MOLLE Gear: Tactical Tailor MAV Vest and Bib

Make: Tactical Tailor

Models:

MAV Vest (tan)
MAV Bib (tan)
5.56 Single Mag pouch (coyote)
Knife/mag pouch (tan)
90 degree panel (coyote)

Make: ITW Military Products
Model: FASTmag 5.56 Single Mag Carrier, Gen 3


I'm fortunate enough to shoot at a range that lets me draw from the holster, wear a vest, shoot rapid fire rifle, and generally do odd training exercises that may otherwise be frowned upon.

I set up this vest to be simple and straightforward, and it lets me practice reloading drills when shooting the AR-15.  Note that this is the MAV Vest and Bib together (they are sold separately).  As you can see, I keep four 5.56 mags front and center, and there are two 9mm SIG pistol mags on the left.  These are mounted on the MAV Vest.  Additionally, there is a 90 degree panel mounted on the Bib, though I'm not currently using it for anything.

I'm fond of Tactical Tailor products and quality is typically good.  I really have no complaints about the MAV Vest and Bib, though I admit they don't see very hard use.

 

Standard pouch vs FASTmag

I actually steered away from the FASTmag carriers at first.  I'm a bit of a traditionalist as well as a strong believer in the KISS principle, so a simple MOLLE pouch with a bungee retaining strap seemed like the right way to go.  AR-15 mags sit fairly deep in these pouches.  I find that the fastest method to get them out is to pull off the strap and then actually yank the mag out of the pouch with my thumb and forefinger just far enough to switch to a full "coke can" grip on the main body.  From there I pull it free entirely and proceed with my reload.  It sounds like an annoying extra step, but with practice it becomes a quick, single motion.  Do note that some manufacturers sell "short" versions of this type of pouch that leaves a much larger portion of the magazine exposed which would make this extra yank unnecessary.

But the FASTmag carrier makes this entirely moot.  I'm definitely a convert.  While technically speaking, you need to "twist" the mag a bit to free it from the carrier, after you do it a dozen times you really just end up feeling like you're pulling the mag free without any additional wasted motion or effort.  And rest assured, the mag locks in place pretty securely.  I think you'd have to be dragged on a horse before you'd need to worry about mags popping free.

Built-in storage
Both the Bib and the main Vest have a small utility pouch built-in, which is quite handy for storing smaller items.

Secondary ammo

The standard pistol mag pouches are of typical design and can also hold lights, multi-tools, or folding knives. 

 

90 degree panel

This panel will turn a pouch 90 degrees from how it would otherwise be mounted.  I could think of a lot of pouches that could potentially go there, but there was nothing else I really needed on this vest so I just left it open for now.

 

A nice touch

For whatever reason, the MOLLE loops on the outermost edge of the MAV bib are a little bigger than the rest.  Just big enough to hold a Leatherman Skeletool in place.

Bullet Button tool

For you Californians, this is how I work my Bullet Button.  I whittled down a wooden chopstick to the right length and slightly rounded off the ends.  I attached it to the end of a Key-Bak key keeper which mounts nicely to the vest.  I use a Grimloc just to help ensure the chopstick returns to the same position each time.

To reload, I just use the chopstick to activate the Bullet Button.  As soon as I let it go, the Key-Bak yanks it bank into place with no fuss.

It works well, and reloads are pretty quick and effective.  I'm sold on using the Key-Bak though I think I could eventually come up with something better than the chopstick.


 

MOLLE Gear: Tactical Tailor 50 Series Universal Hardcase

Make: Tactical Tailor
Model: 50 Series Universal Hardcase
Color Pictured: Tan

Attachment System: MALICE clips (non-removable)
MOLLE Footprint: 2 loops across x 2 loops high

Intended Purpose: Holds cell phones, PDA's, cameras, GPS devices, etc.
"Everyday MOLLE": Holds a Canon Powershot digital camera
 

This is the smallest of the TT's series of Universal Hardcase pouches.  It's the perfect size to fit a phone or digital camera, and comes with two of Tactical Tailor's malice clips for mounting to your MOLLE gear.

I'm a huge fan of Tactical Tailor products, but while this case gets the basic job done, I do have a couple minor issues with the design.

Break-Free Lid?

The lid hinge is nothing more than a row of plastic "claws" that grip onto a bar on the case itself.  What I noticed is that if you open the lid with even a small bit of enthusiasm, it's quite easy for the lid to pop right off and detach.  In one memorable case the lid went flying across the room.  There's nothing to hold the lid captive to the pouch when it separates, so while it's no big deal to have your lid flying across your living room, I'm not so sure it would be so trivial on a rainy night in the middle of the woods.

One Way Only

As you can see in the picture, the malice clips can only be put on one side of the case.  It doesn't seem like such a big deal at first, but once you add the case to a pack or vest loaded with other pouches, you realize that it can be somewhat limiting because if you were to put the case right up against another pouch it would block access to the retaining snap and would make the case difficult to open.