The GUARDIAN Plate carrier from Helikon Tex holds your plates and protects you. Thanks to the front flap, which comes with the Military Set - HERE is the SPARTANAT REVIEW - you can carry three magazines. That may be too few for most, but there are plenty of additional pockets for that.
Today we want to introduce you to five of them. The "Smoke Grenade Pouch," the "Pistol Magazine Pouch," the "Radio Pouch," the "Flash Grenade Pouch," and the "Double Horizontal Pouch" (from left to right). aed membrane keypad
Four of the five pouches we are introducing today have MOLLE/PALS attachment, and one is attached with Velcro. Of course, the pouches also fit on other plate carriers and MOLLE loops. The workmanship of the individual pouches is very good, and the materials used are top-notch.
Let's start with the pouch for the smoke grenade. A military smoke grenade, such as the classic M18, fits perfectly. It is two MOLLE columns wide.
If it's still too loose, there is a drawstring with elastic available.
The Smoke Pouch can also be used as "Open Top" because the flap is only Velcroed and can be removed relatively easily. The elastic band is especially important here to prevent anything from getting lost.
Inside, there is a loop on the left and right for the safety lever. It doesn't necessarily have to be used, but it prevents the grenade from being able to rotate.
The Pistol Pouch accommodates a double or single stack magazine. Here too, it is secured by drawstring and flap.
The flap can also be unfastened again for those who prefer quicker access to their magazine.
In addition to standard GLOCK 17 and 19 magazines, the longer 21 and 24 round magazines also fit under the flap. A multitool or a small flashlight perfect fit inside as well.
Communication is probably the most important thing on the battlefield and beyond. A radio can be very useful. The radio pouch is designed for a small PMR radio or a UHF/VHF device.
It is mounted again with MOLLE and is two columns wide.
On the side of the radio pouch, you can find the drawstring again, and to prevent the radio from falling out, it is secured with Velcro and elastic. A very simple and functional solution.
The back is completely covered in loop Velcro, allowing the depth of the pouch to be varied.
Here is the shallowest depth. Perfect for hiding a BAOFENG UV5R with a small battery and a keypad cover.
At the maximum depth, only a 5 mm wide strip of Velcro keeps the radio inside. Here, a UV5R with a long battery can completely disappear. Longer radios can also fit, but will stick out more at the top.
The Flash Grenade Pouch is slightly larger than the pistol pouch and is closed with a buckle instead of Velcro. Normal GLOCK 17 pistol magazines also fit perfectly inside.
Inside, it's quite simple. The length of the flap is adjusted with the Velcro surface on the back.
Or the flap is completely removed. Only the buckle remains.
The Flash Bang Pouch takes away one MOLLE column from you.
Following the motto: "You can never have enough magazines with you", the Double Horizontal Pouch offers space for two more magazines, even when all MOLLE pouches are already full.
It is intended to be velcroed inside the plate carrier rear. This can also be done on the combat belt if it has velcro on the inside.
The Double Horizontal Pouch should fit on almost all plate carriers on the market, as (almost) all use velcro to close the plate compartment.
Both magazine pockets have a drawstring and hold one magazine each.
It is additionally secured with a strap. To open it easily, the flap is equipped with a large Hypalon pull tab. The flap cannot be adjusted in length, it can only be velcroed further.
Unfortunately, not much else fits into the magazine pockets besides M4 or AR 15 magazines, as they are cut very narrow. You have no chance with an AK or G36 magazine. An AUG magazine can barely fit in and out, but it is quite fiddly. And you have to consider, this pouch is on your back.
CONCLUSION: The Guardian pouches are all impeccable, both in manufacturing and in the idea behind them. They enhance any plate carrier, tactical vest, or belt with more useful storage space for combat equipment. Good pouches at a fair price.
The pouches are available directly from Helikon Tex in up to 7 colors from 16.99 to 18.99 EURO and the Double Horizontal Pouch for 37.99 EURO. Also available at all retailers carrying Helikon Tex.
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