Let’s get proper to it – I purchased the Mk V chassis primarily as a result of it was comparatively cheap. I already personal the Spiritus Micro Fight Mk IV chest rig, so including one other chassis to the gathering for the sum complete of £50 on the time felt like a whole no-brainier… Actually, it nonetheless does.
Having owned the Mk V Chassis for a few months now I’ve had the chance to run it in a couple of completely different mixtures, and I’ve come to the conclusion that lots of people could be wanting on the Mk V within the improper mild… There’s quite a bit occurring with this product, and pairing it with the CCS pouch that it’s usually seen with, is just one of some ways to make use of this chassis.
Let’s have a look at the general design – The Mk V Chassis consists of a single stack, triple width modular journal pouch with hook and loop inside customisation and laser reduce MOLLE alongside it’s entrance and sides.
Where the Mk V Chassis differs from each different Spiritus Systems product thus far, is it’s in depth use of PALS/MOLLE. There’s a lot on the Mk V that it covers your complete seen floor.
But Y Tho? Isn’t the fantastic thing about Spiritus Systems’ line up that it doesn’t depend on a grid attachment system, together with it’s inherent limitations? You’re completely proper. But, there’s additionally a powerful case to be made for MOLLE:
You don’t have to fret about it tearing off, it makes zero noise and there’s a 20 12 months back-catalogue of pouches that’ll match on to it.
By utilizing “damaging area” laser-cut MOLLE, Spiritus have additionally minimised the potential for any undesirable bulk, weight, or lack of energy. Adding MOLLE to their Mk V Chassis really prices the top person little or no certainly.
The pouch seems to be produced from 500/1000d “squadron” laminate (successfully a sheet of 1000d and 500d cordura which were bonded collectively) providing an unbelievable quantity of toughness in a lightweight and versatile cloth. The whole pouch is laser-cut from a single sheet of this laminate, being strategically folded and sewn into form after it’s exterior and inside hook and loop fields are added.
The backside of the Mk V is left open at each corners, permitting for fast drainage, while additionally making the pouch extremely simple to stitch collectively. This has contributed to Spiritus’ general streamlined method to maintain manufacturing prices down and retail the Mk V at a cheaper price level than I’d have anticipated.
In principle, there’s extra work that goes into the manufacturing of a JSTA or SACK with their inherently extra advanced designs than this explicit chassis, so it makes good sense that this prices rather less than both of these merchandise.
The entrance face of the Mk V Chassis is dominated by a full sized loop discipline, with laser reduce MOLLE sort slots operating via each the loop discipline and laminate layer. An inner loop discipline sheet offers the inner baffle, guaranteeing zero interference from the exterior MOLLE to the inside hook/loop inserts and vice versa.
In addition to the entrance panel, laser-cut slots and holes are strategically positioned alongside each fringe of the Mk V. This permits the usage of shock-cord to retain objects corresponding to CAT Tourniquets, comms cabling or within the case of the MOLLE slots, further pouches.
The rear of the pouch is generally what you’d anticipate, an edge to edge sheet of hook velcro offers the first attachment for the Mk V Chassis to all kinds of chest rigs and plate carriers. To additional it’s attachment choices, six loops are shaped throughout the laminate in order that buckles could also be fitted straight onto the Mk V.
Two male and 4 feminine buckles are equipped, enabling the Mk V to be fitted to present harnesses supplied by Spiritus themselves and even their rivals. The male buckles are pre-fitted to the higher loops and on the similar commonplace width we’ve develop into used to seeing, 4 further feminine buckles are equipped unfitted throughout the packaging.
The inside of the Mk V is lined back and front with loop materials, offering the identical insert and accent compatibility because the Mk IV chassis. There isn’t a lot I can say about this that hasn’t already been stated, it’s versatile and permits for nearly limitless customisation and future proofing of your complete chassis system.
Along the highest fringe of each entrance and rear faces of the Mk V, you may clearly see a further row of laser reduce holes. These holes are good for including shock-cord retention, one thing that beforehand may solely be achieved on their micro rigs by way of third get together modification. Not everybody will select to make use of these, however for individuals who concentrate on maritime or airborne environments, these can usually be a dealbreaker.
And that’s about it… there isn’t actually far more to say about it’s building. But crucial issue in my view, is in how this rig is definitely used.
Spiritus micro combat rigs are sometimes seen loaded as much as the gills with as a lot stuff as is humanly probably to suit to a micro rig, and I’m as responsible as the subsequent man relating to loading out my chest rig. However in my view, it’s the (not practically as usually seen) pure minimalist method that can play to the Mk V’s strengths.
Using the Mk V with only a harness and again strap makes for a really low profile rig certainly. Almost as compact as their Bank Robber Rig, however with the added means to run 7.62 or SMG mags. You retain the power to connect a tourniquet and an choice to scale it up vertically with a SACK or laterally with wing pouches ought to the necessity come up.
Unlike it’s predecessor and majority of it’s rivals, you may also connect just about any nav board or EUD bracket (prominently these made by Juggernaut or Kagwerks) with none third get together modification.
Any journal that can match inside Spiritus’ inserts will match throughout the Mk V, it’s only a case of discovering the correct insert for the job. I’ve personally used the triple 5.56 insert for each M4 and AKM magazines in addition to the quad SMG insert for MP5 magazines.
It’s a bit too tight actually for the 7.62×39 AKM magazines, however they are going to match if completely essential. A double 7.62 insert can also be accessible for these carrying one thing with a bit extra poke, though you’ll be restricted to 2 magazines with that individual choice.
The Mk V provides a complete new layer of customisation to the idea of micro rigs, whether or not it’s on the smaller finish of the size and merely including further journal retention, or by including in any other case tough to connect objects corresponding to navigation panels or giant sustainment pouches, the Mk V seems to fill a really legitimate hole available in the market.
With time, I’m assured that we’ll see assist develop for this pouch, not simply via Spiritus, but in addition third get together producers wanting so as to add their very own little widget onto the bottom product.
Would I like to recommend the Mk V? For anybody taking a look at a further base for a low profile chest rig or placard, it’s arduous to search out causes to not suggest the Mk V. Certainly should you’ve already invested within the Spiritus eco-system, it’s a straightforward sure.
If you’re but to purchase a placard or chest rig, you’ll have to issue within the further prices of inserts/straps because the Mk V chassis is at present solely accessible as a standalone merchandise. I’ll concede that Spiritus most likely subsidise the price of their rigs via comparatively costly elastic inserts and flaps, however when you’re part of the eco-system, all of it turns into a bit of simpler on the pockets so as to add a bit right here, one other bit there.
Personally I’ll be conserving mine in it’s “financial institution robber” guise, maybe sooner or later I’ll add the CCS pouch to it, however until I discover myself quick on carriage area sooner or later, this holds all the pieces I at present want.
The Mk V is out there within the U.Ok. (and worldwide) via Tactical Kit, who stay the important thing European and worldwide distributor for Spiritus Systems exterior the US. I purchased mine from them and at time of print, they’d the Mk V in all accessible colors with straps and inserts additionally accessible from inventory.