The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue Made a Bold First Impression
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue from High Speed Gear (HSGI) is more than just a magazine pouch; it’s a statement. It shouts reliability and adaptability in a world where equipment failure can have dire consequences. My initial foray into tactical gear was riddled with pouches that either couldn’t accommodate various magazine sizes or were so specialized they became obsolete with a change in sidearm. I needed a universal solution, a pouch that could handle everything from standard pistol magazines to extended mags, submachine gun mags, and even some of my less conventional gear like batons and flashlights.
The quest for a truly universal and dependable pouch led me to the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue. Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the build quality; it felt robust and ready for abuse. The LE Blue color, while a matter of preference, is a professional touch that fits well with my existing duty gear. I’ve used generic MOLLE pouches, and even some “premium” nylon options that cost nearly as much. However, the HSGI Taco immediately felt like a significant step up.
Compared to my older Blackhawk universal pistol magazine pouches, the Taco’s retention system seemed more refined and less prone to snagging. Unlike some kydex-only pouches I’ve tried, the Taco’s hybrid construction felt more forgiving and adaptable. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; this pouch looked like it could finally be the universal solution I’d been searching for, and I was eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue was at the local shooting range, during a force-on-force training exercise. I subjected the pouch to the rigors of rapid magazine changes and simulated tactical scenarios. During this, I used a mix of Glock 17 magazines, extended 9mm magazines, and even a couple of oddball .40 caliber magazines. The weather was dry but dusty, typical for our arid climate, and I intentionally avoided babying the pouch, wanting to see how it would perform under realistic conditions.
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue immediately proved its worth, securely retaining all magazine types without fail. Accessing the magazines was quick and intuitive. There was virtually no learning curve; the open-top design and adjustable retention meant I could grab a magazine and reload without fumbling. The only surprise was how well it retained my ASP baton. During several repetitions, the baton stayed firmly in place even when I was running and performing aggressive movements.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use in various training scenarios and even a couple of weekend-long field exercises, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue has continued to impress. The Taco has shown no significant signs of wear and tear, even after being scraped against barricades and exposed to rain and mud. The HSGI clips have held up admirably, maintaining a solid connection to my MOLLE vest and duty belt without loosening or shifting.
Cleaning has been simple; a quick scrub with a brush and some mild detergent is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. My previous experience with less robust pouches involved constant stitching repairs and the eventual disintegration of the elastic retention bands. However, the Taco seems built to last, far exceeding my expectations for a pouch in this price range. It outperforms my old pouches in terms of versatility, retention, and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
Specifications
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue is designed to be a truly universal magazine pouch. Its core specifications revolve around adaptability and ruggedness. The pouch accommodates a wide range of magazine sizes, from standard-capacity pistol magazines to extended magazines and even some submachine gun magazines. The pouch also fits extendable batons and similarly sized items.
The pouch mounts securely to both MOLLE platforms and belts up to 2 inches wide, thanks to HSGI’s new universal clips. The internal bungee retention system is hidden for a cleaner look and reduced snagging. This hidden bungee is a crucial element, providing adjustable tension to accommodate different magazine types and sizes, ensuring a secure fit regardless of the contents. The LE Blue color option provides a professional and easily identifiable appearance for law enforcement and tactical users.
Performance & Functionality
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue excels in its primary function: securely retaining and providing rapid access to magazines and other tactical gear. The open-top design enables quick and intuitive magazine changes, while the adjustable retention ensures a snug fit for various magazine types. The pouch’s versatility is its greatest strength, allowing it to adapt to different loadouts and mission requirements without the need for multiple specialized pouches.
One minor weakness is that very small pistol magazines (like those from a .380 pocket pistol) might sit too low in the pouch for optimal draw speed. However, this is a trade-off for its universal design. The pouch meets and exceeds my expectations in terms of retention, accessibility, and adaptability. It is reliable and easy to use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue is built with a focus on durability and user-friendliness. The materials feel robust and well-stitched, suggesting a long service life under harsh conditions. The pouch’s weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the user’s loadout. The hidden bungee retention system provides a clean and snag-free profile, enhancing comfort and preventing interference with other gear.
There’s no significant learning curve associated with using this pouch; its intuitive design makes it easy to adapt to regardless of previous experience with similar gear. The LE Blue color option is aesthetically pleasing and provides easy identification, particularly in law enforcement and military environments.
Durability & Maintenance
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue appears to be built to withstand years of abuse. The high-quality materials and reinforced stitching suggest a long service life, even under demanding conditions. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. The HSGI clips are designed to be easily replaceable if damaged, further extending the pouch’s lifespan.
The concealed bungee retention system is less likely to wear out or snag compared to exposed elastic bands. Its robust construction and ease of maintenance make it a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its MOLLE compatibility allows it to be easily integrated with a wide range of tactical vests, belts, and platforms. The user can customize the pouch’s retention by adjusting the internal bungee cord, tailoring it to specific magazine types or personal preferences.
The pouch is compatible with most MOLLE-compatible accessories, such as malice clips and adapters, allowing for flexible mounting options. Its universal design means it can be used alongside a wide range of other gear, making it a versatile addition to any tactical loadout.
Pros and Cons of Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
Pros
- Adaptable Design: The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue can accommodate a wide range of magazines and equipment. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized pouches.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials and reinforced stitching ensure long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
- Secure Retention: The internal bungee system provides adjustable and reliable retention, keeping magazines firmly in place.
- Easy Access: The open-top design allows for quick and intuitive magazine changes, even under stress.
- Universal Mounting: Compatible with both MOLLE and belts, providing flexible mounting options.
Cons
- Smaller magazines may sit too low for optimal draw.
- LE Blue color may not be suitable for all environments or users.
Who Should Buy Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue?
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and tactical enthusiasts who require a versatile and reliable magazine pouch. It is also ideal for individuals who use multiple types of firearms and magazines, eliminating the need for a specialized pouch for each.
Individuals who prioritize extreme lightweight or require a very specific pouch for a niche application might want to explore other options. However, for most users, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue offers an excellent balance of versatility, durability, and performance. A simple accessory that one might consider is a MOLLE-compatible adapter to allow for mounting on unconventional surfaces.
Conclusion on Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue from High Speed Gear is a well-designed and highly functional magazine pouch that lives up to its reputation. Its versatility, durability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. The price of $45.00 is justified by its quality and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their gear.
I would highly recommend the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue to anyone in need of a reliable and adaptable magazine pouch. It’s a valuable addition to any tactical loadout. If you are looking for a pouch that can handle almost anything you throw at it, look no further than the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue.
