Designed by Trident Tactical Technical (T3), the “Spear” Chest Rig will provide the user with an adaptable platform that serves as a stand-alone chest rig, or to augment a preferred plate carrier.
Introduced in 2015, the Spear allows the user to carry either 5.56 or 7.62 rifle magazines giving the military-minded user the widest possible platform commonality possible. Its 500D, solution-dyed Cordura and reverse/bartack stitching at key stress points throughout, gives the Spear a high degree of abrasion resistance and strength.
At the shoulder harness, the Spear has 2.5” padded straps in the front that (combined with Fastek buckles at the back and removable cross strap) allow the 1” nylon straps in the rear to convert between an H-style configuration to an X-style based on the user’s preference. A second set of fastek buckles at the shoulders allow for the mounting packs, hydration carriers, or other accessories—provided they have the appropriate mounting straps for the bottom (not included).
Each padded front strap has four MOLLE/PALS segments (three of which are on a wing of material that connects to the shoulder strap by hook-and-loop) and three elastic cuffs, all which can be used for threading hydration tubes or communication wiring through.
Across the main platform, the Spear has four rifle magazine pouches that can accommodate 5.56 or 7.62 patterned magazines, with three bands of MOLLE/PALS webbing across the front of each. The magazine pouches include shock cord retention pull tabs for added security.
On each side is a zipper-secured multi-purpose utility pouch, on top of a larger pouch with retention cord, elastic cuff, and adjustable hook-and-loop strap on the bottom that can double as a radio pouch or pistol holster.
Behind the main platform is a hook-and-loop secured kangaroo pouch with two drainage grommets that extends the length of the chest rig, and on the backpanel is a small wedge-shaped mesh pocket for notebooks or other accessories.
Specifications:
- 500D Cordura
- Fastek Buckles
- Extensive Shoulder Padding
- Accommodates either 5.56 or 7.62 Magazines
The Spear Chest Rig is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote Tan, OD Green, Desert Digital, and ABU Tiger.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At an MSPR of $213.00 for the featured chest rig, the price covers the quantity of 500D Cordura, padding, and nylon. In comparison, if you look at market alternatives for other load-bearing chest rigs that are similar, such as LBT’s Load Bearing Chest Rig ($420), Velocity Systems GEN IV Pusher ($233), or VTAC’s Chest Rig ($199) they are all similar in price points with variances due to quantity of materials and how much weight the chest rig is intended to bear. Lighter and less expensive chest rigs are designed to carry less and would be more suitable for training or range work. Heavier and more expensive systems, such as the Spear, are intended to augment “slick” plate carriers in a more operational sphere and carry more weight—thus necessitating more material and cost.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Once adjusted and loaded, the Spear was very comfortable both on the shoulders and waist. The multi-purpose pouch for pistols/radios was a little janky with some movement as it’s a general-purpose pouch with a retention cord secured with a hook-and-loop square, and not a dedicated pistol holster. But at no point did the pistol come out of the pouch during testing. The magazine pouches provided smooth drawing and insertion of both 5.56 and 7.62 magazines. The other advantage of the Spear was its ability to change between H or X-type harness styles, allowing the user to opt for what was more comfortable.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): Extensive bartack/reverse stitching was noted on all key stress points to include; all MOLLE/PALS webbing, harness and shoulder connections, and pouch edges. Combined with its 500D Cordura, the Spear had a high-degree of durability built into its design. It is nearly certain the hardware will give out on the Spear long before the material does.
- Functionality – Fair (2/5): By itself the Spear functioned as a suitable load-bearing chest rig, with all pouches easily within reach and accessible. If used as a stand-alone rig, it performed as admirably as other similar-designed load-bearing chest rigs. But the Spear had limited cross compatibility with other plate carriers (aside from “slick” carriers) or packs.
- The only true application to expand its functionality was if the user was utilizing a “slick” plate carrier (with no MOLLE/PALS or pouches) where the Spear is worn over it to augment it for that role. The shoulder and waist harnesses are not removable ergo the main platform cannot be mounted to a plate carrier (with the necessary aftermarket hardware) as is found on the current market, such as in the D3CRX by Haley Strategic.
- Likewise, adding a pack or hydration pouch was also limited. Although the function is built into the extra slide-release buckles at the shoulders, the Spear requires threading its waist strap through any available vertical panels, or twisting it through horizontal webbing to secure the bottom or the pack. There is no way to remove the Spear’s waist straps to incorporate a pack or panel’s included hardware.
- Weight – Average (3/5): The Spear came in at 2.9 ounces (unloaded) and its relative lightweight design was due to its minimal use of material necessary to carry heavy loads. This included extra padding on the shoulders and reinforcement along the main platform. The Spear’s weight also put it on par with other load-bearing chest rigs of similar design intended to carry magazines, radios, and other accessories that all come in around 2-3 pounds. It should be noted there is a divergence (in weight) between heavy, load-bearing chest rigs like the Spear, and lighter chest rigs intended only for training or range use. The two styles should be considered apart from each other as they have clear separations in weight and design.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-spear-chest-rig/#product-description
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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