Well, got some mesh from someone and decided to try my hand at building a mesh chest rig.
One thing I noticed is that the bartacks at the PALS webbing/channels doesn't seem too strong...don't know if the webbing is strong enough to take much stress, but if the load is spread around / across, it should be OK for light duty. So, here's the result:
Overall, I am pleased with what is really my third attempt at making something (if you don't count the bastard pouches I tried...).
The challenge here was the lack of a binding attachment, so I did it by hand...and it shows. The stitching looks like the result of a fist fight between and drunken sailor and a drunken monkey...and you can't tell who one.
The next challenge was lack of 2" S/R buckles, but I came up with a solution by making an "S" out of the webbing and sewing it onto itself from both sides:
Overall, fit wasn't too bad, but the lack of QR buckles makes it a PITA to get in and out of.
Fit isn't too bad, overall. Seems a little twisted to the right, though I can't immediately ascertain why. Not an issue, since I am a Southpaw and having my gear on the right side is more convenient. :)
It's 14 channels by 4 rows of webbing. Attached are my 308 MLCS-style pouches (made for us by Custom Tactical) and our SAPPER pouch (made by Recce Gear). As you can see, plenty of room left over.
Next from the dungeon is....FRANKENSLING.
I am working to combine the comfort of the Israeli Patrol Sling with the CQB capability of a, well, CQB sling. So far, it works OK. QR body and weapon. Works on a single point sling design and also on the wrist-area of my FAL stock. I've got a couple improvements in mind to make it more versatile, but am waiting on some pieces-parts to go forward.
So, the monster is loose. Maybe some day, I'll hire that drunken monkey, sober him up, and put him to work! :)
TimW
Phoenix
Practical Tactical, LLC