Hold It Tiger! Tasmanian Tiger Chest Rig MKII
OptimusPrime
07 Jul 2009
If you're been looking to North America for some of the formidable protective vests and load carrying gear, or to China and the rest of the Far East for copycats and cheaper knock-offs if you're on a budget, don't forget that there is one to seriously consider too --- GERMANY.
For doing those impressionisms or loadouts of being this warrior that, that soldier there, the grunts here, there are some practical considerations when choosing a load carrying vest for your daily and some sustained games. I have realised that for all practical purposes, yokes and chest rigs are the right stuff for many airsofters, as compared to having those RAV, CIRAS, and Ranger vests to bring along to any airsoft skirmish. They are downright practical and you can carry enough ammo and other provisions for any game. Furthermore, if the day-game is a combination of field and CQB games, they're the most flexible out there. Crossdraw or SWAT vests also help, but since they usually are in Black, it's hard to justify using these during day-time field games --- they work best in urban or night situations.
I have my bulky CIRAS vest which I used for about four times, but eventually, I tired out of it. It does really look good and gives you that “long-range” capability with all the PALS/MOLLE features to strap almost everything, save the kitchen sink. It's bulky (takes up most of my space in my carry all, leading me to bring an extra bag for my other essential airsoft stuff), hard to manoeuvre in CQB and MOUT games, and I'm forced to carry more stuff (to the point of carrying unnecessary ones to fill in the pouches). The result: I'm weighed down, move like a slumbering giant (though I'm not a giant), and just look good for the photo-ops (the only tangible benefit for me during airsoft games). If you're into the real world battlefield, these will definitely be of help, especially for long range missions in which you will need a lot of gear.
But for all airsoft purposes, the chest rig will really help you. You can easily wiggle your way through holes in the walls, manoeuvre in tight places, and carry enough load for you last in any pray and spray games.
Lots of choices for chest rigs, but I stumbled into a gem: the Tasmanian Tiger Chest Rig MKII.
But first, I need to get some bitsy information about the company:
“Tasmanian Tiger has made its mark in particular with backpacks for different fields of use. Whether it‘s backpacks for individual combatants on mission for several weeks, backpacks for snipers with quick-release system, large backpacks for transport, technically sophisticated first aid backpacks or functional backpacks for daytime use – Tasmanian Tiger offers the proper model for every field of application. Technically mature carrying systems, specially developed for heavy loads (X1-System) or for friction-locked carrying during movement- intensive activities (X Lite Vario-System) turn the Tasmanian Tiger backpacks into absolute high-end products. In the development of this gear, Tasmanian Tiger benefits from the sister company TATONKA which has a track record of experience in the manufacture of backpacks and development of high-performance carrying systems spanning over several decades, being one of the top vendors for high-quality backpacks on the European outdoor market. Tasmanian Tiger is building on these experiences and is thus able to offer ergonomically well thought-out backpacks with perfect fit and superior carrying comfort.
Next to backpacks, our customers at Tasmanian Tiger can also choose from extensive equipment for tactical applications, police operations or gear for outdoor use.”
Now, let's proceed to the chest rig review if you don't mind.
We have always admired German build quality, and Tasmanian Tiger is no exception. Their carrying systems (X1 and X-Lite) are some of the finest in the world, albeit they're also pretty much on the expensive, a big OUCH for the the wallet and pocket, side. The quality of their carrying systems is also reflected with the Chest Rig MKII where attention to detail is reflected all over --- from materials used, stitching (double stitches where it should be), buckles, velcro straps, pouches, and even that Tasmanian Tiger logo (which makes me want to think that this is the “Le Tigre” of chest rigs). It just screams “QUALITY” and it incorporates the MTS (Tasmanian Tiger's version of the MOLLE system).
I have worn many types of chest rigs during my whole airsoft life, and what I can say is that the MK II is the lightest in my experience. I have already worn this for a skirmish game during a summer solstice, which suffice to say, is the longest day of the year. I consider this lighter than the equivalent chest rigs being made by Blackhawk! and Eagle Industries.
The rig is lined with the MTS webbing, enough for you to install any additional pouch and you can install pouches made for the PALS/MOLLE/STRIKE MTS webbing. This should be a welcome relief for those who might conclude hastily that the MTS webbing system is not compatible with the rest. By default, the MKII comes with 4 Heckler and Koch G36 pouches and two utility pouches on both sides that extend to the back of the rig. The utility pouches are sleek enough that you can put anything that can fit into the pouches and won't be a hindrance to your arms movement. I had a 500ml Gatorade bottle, my Motorola XTN PMR-446 radio, and first aid kit fitted into one of the pouches, and proved to be true to its claim.
Since the magazine pouches are made for the HK G36, these are wide enough to fit two M4, AK, M14, and MP5 magazines per pouch, making it a total of eight (8) magazines that you can carry at any one time. However, two-AK or MP5 hi-cap magazines won't allow you to close the velcro straps at all, so you might be limited to one magazine per pouch of these types in reality. The hi-capacity M4 and M14 magazines will allow you to close the velcro straps and secure these. The velcro straps' quality are absolutely fantastic. I guess you know what I mean since many velcro straps, while easy to quickly secure your attachments or load, are sometimes too tough to pull and quickly get a fresh magazine when you shout “GUN DOWN!!!” in the middle of a firefight. The MKII velcro straps will tenaciously secure your magazines, so less worries about losing any of these, but they're also easier to pull when you need that quick change. I tested it with my other chest rig and see if this is true, and thrown in the CIRAS magazine pouches as an added measure. Changing magazines with the MKII is faster by a second or two, and those seconds count! Magazine insertion into the pouches is also a breeze. However, when you're using magpuls for your M4 magazines, you will not have enough space for a second one per pouch, thus limiting you to four magazines for the whole rig at any one time.
Now, more points for this chest rig. The shoulder harness is fully padded, and this is the most comfortable chest rig I've ever worn. You can easily adjust this to your body build, just make sure that you secure all those excess straps with electrical tape than leave them hanging there and you'll be in for a lot of entanglement. You can use the harness in H or Y positions depending on your preferred configuration.
The previous photos have shown you the MKII as a “low profile” chest rig. But here comes another treat: it can also be immediately converted into a full-blown chest rig with a bib that is cleverly designed to fold inside a pouch. This bib, when pulled out, allows you to insert a ceramic ballistic plate, such as the Hard Armour Panel (HAP). You can insert a Styrofoam shaped like a HAP plate. Just seal it in a plastic bag to avoid all those styro pieces from falling off and making a mess all over the field. Once you have an “armour plate” inserted you can attach an admin panel to the MTS webbing. More stuff for you to place with this feature. The “secret pouch” where the bib is folded into can also serve to secure your wallet, passport, cellphone.
You will notice a mesh pocket in the interior of the vest, this serves also as the bottom secure pouch for the HAP when inserted. But when there's no HAP in use, it can store anything, including a medium-sized pistol. Here, I inserted a Glock 18C AEP to prove my point, and this one comes with the Glock railing, and a laser sight.
To end this...
I realised that I have been profuse with superlatives with this chest rig and I have to catch myself before I go overboard. But the facts are there, this is one product that I would highly recommend to those who prefer something lightweight, loads enough ammo to see you through an airsoft game, manoeuvrable, and most of all, the build quality that will surely last you a long, long time. This makes me think of that old Le Tigre commercial in the 1980s... “Hold it Tiger! Hold it Tiger!” I wonder if female airsofters would do the same when I don this on. But that is wishful thinking.
Price: €100.00
Website:www.tasmaniantiger.tatonka.com
For doing those impressionisms or loadouts of being this warrior that, that soldier there, the grunts here, there are some practical considerations when choosing a load carrying vest for your daily and some sustained games. I have realised that for all practical purposes, yokes and chest rigs are the right stuff for many airsofters, as compared to having those RAV, CIRAS, and Ranger vests to bring along to any airsoft skirmish. They are downright practical and you can carry enough ammo and other provisions for any game. Furthermore, if the day-game is a combination of field and CQB games, they're the most flexible out there. Crossdraw or SWAT vests also help, but since they usually are in Black, it's hard to justify using these during day-time field games --- they work best in urban or night situations.
I have my bulky CIRAS vest which I used for about four times, but eventually, I tired out of it. It does really look good and gives you that “long-range” capability with all the PALS/MOLLE features to strap almost everything, save the kitchen sink. It's bulky (takes up most of my space in my carry all, leading me to bring an extra bag for my other essential airsoft stuff), hard to manoeuvre in CQB and MOUT games, and I'm forced to carry more stuff (to the point of carrying unnecessary ones to fill in the pouches). The result: I'm weighed down, move like a slumbering giant (though I'm not a giant), and just look good for the photo-ops (the only tangible benefit for me during airsoft games). If you're into the real world battlefield, these will definitely be of help, especially for long range missions in which you will need a lot of gear.
But for all airsoft purposes, the chest rig will really help you. You can easily wiggle your way through holes in the walls, manoeuvre in tight places, and carry enough load for you last in any pray and spray games.
Lots of choices for chest rigs, but I stumbled into a gem: the Tasmanian Tiger Chest Rig MKII.
But first, I need to get some bitsy information about the company:
“Tasmanian Tiger has made its mark in particular with backpacks for different fields of use. Whether it‘s backpacks for individual combatants on mission for several weeks, backpacks for snipers with quick-release system, large backpacks for transport, technically sophisticated first aid backpacks or functional backpacks for daytime use – Tasmanian Tiger offers the proper model for every field of application. Technically mature carrying systems, specially developed for heavy loads (X1-System) or for friction-locked carrying during movement- intensive activities (X Lite Vario-System) turn the Tasmanian Tiger backpacks into absolute high-end products. In the development of this gear, Tasmanian Tiger benefits from the sister company TATONKA which has a track record of experience in the manufacture of backpacks and development of high-performance carrying systems spanning over several decades, being one of the top vendors for high-quality backpacks on the European outdoor market. Tasmanian Tiger is building on these experiences and is thus able to offer ergonomically well thought-out backpacks with perfect fit and superior carrying comfort.
Next to backpacks, our customers at Tasmanian Tiger can also choose from extensive equipment for tactical applications, police operations or gear for outdoor use.”
Now, let's proceed to the chest rig review if you don't mind.
We have always admired German build quality, and Tasmanian Tiger is no exception. Their carrying systems (X1 and X-Lite) are some of the finest in the world, albeit they're also pretty much on the expensive, a big OUCH for the the wallet and pocket, side. The quality of their carrying systems is also reflected with the Chest Rig MKII where attention to detail is reflected all over --- from materials used, stitching (double stitches where it should be), buckles, velcro straps, pouches, and even that Tasmanian Tiger logo (which makes me want to think that this is the “Le Tigre” of chest rigs). It just screams “QUALITY” and it incorporates the MTS (Tasmanian Tiger's version of the MOLLE system).
I have worn many types of chest rigs during my whole airsoft life, and what I can say is that the MK II is the lightest in my experience. I have already worn this for a skirmish game during a summer solstice, which suffice to say, is the longest day of the year. I consider this lighter than the equivalent chest rigs being made by Blackhawk! and Eagle Industries.
The rig is lined with the MTS webbing, enough for you to install any additional pouch and you can install pouches made for the PALS/MOLLE/STRIKE MTS webbing. This should be a welcome relief for those who might conclude hastily that the MTS webbing system is not compatible with the rest. By default, the MKII comes with 4 Heckler and Koch G36 pouches and two utility pouches on both sides that extend to the back of the rig. The utility pouches are sleek enough that you can put anything that can fit into the pouches and won't be a hindrance to your arms movement. I had a 500ml Gatorade bottle, my Motorola XTN PMR-446 radio, and first aid kit fitted into one of the pouches, and proved to be true to its claim.
Since the magazine pouches are made for the HK G36, these are wide enough to fit two M4, AK, M14, and MP5 magazines per pouch, making it a total of eight (8) magazines that you can carry at any one time. However, two-AK or MP5 hi-cap magazines won't allow you to close the velcro straps at all, so you might be limited to one magazine per pouch of these types in reality. The hi-capacity M4 and M14 magazines will allow you to close the velcro straps and secure these. The velcro straps' quality are absolutely fantastic. I guess you know what I mean since many velcro straps, while easy to quickly secure your attachments or load, are sometimes too tough to pull and quickly get a fresh magazine when you shout “GUN DOWN!!!” in the middle of a firefight. The MKII velcro straps will tenaciously secure your magazines, so less worries about losing any of these, but they're also easier to pull when you need that quick change. I tested it with my other chest rig and see if this is true, and thrown in the CIRAS magazine pouches as an added measure. Changing magazines with the MKII is faster by a second or two, and those seconds count! Magazine insertion into the pouches is also a breeze. However, when you're using magpuls for your M4 magazines, you will not have enough space for a second one per pouch, thus limiting you to four magazines for the whole rig at any one time.
Now, more points for this chest rig. The shoulder harness is fully padded, and this is the most comfortable chest rig I've ever worn. You can easily adjust this to your body build, just make sure that you secure all those excess straps with electrical tape than leave them hanging there and you'll be in for a lot of entanglement. You can use the harness in H or Y positions depending on your preferred configuration.
The previous photos have shown you the MKII as a “low profile” chest rig. But here comes another treat: it can also be immediately converted into a full-blown chest rig with a bib that is cleverly designed to fold inside a pouch. This bib, when pulled out, allows you to insert a ceramic ballistic plate, such as the Hard Armour Panel (HAP). You can insert a Styrofoam shaped like a HAP plate. Just seal it in a plastic bag to avoid all those styro pieces from falling off and making a mess all over the field. Once you have an “armour plate” inserted you can attach an admin panel to the MTS webbing. More stuff for you to place with this feature. The “secret pouch” where the bib is folded into can also serve to secure your wallet, passport, cellphone.
You will notice a mesh pocket in the interior of the vest, this serves also as the bottom secure pouch for the HAP when inserted. But when there's no HAP in use, it can store anything, including a medium-sized pistol. Here, I inserted a Glock 18C AEP to prove my point, and this one comes with the Glock railing, and a laser sight.
To end this...
I realised that I have been profuse with superlatives with this chest rig and I have to catch myself before I go overboard. But the facts are there, this is one product that I would highly recommend to those who prefer something lightweight, loads enough ammo to see you through an airsoft game, manoeuvrable, and most of all, the build quality that will surely last you a long, long time. This makes me think of that old Le Tigre commercial in the 1980s... “Hold it Tiger! Hold it Tiger!” I wonder if female airsofters would do the same when I don this on. But that is wishful thinking.
Price: €100.00
Website:www.tasmaniantiger.tatonka.com
