Gear Review: Condor Chest Rig

Up for review is a Condor Chest Rig – MCR5 to be exact. This rig is both durable and adjustable, in addition to being user friendly. While I haven’t tested the rig in combat applications, the rig is very well made for the price point. It also affords the user the ability to carry literally hundreds of rounds on them for both their primary and secondary weapon.

We’ll start with the fitment. This particular rig took some finagling to get it just right for my frame- it came fully extended, which would be suitable for a bigger guy, but I needed to do some serious cinching to get this to fit me personally, but once I did it was secure. That being said, the adjustment system can be a tad confusing on the Condor Recon Chest Rig, but it’s not a deal breaker. The apparatus cinches tightly on with a belt and suspender system.

From there, it’s all uphill, as the rig can carry 6 AR15/AK mags, in addition to 6 pistol mags, giving the user 180+ rounds for their primary, and it fits even double stack 45 ACP mags for a Glock 21 snugly. Snugness aside, it’s still able to be deployed rapidly for reloads. While sidearm magazines are secured by a velcro flap, the rifle magazines use bungees with tabs, and these hold them secure, while still allowing the use to quickly deploy ammo for a reload. I tried P-Mags, CAA mags, and UG GI surplus mags, and they all fit equally well and deploy rapidly with no issues.

Moreover, I inserted and used the Condor Recon Chest Rig with 45 ACP mags that are both single stack for a H&K USP, as well as double stack for a Glock 21, 45 ACPs mags. Both fit securely, and stayed in place. I’m confident these can handle any caliber or loadout for a full size pistol. 

The stitching is solid, with no loose threads or areas for concern. The load bearing seams are doubly stitched, so I personally am not worried about this thing coming apart in a SHTF scenario. Additionally, I adjusted the Condor Recon Chest Rig to fit around two different plat carriers I own, and it fit securely around each, although I would most likely just secure a mag carrier to my body armor directly and forego the extra support of suspenders and such.

In addition, the chest rig has a mesh pouch behind it, allowing you to use it for a map, ID, intel, or a Snickers bar – whatever you like, soldier. The buckles are solid, as is the nylon webbing. The suspenders release at 2 points; a quick release buckle, as well as a push clip by the suspenders. In addition, there is a waist belt. Like most chest rigs, there is a bit of motion, but it is by far the best way to rapidly carry and deploy several magazines for different weapons systems. We recommend having one loaded up with several mags for your primary and secondary SHTF weapons. This is not something you put on in a home defense situation, but if the British are coming (so to speak) this rig will allow you so send lead downrange and have plenty more where it came from, with only a few seconds to load up.

Pros, what we like: Price point is great, solid construction for light-moderate use, great capacity, adjustable for different body frames, quick release points.

Cons, what we don’t like: Rather difficult to adjust, not a huge issue, but if you wanted to wear it by itself, then put it on over body armor, you need to adjust it, and that takes a minute.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Castiglione lives in Atlanta, and is an avid outdoorsman and competitive shooter.

His where-abouts include getting after it in his garage gym, practicing martial arts, hitting the trails, or running CrossFit and Strongman competitions for his non-profit, Barbells for Bullies, which holds fundraiser fitness competitions dedicated to aiding Bully breed rescues, dog rescues, or other non-profits with similar missions.

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