The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider Made a Bold First Impression
The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider isn’t just another magazine pouch; it’s a statement about efficiency and adaptability. High Speed Gear (HSGI) has built a reputation on rugged, practical gear, and the TACO pouch aims to live up to that legacy by securely holding a wide range of rifle magazines and other similarly sized items, all in a compact package. For someone like me, with years of experience setting up tactical loadouts for diverse operational needs, a pouch that can handle various magazine types is a game-changer, reducing the need for specialized pouches for every platform.
My quest for the ultimate magazine pouch began after a frustrating training exercise. I was juggling AR-15, AK-47, and even FAL magazines – each requiring a different pouch design, adding unnecessary bulk and complexity to my kit. The promise of the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider – its ability to accommodate almost any rifle magazine – immediately piqued my interest.
The initial unboxing experience was reassuring. The MultiCam nylon felt robust, the polymer sides exhibited a sturdy quality, and the shock cord lacing system looked both simple and effective. It felt lightweight yet substantial in my hands, a good sign for a pouch intended for demanding use.
I had been considering the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 Pouch and the Esstac KYWI Rifle Pouch. The Ten-Speed is incredibly lightweight but sacrifices some retention security for that reduced weight. The Esstac KYWI provides excellent retention but is often magazine-specific, reducing its versatility. The TACO, with its adaptable design, seemed to strike a better balance between retention, weight, and multi-platform compatibility, ultimately swaying my decision.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Could one pouch really handle such a variety of magazine types securely and reliably? I was eager to put the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider through its paces and see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider was a local shooting range during a carbine course. I subjected it to a mix of AR-15 PMAGs, steel AK-47 magazines, and even a few heavier .308 AR magazines. The pouch performed surprisingly well in dry, sunny conditions, holding each magazine securely during rapid movements and reloads.
The pouch also worked effectively during simulated malfunction drills, facilitating swift magazine changes without any snagging or awkwardness. Its open-top design proved to be intuitive and allowed for a consistently positive grip on the magazines, regardless of the type used. I appreciated how easy it was to adjust the tension of the shock cord, fine-tuning the retention for each magazine.
I did notice one minor issue: the polymer divider occasionally rubbed against the magazine during reloads, creating a slight scraping sound, which might be a concern for those prioritizing silent operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use in various environments, the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider has proven to be a reliable piece of kit. I’ve used it during force-on-force training in dusty conditions, and even during a light rain shower. The MultiCam nylon has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of fading or tearing, and the shock cord remains resilient, maintaining its elasticity despite repeated stretching.
Cleaning the pouch is simple, requiring only a quick scrub with a brush and some mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. I’ve found that the polymer sides wipe clean easily, preventing mud or grime from accumulating. So far, there are no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scuffing, a testament to the pouch’s robust construction.
Compared to my previous experience with traditional magazine pouches that were magazine-specific, the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider has exceeded my expectations regarding versatility and ease of use. It has streamlined my loadout, allowing me to switch between different rifle platforms without the hassle of swapping out pouches.
Breaking Down the Features of High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider
Specifications
The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider boasts several key specifications. It utilizes injection-molded polymer sides that contribute to its rigid structure and retention capabilities. The pouch is constructed with durable Cordura nylon on the front and back, ensuring resistance to abrasion and wear.
A shock cord lacing system allows for adjustable retention. It enables the pouch to accommodate a wide range of rifle magazines, including USGI, HK, PMAG, ARC, FAL, AK 30/40, LR20, and M14 magazines. The TACO occupies only 3 inches horizontally on a MOLLE platform.
This compact footprint is vital for maximizing space efficiency on your load-bearing equipment. The versatility to hold various magazines and even certain radios, flash bangs, or smoke grenades is a major advantage. The adjustable retention and optional bungee retainers further enhance its adaptability to different mission requirements.
Performance & Functionality
The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider performs its primary function – securely holding rifle magazines – exceptionally well. Its adaptable design and adjustable retention system mean that it can confidently retain a wide array of magazines without the need for specialized pouches. The open-top design facilitates quick and efficient reloads, while the MOLLE compatibility allows for easy integration with most tactical vests, plate carriers, and belts.
The pouch’s strength lies in its versatility. The slight scraping noise mentioned earlier is a minor drawback, particularly for applications demanding absolute silence. Overall, the TACO meets and even exceeds expectations for a universal magazine pouch.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider is impressive. The combination of durable nylon and sturdy polymer creates a robust and long-lasting product. The pouch’s weight is minimal, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your loadout.
The design is user-friendly, with an intuitive shock cord adjustment system that requires no specialized tools or skills. There’s a slight learning curve associated with fine-tuning the retention for optimal performance.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction, the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider is designed to withstand the rigors of demanding use. The high-quality materials and reinforced stitching contribute to its longevity, ensuring it will hold up to years of service.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. The simple design and lack of complex mechanisms minimize the risk of malfunction or breakage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider is designed for versatility and customization. Webbing tabs are sewn on the top for use of “over the top” bungee retainers, providing extra security if desired. Loop Velcro is sewn on the interior, allowing users to add adhesive hook on the magazine for even greater retention.
While no specific accessories come standard with the pouch, its MOLLE compatibility means it can be easily attached to a wide range of tactical gear. The option to add bungee retainers and Velcro allows for fine-tuning its performance to suit individual preferences and mission requirements.
Pros and Cons of High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider
Pros
- Unmatched Versatility: Holds a wide range of rifle magazines, eliminating the need for multiple pouches.
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality Cordura nylon and injection-molded polymer for long-lasting performance.
- Adjustable Retention: Shock cord lacing system allows for customized retention, ensuring a secure fit for various magazine types.
- MOLLE Compatible: Easily integrates with most tactical vests, plate carriers, and belts.
- Open-Top Design: Facilitates quick and efficient reloads, improving overall operational efficiency.
Cons
- Polymer Divider Noise: The divider can create a slight scraping noise during reloads, potentially compromising silent operations.
- Initial Adjustment Required: Fine-tuning the shock cord retention for optimal performance might require some initial experimentation.
Who Should Buy High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider?
The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider is perfect for tactical professionals, law enforcement officers, and competitive shooters who utilize multiple rifle platforms. It’s also an excellent choice for airsoft players and recreational shooters seeking a versatile and durable magazine pouch. Anyone needing to consolidate their gear and streamline their loadout will find the TACO a valuable asset.
Individuals who prioritize absolute silence during operations might want to explore alternative pouches that offer quieter magazine retention. Those who only use one type of magazine may find a more specialized pouch to be slightly more streamlined.
Essential accessories include bungee retainers for added security and potentially adhesive hook to further customize magazine retention.
Conclusion on High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider
The High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider is a highly versatile and durable magazine pouch that lives up to its reputation. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of rifle magazines in a secure and easily accessible manner makes it an invaluable addition to any tactical loadout. The slight scraping noise is a minor drawback, but its benefits far outweigh this small inconvenience.
At a price of $39.00, the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider offers excellent value for its versatility and build quality. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable and adaptable magazine pouch that can handle the demands of diverse operational needs.
If you’re tired of juggling multiple magazine pouches and want to simplify your gear, give the High Speed Gear TACO MOLLE Rifle Single MultiCam Nylon w/Polymer Divider a try. You won’t be disappointed.