Released in 2023 under various components, the Chest Rig by Dynamic Principles is available as a modular unit whereby the central Micro MOLLE Placard can be separated, and utilized as part of the Dynamic Plate Carrier (DPC). This gives the end-user added flexibility to adjust their individual loadout based on specific needs at that time.
Made dominantly from 500D, laminate nylon, the central feature of the Chest Rig is its kangaroo-style, laser-cut Micro MOLLE front pouch that allows the user to carry up to three 5.56 magazines. These magazines are held inside the pouch via an elastic nylon insert, with hook-and-loop material on the exterior that mates to corresponding material inside the kangaroo pouch for retention.
On the pouch’s exterior are four rows of laser-cut MOLLE-compatible segments to create a low-profile field for attaching corresponding accessories or pouches.
The rear of the Micro MOLLE uses a hook-and-loop attached backer that is removable and has open-cell foam padding to increase ventilation and minimize abrasion of the overall placard against the torso.
At the shoulder harness, the Micro MOLLE has 2.0” wide, laminate-nylon shoulder straps that (combined with ITW Nexus’ QASM slide-release buckles at the front), in addition with the Chest Rig Back Panel behind the shoulders, maintain a H-style configuration across the rear torso. Laser-cut MOLLE segments on both shoulder straps enable for the passage and retention of hydration tubes or communication cables.
The Back Panel itself has a full field of laser-cut MOLLE spacing, with 4” (L) x 3” (H) panel of hook-and-loop (female) material at the top for attaching identification or morale patches. At the bottom is a fold-over flap that secures via hook-and-loop, and is used to secure the rear of the cummerbund.
The cummerbund for the Chest Rig is cross-compatible with the Dynamic Plate Carrier, and features a band of elastic nylon; slotted and reinforced with laminate nylon for additional (between two, three, or four) rifle magazines (or other sized items), and secure to the sides of the Micro MOLLE placard via 4” Taktic Buckles.
The Chest Rig is available in Ranger Green (featured), and soon other colors like Coyote, Multicam, and Black.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): Comprised of individually sold elements, a complete rig consists of the shoulder straps ($35.00) and placard pad ($30.00). Optionally, at the time of purchase, the end-user can then select either the back straps ($70.00) to run the rig directly, or run with the Back Panel ($35.00), which allows the end-user to interchange any of Dynamic Principle’s cummerbunds ($80.00 – $84.00 depending) and any of its front placards ($60.00 – $75.00 depending) as part of the Dynamic Plate Carrier (DPC) and vice versa. Depending on these configurations, the total cost of a completed Chest Rig would be between $235 and $290, and is made almost exclusively of 500D laminate nylon, a material well known for its abrasion and moisture resistance. In contrast, a similar laminate nylon Spear Gen 2 Chest Rig ($215) from T3 Gear, a fully configured Micro Fight Chassis Mk4 setup ($195.85) from Spiritus Systems, a Low-Profile Chest Rig ($225.74) from London Bridge Tactical, the laminate nylon Hurricane Hybrid Chest Rig ($279.00) by Direct Action, or the Ten Speed SF Chest Rig ($249.95) by Blue Force Gear all illustrate that the Chest Rig by Dynamic Principle is at an appropriate (or average) price range as a dedicated design – but also gives the adaptability to cross-over many of the elements for use in the DPC as well.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): The comfort of the Chest Rig was one of the more appealing aspect to the overall design, and the rig was evaluated in conjunction with the elastic cummerbund option to the DPC. This yielded good overall fit that supported the ensuing weight of loaded magazines around/across the upper torso and over the shoulders. The rear harness further utilized a hybrid H-style pattern with the back panel, which helped to evenly distribute the weight along the back while ensuring the overall rig did not ride up in any aspect. There was clear range of motion and no restriction from the shoulder straps noted during evaluation. The shoulder straps themselves were unpadded, which did reduce the profile of the straps themselves against other gear worn, but did not defray any weight. The use of elastic cummerbund straps and back panel did ensure a nice, comfortable fit around the lower torso, but if the cummerbund didn’t have magazines inserted in the sides it would cause some outward curvature in the material. This resulted in some chafe against the laminate nylon tabs of the pouches themselves. Added elements, like the hook-and-loop padded backer, helped ensure that the Chest Rig remained comfortable and secure as a stand-alone rig, or if separated and utilized as a plate carrier placard still allotted for a secure connection.
- Durability – Good (4/5): From a durability aspect; the review of the Chest Rig was divided down into two main elements, the fabric and the stitching. Most of the material in the Chest Rig was from two-layered laminated nylon, with a likely denier rating of 500D. This meant that the nylon had consistent edge-to-edge color, fiber strength, and resistance to UV (sun) light and stains that would otherwise cause deterioration in lesser fabrics. Where the 500D fell into place, was the fabric’s ability to resist hard edges/abrasion that comes with regular use in the field or on the range. The denier rating of the laminate nylon was/is standard within the tactical gear market as 500D offers the best balance between flexibility and durability to the overall product. Noted elsewhere throughout the Chest Rig, at key stressor points along the shoulder straps, placard, and laser-cut MOLLE there was extensive bartack and X-pattern reinforcement stitching to help ensure strength and longevity in the product.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Chest Rig did a good job at doing what it was intended for. It provided a lightweight basic chest rig, with carrying capacity for short durations on the firing line, in field use, or as a stand-by rig. But it still retained enough flexibility to add to the rig’s MOLLE fields if needed. But the Day Rig itself was able to interchange with different Dynamic Principle’s placards, while still allotting for the cummerbund and placard to be removed and applied to the DPC. Whatever the short-term use was, for a light day on the range the Chest Rig was able to be readily utilized, easily donned and then removed/swapped out. Perhaps one area of recommended improvement for Dynamic Principles to consider addressing was the 4” Taktic Buckles on the placard and used to adjoin the cummerbund bands. The design of these buckles (made by National Molding Inc.) necessitates that the male/female sides interlock only by evenly pressing the two together directly from a perpendicular angle (which was difficult while wearing the carrier). If the two 4” bars are off-angle in the slightest, then the center pressure-locking mechanism did not attain a complete lock (if at all). Moreover, when some debris (dirt, small rocks, sand) was introduced along the bar of the buckle, that would impinge on the two sides from obtaining a connection and inhibit a solid lock. A solution to consider would be swapping out the 4” Taktic Buckles with First Spear tube buckles (now available for commercial and individual sale) that have a functionally improved locking mechanism, and allow a top-down or bottom-up approach that sweeps debris clear. The TakTic Buckles use the same footprint as First Spear tube buckles and could be easily exchanged.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 22.5 ounces (in its evaluated configuration), the Day Rig was made principally from 500D laminated nylon with little in the way of excessive hardware or fabric that kept the overall weight and bulk of the product down. The harness’s design, with an elongated H-pattern, helped to keep the weight of the mags and MOLLE-attached contents even on the shoulders and across the torso without pulling on the neck. When loaded with magazines, the Chest Rig was neither unbalancing nor allotted for excess shifting in the weight. In contrast, the Spear Gen 2 Chest Rig (16 ounces) from T3 Gear, a fully configured Micro Fight Chassis Mk4 setup (18 ounces) from Spiritus Systems, a Low-Profile Chest Rig (24 ounces) from London Bridge Tactical, the laminate nylon Hurricane Hybrid Chest Rig (25.92 ounces) by Direct Action, or the Ten Speed SF Chest Rig (11.64 ounces) by Blue Force Gear illustrate that the Chest Rig (using associated elements compatible to the DPC) was at an appropriate (or average) weight within the market. This is attributed to the product’s larger design and cross-compatibility of some parts to be used in other Dynamic Principle products.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://dynamicprinciples.us/chestrigs
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, 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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