The text was created as part of advertising cooperation. As always, we have made every effort to ensure that the following article provides reliable information. It presents the author's assessment and does not close the possibility for discussion, to which we invite you in the comments.
Durable, simple and practical chest rig is the shooter's basic equipment, which has gained recognition around the world, including Poland. An immortal example of this is the Lubawa wz. 988, and it is worth mentioning here only because the CL-01 chest rig offered by PGZ MASKPOL in the MAPA B camouflage can easily replace the product from Ostrów Wielkopolski. All that remains for us is to wait for the settlement of matters related to the introduction of the wz. 93, which we had the opportunity to presented in our coverage from MSPO Kielce 2022.
The design
The CL-01 was made almost entirely from Cordura 770, which is a good compromise between weight and durability, while ensuring decent stiffness of the design. With the passage of time, traditional tape sewing was replaced with laser cutting technology. The entire front is a uniform part of the fabric, in which holes have been cut in accordance with the MOLLE/PALS standard. An interesting fact here is maintaining a smooth form and the use of two layers of fabric. The manufacturer could save on both work and material here and use a single layer, which was not the case and focused on quality. This is a good direction, because the additional layer fills the interior tightly. However, it seems strange to arrange this layer with the side covered with the camo layer on the side exposed to work and abrasion by inserted and removable magazines. I can understand the aesthetic aspect of this cut, but durability should be the most important aspect here.
Of course, these coatings are not delicate and noticeable wear may occur only after a long period of use. The sides, on the other hand, are secured with an insert, which wraps the edges and the bottom of the magazine with a tape. This adds extra stiffness and definitely protects cordura against abrasion.
From the side of the user's body, three very aesthetic triangles made of spacer mesh are sewn in. This is to improve the thermo ventilation of the element adjacent to the body. The standard kangaroo holds 4 STANAG or AK magazines. A notable solution is the removable insert. Thanks to this, one can adapt the product to his/her own needs, e.g. to carry magazines of a different standard. The whole is held by strong 50 mm wide Velcrp, which is has loops on one side and hooks on the other. In addition, this solution, in the case of removing the insert for magazines, allows to connect both sides together and get a relatively flat front. This adds some configuration freedom, which we consider an additional advantage.
A good solution was to make four pouches. Looking towards the standard of the carried rifle, we have room for 3 magazines and something else - maybe a flare gun? One can also simply use all four pouches for magazines and leave a carbine without one inserted. By extending the lower part of the main chest rig panel, which is narrower by two MOLLE-compatible rows, we get a surface on which a tourniquet or a strapped waist bag for additional handheld items of equipment can be fitted. Since we're at this part, it's worth paying attention to the seemingly unimportant detail, which is the sewing of a durable flat tape connecting the corners of the panel. They are perfect for attaching a carabiner, even to a retractor attached to a pistol.
Another component of the rig are the straps, which, apart from the insert, also appear as an element connecting the kangaroo with the back, constituting the carrying system of the chest rig. They are colored in camouflage on both sides, which adds significant color consistency to the whole. A nice touch are Velcro tapes, which are designed to hold the excess straps so that they do not fly loose after adjusting the length to the user's size. A buckle made of polyoxymethylene (also known as acetal) manufactured by YKK was used for connecting them, ensuring excellent durability regardless of the prevailing temperatures.
The role of comfortpads is played by an element that is also the back part connecting all the straps into a coherent whole. Where stresses may be greatest, a locking stitch is used. Thanks to this, we have a perfect and extremely durable connection between the fabric and the strap. The thread seems to be 60 gauge and the plotting is very dense. The back was made similarly to the front and has mounting holes on the entire available surface. The edges are secured with a durable and abrasion-resistant polyamide trim. On the inside, we have a good quality spacer mesh with a weight of about 360 g/m2.
The Admin Pocket
An additional element added as standard is the administration pocket, which deserves a detailed description, because it has been very well designed. From the outside, it has a large panel with soft Velcro for various types of morale patches, but it can also have an additional function, which is discussed below. Unfortunately, the Velcro is not made in camouflage, which slightly disturbs the color consistency, but it has mounting cuts in the MOLLE/PALS standard.
From the back, we have mounting tapes and cuts in accordance with the previously discussed standard. An additional advantage and an interesting fact is that the cuts are also made from the bottom of the pocket. This is the equivalent of two straps and is enough for mounting a pistol magazine, a flashlight or a stasis pouch. The pocket is opened with a two-way 5 mm splash-proof spiral zipper. It allows full opening, which we can adjust according to our needs thanks to the adjustable shock cord sewn inside. The interior has one flat compartment with a flat rubber trimmed on it, which can hold a standard-length pistol magazine in one of its cells and a second magazine or something wider loosely. On the opposite side, on the front there is a very nice rigid panel. A Velcro fastener is attached to a sewn-in loop. It secures items very decently, but allows to remove the whole if necessary. If we would still feel awkward with the Velcro on the front of the pocket, it can be covered with this element. Another practical solution is an insert with velcro loops at the bottom of the pocket. Thanks to this, by adding an appropriate rubber on a Velcro, one can hold an object firmly.
Conclusion
The CL-01 is a comfortable and well-thought-out design. Long-term handling does not leave any marks on one's shoulders or collarbones. It does not restrict movement and does not interfere when we put on a heavy backpack with a good carrying system. The ability to insert AK magazines, that are still in used in the Polish Army (e.g. in Beryl carbines), and STANAG ones, which are replacing the former (the GROT carbine we've mentioned many times) is a definite boon. A very nice admin pocket included in the set is also definitely a plus. We do not have to worry about durability due to the fabrics, threads and plastic elements used. It is a pity that the prices are currently higher than those announced at the fair in Kielce. Nevertheless, it is a high-standard product and will not disappoint the future user. Apart from the model presented here in the MAPA camouflage, there is also a version made in Ranger Green. For a version in the wz. 93 camouflage, also known as Woodland Panther, we will still have to wait. I hope that this will happen soon, because this product fits perfectly into the role of light equipment for a soldier of the Polish Army. Fingers crossed!
