First Impressions of HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard promises to be a streamlined and secure magazine carriage solution for those utilizing plate carriers. Manufactured by HRT Tactical Gear, this placard offers a direct attachment method, eliminating the wobble often associated with MOLLE-mounted pouches. It grabbed my attention with its promise of stability and rapid access to magazines, essential in dynamic training scenarios and high-stakes operations.
I’ve always sought a more secure and less cumbersome way to carry spare AR magazines on my plate carrier. MOLLE systems can be reliable, but their inherent flexibility often leads to unwanted movement and shifting of pouches, which is unacceptable when time is critical. The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard’s design seemed to address this issue directly, offering a more integrated and stable platform.
Unboxing revealed a well-constructed placard, the 500 Denier Cordura feeling robust and ready for abuse. The polymer inserts within each magazine pouch provided a reassuring tactile click upon magazine insertion, suggesting a secure fit. The Duraflex buckles appeared to be of good quality, promising reliable attachment and detachment.
Compared to standalone MOLLE pouches from Blue Force Gear and HSGI, the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard stood out due to its integrated design. While individual pouches offer modularity, this placard sacrifices some flexibility for increased stability and a lower profile. I chose the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard for its promise of a more streamlined and secure magazine carriage solution, prioritizing stability over ultimate modularity.
My first impression was excitement, tempered with a bit of skepticism about whether the polymer inserts would truly accommodate different magazine brands and conditions. This product looked promising and I was eager to test its real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard at a local shooting range, incorporating it into various drills involving rapid magazine changes. I used a variety of AR-15 magazines, including standard GI aluminum mags, Magpul PMAGs, and Lancer L5AWMs. The placard performed exceptionally well, securely holding each magazine type with minimal wobble, even during dynamic movement.
The polymer inserts provided excellent retention in both dry and slightly wet conditions, but heavy rain caused a minor decrease in grip. After a quick shake to remove excess water, the magazines remained secure, and the bungee retention straps offered an added layer of security. The ease of drawing magazines was commendable, requiring minimal effort while still providing enough resistance to prevent accidental release. There were no unexpected issues during the initial testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use in both range training and force-on-force scenarios, the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard has proven to be a reliable piece of kit. The 500 Denier Cordura shows no significant signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to abrasion from crawling and repeated magazine changes. The stitching remains intact, and the Duraflex buckles continue to function flawlessly.
Regular maintenance involves simply wiping down the placard with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. I occasionally use a Cordura fabric protectant to maintain water resistance, though it’s not strictly necessary. Compared to my previous setup with individual MOLLE pouches, the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard offers superior stability and a faster, more consistent magazine draw.
Breaking Down the Features of HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard
Specifications
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is designed to hold three M4-style rifle magazines. It is constructed from 500 Denier Cordura for durability. The placard features polymer inserts to securely hold magazines in place.
The magazine retention is further enhanced by bungee cords that can be adjusted to fine-tune the tension. A hook-and-loop backing allows for secure attachment to compatible plate carriers or vests. Duraflex Buckles provide an additional layer of security and ensure compatibility with HRT‘s HRAC and RAC plate carriers. The placard measures 9.25 x 7 inches. These specifications are important because they directly impact the placard’s durability, magazine retention, and compatibility with existing gear.
Performance & Functionality
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard excels at providing secure and readily accessible magazine storage. Its strengths lie in its streamlined design, which minimizes bulk and maximizes stability. The polymer inserts provide excellent magazine retention, even during vigorous activity.
One potential weakness is the lack of adjustability in the pouch size, which might limit compatibility with some non-standard magazines. Overall, the placard meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated AR magazine carrier, delivering a reliable and efficient platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is well-designed, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The 500 Denier Cordura provides a good balance of durability and weight, preventing the placard from becoming overly bulky. The hook-and-loop backing ensures a secure attachment to the plate carrier, while the Duraflex buckles offer an additional layer of security.
The placard is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup. Drawing magazines is intuitive and efficient, due to the well-designed polymer inserts and adjustable bungee retention.
Durability & Maintenance
The 500 Denier Cordura construction and reinforced stitching suggest that the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is built to last. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to maintain its appearance and functionality. More intensive cleaning, if needed, can be done with mild soap and water, followed by air drying.
The simple design minimizes the number of potential failure points, contributing to its overall longevity. The use of high-quality materials and robust construction ensures that the placard can withstand the rigors of regular use in demanding environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard comes with male and female Duraflex Buckles, providing compatibility with a range of plate carriers. While the placard itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, its hook-and-loop backing allows for the attachment of small accessories like small utility pouches.
The placard’s compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines means users can freely choose their preferred magazine brand and capacity. The lack of integrated MOLLE webbing limits the direct attachment of additional pouches.
Pros and Cons of HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard
Pros
- Secure magazine retention thanks to polymer inserts and adjustable bungee cords.
- Durable construction with 500 Denier Cordura.
- Streamlined design minimizes bulk and maximizes mobility.
- Easy and rapid magazine access.
- Direct attachment system eliminates wobble and shifting.
Cons
- Limited adjustability for non-standard magazines.
- Lack of MOLLE webbing for attaching additional pouches.
Who Should Buy HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard?
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is perfect for tactical professionals, competitive shooters, and serious recreational shooters who prioritize a secure and streamlined magazine carriage solution. It benefits those who use plate carriers regularly and require rapid access to their AR magazines.
This product is not ideal for individuals who need maximum modularity and require the ability to attach a wide variety of pouches and accessories to their magazine carrier. Those who use exclusively non-standard or oversized AR magazines might find the fit too snug. A must-have accessory is a quality plate carrier with a compatible hook-and-loop attachment system and buckle attachment points.
Conclusion on HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard
The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard is a well-designed and durable magazine carriage solution that delivers on its promise of secure and rapid magazine access. The 500 Denier Cordura construction and polymer inserts ensure longevity and reliability, while the streamlined design minimizes bulk and maximizes mobility. While the lack of modularity might be a drawback for some, the increased stability and ease of use more than compensate for this limitation.
The price of $79.95 is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and performance. The HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard offers excellent value for those seeking a dedicated AR magazine carrier.
I would definitely recommend the HRT Tactical Gear Triple AR Placard to anyone looking for a reliable and streamlined magazine carriage solution for their plate carrier. Upgrade your kit today and experience the difference a secure and efficient magazine carrier can make!