As a minimalist chest rig with adaptability, the 10-Speed M4 Chest Rig by Blue Force Gear offers a high degree of positive magazine retention, with no excessive materials or weight. This is in large part to its efficient use of military-grade elastic and durable Cordura nylon.
Using an “H” style harness design, the 10-Speed M4 Chest Rig has fully adjustable shoulder and torso straps with ITW GhillieTEX quick-release side release buckles. On the back of the harness is a (female) hook-and-loop panel for associated patches or name tabs. The rear cross-section of shoulder straps is also designed as a drag harness to pull the individual if necessary.
On the main nylon platform there is an 18” (W) x 6” (H) map pocket secured via hook-and-loop (with two directional pull tabs), in front of which are four M4/AR-15 patterned magazine slots made from elastic material.
On each side is a field of MOLLE-compatible webbing that allow for the inclusion of additional 10-speed magazine carriers, aid pouches, or other accessories.
Above the nylon webbing are two Cordura loops (one each side) that allow for hooks or carabiner to be attached for added carrying capacity.
Specifications
- Magazine slots made from BFG military-grade elastic
- 500D Cordura
- 3×3 MOLLE-compatible nylon webbing
The 10-Speed M4 Chest Harness comes in five different colors; Multicam (featured), OD Green, Wolf Gray, Coyote, and Black. The 10-Speed also comes available for 308 magazines and MP7s.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $89.95 for a minimalist chest rig, the Blue Force 10-Speed M4 Chest Rig is moderately priced within the current market. It is priced above some manufacturer’s versions of chest rigs, such as from SKD, 5.11, or HSGI that include either heavier material with lower quality nylon, or less material in the harness itself. Other chest rigs that are more expensive are frequently those with dual carbine/pistol functionality built into the design.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): With four fully-loaded carbine magazines, the 10-Speed chest rig was able to distribute the weight evenly across the shoulders. The adjustment straps feature an extensive length for full-size customization with/without body armor. Overall this made the 10-Speed chest rig very comfortable, and it didn’t move or slide during stressor drills (lunges and body twist). An added plus was the “H”-style shoulder harness with a “clean” design (no loops or straps) along the edging that eliminated any potential material that could irritate while wearing the chest rig for long durations.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The base layer and shoulder harness is comprised of 500D Cordura, which gives it a high level of nylon abrasion resistance—but is average for tactical products in the current market. The elastic material is stitched to form the magazine sleeves was robust, but is only as durable as the elastic bands within it (kind of like a lot of little rubber bands). While during the normal course of firing and stressor drills, some surface fraying was noted but not to a significant degree so as to damage the overall material. The ITW GhillieTEX quick-release side release buckles are of higher-than average quality considering they are of a high-durability polymer and minimize IR signature.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): For a minimalist carbine chest rig, the 10-Speed accomplishes that, and leaves the opportunity to expand the platform if desired. While the user has the ability to carry four loaded magazines, the added MOLLE on either side allows for added accessories or pockets. With no excessive materials (hydration loops, snaps, shock cord, etc.), the 10-Speed would make the ideal conceal/low-profile chest rig for those looking to wear it under a jacket or collared shirt. The only problematic issue was an added (female) hook-and-loop field on the inside of each elastic magazine carrier. While no accessories were provided with the chest rig, or sold separately to accompany a hook-and-loop field in this location, it did make holstering magazines a little difficult as the edges of the magazine and hook-and-loop often hung up on one another. Additionally, with the extensive length in each adjustment strap, it would be greatly beneficial if elastic retention cuffs were added behind the side-release buckles to help stow/secure excessive amounts of material. Otherwise, bartack and “X”-type reinforced stitching were noted in key stressor points, but the max weight-load of the designed drag handle was not tested during the review.
- Weight – Excellent (5/5): At 11.3 ounces (empty) the 10-Speed is amazingly light. The design and choice of using 500D Cordura for material kept the overall weight to a minimum. When properly adjusted and worn, the weight of the 10-Speed is hardly noticeable.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-m4-chest-rig.html
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