from the back of pouch is extended around to the front of the pouch, and forms a single column of laser-cut MOLLE compatible to all MOLLEminus™ slots.  This feature adds one MOLLE column per magazine pocket, and increases the abrasion resistance of the pouch’s bottom edge.

The Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch is available in several size and color options; for single, double, or triple (featured) magazine configuration and in either Multicam (featured), Coyote, or Black.

Specifications:

• Dimension, Single Mag: 5.5” (H) x 3.5” (W)
• Dimension, Double Mag: 5.5” (H) x 6.5” (W)
• Dimension, Triple Mag: 5.5” (H) x 9.5” (W)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/stackable-ten-speed-m4-mag-pouch

Ten-Speed Single Pistol Mag Pouch

The Ten-Speed Pistol Mag Pouch was introduced circa 2017 and is intended to hold either a single or double stack pistol magazine. Much like other Ten-Speed Pouches, the Pistol Mag Pouch use military grade elastic combined with ULTRAcomp to create a minimalist pouch that is lightweight and lays flat when not in use.

The rear of the Pistol Mag Pouch features BFG’s Helium Whisper attachment system that is compatible with any MOLLE platform.

Specifications:

• Dimension, Single Mag: 4″ (H) x 2” (W)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-single-pistol-mag-pouch.html

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): Price for the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch varies based on configuration ($34.95 – Single Magazine, $44.95 – Double Magazine, or $54.95 – Triple Magazine), with a minimal cost offset based on thread color. Likewise, the Ten-Speed Single Pistol Mag Pouch (sold separately) is $22.95 regardless of color. Considering the unique ULTRAcomp and military-grade elastic, with the adaptive MOLLE’s ability to expand its functionality, the cost is appropriate for the materials used. In comparison to other market alternatives for AR magazine pouches; such as Esstac’s M4 Triple Wedge ($65), Ferro Concepts ADAPT KTAR pouch ($90), or HSGI’s Triple Taco Shingle ($102) they all demonstrate BFG’s Stackable Ten-Speed Pouch is well below the market average thanks to its minimalist design while keeping magazine retention. The same was demonstrated for single pistol magazine pouches; such as First Spear’s Pistol Magazine Pocket ($37.81) or HSGI’s Single Pistol Taco ($27.00). While the list of market alternatives did list cheaper pouches for both triple rifle and single pistol, they were often of lesser quality with lower denier nylon, excess material, or of overseas manufacturing.
• Comfort – Excellent (4/5): The Stackable and Single Pistol pouches were made to the same minimalist standards as other Ten-Speed products by Blue Force Gear, and held the same level of comfort. When empty, the pouches kept a low, collapsed profile and expanded to accommodate magazines when necessary. Attaching the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch and the Single Pistol pouch via the Helium Whisper system was relatively easy and maintained almost no excessive movement. The elastic nylon material retained all magazines through the drills and movement and at no point loosened or stretched. The band of MOLLE material on the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch did aid in re-holstering, as it gave the opening some structure against the magazine. The only negative was on the Single Pistol pouches as the elastic material did hang up some on magazines when re-holstering and is a consistent issue noted to other soft Ten-Speed pouches.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The Stackable Ten-Speed and Single Pistol pouches were made dominantly from BFG’s proprietary ULTRAcomp™ laminate, which has an amazingly high degree of abrasion resistance (stronger than 1000D nylon), minimizes materials needed, and maximizes flexibility. During evaluation the Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Pouch was attached to a PlateMINUS V4 plate carrier, and used during rifle drills and stressors (pushups & burpees). In addition, the Single Pistol Pouches were attached to the band of MOLLE material (appears to be the same ULTRAcomp material from the rear) to expand functionality and the evaluation. These pistol pouches were then pulled on a number of times to evaluate the strength of the MOLLE and mounting systems. The bartack stitching was noted at key stress points to prevent separation between materials or tear. At no point did the pouches tear or fail to retain the magazines, and the Helium Whisper system maintained a secure connection to the carrier. Some minimal fraying along the opening edges of the pistol pouches was observed, but not the rifle pouches. This most was likely attributed to the Stackable Ten-Speed’s band of MOLLE material which gave those pouches added reinforcement along the outer edge.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Stackable Ten-Speed and Single Pistol pouches accomplished its intended means of securing magazines by being reliant on the full-pouch, elastic 500D Cordura material. While other vendors often supplement rifle pouches by including shock cord or hook-and-loop over the top of the magazine, the Ten-Speed material retained its elasticity over the entire height of the pouch despite continued holstering/drawing of magazines. However, on the pistol pouches and because of the soft, elastic Ten-Speed material, it was sometimes difficult to drive the magazines home with the edges getting hung up. As noted in Durability this was notably less of a problem with the Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Pouches because of the band of MOLLE material. The top tab of the band of MOLLE material also served as an impromptu point of positive control when holding the pouch open as well. Over time, some minimal fraying was noted along the edging of the magazine pouches, but that was comparable to other Ten-Speed items through persistent use.
• Weight – Excellent (4/5): For this evaluation, the triple magazine configuration for the Stackable Ten-Speed was used and weighed 3.6 ounces (without magazines), while the Single Pistol Mag weighed 0.6 ounces each (again without magazines). This felt amazingly light for a minimalist setup in comparison to more traditional and bulkier variants of the magazine pouches. For example, the HSGI’s Triple Taco Shingle (9.5 ounces) and its Single Pistol Taco (1.28 ounces) were both well above the weight of BFG’s products. But this disparity again came down to differences in design, amount of materials (i.e. nylon) involved, and overall design. Blue Force Gear’s Ten-Speed products are intended to provide the end-user with a minimalist approach, while sacrificing little in the product’s function or durability.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

 

Debuted in 2012, Crye Precision released its Adaptive Vest System, or AVS, to offer the military a scalable system that could range from low-profile carrier to full assault configurations. Eventually, the AVS would go on to replace the Modular Body Armor Vest system and become the premiere armor system for military special forces. Sold as individual components, the AVS enables the end-user a broad array of configurations that best suit their mission or individual needs. Because of its longevity and popularity, an extensive aftermarket has also developed around the AVS.

Made from dominantly 500D Cordura nylon, the AVS is offered in a base configuration (used for this review), a two or three band skeletal cummerbund configuration, and the full assault configuration (which includes multiple pouches for magazines and side armor). While each configuration is different and for different mission needs, the base configuration consists of (1) the AVS Harness (which comes from Crye with a single-band, adjustable retention strap), and (2) the AVS Plate Bags (which will include Crye’s shoulder covers, and the Tweave shoulder strap sleeves).

AVS Harness

The AVS Harness is a patterned unique back panel that integrates both rear shoulder strap, and side cummerbunds. Inside the harness, is a semi-rigid sheet of 1/8” thick polymer that gives the AVS both structure and support under heavy load, in much the same method as a supportive exoskeleton.

The shoulder element of the harness includes steel cinch D-rings and hook-and-loop (female) material to allow adjustment in the length of shoulder strap.

The back panel of the AVS Harness itself includes various attachment points for mounting the rear plate bag, optional cummerbunds, and the elastic shock cord. This partitioned design allows the AVS Harness to flex to a minor degree and enable a more comfortable range in motion.

Each cummerbund wing of the AVS Harness includes two bands of MOLLE-spaced nylon on each side for attaching various side panels, pouches, or other accessories.

The forward tabs of the cummerbund insert into the corresponding slots on the interior of the front plate bag to give added support and transfer that load across both the plate bag and harness. The adjustable single strap that comes with the base configuration is secured to the front plate bag, then cinched. ***Editor’s Note: For the purposes of this review, the adjustable single strap cummerbund that comes included with the AVS harness was replaced with a skeletonized QD cummerbund from MOS Tactical, and thus will not be included in review.

The interior of the AVS Harness has a full-length soft, one-wrap hook-and-loop material that can be used for protecting exposed skin or attaching Crye’s AVS Harness Pad Set (sold separately).

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/AVS-Harness

AVS Plate Bags

Crye has developed three different AVS plate bags, which are based around the cut-type of the ballistic plate worn. These three plate bags are SAPI, MBAV, and Swimmer (for the purposes of this review, SAPI was selected). The front AVS Plate Bag features a hook-and-loop secured admin pouch at the top for flat items, pens, or smaller field items. On the admin pouch’s exterior is a 3” x 4” hook-and-loop (female) field for attaching identification or morale patches. The hook-and-loop is also slotted for MOLLE compatibility and attach items as needed. The bottom half of the front plate bag is double pocketed and dedicated to a 6” x 10” hook-and-loop (female) field used for attaching various AVS placards or other aftermarket items.

The rear AVS Plate Bag has a full-field of MOLLE-slotted nylon bands for attaching any matching back panel or pack. Additionally, a 3” x 4” hook-and-loop (female) field is on the upper quarter for attaching identification or morale patches. A simple nylon drag handle is at the top of the rear plate bag, and secured to the carrier via hook-and-loop. Along both sides of the rear plate bag are Crye’s YKK-patterned #10 oversized zippers, used to secure any associated back panel or accessory with matching zipper spacing.

The interior of both the front and back carrier bag include slots and webbing for attaching the various elements of the bags to the AVS Harness, or hook-and-loop panels for adjusting the shoulder straps.

Plates are inserted into both the front and rear plate bags through hook-and-loop envelope enclosures that are secured via hook-and-loop.

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/AVS-Standard-Plate-Pouch-Set

Placards

Crye does offer rifle placards specific to mounting on the AVS, while other companies also offer conversion kits, such as the Adaptive Vest Placard by AXL Advanced, that can adapt most slide-release buckle placards to the AVS as well. It should be noted that in either case, any hook-and-loop (male) backed placard will secure to the front plate bag through its corresponding fabric. The Crye Detachable Flap, M4 allots for the standard three-magazine pouch, with over-the-top flap to each pouch that secures it in place.

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/AVS-Detachable-Flap-M4

The Crye AVS is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote, and OD Green, whereas it ranges in size between Small to XLarge.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): The cost of Crye’s AVS is not cheap by any stretch. Even with the base configuration (with modified cummerbund for this review), the cost of the AVS harness ($291) and AVS plate bags (sold as a front/back set) in either the Standard ($383), MBAV ($387), or Swimmer Cut ($355) are still very steep in terms of the current market. Add into that, accessories like the skeletal cummerbund ($50-$65) and Detachable M4 Flap ($113) to that total investment. Given the time the platform has been on the market, there are extensive third-party accessories for the AVS, but those are separate to the core function of the base configuration. Thus, even the base configuration of the AVS can run north of $1,100 with other setups costing more. Consumers must remember the AVS, as developed by Crye, was to meet a specific military need, and thus has a price point consummate with federal coffers that have no bottom. Crye set the price point for the AVS so high specifically to tailor to one client, and exclude others. In relationship between function and cost, the AVS does provide an almost unrivaled level of support and structure for a plate carrier, even after 12 years in production. But to reiterate, the level of weight the AVS can support is designed to address what soldiers must bear, not civilians. So a majority of the AVS’s functional design is unnecessary for most who are not in a professional capacity to warrant this level of load-bearing support. In contrast, complete carrier setups from Shaw Concepts Arc Carrier ($545), Ferro Concepts FCPC V5 ($385), T3 Gear G2 ($415), or Grey Ghost Gear’s SMU ($324) all illustrate the departure in cost between a carrier intended for the Department of Defense, as opposed to those from commercial companies. For its design, materials, and function to support large amounts of weight, the AVS still makes for a fair price point considering what the end-user gains (if used to its full abilities).  
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The real comfort aspect of the AVS comes with the harness, which is key in mitigating the load bearing weight around the torso evenly. The semi-rigid polymer material inside it adds to that support and makes the overall carrier extremely comfortable regardless of the weight attached to it. There was also some ability to adjust plate height and circumference of the outer cummerbund to find a preferred fit using the multiple hook-and-loop adjustments. The included shoulder padding did anchor into the harness via hook-and-loop in the shoulder straps that prevented slippage, but the ones that come with the harness were lacking in thickness given how much weight the AVS can support. Aftermarket pads (such as the Structured Shoulder Pads by AXL Advanced sold separately) do address that need. When assembled, it did take a little getting used to having both the inner harness tabs to insert to the front carrier, in addition to the cummerbund (basically there were two cummerbunds), but that was what aided in structural support. Again, the polymer inserts to the harness and plate bags created the structure necessary that allowed the AVS to sit around the torso, rather than bearing all that weight down exclusively from the shoulder straps. There were additional Crye accessories, such as the AVS Harness Pads, that could be attached to the interior of the AVS and increase the level of comfort, but really they serve to address airflow behind the carrier and mitigate heat that becomes trapped against the torso (which was notable during the review). The AVS was designed in a time where these were not factors when designing the plate bag interiors like seen commonly on the market of today. One thing observed was also how the dimensions of the harness made stowing the AVS slightly difficult as the semi-rigid structure prevented the carrier from being folded up. Perhaps the only negative observation made in terms of comfort was that as more items/weight were added to the AVS, and accessories added to increase padding or comfort, the bulkier the carrier’s profile became. This could become problematic in narrow doorways or hallways. End-users may experience that as they shift their AVS into heavier setups, the shoulder covers that come with the AVS are not padded sufficiently, so Crye does offer the AVS Padded Shoulder Cover (purchased separately but included with this review). Over the AVS’ 12-year tenure, other companies, like AXL Advanced have offered their Structural Shoulder Pads, to improve the AVS shoulder straps with added rigidity/padding. Despite that, no impacts to shouldering a rifle or limitations in range of motion via arms or torso were experienced regardless of which shoulder padding type was utilized. One common issue noted in research was from those within the Medium size range reported the AVS harness was excessively large, resulting in overlap of the harness’s cummerbund tabs and causing a pressure point against the chest. In these instances, the resolution was to simply step-down to a Small sized harness. Crye does post an AVS sizing chart, but this is also relative to the individual’s torso dimensions as well.
• Durability – Average (3/5): From a standpoint of durability, the AVS is made from the same 500D Cordura nylon as commonly found in most tactical products 12 years ago and today (although newer materials like laminate nylon are quickly gaining popularity), and gives the overall carrier an appropriate (or average) level of durability to resist friction. Extensive bartack stitching, box and X-pattern reinforcement, were noted at key stress points, all of which reflected the carrier’s added intent to address the needs of the military. The AVS was designed from the start to survive harsh battlefield abuse. However, these high levels of durability add to manufacturing cost, and likely play a role into why AVS components have such a high price tag. At no point in evaluations were any threading, seams, or fabric observed to be fraying or presented signs of premature wear. Hook-and-loop panels functioned correctly, and did not wear excessively. The semi-rigid polymer inserts in the harness and carrier bags did gradually take on a more curved profile as the AVS was worn in. However, the polymer inserts were also what provided the structural support and did not split, crack, or otherwise fail to maintain resilience over usage.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally, the AVS was (back when it came out, and now) one of the most complex plate carrier systems to setup and adjust, due to its purpose as a scalable system. So end-users should take note to follow the directions included in the manual as it includes setup for all variations of the AVS, as well as setup of the emergency doffing cable. The alternative configurations of the AVS gave it one of the larger ranges in diversity between light(er) needs, to fully armored—yet regardless still maintained its weight distribution. A majority of the AVS’ functional design was for distributing high levels of worn weight on the soldier to around their torso, which directly plays into comfort and preventing fatigue. The one caveat was if the AVS was configured and worn without the harness—in which case the functional aspect of the carrier’s design for weight distribution (especially for heavier loads) was lost. Another aspect to be aware of, if end-users opt for cummerbund upgrades that are not from Crye (such as in this review opting for a three-band style with First Spear tubes from MOS Tactical) be sure to check if it does/doesn’t come with the necessitating tri-glide buckles as some aftermarket companies do not provide those and they are needed to attach the cummerbund to the harness. Perhaps one challenge end-users will find is as they add more items between the base configuration and assault, is the bulker (and heavier) the AVS obviously becomes. The split between the two halves of the harness (once assembled) did provide minimal articulation and ventilation while the AVS was worn, but only in relation to the rear carrier bag (which remains fixed). Adjusting the various hook-and-loop panels to find an ideal fit between the harness and shoulder straps did take time, but paid dividends in the end. Still, other MOLLE fields on the cummerbund, rear plate bag, and aftermarket accessories gave the AVS extensive room to be configured beyond the manufacture’s setting by adding additional pouches or accessories to meet the end-users specific mission needs. Some elements of the AVS however, did reflect its age—with elements like magazine retention (via only the detachable M4 flap with over-the-top flaps rather than open-top), or dedicated heat mitigation channels on the plate bag interiors not included in the design, whereas these are features are dominantly industry standards now. As stated previously, there are a large variety of aftermarket products to support the AVS, and with enough dedicated searching end-users can find something to meet their individual needs. Civilians should consider if the AVS is truly something they need (balancing that with the AVS’ cost), as their requirements for training and personal safety differ vastly from professionals/MIL/LEO.
• Weight – Fair (2/5): Weight of a plate carrier is always a concern. In the case of the AVS, it is among the heaviest on the market with a complete base configuration (determinate by sizeing) weighing in at approximately 50 ounces (or 3.13 pounds) without plates. As individual components, the AVS plate bags (both front/rear) measured 24.6 ounces, the harness (with single band cummerbund) itself was 23.6 ounces, and the M4 detachable flap was a lighter 4.0 ounces. Not included to that total would be other accessories added, like side armor, pack, or other pouches. Obviously, not only did material play a part in this weight, but also the added polymer inserts inside the plate bags and harness (which is something most carriers do not have) that gave those pieces structure and support. If the AVS becomes saturated (i.e. through rain or sweat) it can gain almost as much as 40% more weight. However, because of its stability as a carrier, the AVS was neither off-balancing nor fatiguing on the shoulders during dynamic movements. This illustrated why so much of the AVS’ design is around weight mitigation/distribution, as not only does the end-user have to contend with the carrier itself, but what is added to it in gear or accessories. In contrast, the complete Arc V2 Carrier (39.75 ounces) from Shaw Concepts, Ferro’s FCPC V5 (23.8 ounces), T3 Gear’s G2 (48 ounces), or Grey Ghost Gear’s SMU (24 ounces) all illustrate how Crye’s AVS is at the upper end of the current market in carriers. But that weight comes with added functional reinforcement and structural support that almost no other carriers have. So it becomes an appropriate (or averaged) draw, whereby the consumer will need to carefully consider their intended use, budget, and weight if thinking of upgrading to Crye Precision’s AVS.

Overall Rating – Average (16/25)

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/vests/avs

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Debuted at SHOT Show 2020, the Shoot, Move, Communicate (SMC) Plate Carrier and its associated back panels are the brain trust of developers at Grey Ghost Gear (GGG). Under development for several years, the SMC and its interchangeable back panels enable team members to rapidly customize rear panel loadouts to fit any mission. To see the full details of our review to the base layer SMC, go here.

Made from the new line of laminate nylon material, the SMC and its back panels have an abrasion rating greater than that of traditional 1000D nylon at a fraction of the weight. In addition, the laminate nylon has the added ability to resist moisture saturation and thus shed any excess weight that may be encountered from sweat or rain. Each back panel is attached to the rear panel of the SMC with thick YZZ zippers and (optional) MALICE clips.

SMC 1 to 3 Assault Pack

Intended to give the shooter a lightweight assault pack, the 1 to 3 can be configured to allot for three different types of storage.

When attached to the SMC, the pack’s front allows for a small accessory or device storage in the space on the front of the pack. It’s 6.5” YKK zipper is weatherized to prevent moisture penetration of the greater 10” (H) x 7” (L) pocket. Inside the pocket is a key loop made of webbing nylon. A curved 2” (H) x 6.5” (L) hook-and-loop (female) field is above the zipper to allow for identification patches.

Under the compression straps (the upper two being slide release buckles, and the lower two being cinch buckles) is a second YKK zipper line that runs the around the midsection of the pack. This allows for access to a 24-hour nylon pocket for larger daily items.

Inside the 24-hour pocket is an additional envelope sleeve with elastic side adjustors to accommodate irregular sized objects (such as a radio pack) or a hydration bladder. At the top of the interior 24-hour pocket is a hook-and-loop section to secure hydration bladders and pass-through-access port for hydration tubes or communication cables.

Expanding the pack to a third size, a YKK zipper line runs the circumference of the pack’s exterior that allows for the expansion of four-way elastic material to increase the storage capacity to a 3-Day pack.

The interior of the 3-Day pack is accessible by a roll-over, dry bag opening secured with slide release buckles. The interior of the 3-Day pack is completely lined with hook-and-loop (female) material to attach associated pouches or other items.

The back panel of the 1 to 3 Assault Pack further expands on its application by having a top-access, thru pocket the full length of the pack for breaching tools or bolt cutters.

A semi-rigid polymer panel is stitched into the back panel to prevent hard edges in the pack from giving the wearer any discomfort. The 1 to 3 Assault Pack also has the added advantage of having removable shoulder and waist straps so that it can be worn independently of the SMC Plate Carrier.

Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com/collections/memorial-day-sale/products/smc-1-to-3-assault-pack

SMC Assaulter Panel

Designed for when sh*t gets serious, the Assaulter Panel helps the wearer bring the hate for use by fellow team members when needed.

When attached to the SMC, across the top the Assaulter Panel are three magazine pouches with adjustable hook-and-loop closure flaps. Each pouch can accommodate two rifle magazines each of 5.56 or 7.62 ammunition, or cylindrical items like smoke or flashbang grenades.

The bottom, larger-sized pocket is YKK zipper secured with dual shuttles and sized to accommodate items up to the size of a claymore anti-personnel mine. On the exterior is a small 2” (H) x 5” (L) hook-and-loop (female) field for identification patches.

At the top of the back panel is a top-access, thru pocket the full length of the pack for breaching tools, bolt cutters, or a hydration bladder.  The back panel also includes four nylon webbing MOLLE tabs to add stability and strength when connected to the SMC and avoid overstressing the associated YKK zippers.

Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com/collections/memorial-day-sale/products/smc-assaulter-panel

Also included in the SMC Back Panel lineup is the SMC MOLLE Panel that provides a “clean slate” for the user to customize, however was not part of this evaluation.

The SMC Back Panels are available in Multicam (featured), Black, and Coyote Brown.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): Obviously the cost per SMC Back Panel differs based on quantity of material involved and complexity. For the 1 to 3 Assault Pack you have a dynamic piece of gear that allows the wearer to carry either immediate-need essentials, items needed over a 24-hour period, or expand to a fully independent 3-Day pack for $185. Meanwhile the Assaulter Panel comes in at $120 that allows the user to bring considerable storage into the fight for team members. Considering that market alternatives for plate carrier assault packs or magazine carriers include T3 Gear’s Hans Backpack ($282), the Helium Whisper Backpanel Assault System ($187) by Velocity Systems, or the Flatpack Plus by Haley Strategic ($159) that show the SMC’s 1 to 3 Backpack is priced to be in a good position among those using new fabrics and design, or more traditional.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Obviously these SMC Back Panels are worn on the exterior of the rear plate carrier so for a comfort aspect, during evaluations we were really looking at if the panels were either unbalanced or shifted to the point of becoming cumbersome. A number of physical stressors were completed in an effort to shift the various back panels around while worn and loaded. The key was that the SMC Plate Carrier itself be properly fitted, as the back panels merely became an extension of it. With no excess movement in the plate carrier, and the back panels properly attached, there was zero shifting and the weight distribution remains centered and high up on the back so as to prevent excess pulling on the shoulders. The only notable point against the SMC Back Plates from a comfort aspect was the shoulder straps of the assault pack, which have zero padding (something intentionally done so as to be easily stowed when attached to the SMC and not in use). However, given that this is part of the purpose of the design it is merely something the consumer should be aware of if wearing it as a stand-alone 3-Day pack as the straps may begin to dig or pinch.
• Durability – Average (3/5): GGG has recently expanded on its new laminate nylon line of products with the SMC and its associated accessories. This material represents some of the more leading edge of textiles in the tactical market because of its high abrasion resistance and fraction of weight in comparison to traditional nylons. As such for the back panels, most of the materials used stem from this new laminate nylon, with the assault pack also using four-way elastic sections for expansion and rubberized nylon for the stuff sack opening. And while there is the presence of bartack and X-pattern stitching in high stress areas as one would expect (the YKK zipper line for SMC attachment and assault pack straps), it did not appear to be consistent throughout—something that influenced the evaluated score.
  • For instance, the Assaulter Panel was simplistic in design and did have the all the necessary stitching reinforcement to the pouches and closure flaps that ensured a secure fit. We gave the panel an independent score of “4” as the flaps and YKK zipper had good reinforcement and could fit securely.
  • Oppositely, the zipper line to the assault pack’s 3-Day configuration had a good amount of material left exposed after opening, and if snagged does risk the material. Likewise, the four-way elastic nylon sections did not appear to have anything more than the typical stitch line to reinforce the fabric’s connection to the laminate nylon, despite the variances in materials (and their associated strengths). We gave the assault pack an overall independent score of “2” for durability because some lacking finishing touches may influence the product’s durability over time and use. (Editor’s Note: It should be noted that in discussion with GGG, the vendor stated the amount of overtravel for the zipper was in the initial run of the assault pack, and that those currently being sold no longer have that amount of excess zipper material)
• Functionality – Average (3/5): The SMC and its associated back panels are something new from GGG—an effort to build multiple plate carriers into one by making the back panels easily interchangeable for a variety of mission sets. And the varied back panels accomplish that in spades. The rear carrier/back panel YKK zippers slide easily and each is designed to make a single person on a team a greater resource for all by allowing greater carrying capacity or ammo provisions. But again, looking at the two (the Assaulter Panel and the 1 to 3 Assault Pack) there was a difference both in complexity and finished product that ultimately split the score in this category.
  • The Assaulter Panel was simpler in approach and utility, thus felt a more finished product. The ammo closure flaps with their hook-and-loop retained a solid hold on fully loaded rifle magazines, and the ammo pockets themselves had a semi-rigid opening to aid in magazine insertion/draw. It should be noted that if storing two magazines in each pocket (for the evaluation PMags were used) there was slightly more clearance to insert mags ammo-down. Inserting them ammo-up caused some spacing conflicts when baseplates against one another and trying to get them inserted into the pockets. Otherwise the Assaulter Panel would give team members ready-access to any components stored. We gave the panel an independent score of “4” as its design placed magazines and other accessories within immediate reach of other team members as needed for assault or sustained operations.
  • The 1 to 3 Assault Pack was more complex and felt to be missing some of the more finished details. For instance, on the assault pack, the four side compression straps have no retention cuffs (yet the optional shoulder and waist strap do) despite an extensive length. And the enclosure zipper for the 3-Day Pack had an extensive overtravel to the point it had a good amount that snagged on protrusions. (Editor’s Note: See comments above in Durability) This could be remedied with a button snap on the end to attach it to the pack, or to simply end the zipper where it disconnects from the pack. Either way it was a good amount of excess. Lastly, the enclosure for the dry bag didn’t have any means of securing the opening, and when filled, would just sit there (which is good for adding immediate SSE, but not really good for securing items over longer distance or movements). A band of hook-and-loop on the inside of the nylon enclosure, or an alternate set of slide release buckles on the side to fold over the dry bag opening, could help resolve that. While these are all inherently minor issues in the 1 to 3 Assaulter Pack’s hardware, and do not detract from its overall design, it was what split the overall score between that and the Assault Panel to an average. We gave the assault pack an overall independent score of “2” for function because some lacking finishing touches may influence the product’s performance over time and use.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): The overall empty weight for the Assault Panel (15.1 ounces), and the 1 to 3 Assault Pack (1.11 pounds) demonstrate the lightweight characteristics of GGG’s new laminate nylon products. By themselves these panels add little weight to the overall SMC, but there is a fixed volume of weight one can put inside them. The user should bear in mind that the more they add, the more weight will be borne. In comparison, T3 Gear’s Hans Backpack (2.3 pounds), or the Flatpack Plus by Haley Strategic (1.3 pounds) both demonstrate that regardless of design, the laminate nylon of GGG’s products still places the back panels as among some of the lightest on the current market that dominantly uses heavier traditional nylon blends.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

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