Let’s Talk About High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount is a versatile and innovative piece of tactical gear designed to streamline magazine management for duty professionals and shooting enthusiasts alike. Manufactured by High Speed Gear, this combination pouch allows users to carry a rifle magazine and two pistol magazines in a compact, easily accessible format. The “TACO” design, known for its adaptability, accommodates a wide range of magazine sizes and types, making it a truly universal solution.
Having spent over a decade in the field, I’ve always been searching for the optimal balance between accessibility and retention, especially when seconds count. My biggest frustration was the cumbersome nature of traditional magazine pouches that either lacked retention or were difficult to access quickly. The promise of a universal, secure, and readily available magazine carriage system is what drew me to the High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount.
The initial unboxing revealed a ruggedly constructed pouch, showcasing the build quality I’ve come to expect from High Speed Gear. The materials felt durable, and the stitching appeared robust, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand demanding conditions. Its weight was surprisingly light considering its multi-magazine capacity.
Compared to other similar products like the Blackhawk! Double Stack Magazine Pouch or the Condor Triple Kangaroo Mag Pouch, the HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount stood out due to its modularity and streamlined design. I chose this product because of High Speed Gear’s reputation for quality, the universality of the TACO design, and the space-saving staggered configuration. My first impression was one of excitement. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount at my local shooting range during a training session focused on transitions between rifle and pistol. The environment was controlled, allowing me to focus on the mechanics of drawing and reindexing magazines. It also allowed me to test different magazines, from M4 style magazines to AK-47 variants.
Despite being a sunny day, the range floor was dusty, giving me an idea of how the pouch retained magazines in adverse conditions. Using various pistol magazines and AR-15 magazines, I found the draw to be smooth and consistent, even when partially filled. There were no issues related to retention, even during rapid movements and simulated tactical scenarios.
The ease of use was immediately apparent; the open-top design eliminated the need for flaps or complicated closures, significantly speeding up reloads. No real learning curve was involved. I simply adjusted the tension via the shock cord to meet my desired preference of speed vs. retention.
A minor surprise was how securely smaller pistol magazines were held, despite the pouch’s universal design; the adjustable shock cord provided ample tension.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use in both range settings and during force-on-force training scenarios, the High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount has held up exceptionally well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the nylon laminate or the stitching, even after repeated abrasion against gear and obstacles. The magazines are still just as secure as when it was new.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and dirt. The shock cord still functions as intended with no change in elasticity. The nylon material has stayed intact and sturdy with no fraying.
Compared to my previous magazine pouches, which often required specific adjustments for different magazine types or suffered from retention issues, the HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount is a significant improvement. It consistently outperforms traditional pouches in terms of speed, versatility, and reliability. It has greatly simplified my magazine loadout on my duty belt.
Breaking Down the Features of High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount
Specifications
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount boasts several key specifications:
- Number of Mag Pouch Compartments: 3 – Allows for carrying one rifle magazine and two pistol magazines.
- Number of Mags Held in Each Compartment: 1 – Each compartment holds one magazine.
- Stacked: Yes – The pistol magazine pouches are staggered in front of the rifle magazine pouch to save space.
- Caliber: Universal – Accommodates a wide range of rifle and pistol calibers.
- Height: 5 inches – Optimal height for duty belt placement and accessibility.
- Width: 2.5 inches – Slim profile minimizes bulk on the belt.
- Fastener/Closure Type: Button Snap Strap – Ensures secure attachment to the duty belt.
- Accessory Attachment System: Clip – MOLLE clip for versatile mounting options.
- Belt Width: 2 inches – Designed for standard duty belt widths.
- Belt Loop/Snap Width: 2 inches – Ensures a snug and secure fit on the belt.
- Fabric/Material: Heavy-Duty Nylon Laminate/Shock Cord/Pop Lock – Provides durability and adjustable retention.
- Hand: Ambidextrous – Accessible from either the left or right side.
- Gun Model: Universal – Compatible with various firearm platforms.
- Gun Make: Universal – Works with magazines from different manufacturers.
- Length: 4.25 inches – Compact length maintains a low profile.
- Condition: New – Brand new product.
- Country of Origin: USA – Manufactured in the United States.
These specifications translate directly into enhanced performance and user experience. The universal caliber compatibility eliminates the need for multiple pouches, simplifying gear selection. The heavy-duty nylon laminate and robust construction ensure long-term durability, while the adjustable shock cord allows users to fine-tune retention based on their preferences.
Performance & Functionality
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount excels in its primary function: securely holding and providing quick access to magazines. Its universal design accommodates a wide range of magazines, from standard AR-15 magazines to Glock 17/19 magazines, 1911 magazines, and even AK-47 magazines.
The open-top design allows for rapid reloads, making it ideal for high-stress situations. The adjustable shock cord provides excellent retention, preventing magazines from accidentally falling out while still allowing for a smooth and consistent draw.
The design’s strength lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The only potential weakness is that extremely short magazines might sit too low in the pouch for optimal access. The product meets and exceeds expectations; it delivers on its promise of versatility, reliability, and speed.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount is exceptional; the materials are top-notch, and the stitching is precise and robust. The pouch feels solid and well-constructed, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. The weight is minimal, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the duty belt.
The staggered design maximizes space efficiency, allowing users to carry three magazines in a compact footprint. The open-top configuration is incredibly user-friendly. The pouch is very comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Durability & Maintenance
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount is built to last. The heavy-duty nylon laminate is resistant to abrasion, tearing, and water damage. The shock cord is high-quality and retains its elasticity even after extended use.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the pouch clean and functional. The rugged construction ensures it can withstand harsh conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount comes with a MOLLE clip for secure attachment to duty belts or other MOLLE-compatible platforms. The shock cord tension can be adjusted to accommodate different magazine types and user preferences.
While no specific accessories are included, the pouch is compatible with various MOLLE accessories, allowing users to customize their loadout. High Speed Gear also offers various colors and camouflage patterns to match different uniforms or tactical gear.
Pros and Cons of High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount
Pros
- Universal magazine compatibility: Accommodates a wide range of rifle and pistol magazines, reducing the need for multiple pouches.
- Fast and efficient reloads: Open-top design allows for rapid magazine changes, crucial in high-stress situations.
- Durable construction: Heavy-duty nylon laminate and robust stitching ensure long-lasting performance, even in harsh conditions.
- Adjustable retention: Shock cord tension can be customized to accommodate different magazine types and user preferences.
- Compact and streamlined design: Staggered configuration minimizes bulk on the duty belt, maximizing space efficiency.
Cons
- Extremely short magazines may not be optimally accessible.
- Higher price point than some traditional magazine pouches.
Who Should Buy High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount?
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, security professionals, and competitive shooters who require a versatile, reliable, and fast magazine carriage system. It’s also excellent for anyone who utilizes different weapon platforms and wants to avoid the hassle of switching out magazine pouches.
Individuals who are on a very tight budget or primarily use only one type of magazine may find simpler, less expensive pouches more suitable. Those requiring completely covered magazine pouches might also want to look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a quality duty belt that is MOLLE-compatible and can properly support the pouch’s weight and contents.
Conclusion on High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount
The High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount is an exceptional piece of tactical gear that delivers on its promise of versatility, reliability, and speed. While it may come with a higher price tag than some traditional magazine pouches, its universal compatibility, durable construction, and efficient design make it a worthwhile investment for professionals and serious shooting enthusiasts.
The price is justified by the pouch’s quality, adaptability, and the time and effort it saves by eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches. The ability to carry both rifle and pistol magazines in a single, compact unit is a significant advantage.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the High Speed Gear HSGI Duty Staggered Double Pistol Taco w/Rifle U-Mount to anyone seeking a top-tier magazine carriage solution. Upgrade your gear and experience the difference!
