I've got the STRIKE commando vest with the following pouches (left to right): single frag pouch (holds my Surefire spares carrier) Double AR mag pouch (4 mags), Double pistol Mag pouch (dead center of vest) Double AR mag pouch and lastly a single pouch that holds 4 AR mags. Above this row of pouches in the upper center portion of the vest, I have the map/admin pouch (holds a Surefire FL too.)
General observations. The pouches are well made, and are VERY secure on the vest. They are a real pain to get on and off however, so I don't change it around too much. The vest supports the weight of the gear quite well, but I have found one problem with this vest.
The shoulder straps run up and over, then criss cross in the back. This brings the straps quite close to my neck, and they do cause some irritation after wearing it for extended periods. I will need to do something about this.
I use this vest for competitions (3 gun and CQB events.) I'm not law enforcement nor military, so my life is not depending on this gear. But, I wouldn't worry about the gear if my life was on the line. I feel that BHI makes good stuff, but people talk it down because it is not made in America. I don't believe that just because something is made in America means it is made to a higher quality standard. BHI might not be the best, but I don't feel any gear manufacturer can claim that anyway. I think they all have something in their product line that is the best of the breed, but some items that are just average, and others still that are sub par.
These are, of course, just MY opinions.