Calling All TT MAV 2-Piece users

[Sleepy]

Wow, this has all been really helpful. I'm looking at other rigs, but its hard to beat the simplicity of a MAV. I might even be going for a 1-piece, depending on how I work a few things out.

EDIT: Anyone have any pictures of the inside map pockets on the 2-piece and 1-piece rigs? I'm looking for a way to organize basic survival and medical bits, and I'd rather not spend an extra $100 (different rig and pouch) just so I can carry them.

If there's not some sort of internal organization system, what are the odds that TT can do something up for me? Basically just a series of elastic loops that can hold random bits, or in a pinch some extra AR mags?

[ogrejager]

Er, what extra space? There are 18 rows of MOLLE on the 2 piece MAV: 9 on each side. There are 18 rows of MOLLE on the 1 piece as well; they're just all connected.

What, you don't think being "all connected" means "more space"? When it comes time to start putting on pouches, all of the MOLLE are connected. That seems to equate to more functionality in terms of pouch placement. Which, in my mind, means more space.

All that I can say is that I stood in US Tactical in Albany and tried each one one, thought about pouch placement, and bought the one piece.

[Rentax]

The internal pockets are ACTUALLY, just Velcro openings at the top of the pouch created by the fold of the fabric... essentially I'm saying it's open empty space...

What I can say is that it was intended for storing maps, paperwork, etc. Flat stuff... I've tried even running my death rag in the pouch on the 1 piece and I find the extra bulk tends to push into the body and not away from the body... Just a thought on that. Also if you wanted something made or built, it's suggest talking to the guy from Shaddox Tactical (here http://www.shaddoxtactical.com/ ) he's a local guy, and I've seen some of his work. It looks pretty good. I discussed doing some mods on equipment and he seems to have some good ideas and wants you to like the item more than just wanting to sell it to you (if that makes sense)

As for the 1 piece VS the 2 piece both definitely have their selling points. The 1 piece is, like ogre said 1 solid piece of MOLLE goodness... This however makes it more difficult to Don and Doff, especially as you add accessories like the Bib and the X harness... However I did a simple Mod on my X-harness which makes getting my MAV on and off a snap... (Now I just have to learn to remember to take off my ear bud for my radio BEFORE trying to remove my rig) The 2 piece makes on and off easier and is a quick way of getting your gear out of your way if you want to go prone. You just open it up and not have to worry about what's in the way on your chest. (This is actually why TT designed the 2 piece.) However the 2 piece cannot be used with a TT MAV Bib. The buckles on the 2 piece are set closer together creating what I call the Floppy Bib. As seen here...


As for more space I can understand both arguments. They both have 3 rows. The 1 piece has 18 columns, and the 2 piece has 2, 9 column panels. This makes the 1 piece more versatile. Mine for instance has 4 shingle's centered with 3 Dbl pistol mag's covering them. Making a nearly impossible setup for the 2 piece. However TT does sell this http://www.tacticaltailor.com/mavcenteradapter.aspx Handy hook and lop, center adapter, which actually covers the buckle section of the MAV with 2 columns of Mole, making it larger than the 1 piece. (however my setup with the 4 and 3 STILL would not work. And that handy item will run you $22 for 6 MOLLE loops )

I do recommend the X-harness. It makes carrying any amount of weight a lot nicer on the shoulders at the end of the day. The bib is nice too, it adds and easier accessible MAP pocket, on your chest and could nicely hold and Admin pouch or what not. However it has no retention strap on it, so it tends to flop a bit when any real weight is added to it.

[Variable]

I've found that the "map" pouches in the MAV aren't very useful for storing... maps. Or anything. With a bunch of pouches mounted on the platform, accessing the map pouches is difficult.

[danneskjold]

I've found that the "map" pouches in the MAV aren't very useful for storing... maps. Or anything. With a bunch of pouches mounted on the platform, accessing the map pouches is difficult.

I agree, the MAV has a particularly difficult to reach map pocket. Besides, maps are first line (survival) gear and should be in a pocket on your jacket (and dummy corded of course!).

[Juicemachine]

As to a 2 piece MAV not being able to use a bib, there be solutions to that.

Also, the center adapter, to me, seems a bit redundant, as it makes donning/doffing the rig harder, and the point of the 2 piece seems to be quick donning/doffing.

[Sleepy]

Well, there's not much that would be going into the pockets. OLAES bandage, ems shears, some celox, basic IFAK really. map, a couple pens, maybe a smallish pocket knife or rescue tool.

Does the 1-piece pocket run the full length of the rig, or only the front 6 or so columns?

[shakespeare]

I don't think having anything metal in there (like shears or a knife) would be comfortable at all.
I believe that the opening only goes a few columns, but IIRC the pocket goes all the way, if that makes sense.

[Sleepy]

Okay, so, right now, the competitor is a Blackhawk STRIKE harness, and I think the Blackhawk is winning. Its a few bucks cheaper compared to a MAV with a bib and x-harness. Going with it actually forced me to pare down my rig a bib more, which was actually a good thing (less weight, less shit, you see). Someone give me a reason why the Blackhawk should lose.

[shakespeare]

Which one is the STRIKE harness? They have a lot of gear labeled as STRIKE in their catalog.
Blackhawk isn't made in the USA from what I understand...if that matters to you.
If I understand correctly, they also don't have as good of a warranty system as TT does.

[Sleepy]

http://www.optactical.com/stcoreve.html

[Jewish Ninja]

It does. The RRV design has been copied by a lot of companies.

[Order_66]

Just an FYI: You can't have the X harness on a one piece MAV with the bib.

[Juicemachine]

Get the Shaddox Tactical MAV copy. It's $120 for the rig with a bib and X harness, and you gave get it in a million different patterns, and get it double sided for $15 more.

http://www.shaddoxtactical.com/Load_Bearing.php

Plus, it has 4 rows of MOLLE, not just 3.

EDIT: He can make it 2-piece, too.

[Sleepy]

Just an FYI: You can't have the X harness on a one piece MAV with the bib.

Ah, right, now I remember that.