Post by Invictus on Feb 17, 2006 20:52:03 GMT -5
I went seeking an upgrade from my first Cops911 vest (Scout) and found the Broadsword Vest a worthy replacement. While the Broadsword contained alot of what I desired, I wanted a few more "personal" changes made to it.
So I requested that instead of side strap adjustments, that it be made lace up instead:
I also requested some type of pull strap for the rear pods:
I also had name tags added on as well.
I found the overall design and construction of the vest excellent. The "adjustable elastic waist" is exactly that and quite durable. It was able to help easily stabilize a full load (tank and pods with paint). The velcro on the elastic waist was not underdone, so adjustment to various waist sizes is a breeze and holds in place nicely. While I'm not use to an elastic waist, it was neither uncomfortable or a burden.
I went next to the Interlock system on the front, and was simply amazed. It literally does stay on like in the video for it (Interlock Demo). While I didn't find it quite as simple to put my pouch back on, I expected such since its the first time I've dealt with this system. I play quite rough (diving, crawling, etc..), and have zero fears about my pouches coming off. Its literally that secure.
Next up is the pod pockets. They are like every other Cops911/Spec Ops pod pocket, in that their construction is astounding. What caught my attention was the additional elastic pod holders. I was concerned that perhaps a full pod would fall out, or that I would have difficulting in putting the pod back. Neither was the case for it. The elastic is stitched in a way that securely holds the pod in place, and I mean securely. Not so much that you can't get it out though. Putting the pod back in is a breeze since they added hard plastic to keep the mouth partially open and a pull tab to assist you as well.
As with anything, there's alway room for improvement. Being prior military (Army Infantry 11B), I've had experience with quite a bit of gear. So here comes my list of improvements:
First improvement is the belt keepers. I noticed this area seems a little lacking, in that there simply were not enough of them. In my opinion, to allow a add on belt to work better with the vest a few more "keepers" should be added. My picture shows the current positioning, and my changes. The current setup only has 4 "keepers", while my change would have 7. It would also secure the belt better. 3 for the back, and 2 for each vest front side:
My next change is the position of the front name tag. In my opinion it seems out of place, and is taking up an area that could serve a better purpose. Such as extending the Molle with two more additional Molle strips in place of a name tag in that area. I also felt that a smaller name tag located on the opposite shoulder of the patch would help make the vest flow more smoothly.
In conclusion, I am VERY happy with the vest design and the construction. It is the best paintball investment I have ever made. It can carry as much or as little paint that I need. It can store my barrel condom, maps, scenario ID's, radio etc. The tank pouch is extremely Left or Right handed friendly. It fits me quite nicely and still offers ALOT of room for growth should I need it. The mesh backing is comparable to military issue mesh vests, and I know it will last for a long time.
Therefore I give this vest an 8.5/10.
I forgot to add that this is the '05 version, sorry I'm just not into all the Spec Ops Bling
So I requested that instead of side strap adjustments, that it be made lace up instead:
I also requested some type of pull strap for the rear pods:
I also had name tags added on as well.
I found the overall design and construction of the vest excellent. The "adjustable elastic waist" is exactly that and quite durable. It was able to help easily stabilize a full load (tank and pods with paint). The velcro on the elastic waist was not underdone, so adjustment to various waist sizes is a breeze and holds in place nicely. While I'm not use to an elastic waist, it was neither uncomfortable or a burden.
I went next to the Interlock system on the front, and was simply amazed. It literally does stay on like in the video for it (Interlock Demo). While I didn't find it quite as simple to put my pouch back on, I expected such since its the first time I've dealt with this system. I play quite rough (diving, crawling, etc..), and have zero fears about my pouches coming off. Its literally that secure.
Next up is the pod pockets. They are like every other Cops911/Spec Ops pod pocket, in that their construction is astounding. What caught my attention was the additional elastic pod holders. I was concerned that perhaps a full pod would fall out, or that I would have difficulting in putting the pod back. Neither was the case for it. The elastic is stitched in a way that securely holds the pod in place, and I mean securely. Not so much that you can't get it out though. Putting the pod back in is a breeze since they added hard plastic to keep the mouth partially open and a pull tab to assist you as well.
As with anything, there's alway room for improvement. Being prior military (Army Infantry 11B), I've had experience with quite a bit of gear. So here comes my list of improvements:
First improvement is the belt keepers. I noticed this area seems a little lacking, in that there simply were not enough of them. In my opinion, to allow a add on belt to work better with the vest a few more "keepers" should be added. My picture shows the current positioning, and my changes. The current setup only has 4 "keepers", while my change would have 7. It would also secure the belt better. 3 for the back, and 2 for each vest front side:
My next change is the position of the front name tag. In my opinion it seems out of place, and is taking up an area that could serve a better purpose. Such as extending the Molle with two more additional Molle strips in place of a name tag in that area. I also felt that a smaller name tag located on the opposite shoulder of the patch would help make the vest flow more smoothly.
In conclusion, I am VERY happy with the vest design and the construction. It is the best paintball investment I have ever made. It can carry as much or as little paint that I need. It can store my barrel condom, maps, scenario ID's, radio etc. The tank pouch is extremely Left or Right handed friendly. It fits me quite nicely and still offers ALOT of room for growth should I need it. The mesh backing is comparable to military issue mesh vests, and I know it will last for a long time.
Therefore I give this vest an 8.5/10.
I forgot to add that this is the '05 version, sorry I'm just not into all the Spec Ops Bling
