TMC "AVS" Adaptive Vest System (Adaptive Vest) 2014
Apr 13, 2014 18:22:55 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Apr 13, 2014 18:22:55 GMT -5
Full Album Review – TMC “Adaptive Vest”
TMC “Adaptive Vest” Crye Adaptive Vest System (AVS)
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
[The AVS is] A revolutionary system that quickly configures as anything from a low-vis rig to a fully armored load-bearing vest… and everything in between. Changing calibers? Simply switch out your front mag panels. Switching load-outs? Quickly slide off your modular pouches without unweaving them. Shifting threats? Just add or remove armor panels without having to modify your gear load out. Varying missions? Configure it as a load bearing vest for recce work and switch right back to a fully-armored configuration with ease. Attach packs, zip-on rear panels, StKSS™ load supports, and many other accessories – the options are infinite. (taken from http://www.cryeprecision.com)
Overview
I’m not normally one to hop on any particular “high-speed” bandwagon and run out to get the latest and “greatest” piece of gear since MOLLE was introduced, but since Crye Precision introduced their latest system, aptly named the “Adaptive vest System” (AVS); I’ve been somewhat curious about it. The AVS brings a level of modularity and adaptability to multiple users, uses, and situations in a plate carrier; and since it is Crye Precision based; a rather large price tag just for good measure.
So here we are with the TMC “Adaptive Vest” (i.e. the Crye AVS). I really can’t say this enough, this is a China made copy, so going into the review I was not expecting CP level stitching, CP level quality, or military grade manufacturing, and neither should you. It’s roughly $80-$90 from Hong Kong, so that should be a dead giveaway of the quality to expect. That said, there are plenty of TMC haters out there, which I can understand, and is well deserved and should be repeated if you’re looking for a ready-to-go, out-of-the-box, vest. On the other hand, it does have some potential as a starting point if you’re looking for a project. By no means do they manufacture a high grade product, but for some things they will work, and until someone else makes a copy of the AVS, this is the only option. If it falls apart beyond repair, well at least you’re not out too much money, or you might get lucky and it lasts a good long while.
Accessories
Like the real AVS, the TMC comes with a number of “accessories.” I use the term loosely as the AVS is entirely modular and technically everything is an accessory except for the main plate bags (which we’ll cover later).
The TMC vest includes two (one for each side) “AVS 3-Band Skeletal Cummerbund” pieces. The design of the Skeletal Cummerbund borrows heavily from the Crye Jumpable Plate Carrier (JPC). The idea with these is to allow for maximum airflow throughout the vest, reduce weight, and provide space for pouches while maintaining a similar feeling of security normally found with a cummerbund like those on full plate carriers such as a CIRAS or EPC. My only complaint is the Multicam coloring is very dark and nothing like the real Multicam webbing (will cover this later).
The kit also includes two (again one for each side) single band straps that are useful if you want to use the plate bags in a lightweight armor carrier only fashion. They’re meant to be paired with the “AVS Harness,” but they also make a great ultra-light setup. Like the 3-band cummerbund however, the coloring is very dark (comparison later in review).
Also included is the “AVS Harness.” This design is a result of the earlier CAGE Armor Chassis and newer CPC (CAGE Plate Carrier). The basic function of the harness is a weight bearing support that helps distribute the weight of a fully loaded vest off of the shoulders and to the rest of the body. The inside is made of a felt type material so you can stick Velcro backed vent pads, like those found on the CAGE or CPC, and separate the vest from the body for extra breathing room. However, I found the AVS’s design generally provides adequate cooling on its own so it’s not a necessity to buy them. The Harness system also includes the traditional Crye shoulder buckle for quick donning the vest (or cutting the vest away quickly), which is moveable to either shoulder depending on user preference. The shoulder “pads” are more of a simple elastic type cover that give a place to route wires or hydration tubes and keep them out of the way. A small detail, but they should be Multicam; TMC reproduced them in tan for whatever reason.
Finally the vest includes an “AVS Detachable Flap (M4)” that is velcro backed and doubles as the front cummerbund flap. When I ordered the vest I was hoping this was the MOLLE flap with an included Crye style mag pouch, but sadly it was not. The inclusion of this flap is not covered in any description on any website.
Editor’s Note 2017: TMC/Rasputin offers alternative flaps for the front of the AVS and JPC 2.0 design.
Externals Review
As I noted above, it’s hard to distinguish what’s an accessory, and what’s part of the base product. The real AVS is designed to start with a basic front and back plate carrier, and includes enough velcro shoulder ‘straps’ to make a simple plate carrier. My only real complaint (besides stitching quality) was, unlike the real AVS, the TMC copy has Multicam shoulder straps, though the real AVS has khaki/tan straps.
Something I discovered after posting the review (WOOPS) and reading the Crye AVS manual was the front plate includes an admin pocket (above) and an inner kangaroo type slot behind the cummerbund flap to hide the flap’s Velcro attachments (as seen in the picture). One could also use this as a kangaroo pouch if you don’t have a flap on the vest. The admin pouch has a few elastic band slots sewn into it which work well for holding small things. Somewhere I read people thought of using this as a pistol mag pouch. This may or may not work, if laid horizontal maybe, but it will be bulky. Do not try to hold them in the elastic bands…they WILL bounce out if you move at all.
TMC copied the design of the vest well enough that you can set the vest up for an ultra-light configuration (although Crye designed their setup with the 2-band or 3-band cummerbund instead of the Harness securing bands). Add on the single band straps, your choice of front flap and it becomes the lightest weight possible setup for basic armor and minimal gear carrying. I wear a S/M Eagle EPC, and the plate bags appear to be a Medium size “AVS Standard Plate Pouch Set,” instead of the “AVS MBAV Plate Pouch Set,” which is fine since I don’t have a need for the additional soft armor capacity.
The AVS system also includes the “AVS Harness,” which like the plate bags appears to be size Medium. Crye designed this part as an add-on to the basic plate bags, and acts as a weight bearing yoke and adding in a cummerbund that allows the attachment of side plate pouches, as well as any other desired pouches. The TMC is a decent clone of these ideas and allows you to do similar setups. This was one of the things I was uncertain about when I purchased the vest, but after un-boxing it, I couldn’t be happier and assuming it holds together, it will work well for the multiple rolls I envisioned the vest serving.
The last example is the “Assault Configuration.” With this particular setup, the vest utilizes everything but the Single Band Cummerbund. Stacking on everything the vest certainly feels bulky, but it does offer the most real-estate to place pouches and anything else you might need. I was particularly pleased with this as I could collapse and sandwich some pouches I use on the light “Harness” setup and not have to strip the pouches away when not in use.
Performance
While there isn’t a true performance test, I think this section is a great opportunity to talk about build quality.
Fabric – TMC claims the vest is made from 500D Multicam Cordura. It certainly feels light enough, and is a welcome change from the heavier 1000D Cordura that makes up the majority of modern plate carriers. However, this is TMC, so there’s no telling if it really is MILSPEC 500D or how long it will hold up under use. I did not feel like the carrier would rip at any time, but experience with TMC products says time could take its toll.
Webbing (Left TMC AVS, Right TYR Tactical Hydration Carrier, between MOLLE rows is a painted strap) – The webbing on this vest is a very off color (like all TMC vests). When I purchased the vest I knew it would be off color, but it’s pretty badly replicated, even by China standards. I carefully sprayed the webbing down on the single-band cummerbund as a test to try to lighten it up and it helps somewhat, but bottom line is it’s still off from the start.
Stitching – This is a replica vest, so I was not expecting anything great, and to be fair, it’s better than the last TMC vest I owned in some areas, but worse in others. This vest is still a far cry from the MILSPEC gear, and higher grade replica vests I own, and I will most certainly be reinforcing some stitching. Simply trying on the vest and setting up the pouches resulted in a number of broken stitches (I believe they got caught in the Velcro and were pulled out) and/or others were frayed from the start.
Snap Buttons – I rarely have this issue, and it appears to be a fluke on my vest, but this particular button was poorly crimped on and tore out of its place.
Harness Bungee – One of the smaller details, but it’s worth mentioning, is the bungee used to tie the back of the harness together is made from elastic “shock cord”. This is great as it helps the vest move and adjust easily to different bodies. But, the ends are unsealed (front) and if left unsealed they will quickly unravel. A couple seconds with a lighter will melt the outer nylon covering and fuse everything together so this doesn’t happen (back).
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Having owned a number of vests, my goal was to find a vest that was comfortable to wear in warm and cold environments. Modularity was a huge plus since the vest is going to be used with many different sized mags.
I am quite a fan of Crye vests, not for the fact that they are the latest and greatest, and everyone else is wearing them, but because they are comfortable, allow me to move as I want, and breathe well. That said, the TMC AVS is a pretty good copy of those features. The Harness/Assault setup is comfortable, and allows me to move like my EPC, and carry everything I normally would with a heavy assault type setup. Likewise, the stripped down Plate Carrier configuration is lightweight, and lets me hold just enough to get me through a day on the field. The difference is, unlike my EPC, I can quickly drop the heavier stuff and transition to a light carrier without unweaving pouches or switching vests.
At the end of the day it’s no Crye Precision vest (obviously), and the details and quality can’t compare to my Flyye EPC, but for the $98.56 I paid, I’m pretty happy. It fills a niche in my closet that, for the time being, there aren’t a lot of choices available that could. Most likely within a year there will be and I’ll regret buying the vest, but for now I’m pleased with the purchase.
External Score: 8/10
I probably should dock more points off, but the customization of the vest (and the fact TMC copied all of it) keeps the score high despite the very off colored webbing.
Performance Score: 6/10
Stitching… it comes down to the stitching. I’ll be spending some time reinforcing some of the stitches where they might break quickly, or I may just run it until it does and keep a log of them.
Overall score: 8/10
Like I said, it fills a niche, and I’m a fan of the modularity, I just don’t fancy spending the kind of cash on a real one, especially considering how much I will probably use it. So the cheap option is the best option for now, and I’m looking forward to using it on the field.
© Copyright triggs 2017
TMC “Adaptive Vest” Crye Adaptive Vest System (AVS)
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
[The AVS is] A revolutionary system that quickly configures as anything from a low-vis rig to a fully armored load-bearing vest… and everything in between. Changing calibers? Simply switch out your front mag panels. Switching load-outs? Quickly slide off your modular pouches without unweaving them. Shifting threats? Just add or remove armor panels without having to modify your gear load out. Varying missions? Configure it as a load bearing vest for recce work and switch right back to a fully-armored configuration with ease. Attach packs, zip-on rear panels, StKSS™ load supports, and many other accessories – the options are infinite. (taken from http://www.cryeprecision.com)
Overview
I’m not normally one to hop on any particular “high-speed” bandwagon and run out to get the latest and “greatest” piece of gear since MOLLE was introduced, but since Crye Precision introduced their latest system, aptly named the “Adaptive vest System” (AVS); I’ve been somewhat curious about it. The AVS brings a level of modularity and adaptability to multiple users, uses, and situations in a plate carrier; and since it is Crye Precision based; a rather large price tag just for good measure.
So here we are with the TMC “Adaptive Vest” (i.e. the Crye AVS). I really can’t say this enough, this is a China made copy, so going into the review I was not expecting CP level stitching, CP level quality, or military grade manufacturing, and neither should you. It’s roughly $80-$90 from Hong Kong, so that should be a dead giveaway of the quality to expect. That said, there are plenty of TMC haters out there, which I can understand, and is well deserved and should be repeated if you’re looking for a ready-to-go, out-of-the-box, vest. On the other hand, it does have some potential as a starting point if you’re looking for a project. By no means do they manufacture a high grade product, but for some things they will work, and until someone else makes a copy of the AVS, this is the only option. If it falls apart beyond repair, well at least you’re not out too much money, or you might get lucky and it lasts a good long while.
Accessories
Like the real AVS, the TMC comes with a number of “accessories.” I use the term loosely as the AVS is entirely modular and technically everything is an accessory except for the main plate bags (which we’ll cover later).
The TMC vest includes two (one for each side) “AVS 3-Band Skeletal Cummerbund” pieces. The design of the Skeletal Cummerbund borrows heavily from the Crye Jumpable Plate Carrier (JPC). The idea with these is to allow for maximum airflow throughout the vest, reduce weight, and provide space for pouches while maintaining a similar feeling of security normally found with a cummerbund like those on full plate carriers such as a CIRAS or EPC. My only complaint is the Multicam coloring is very dark and nothing like the real Multicam webbing (will cover this later).
The kit also includes two (again one for each side) single band straps that are useful if you want to use the plate bags in a lightweight armor carrier only fashion. They’re meant to be paired with the “AVS Harness,” but they also make a great ultra-light setup. Like the 3-band cummerbund however, the coloring is very dark (comparison later in review).
Also included is the “AVS Harness.” This design is a result of the earlier CAGE Armor Chassis and newer CPC (CAGE Plate Carrier). The basic function of the harness is a weight bearing support that helps distribute the weight of a fully loaded vest off of the shoulders and to the rest of the body. The inside is made of a felt type material so you can stick Velcro backed vent pads, like those found on the CAGE or CPC, and separate the vest from the body for extra breathing room. However, I found the AVS’s design generally provides adequate cooling on its own so it’s not a necessity to buy them. The Harness system also includes the traditional Crye shoulder buckle for quick donning the vest (or cutting the vest away quickly), which is moveable to either shoulder depending on user preference. The shoulder “pads” are more of a simple elastic type cover that give a place to route wires or hydration tubes and keep them out of the way. A small detail, but they should be Multicam; TMC reproduced them in tan for whatever reason.
Finally the vest includes an “AVS Detachable Flap (M4)” that is velcro backed and doubles as the front cummerbund flap. When I ordered the vest I was hoping this was the MOLLE flap with an included Crye style mag pouch, but sadly it was not. The inclusion of this flap is not covered in any description on any website.
Editor’s Note 2017: TMC/Rasputin offers alternative flaps for the front of the AVS and JPC 2.0 design.
Externals Review
As I noted above, it’s hard to distinguish what’s an accessory, and what’s part of the base product. The real AVS is designed to start with a basic front and back plate carrier, and includes enough velcro shoulder ‘straps’ to make a simple plate carrier. My only real complaint (besides stitching quality) was, unlike the real AVS, the TMC copy has Multicam shoulder straps, though the real AVS has khaki/tan straps.
Something I discovered after posting the review (WOOPS) and reading the Crye AVS manual was the front plate includes an admin pocket (above) and an inner kangaroo type slot behind the cummerbund flap to hide the flap’s Velcro attachments (as seen in the picture). One could also use this as a kangaroo pouch if you don’t have a flap on the vest. The admin pouch has a few elastic band slots sewn into it which work well for holding small things. Somewhere I read people thought of using this as a pistol mag pouch. This may or may not work, if laid horizontal maybe, but it will be bulky. Do not try to hold them in the elastic bands…they WILL bounce out if you move at all.
TMC copied the design of the vest well enough that you can set the vest up for an ultra-light configuration (although Crye designed their setup with the 2-band or 3-band cummerbund instead of the Harness securing bands). Add on the single band straps, your choice of front flap and it becomes the lightest weight possible setup for basic armor and minimal gear carrying. I wear a S/M Eagle EPC, and the plate bags appear to be a Medium size “AVS Standard Plate Pouch Set,” instead of the “AVS MBAV Plate Pouch Set,” which is fine since I don’t have a need for the additional soft armor capacity.
The AVS system also includes the “AVS Harness,” which like the plate bags appears to be size Medium. Crye designed this part as an add-on to the basic plate bags, and acts as a weight bearing yoke and adding in a cummerbund that allows the attachment of side plate pouches, as well as any other desired pouches. The TMC is a decent clone of these ideas and allows you to do similar setups. This was one of the things I was uncertain about when I purchased the vest, but after un-boxing it, I couldn’t be happier and assuming it holds together, it will work well for the multiple rolls I envisioned the vest serving.
The last example is the “Assault Configuration.” With this particular setup, the vest utilizes everything but the Single Band Cummerbund. Stacking on everything the vest certainly feels bulky, but it does offer the most real-estate to place pouches and anything else you might need. I was particularly pleased with this as I could collapse and sandwich some pouches I use on the light “Harness” setup and not have to strip the pouches away when not in use.
Performance
While there isn’t a true performance test, I think this section is a great opportunity to talk about build quality.
Fabric – TMC claims the vest is made from 500D Multicam Cordura. It certainly feels light enough, and is a welcome change from the heavier 1000D Cordura that makes up the majority of modern plate carriers. However, this is TMC, so there’s no telling if it really is MILSPEC 500D or how long it will hold up under use. I did not feel like the carrier would rip at any time, but experience with TMC products says time could take its toll.
Webbing (Left TMC AVS, Right TYR Tactical Hydration Carrier, between MOLLE rows is a painted strap) – The webbing on this vest is a very off color (like all TMC vests). When I purchased the vest I knew it would be off color, but it’s pretty badly replicated, even by China standards. I carefully sprayed the webbing down on the single-band cummerbund as a test to try to lighten it up and it helps somewhat, but bottom line is it’s still off from the start.
Stitching – This is a replica vest, so I was not expecting anything great, and to be fair, it’s better than the last TMC vest I owned in some areas, but worse in others. This vest is still a far cry from the MILSPEC gear, and higher grade replica vests I own, and I will most certainly be reinforcing some stitching. Simply trying on the vest and setting up the pouches resulted in a number of broken stitches (I believe they got caught in the Velcro and were pulled out) and/or others were frayed from the start.
Snap Buttons – I rarely have this issue, and it appears to be a fluke on my vest, but this particular button was poorly crimped on and tore out of its place.
Harness Bungee – One of the smaller details, but it’s worth mentioning, is the bungee used to tie the back of the harness together is made from elastic “shock cord”. This is great as it helps the vest move and adjust easily to different bodies. But, the ends are unsealed (front) and if left unsealed they will quickly unravel. A couple seconds with a lighter will melt the outer nylon covering and fuse everything together so this doesn’t happen (back).
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Having owned a number of vests, my goal was to find a vest that was comfortable to wear in warm and cold environments. Modularity was a huge plus since the vest is going to be used with many different sized mags.
I am quite a fan of Crye vests, not for the fact that they are the latest and greatest, and everyone else is wearing them, but because they are comfortable, allow me to move as I want, and breathe well. That said, the TMC AVS is a pretty good copy of those features. The Harness/Assault setup is comfortable, and allows me to move like my EPC, and carry everything I normally would with a heavy assault type setup. Likewise, the stripped down Plate Carrier configuration is lightweight, and lets me hold just enough to get me through a day on the field. The difference is, unlike my EPC, I can quickly drop the heavier stuff and transition to a light carrier without unweaving pouches or switching vests.
At the end of the day it’s no Crye Precision vest (obviously), and the details and quality can’t compare to my Flyye EPC, but for the $98.56 I paid, I’m pretty happy. It fills a niche in my closet that, for the time being, there aren’t a lot of choices available that could. Most likely within a year there will be and I’ll regret buying the vest, but for now I’m pleased with the purchase.
External Score: 8/10
I probably should dock more points off, but the customization of the vest (and the fact TMC copied all of it) keeps the score high despite the very off colored webbing.
Performance Score: 6/10
Stitching… it comes down to the stitching. I’ll be spending some time reinforcing some of the stitches where they might break quickly, or I may just run it until it does and keep a log of them.
Overall score: 8/10
Like I said, it fills a niche, and I’m a fan of the modularity, I just don’t fancy spending the kind of cash on a real one, especially considering how much I will probably use it. So the cheap option is the best option for now, and I’m looking forward to using it on the field.
© Copyright triggs 2017
