Suggestions for minimalist AR15 chest rig

**arjohnson** · October 24th, 2024, 01:44 PM

I have this eagle industries chest rig, holds 8 30 rnd mags and 4 pistol mags, compartment for papers/documents and moly webbing for add on stuff. Real simple and pretty nice setup, reminds me maybe I should load it up lol.

**DRB** · October 25th, 2024, 09:13 AM

Until I can find something that I can actually touch/wear, I am going to rely on my old 5.11 active shooter bag that was given to me years ago. Not the greatest for all circumstances, but I have it and it works for now.

**Emptymag** · October 27th, 2024, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by Emptymag

Changed my mind.

After searching and researching and eliminating "X" harness rigs, and rigs that had common complaints, I found a deal on Ebay on a ACETAC S.O.P. Micro Chest Rig for $50 - shipped free.

ACETAC product page
There are tons of video reviews on YOuTube.
Most mention a dislike for the "wing pockets", but those are removable if I don't like them.
Otherwise, all reviews are favorable.

They get tons of good reviews in the $80-$100 "budget" category and while you may find them for less on sale during Black Friday, I'm OK with fifty bucks - everywhere I looked, they run $80 and up PLUS shipping.

I think there are 7 left in the woodland that I ordered and ONE left in Coyote Brown - they also have some in black

Vendor's ebay page for the woodland
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31584729886...0AAOSwt7ZnDLsu

Arrived late yesterday.

Initial impressions:

It took about 5 minutes to slip it on and easily adjust the harness to fit.
Normal sliding buckle adjustments - easy-peasy.

I think this ebay seller got their hands on a batch of blems and did not disclose it.
The velcro field on the front of the main pouch as well as the dangler are not woodland - they are black Multicam.
Not many people would notice. I'm not sending it back - I'm fine with it.

Quality is OK - comparable to Tacticon, Better in some regards, and lesser in others.

The harness clips are NOT compatible with the Tacticon chest rig!

The Tacticon male ends are slightly smaller and will pop out if you tug lightly.
That sucks. I was ready to go order a H harness from ACETAC to replace the X harness on the Tacticon rig.

I will add more detailed impressions and comparisons between the two when I have more time!

**Emptymag** · October 27th, 2024, 12:35 PM

I could still order a H harness and just cut the buckles off (cut the plastic - not the strap that holds it on) and buy a set of these "slip on" buckles to replace the buckles on the Tacticon rig and the new harness so the clips all fit as they should.

I just have to figure out WHAT these are CALLED so I can actually get what I'm looking for in my search results!

Like these...

**Emptymag** · October 27th, 2024, 01:29 PM

Found it!

I knew I had a "How to Make a DIY Bandolier" article bookmarked where those types of buckles were used!

http://defensiveconceptsnc.com/makin...lle-bandolier/

1" ITW Nexus fastex buckles with a split bar

**Emptymag** · October 27th, 2024, 09:41 PM

Here's some pics of the ACETAC S.O.P. Micro Chest Rig I got on Ebay

Chest rig alone

Clearly that is Black Multicam - not Woodland - on the sewn on MOLLE Velcro field.
That's why I suspect they purchased these as blems. I considered the possibility that they are fakes/copies of the ACETAC and they fucked that part up, but I've watched probably ten video reviews, and everything seems to match exactly, so I think whoever is making them for ACETAC used the wrong cammo for the Velcro.

continued...

**Emptymag** · October 27th, 2024, 09:47 PM

Here's the included side pouches ("expander wing pouches") and the dangler pouch...

ACETAC must have realized the "wing pouch" design sucks (because the harness straps go OVER them), so they offer optional side pouches that are designed better. (the harness straps attach to them)
https://www.acetacgear.com/collectio...lex-wing-pouch
These "FLEX" wing pouches are pretty nice - but they should be included. Oh well.

continued...

**Emptymag** · October 27th, 2024, 09:55 PM

Here's the chest rig with the dangler. (I haven't added the "wing pouches" yet.

The H harness works.
I haven't loaded it up with mags/etc yet, but it feels good when adjusted and worn.
The shoulder straps are THIN - every reviewer mentions this, but says that it's not a deal breaker, and thinner can be a plus if you are wearing it along with a backpack/etc.

The shoulder straps feels cheap to the touch initially, but once it's on, it does what it needs to do, and it's not like you're going to have 30 lbs of gear on the rig.
The Tacticon chest rig straps are double the thickness - but they suck donkey balls to adjust, and are the less favored X harness design.

I didn't have time today to take pics of the two brands side by side.
I'll look them over some more and post anything noteworthy as I think of it.

On the surface, the Tacticon rig feels more substantial/weighty, but that my be due to the plastic magazine inserts and/or a heavier backing material.
I'm not sure if they are made of the same denier nylon - gonna go check now...