Facebook Twitter InstaGram YouTube
  • STORE
  • ABOUT
  • WEAR GEAR
    • Pouches
    • Gloves
    • Footwear
    • Belts
    • Protective
    • Clothing
    • Packs/Bags
    • Vests / Platforms
    • Misc
  • EQUIPMENT
    • Admin-Intel
    • Electronics
    • Tools
    • Illumination
    • Medical
    • Hydration
    • Comm Gear
    • Dive-Swim
  • CUSTOMIZE
    • Info
    • Materials
    • Webbing
    • Elastics/Cord
    • Hardware
    • Prototypes
    • DIY-Stores
  • ARTICLES
  • WEAPONS
    • Rifles
    • Pistols
    • Optics
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Stocks
    • Accessories
    • Blades
  • MORALE
    • Morale Patches
    • Amusement
  • LINKS
  • CONTACT
  • SEARCH

Pouches

ITW MILITARY - FASTmag GEN III

Details
Category: Pouches
Created: Friday, 14 August 2009 17:30

DIMS: approx 3.125" W x 4.25" H x 1.25" D (not counting PALS fins)

I've been quite the fan of the GEN II and based on user feedback and requests GEN III has recently come about. Down East Inc is still the main design crew while ITW distributes and markets the FASTmag. I'd say the largest change is that GEN III is now stackable and to assist in this, 2 versions are offered with one having PALS stabilizer pads and one without. The one with stabilizers is intended to be the main platform while the version without is for stacking or wearing on a belt.

On that note, a belt adapter is included with the non PALS stabilizer variant. I feel the adjuster could keep placement better, however it interfaces with ridges built into the new back straps to aid in preventing movement. The back straps have totally changed being made of heavy duty flexible material that lock into slots on the bottom of the pouch. Raised edges at the connection points prevent release giving this system a great balance of security while being able to detach without tools. The straps are nice and slim which is necessary to fit in the stacking slots on the FASTmags. They are also easy to mount on PALS webbing and despite that no weaving occurs, the stabilizer pads create a nice tight fit. In the unlikely event that the back straps become damaged beyond function, they can easily slip out giving repair capability.

I'd say a definite con is that on the interior only one side has 1 friction pad making GEN III less gripy than GEN II so I cannot recommend it for upside down use. Yea I know, I'm sure everyone was waiting for the next grip test dance video, but it just doesn't apply to GEN III. I'll guess the demand for stacking was greater than those who wanted upside down usage was the cause of this design decision. I reckon the 2nd friction pad was then dropped to keep depth size of the pouch minimal. Keeping with the right side up optimizations, there is no longer an included jump strap to keep costs down. Luckily there are slots in the back to allow users to knot up some simple jump straps with shockcord if desired bad enough. Only 2 slots are incorporated for the tension silicone bracelets rather than 3 as seen on GEN II. A third could be used up high, however it is clear in the design it was not originally intended.

It is clear the straps system is made to work just with the stacking system, but as a bonus MALICE clips can fit through the slots. Although gear will hang a bit low, you can get away with adding small accessory or pistol mag pouches. I'm personally sad to see reliable up-side-down capability go, however the integrated stacking makes for very easy mag grabs as the spacing between mags leaves room for beefy grips. The end result depth of 2 stacked FASTmags in GEN III is similar to a traditional triple NATO magazine pouch so most will find this to be an acceptable standard. As always, FASTmags aren't meant to replace all pouches, but any user can appreciate their speed and ease by not having to dick around with any flaps, straps, or cords to use reliably. Reinsertion is also easy which not many pouches can claim.

www.itwmilitaryproducts.com

  • itw
  • Prev
  • Next

Random Articles

IMAGE COUNTY COMM Kershaw T-Tool
Saturday, 05 July 2008
Since I don't have a big Torx screw set this guys comes in handy to adjust the clips on my knives. Very compact and lightweight, it comes with the... Read More...
IMAGE COUNTY COMM EOD ROBOTICS BREACHER BAR
Thursday, 06 December 2007
Designed by EOD Robotics, this bar makes a great hand-sized pry bar. Core specs include that it is made from 1045 High Carbon Steel and Fully Heat... Read More...
IMAGE So You Want To Make Some Custom Morale Patches?
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
At this time we don't consider ourselves dedicated to custom work and since people still inquire, we feel after it is best to be upfront about our... Read More...
IMAGE Viking Tactics : Stay In The Fight - Pistol Book
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Stay In the Fight!! : Warrior's Guide To The Combat PistolFolks out there may be familiar with Kyle's Green Eyes and Black Rifles book which was a... Read More...
IMAGE ZERO TOLERANCE KNIVES Model 0301 Folding Knife
Sunday, 04 May 2008
SPECS: Steel: S30V stainless-steel with Tungsten DLC coating with Tiger Stripes Handle: 3D machined, G-10 and Titanium Blade Length: 3 3/4 in. (9.5... Read More...
IMAGE Magpul M93 Modular Stock
Saturday, 08 July 2006
  Just here for some fun documentation since they don't make it anymore. Read More...
IMAGE Revision Desert Locust Military Goggles
Friday, 23 February 2007
Revision hooked me up with a pair of these goggles at shotshow. I haven't made it to a base trip yet, but I have been wearing them off and on and I... Read More...
IMAGE MAXPEDITION H-2 Waistpack OD:
Saturday, 08 July 2006
DIM: 5.5" x 5.5" x 2.5" Notes: Fairly small pouch, but good divisions. OD has more of a smoke green color than most gear. Depending on where you buy,... Read More...

MSM STORE

If you find this site useful, please check out our store to say thanks! We have a good selection of morale and tactical accessories.

image

©COPYRIGHT MIL-SPEC MONKEY 2022 MADE IN USA