First Impressions of High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch promises to be a sleek, lightweight, and versatile solution for carrying pistol magazines. High Speed Gear has a reputation for durable, adaptable gear, and the Gen 2 TACO aims to improve on the original with weight savings and enhanced mounting options. Having used numerous magazine pouches over the years, from basic nylon flaps to rigid kydex carriers, I was particularly interested in testing the TACO’s universal fit and retention capabilities.
What led me to this product was the need for a truly universal pistol magazine pouch. I juggle a few different platforms and calibers, and the frustration of switching pouches every time I changed pistols was something I desperately wanted to eliminate. The promise of the TACO fitting virtually any pistol mag was incredibly appealing.
Upon receiving the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch, I was immediately struck by its low profile and clean design. The laser-cut nylon laminate felt robust yet flexible, and the thermoplastic core provided a reassuring rigidity. It was noticeably lighter than some of my older, bulkier pouches, a definite plus for reducing overall weight on my kit.
Compared to some of my kydex pouches, the TACO offers a more forgiving fit, while still maintaining excellent retention. Against traditional nylon pouches with flaps, the TACO offers much faster access and a more secure hold. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – the materials and design looked promising, but the real test would be how it performed under real-world conditions. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch at my local shooting range. I ran a variety of magazines through it, including Glock 17, Sig Sauer P320, and 1911 mags, to evaluate its universal fit. The pouch performed admirably, securely holding each magazine type without being overly tight or difficult to draw from.
I also put it through its paces in a light rain shower to see how it handled wet conditions. The magazines remained secure, and the draw stroke remained consistent, even with wet hands. I noticed no slippage or loss of retention, a testament to the grip of the thermoplastic core and the adjustable shock cord.
There was a slight learning curve in terms of adjusting the shock cord to the perfect tension for each magazine type. Once dialed in, however, the draw was smooth and consistent. I did have to pay attention to the shock cord tails so they did not get caught on any surrounding gear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to regular range sessions and some light field use during tactical training exercises. The laser-cut nylon laminate shows no fraying or delamination.
Maintenance has been minimal; I’ve simply wiped it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. The pouch has retained its shape and retention capabilities, even after repeated use and exposure to varying temperatures. I have noticed some minor discoloration of the nylon laminate, but this has no effect on function.
Compared to previous magazine pouches I’ve used, the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch has consistently outperformed them in terms of versatility and retention. It offers a significant upgrade in terms of speed and adaptability over traditional flap pouches, and its durable construction gives me confidence that it will last for years to come. The comfort and security the pouch provides are top notch and I would recommend it to anyone.
Breaking Down the Features of High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch
Specifications
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is constructed from laser-cut nylon laminate wrapped over a woven thermoplastic core. It is designed to hold one pistol magazine or similarly sized item and features integrated shock cord for adjustable retention. The pouch includes 1/2 inch interval MOLLE on the back, enabling both MOLLE and belt mounting options.
- Manufacturer: High Speed Gear
- Fabric/Material: Nylon
- Magazine Type: Pistol
- # of Mag Pouch Compartments: 2 (This appears to be an error in the product description as it is designed for ONE magazine)
- # of Mags Held in Each Compartment: 1
- Model Generation: 2
- Accessory Attachment System: Hook, Belt Clip
- Included Accessories: Standard
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the pouch’s weight, durability, and adaptability. The nylon laminate provides a balance of abrasion resistance and flexibility, while the thermoplastic core ensures a rigid structure that maintains its shape under stress. The MOLLE compatibility allows for secure attachment to a variety of platforms, making it suitable for duty belts, plate carriers, and other tactical gear.
Performance & Functionality
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch excels at its primary job: securely holding and providing quick access to pistol magazines. Its universal design accommodates a wide range of magazine types, from single-stack 1911 magazines to double-stack Glock magazines, without requiring any modifications. The adjustable shock cord allows for fine-tuning the retention level, ensuring a secure hold without sacrificing speed of draw.
The primary strength of the TACO is its versatility. It is not a dedicated pouch for only one platform of magazine. However, one weakness is that the retention may require some adjustment when changing between different magazines of varying sizes.
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch has met and exceeded my expectations. It performs well in a variety of conditions and provides excellent retention and ease of access. I do want to point out that there is an error in the description regarding the number of magazine compartments.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-constructed, and the stitching is clean and precise. The pouch is lightweight, which helps minimize bulk and weight on a duty belt or plate carrier.
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is designed to be user-friendly, with no complicated mechanisms or adjustments. There is a small learning curve with the shock cord. Once adjusted, however, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is built to last. The materials used are highly resistant to abrasion and wear, and the pouch has held up well under heavy use. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The design is simple and does not include any components that would require specialty tools or skills to repair. Barring catastrophic damage, it’s reasonable to expect years of reliable service from this pouch.
Accessories and Customization Options
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is compatible with the High Speed Gear OTR Cover accessory. The pouch’s MOLLE webbing also provides opportunities for adding accessories such as tourniquet holders.
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch can be used on belts of different widths. By using different mounting options like belt loops, the pouch has multiple mounting options. The versatility with the pouch makes it a go-to for many end users across different applications.
Pros and Cons of High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch
Pros
- Universality: Holds a wide variety of pistol magazines, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches.
- Retention: Adjustable shock cord provides excellent retention without sacrificing speed of draw.
- Durability: Laser-cut nylon laminate and thermoplastic core ensure long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
- Lightweight: Significantly lighter than comparable pouches, reducing overall weight on your kit.
- MOLLE Compatible: Easy to attach to a variety of platforms, including belts, plate carriers, and packs.
Cons
- Initial Adjustment: Requires some initial adjustment of the shock cord to achieve optimal retention for different magazine types.
- Shock Cord Tails: The tails can get caught on surrounding equipment if not properly managed.
Who Should Buy High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch?
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and tactical enthusiasts who need a versatile and reliable magazine pouch. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who uses multiple pistol platforms and wants to consolidate their gear.
This pouch may not be ideal for users who only run a single pistol platform and prefer the rigid retention of a custom-molded kydex pouch. In those cases, a dedicated kydex option may offer a slightly faster draw.
A must-have accessory for the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is the High Speed Gear OTR Cover if you need to have covered magazines. Also, consider purchasing MOLLE clips if not already available in your inventory.
Conclusion on High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch
The High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch is a well-designed and highly functional piece of gear that delivers on its promises. It offers a compelling combination of versatility, durability, and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. While the $58.00 price tag may seem high compared to basic nylon pouches, the TACO’s versatility and durability justify the investment.
I would absolutely recommend the High Speed Gear Gen 2 TACO Pistol Magazine Pouch to anyone looking for a reliable and adaptable solution for carrying pistol magazines. This is a great product and a sound choice. Upgrade your kit today!