Airsoft Tactical Vest Desert w/ Holster

Specifications:

• Modular Crossdraw Pistol Holster
• Includes Tactical Web Belt
• 3 Airsoft Rifle Mag Pouches
• 4 to 6 Airsoft Pistol Mag Pouches
• Radio/Utility Pouch
• US MOLLE Compatible (Utilities, Accessories, Shovels, Swords)
• Completely Modular and Ventilated
• Includes back pouch for CamelBak or Hydration System Bladder

Introduction
I ordered a couple of tan vests from AirSplat to compliment our desert and opfor gear. On their website they're labeled as "Tactical Vest with Holster" available in either desert (reviewed here), black or woodland pattern. Please beware that the color of this vest will always be the same, but here on the review, due to monitor differences and lighting conditions when I took the photos, the color might vary slightly from one another, but THEY ARE THE SAME. The color is 100% compatible with desert camo.

First Impressions
The soon-to-be owner of the vest with me when I received the first vest. His first word was "F@%K!". For $40.00, and a no-brand vest (made for Airsplat's distribution), we were expecting something ordinary that wouldn't rip apart during the first dozen games... and well... we got a lot more than that. The quality of this airsoft vest was way beyond what we had expected and we already have expensive tactical vests going as high as $180 and this vest can be put side to side to any of those and stand his ground comfortably. A $75 price tag would be a fair price for this vest just for the fact it's not made by any fancy distributor like Guarder, but putting aside the branding, I'd say $100 for this airsoft vest.

The Front (VEST 1)
As shown in the picture below, the front part of the first vest (from now on, referred to as VEST 1) has 3 pistol mag pouches on the left side of the chest, 1 utility pouch on the right side, 3 belly high rifle mags on the right side, and a REMOVABLE pistol holster on the left side (for right handed people) with yet another pistol mag. There is also a radio pouch on the left shoulder and the vest comes with an awesome belt. The vest is closed with a zipper and secured with BLACK plastic buckles. There are also 2 utility pockets inside the vest, which could be used for maps or documents.

The Back (VEST 1 & 2)
Below we can see the Velcro straps on the shoulders to adjust the height, more plastic buckles to adjust the width, the US MOLLE compatibility for other accessories, and the center strap to carry the wounded (which seemed pretty strong but still would suggest you don't attempt to pull anyone on the ground for obvious reasons). There is however, something on the INSIDE of the back and it's a large pocket for a CamelBak.

HIGHLIGHTS
Inside Side Pocket (Qty.)	Inside Back Pocket for CamelBak
Pistol Mag Pouch in Belt (Qty 2)	Removable Holster

VEST 1 and VEST 2
Why are there 2 vests? Well, remember that I ordered TWO vests, same item number, but they're slightly different in the front. The backs and insides are exactly the same but the fronts have 3 slight differences.

Airsoft Vest 1	Airsoft Vest 2
* Black Buckles * 3+1 Pistol Magazine Pouches * Radio Pouch	* Tan Buckles * 3+1+2 Pistol Magazine Pouches * No Radio Pouch

Comparison
Needless to say, the vests have all the pouches you'll need as an airsofter. However, there are small differences between the 2 vests, and are easily distinguished on the picture above.

Bottom Line about the differences
IF you order this vest chances are you will receive VEST 2. I asked Airsplat about the differences and they said lately their distributor has been sending them the VEST 2 design. So, keep that in mind when you order. Anyway, what one vest lacks, the other vest makes up in something else. 1 had the extra the pistol mag pouches on the belt, and the other had the extra radio pouch.

BIG users beware!
This is not necessarily something negative, but rather a warning for very big users. If you are tall, the vest will fit just fine... if you're overweight, the width can be adjusted just fine... but if you are well above average in height AND width, then you should search for special vests for people in XXL sizes and don't expect such vests to be cheap.

CONS
- You may accidentally dislodge the pistol holster by lifting your left arm and hitting the bottom part of the holster.

PROS
- Great material and construction. Strong stitches.
- Breathable mesh cloth preventing excesive sweating. Great for summer.
- Pistol holster is removable.
- The belt is a great addition.
- Vest is available in 3 patterns. Tan, Black, and Woodland.
- Very affordable.

Overall
Great value for the money. You won't find a better vest in this price range.

Review by Hellas Airsoft