TMC "AVS" Adaptive Vest System (Adaptive Vest) 2019
Dec 12, 2020 23:49:04 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Dec 12, 2020 23:49:04 GMT -5
Full Album Review – TMC “Adaptive Vest”
TMC “Adaptive Vest” Crye Adaptive Vest System (AVS) 2019 Version
- 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
Once again we’re back with another TMC product, and on top of that it’s another AVS! If you have read my previous review of the TMC AVS 2014 model, you’ll know I was a fairly big fan of the product. When I saw TMC announce a new 2016 model I strongly considered buying it since it offered some corrections and upgrades that fixed the version I bought. However, I decided against it since they were only minor upgrades. Fast forward to 2019 to when they announced the AVS with MBAV cut plates, I decided it was finally worth the replacement.
So here we are with the TMC “Adaptive Vest” (i.e. the Crye AVS) 2019 version with MBAV cut platebags. 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 $150 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 historically well deserved. However, since 2014 the company has turned over a new leaf and has clearly stepped up their quality levels. By no means do they manufacture a military grade product, but for some things they will work. 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 copy 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 2019 TMC vest included two (one for each side) “AVS 2-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. At first, I was disappointed that TMC chose to include only a 2-band cummerbund. The 2014 model came with a 3-band after all, why skimp like that? However, after tearing the vest apart for comparison photos and re-assembling the vest, I realized that I never use three bands, so lowering the 2019 2-band cummerbund to the two lowest loops on the harness saved a couple ounces of weight and didn’t affect over all usability.
Like the 2014 AVS, the 2019 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. Unlike the previous model, the new “triglides” are a thin, stamped, metal and are much lower profile and just as lightweight.
New to the 2019 kit is the included shoulder pads, both for the Harness and for the bare shoulder straps. I was a little disappointed that they did not include the Harness padded covers though. The elastic covers are nice for cable organization, but do not help spread the stress on your shoulders.
TMC also includes a quick release cable to allow for emergency removal of the vest, as well as a piece of extra elastic cord for the cummerbund if you end up using the most basic platebag and cummerbund combination.
Unlike the 2014 version, TMC finally includes the “AVS Detachable Flap (MOLLE).” Like the 2014 M4 detachable flap I bought separately, the MOLLE flap is velcro backed and doubles as the front cummerbund flap. I prefer the MOLLE flap over the 2014 3xM4 Mag flap since it offers much more flexibility.
Externals Review
As 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. Any complaints I had with the 2014 version appear to have been fixed. The stitching throughout appears to be as good, if not better than the legitimate Crye 3-band skeletal cummerbund I bought to go along with the new vest.
MBAV platebag (left) Standard platebag (right)
It’s a very subtle difference but the new MBAV platebag has small wings on either side of the plate compartment, unlike the standard platebag that conforms to the standard ESAPI plate. Both the 2014 and 2019 platebags are size S/M.
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 – As mentioned throughout the review, the 2014 TMC AVS used a nylon webbing with very poor coloring. After a light dusting of khaki it was at least livable and still managed to fool some of my more avid gear collecting friends. However, the 2019 TMC AVS is 100% real Crye webbing, complete with random orientated “Multicam ®” printed on the webbing.
Stitching – Having also touched on this earlier, I found one or two popped stiches in 2014. I had no such luck now in 2019. The stitching was flawless and looked as strong as the real thing. I even ordered a legit Crye 3-band cummerbund to complete the kit since the TMC replica didn’t come with one. I actually had frayed stitches on the NEW Crye product, while I was unable to find any on the TMC.
Harness Bungee – As in 2014, 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). 2019 changed nothing and I again had to seal the ends of the shock cord.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
I am still not a fan boy of Crye, but there is no denying they pioneer some of the best industry leading designs. Just because everyone else is wearing them does not mean I will run out and buy their product as well, but because they are comfortable, allow me to move as I want, and breathe well they are one of the best options on the market for me. That said, the TMC AVS is a pretty good copy of those features. The Harness/Assault setup is comfortable, and allows me to move 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. Between the 2014 and 2019 versions I’m not sure I would recommend the replacement. It’s not a necessity, but I am happy with the upgrade as it’s that much closer to the actual product, and it’s nice to see TMC revisit old designs and improve upon them.
External Score: 9/10
The only thing that I can think of is that it does not include a 3-band skeletal cummerbund. This really is disappointing to see eliminated from the kit.
Performance Score: 9.5/10
It’s a minor nit-pick, but the unsecured shock cord is still annoying and takes the factory only a few seconds to do.
Overall score: 9/10
Since I’m upgrading from the 2014 version, it’s not a huge deal and arguably a waste of money. If you’re looking to purchase your first AVS or a Crye replica in general, TMC is doing some amazing work. For me, I find the AVS the perfect combination of weight and capacity, and the newest version was well worth the money.
© Copyright triggs 2020
TMC “Adaptive Vest” Crye Adaptive Vest System (AVS) 2019 Version
- 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
Once again we’re back with another TMC product, and on top of that it’s another AVS! If you have read my previous review of the TMC AVS 2014 model, you’ll know I was a fairly big fan of the product. When I saw TMC announce a new 2016 model I strongly considered buying it since it offered some corrections and upgrades that fixed the version I bought. However, I decided against it since they were only minor upgrades. Fast forward to 2019 to when they announced the AVS with MBAV cut plates, I decided it was finally worth the replacement.
So here we are with the TMC “Adaptive Vest” (i.e. the Crye AVS) 2019 version with MBAV cut platebags. 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 $150 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 historically well deserved. However, since 2014 the company has turned over a new leaf and has clearly stepped up their quality levels. By no means do they manufacture a military grade product, but for some things they will work. 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 copy 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 2019 TMC vest included two (one for each side) “AVS 2-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. At first, I was disappointed that TMC chose to include only a 2-band cummerbund. The 2014 model came with a 3-band after all, why skimp like that? However, after tearing the vest apart for comparison photos and re-assembling the vest, I realized that I never use three bands, so lowering the 2019 2-band cummerbund to the two lowest loops on the harness saved a couple ounces of weight and didn’t affect over all usability.
Like the 2014 AVS, the 2019 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. Unlike the previous model, the new “triglides” are a thin, stamped, metal and are much lower profile and just as lightweight.
New to the 2019 kit is the included shoulder pads, both for the Harness and for the bare shoulder straps. I was a little disappointed that they did not include the Harness padded covers though. The elastic covers are nice for cable organization, but do not help spread the stress on your shoulders.
TMC also includes a quick release cable to allow for emergency removal of the vest, as well as a piece of extra elastic cord for the cummerbund if you end up using the most basic platebag and cummerbund combination.
Unlike the 2014 version, TMC finally includes the “AVS Detachable Flap (MOLLE).” Like the 2014 M4 detachable flap I bought separately, the MOLLE flap is velcro backed and doubles as the front cummerbund flap. I prefer the MOLLE flap over the 2014 3xM4 Mag flap since it offers much more flexibility.
Externals Review
As 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. Any complaints I had with the 2014 version appear to have been fixed. The stitching throughout appears to be as good, if not better than the legitimate Crye 3-band skeletal cummerbund I bought to go along with the new vest.
MBAV platebag (left) Standard platebag (right)
It’s a very subtle difference but the new MBAV platebag has small wings on either side of the plate compartment, unlike the standard platebag that conforms to the standard ESAPI plate. Both the 2014 and 2019 platebags are size S/M.
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 – As mentioned throughout the review, the 2014 TMC AVS used a nylon webbing with very poor coloring. After a light dusting of khaki it was at least livable and still managed to fool some of my more avid gear collecting friends. However, the 2019 TMC AVS is 100% real Crye webbing, complete with random orientated “Multicam ®” printed on the webbing.
Stitching – Having also touched on this earlier, I found one or two popped stiches in 2014. I had no such luck now in 2019. The stitching was flawless and looked as strong as the real thing. I even ordered a legit Crye 3-band cummerbund to complete the kit since the TMC replica didn’t come with one. I actually had frayed stitches on the NEW Crye product, while I was unable to find any on the TMC.
Harness Bungee – As in 2014, 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). 2019 changed nothing and I again had to seal the ends of the shock cord.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
I am still not a fan boy of Crye, but there is no denying they pioneer some of the best industry leading designs. Just because everyone else is wearing them does not mean I will run out and buy their product as well, but because they are comfortable, allow me to move as I want, and breathe well they are one of the best options on the market for me. That said, the TMC AVS is a pretty good copy of those features. The Harness/Assault setup is comfortable, and allows me to move 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. Between the 2014 and 2019 versions I’m not sure I would recommend the replacement. It’s not a necessity, but I am happy with the upgrade as it’s that much closer to the actual product, and it’s nice to see TMC revisit old designs and improve upon them.
External Score: 9/10
The only thing that I can think of is that it does not include a 3-band skeletal cummerbund. This really is disappointing to see eliminated from the kit.
Performance Score: 9.5/10
It’s a minor nit-pick, but the unsecured shock cord is still annoying and takes the factory only a few seconds to do.
Overall score: 9/10
Since I’m upgrading from the 2014 version, it’s not a huge deal and arguably a waste of money. If you’re looking to purchase your first AVS or a Crye replica in general, TMC is doing some amazing work. For me, I find the AVS the perfect combination of weight and capacity, and the newest version was well worth the money.
© Copyright triggs 2020