Flyye Force Recon Vest with Pouch Set Maritime Version

Ogre

04 Aug 2009

The CIRAS (Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System) is a modular protective vest designed for US Special Forces by Eagle Industries. The vest features PALS webbing, making it MOLLE compatible, and there are two versions of it: “Land” and “Maritime”. The CIRAS comes with a releasable design; a pull of the cord and the armor falls apart from the operator’s body, for quick access to combat wounds for instance. The vest consists of front and rear panels where soft armor and hard armor plates are held; on the lower part of the front of the vest one can find two releasable buckles for attaching groin protection. As noted it’s covered by PALS webbing on the front, back and the sides which allow the attachments of various pouches. The vest body is constructed of 1000D Cordura Nylon and its interior is lined with a heavy-duty mesh.

RELEASE FEATURE

When properly set up , this vest can be removed (ditched / dumped ) more quickly compared to older load bearing systems. This is achieved by pulling the release cable in which the CIRAS will literally fall apart, making it useful for medical personnel to treat injuries quickly, or for crews to escape overturned vehicles. This feature of the vest is prevalent among some other modular plate carrier designs. - http ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIRAS

THE LOOKS...

The Force Recon Vest from Flyye is kitted with two (2) faux plates and the following pouches:

2x single m4 mag pouch
1x dual m4 mag pouch
1x MBITR radio pouch
1x blowout medical pouch
1x large utility pouch
1x smoke grenade pouch
1x dual pistol mag pouch
1x admin pouch/panel

Toying with it for a while, I have come to observe the following:

The faux plate is 12in high…

… and 9.75in wide.

It has bar-tacked stress points, however, the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is not double bartacked but strong enough to carry ample load. Flyye claims (http://www.flyye.com/Flynews.asp?NewsId=188) that the adopt MilSpec manufacturing/sewing processes, but I have yet to confirm whether the thread used is bonded Nylon. The button snaps and release buckles are UTX-made. UTX is the United Technologies Corp.’s NYSE designation.

I have some misgivings about the fabric used, whether its Cordura 1000D or not. I am basing my observation on the comparison I idi with my 1000D Multicam. The PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) are as follows:

The front consists of 8 columns x 7 rows of PALS and 7 columns x 4 rows on both sides

Its back has 8 columns x 8 rows of PALS

Here’s the rest of the kit highlighted:

Buckles for groin armor deployed

Velcro strip for the hard plate compartment

Flap for the release system

Inner and outer cummerbund

Shoulder pad

Shoulder pad Velcro

THE FIT...

I have seen earlier versions of the Flyye Force Recon Vest in khaki, and comparing the older version with the newer one, I noticed that the fabric of the newer version is definitely softer compared to earlier models. Earlier releases appear to be constructed from polycanvass or polyrubber materials.

What I got for myself is the medium-size vest. It fits perfectly well, with provisions for adjustment. Medium sizes could easily fit individuals with 46in chest and up to 5’11” tall. One thing I didn’t like about the Force Recon Vest is the cummerbund. The Velcro hooks were facing the body and there’s a likelihood that it might fray whatever fabric it may come in contact with. To remedy this, I disassembled the cummerbund and have the Velcro hook face the opposite side, allowing the Velcro loop to come in contact with my shirt instead. This is ideal when wearing shirts that fray easily, such as Under Armour’s heat gears.

Before trying it on, I changed the layout/placement of the pouches, since I included a modular assault pack. Yeah, I couldn’t resist getting one. I find the back panel rather empty without it. Anyway, I filled all the pouches with what I have already: that’s 8xM4 mags, 2xH-Capa mags, an IFAK (improved first-aid kit) and a smoke grenade. I went a little further and got myself an MBITR replica including an Eagle DB bone-conducting headset (a Sordin would be nice, but it’s a little hard to come by) and an MBSS hydration pack. I left the utility pouch empty, as I have yet to think of what to put inside it. I can actually fill it with several smoke grenades but that might look overkill, hehehe... phosphorus grenades perhaps?

I will have to look for EMT shears to compliment the IFAK.

One major downside of the Force Recon Vest is that the package does not include any hydration carrier or canteen/bottle pouch. The best one to put here would be an MBSS hydration backpack or a modular assault pack. Also, pouches are rather limited to AK, M4, and MP5, none for M14 mags.

At first I thought the khaki Force Recon Vest I got had the wrong release cable handle, which is in OD. After checking with Flyye’s Website, all Force Recon Vests adopt a contrasting release cable handle. I can only guess the reason why the color is different—the contrast is supposed to make the release cable handle easier to identify.

Between the OD and khaki Force Recon Vest, the materials used for the khaki version appear to be stiffer—the webbings and Cordura specifically. Nonetheless, the build on both is excellent. One thing I am really curious about, though, is whether this can withstand the rigors of abuse in the real world.

When I get my hands on an Eagle Industries CIRAS, I will work on a comparative review. I am sure it’s going to be a totally different story, but for a replica, which is a fraction of the cost, it should be more than adequate for show/play.

Here’s an attempt at a SWCCS loadout (sans the Norotos shroud), also included the Avalon Mk18 rifle.

Indulge me peeps, as I really can’t resist trying it on with my newly acquired PCU.

FORCE RECON VEST WITH POUCH SET MARITIME VERSION BY FLYYE INDUSTRIES

Flyye’s Force Recon Vest with Pouch Set (Ver. Maritime) is constructed according to military specifications, which ensures that this product will last a long time, throughout all conditions. The material is resistant to water, and can handle damp environments easily, maintaining its structure. It benefits from being made out of Invista 1000D Cordura Nylon, which is up to three times more resistant than normal Nylon, enabling it to resist the usual wear and tear.

Here is a quick rundown of the Force Recon Vest’s specifications and standard features:

- MOLLE attachment
- Quick Release System
- Front & Rear Foam Soft Plates
- Variety of pouches included: