Disappointing...
VZ58 in action in Afghanistan |
During my most recent deployment, I ordered a US PALM AKAttack Rack V2 from their distributor, Scottsdale Gun Club. There were a few
issues with the shipping and delivery but that was sorted out through good
customer service. Upon returning home, I gave the rig a cursory inspection
knowing I would put into use once the snow finally receded.
The V2 AK Attack Rack is a simple chest rig with four AK
magazine pouches sewn to the front with MOLLE panels on the side areas (3 x 3).
The shingle style magazine pouches have MOLLE stitched to the front of them.
Magazines are secured in the pouches with shock cord with integrated pull tabs.
There are two adjustable flap magazine/utility tool pouches horizontally
mounted on the top of the vest. The V2
AK Attack Rack’s low profile top universal pocket behind the magazine panel has
four generous pouches and room to store a substantial amount of admin, spare
magazines or back up gear. The side-top seams split for a holster, radio pouch,
or knife with additional Velcro pile sewn to secure items on the internal main
compartment. The bottom of the carrier opens allows for more storage areas for
flat gear or a custom level IIIA soft armor panel offered by US PALM. A single MOLLE
strip is located on the rear of carrier intended for a groin protector or dump
pouch. The strapping system is 50mm (2”) ITW Fastex buckled QD shoulder straps with MOLLE rows for
comms cable routing and a 25mm (1”) ITW Fastex buckled adjustable waist strap releasable from either side.
It is constructed of a lightweight 500D Cordura with YKK
Zippers and available in Scorched Earth, Multicam, Original Drab, Feld Grun,
Khaki, and Mud Hut.
I had the chance to put the rig into action on the Phase
Line Green Tactical Low Light course in April. I did not use a VZ-58, but I
found that two M4 magazines can fit easily into each AK pouches. That gave me a
total carriage on the chest of eight primary magazines.
The Chest Rig Loadout was by no means excessive. It was a very realistic operational layout. |
Chest Rig Loadout
- Eight 30/5 Magpul PMags in the shingles
- a vest mounted Streamlight Sidewinder for casualty/close illumination
- an Inforce 6V in a Helium Whisper BFG Pistol Mag pouch mounted on left 3x3 MOLLE panel,
- Leatherman MUT in right vertical magazine/utility tool pouch,
- CAT Tourniquet in left vertical magazine/utility tool pouch,
- Hardcore Hardware Australia LFK02 mounted on right 3x3 MOLLE panel
- TCCC Level 2 trauma kit and extra batteries in top universal pocket
- CTOMS Pocket FX litter in the rear of the carrier
Good News
The chest rig performed well on the course. Magazines were
easily accessed to top up my belt kit or load my primary. It was comfortable to
wear and did not shift position with rapid tactical movement. The spacious
internals allowed me to carry all required gear realistic for a operational
rig. This rig does have a lot to offer.
Bad News
Upon returning home, I stripped my kit and inspected my gear
like a good soldier. I was dismayed to find that that the Velcro hook of rear
bottom access had pulled from the stitching and the piping of the rear panel
had began to fuzz. Looking closer, there was fraying of Velcro Pile on one of
the vertical Magazine pouches at the top of the rig as well. In many places the
bar tack stitching of the MOLLE had begun to fray as well. This is quite
excessive wear for a rig after 16 hours of moderate training. I have rigs and
packs that have lasted multiple tours with less wear. It would not last an entire deployment, possible not even through the pre deployment training.
Velcro hook of rear bottom access had pulled from the stitching and the piping of the rear panel had began to fuzz |
Fraying of Velcro Pile on one of the vertical Magazine pouches |
“Built to rugged military spec’s, this rack system will last
for years of hard service in any conditions encountered by modern war fighters.”
US PALM website
Fraying of the bar tack MOLLE stitching |
Fraying of the bar tack MOLLE stitching |
Fraying of the bar tack MOLLE stitching |
I had high hopes for this rig as I genuinely liked its layout. It is well
thought out and capable of supporting multiple weapon platforms, not just the AK family.
The load out I carried was a realistic operational layout for general purpose
work/convoy/light patrolling and the rig supported it well. However, the V2 AK
Attack Rack showed signs of excessive wear after use over a two day period of
moderate tactical training. With some experience based judgement, V2 AK Attack
Rack is not hard use gear and I would not deploy with it or recommend it until
these QA issues are sorted out.
Take care out there
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