First Impressions of Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch promises to be a lightweight, low-profile solution for carrying M4 magazines. Blue Force Gear is known for its innovative designs and focus on minimizing weight and bulk, and this pouch seemed like the perfect addition to my kit for situations where streamlined efficiency is paramount. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype of being both incredibly lightweight and durable.
My primary need was to find a mag pouch that could lie relatively flat when empty, reducing snag hazards during dynamic movements in dense environments. I’ve tried several traditional nylon pouches with rigid structures, and while they offer excellent retention, they tend to be bulky and cumbersome, especially when empty. The promise of the Ten-Speed design, with its elastic construction, appealed to my need for a minimalist, adaptable solution.
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch arrived in a simple package, highlighting the product’s no-frills approach. My initial impression was one of surprise at how incredibly light it felt; it was almost weightless in my hand. The elastic material felt surprisingly robust and well-stitched, giving me confidence in its ability to withstand repeated use. Compared to my HSGI Taco pouches, which are known for their universal magazine compatibility but can be a bit heavy, the Ten-Speed pouch seemed like a featherweight alternative, trading some retention security for a significant reduction in weight and bulk. Against a more traditional MOLLE pouch with flaps and Velcro, the Ten-Speed’s simplicity and speed of access were immediately apparent.
Overall, I was excited but also a little skeptical. The design seemed almost too simple. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if its minimalist construction could stand up to the rigors of real-world use, especially in demanding tactical scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch was at an outdoor shooting range during a carbine course. I wanted to evaluate its speed of access and retention during rapid reloads and movement drills. The pouch was mounted on my plate carrier, positioned for easy access with my support hand.
Despite some initial worries about retention, the magazines stayed securely in place, even during more dynamic movements and transitions. Re-indexing partially-empty magazines proved trickier than with traditional pouches, requiring a deliberate effort to ensure they were fully seated. The weather was sunny and dry, so I didn’t get to test the pouch in wet conditions during this initial session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch in various training exercises and scenarios, including force-on-force simulations and range days, I’ve gained a thorough understanding of its strengths and limitations. It continues to impress with its lightweight and low-profile design. The elastic material has shown no signs of significant wear and tear, despite repeated magazine insertions and removals.
Cleaning the pouch is relatively simple; I usually just wipe it down with a damp cloth. The Ten-Speed pouches have exceeded my initial expectations, offering a reliable and streamlined solution for carrying M4 magazines in situations where weight and bulk are a concern. Compared to my experience with other elastic pouches, the Blue Force Gear version retains its elasticity well over time, preventing the magazines from becoming loose or easily dislodged.
Breaking Down the Features of Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch
Specifications
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch is designed to hold two standard M4/AR-15 magazines. It utilizes Blue Force Gear’s signature Ten-Speed elastic technology. The pouch requires only a single MOLLEminus column per magazine pocket. It is available in several colors, including black, coyote brown, ranger green (as specified), and MultiCam. The pouch is specifically designed for the M4 platform. The price is $59.95.
The “single MOLLEminus column” design is crucial because it allows for stacking of pouches. This stacking feature provides the user with options to maximize available space on a vest or belt. The elastic construction is essential for the pouch’s low profile and lightweight characteristics.
Performance & Functionality
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch performs admirably in situations where minimizing weight and bulk is paramount. It allows for quick and relatively easy access to magazines, although re-indexing partially-empty magazines requires more care than with more rigid pouches. Its primary strength is its minimalist design, allowing it to lie flat when empty, reducing snag hazards and improving overall maneuverability.
While it won’t offer the same level of retention security as a pouch with flaps or adjustable tension, the elastic material provides sufficient hold for most activities. It’s a trade-off: retention security versus weight and profile.
Design & Ergonomics
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch features a remarkably simple and clean design. The elastic construction allows the pouch to conform to the shape of the magazines, providing a snug and secure fit. The minimalist design makes it incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s intuitive and easy to use right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch is constructed from high-quality elastic material and reinforced stitching, ensuring long-term durability. After months of use, the pouch has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. Maintenance is simple; just wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed. The key to its longevity is avoiding over-stuffing it with excessively wide magazines that might overstretch the elastic.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch is inherently simple and doesn’t lend itself to many accessories or customization options. Its primary function is to securely hold magazines, and it excels at that. However, its MOLLE compatibility allows it to be attached to any standard MOLLE platform, giving the user flexibility in how they configure their gear.
There are no specific proprietary accessories designed for the Ten-Speed pouch, but its compatibility with standard MOLLE webbing makes it universally adaptable to a wide range of tactical vests, belts, and packs.
Pros and Cons of Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and low-profile design. This drastically reduces weight and bulk compared to traditional nylon pouches.
- Fast and easy access to magazines. The elastic construction allows for quick and intuitive magazine retrieval.
- Stackable design maximizes space on MOLLE platforms. The single MOLLEminus column per pocket makes stacking possible.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The high-quality elastic and reinforced stitching hold up well under repeated use.
- Simple and intuitive to use. There is no learning curve, and operation is straightforward.
Cons
- Retention may not be sufficient for extreme activities. The elastic construction may not provide enough security for activities like rappelling or fast-roping.
- Re-indexing partially-empty magazines can be tricky. Requires more deliberate effort compared to pouches with more rigid structures.
Who Should Buy Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch?
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and competitive shooters who prioritize minimizing weight and bulk without sacrificing quick access to magazines. It’s also well-suited for airsoft players and recreational shooters who appreciate a streamlined and minimalist gear setup. Anyone looking for a low-profile, lightweight magazine carrying solution will benefit from the Ten-Speed design.
This pouch may not be ideal for individuals who require the absolute highest level of magazine retention, such as those operating in extremely rugged terrain or engaging in activities with a high risk of accidental magazine loss. In those cases, pouches with flaps or adjustable tension may be a better choice.
A quality plate carrier or chest rig with MOLLE webbing is a must-have accessory to properly utilize the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch.
Conclusion on Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch
The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, ease of use, and reasonable durability. It is a good option for anyone seeking a minimalist magazine carrying solution without unnecessary weight. While it may not be the best choice for every situation, its strengths make it a valuable addition to any gear setup where weight and profile are a concern.
At $59.95, the price is reasonable for the quality and performance offered. The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch offers a solid value proposition.
I would recommend the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch to anyone looking to streamline their gear setup and reduce weight without sacrificing functionality. It’s a well-designed and well-built product that delivers on its promise of providing a lightweight and low-profile magazine carrying solution. Consider adding the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Double M4 Mag Pouch to your kit.