I just ordered a medium sized version of this rig and it just came in the mail the other day. There was a bit of a wait, but not too bad. (About two months) And for disclosure, I bought this and I picked this product based on my own research on low profile BALCS carriers.
First impressions is that this vest is built well. All of the velcro is in strips, so that you can have each piece separately replaced, as opposed to dealing with really fat pieces of velcro that would require total replacement and sewing surgery. That is good, because most shops that do repairs overseas on the bases carry the smaller strips of velcro.
The color is a good looking coyote brown, and not ‘puke green’ or whatever weird version of coyote brown you see floating around out there. So I like the color.
Now on to the functionality of this carrier. Mine is a medium, because I own RBR BALCS cut medium sized armor panels. My panels did fit in this medium sized Havoc, so for you BALCS owners, that is good news and the product works as advertised.
On that subject, I own a CIRAS vest (land version) by Eagle Industries, and that is a great vest. It serves the purpose of having a molle capable vest that I can put pouches on and set up for contracts that require that kind of equipment. But I also wanted a low profile vest, and I want the ability to use the BALCS armor in my CIRAS vest for that low profile vest. Dual purpose kit is cool. (less stuff to carry as well).
Better yet, I prefer wearing a harness (my Tactical Tailor Two Piece MAV) over a low profile rig, and whenever I can use that set up, I do. That allows me to use a layering principle for my kit. If I want to just wear my vest, and not the pouches and rifle ammo, then I can. Or I can throw on the harness–it gives me choices, and I like choices with kit.
I even have a plate carrier (Tactical Tailor’s PC, but I prefer the low profile plate carrier from DBT) that allows me to use just my plates. That is great for hot weather or when contracts stipulate that I wear a plate carrier.
So there you have it, I have three types of vests to answer any and all types of contracts that I might work. Everything from the low profile gigs (the Havoc and plate carriers work there) to the everyday field rig (CIRAS). That is my system, and it works for me.
Back to the Havoc. The really neat feature of this vest is that you can adjust the position of the plate inside the vest, so that it correctly covers key areas of the body. (like positioning the thing right below the suprasternal notch) There is also a side plate pocket which holds a 6×6 plate. I don’t have a side plate to test this out, but I do plan on getting some in the future. It looks to me like it would fit just fine in there. (it might even fit a 6×8)
Another cool deal is that you can use different shape plates in this vest. Unfortunately, I have the square plates that RBR sells.(size 10×12) I recommend getting plates that have the corners cut, just so you can present a rifle and your butt stock has contact in the shoulder pocket. But I am glad the vest holds the plates I have, and there is space to fit all types of plates out there. The pocket inside has a little wiggle room to meet your needs.
The down side? I don’t have any yet, because even the price is decent in my book. (about 150 bucks, depending on where you go to buy). The wait sucked, but good things come to those that wait. I guess after wearing it for awhile, I can comment about durability. The weight is good, and I really like how it sucks in tight with the side flaps.
Oh, that is another thing about this vest. I don’t like having to mess around with three straps or whatever on each side, when putting a vest on. The Havoc is perfectly set up to throw on and slap one large strap of velcro on one side to tighten. Simple and quick to put on is good. So there you have it, FJ recommends this product, and it is about the best offering for a low profile BALCS carrier that accepts plates and side plates out there. –Matt
Edit: Also sign up for TAG’s newsletter and check the forums from time to time for any coupon codes. You can save a bunch of money with that stuff, and thanks to Matt for reminding me.
Detailed Description from the Company
Tactical Assault Gears Havoc armor carrier is designed to carry the SPEAR/BALCS cut soft armor. The Havoc has plate pockets for front and back trauma plates. The carrier also has built in 6”x6” side plate pockets inside the carrier. The Havoc is made of 500 Denier Cordura Nylon to reduce the overall weight. The Havoc is lined with mesh on the inside, and has the ability to accept ballistic groin protectors if needed. This is a great solution for operators who prefer to use chest rigs or assault vests over their armor carriers. Made in the United States, 100% lifetime warranty.
Link to product here.
Soldier System’s review of the Havoc here.
Lightfighter post with pictures about the Havoc here.
Buy the Havoc at Amazon here.