PRODUCT: 'Pioneer' M23 Chest Rig
MANUFACTURER: SPLAV
ORIGIN: Russia
PRICE: £72 (RusMilitary.com) / $69 (RedSoldier.com)

As part of my Russian Militia loadout I knew I wanted a load carrying rig that would accommodate plenty of AK74 magazines - as I have just switched over to 'mid-caps'. My only other experience with a vest/chest type system was with my J-Tech TAC M-7 vest, and while I could have simply added several MOLLE AK mag pouches to this, I decided I wanted a little more authenticity

As usual, my starting place for any equipment of Russian origin was the excellent RusMilitary.com, run by a very intriguing guy called Oleg Savochkin. A flick through the assault vest section soon paid dividends, and I identified the M23 as just what I wanted.

I chose the M23 for several reasons; because it was a chest rig, so not so restricting as a vest, because it came in a OD colour which would allow me to use it for several different uniform impressions and also because I would be wearing the harness over the top of a think parka type jacket.
 
ABOUT THE M23 'PIONEER'

The M23 is made by the Russian company Splav, a sort of Russian version of WebTex though much, much larger. They have begun to produce a great deal of interesting and more modern designs of military kit for the Russian market, and mark a real departure from the old Soviet style and quality of gear. I think it's a testament to their quality that their products are much admired and sought after here in the West.

As a chest rig, the M23 is less confining than a full vest type load carrier, it's sturdy straps cross over behind the back allowing very free movement of the arms. It is also more practical when wearing winter jackets (or body armour) as it does not represent, as such, an additional layer of 'clothing' (as an assault vest does, as I find I can get very warm very quickly in my TAC M-7).

The 'Pioneer' is made of strong waterproof 'Kodra 1000' (100% nylon), and is very well stitched together and thoughtfully designed. This isn't a Viper harness by any means - there are no loose threads threatening to unravel after only a day's airsofting!

This is the real deal, military grade dog's danglies!

STORAGE (CAPACITY)

Storage is ample, there are a total of 12 pocket pouches, including those important front four AK47 mag pockets (each of which carries two mags, making a total capacity of eight magazines carried).
 
No - this is NOT a MOLLE system, which will disappoint some. Nevertheless, I am slowly becoming of the opinion that MOLLE is a little over-hyped and not as practical as you might think. For starters, the average budget pouches on the market can be of very poor quality, and often actually fall off (in my experience). In addition, I do not entirely like the way MOLLE pouches 'hang' - they jiggle about too much.

So, the integral pouches of the M23 are a lot more sturdy - in my opinion - and you won't have to be checking your harness every so often to see whether a pouch has dropped off or not.

The only disappointment is that the grenade pouches are too small to hold airsoft replica grenades, like the TLSFx ball grenade. This is a great pity, as the design of these particular pouches is sheer genius, as they include a cord with hook that attaches to a grenade pull-ring so a ‘nade can be armed one-handed!

Luckily, the (3) GP30 grenade pouches are big enough to hold your ball ‘nades (I may remove the grenade arming cord and move it to the larger pouches so I can use this excellent feature).

The pouches on Pioneer M23 chest rig fit:

• 8 AK magazines/4 RPK magazines
• 10 VOG-25 greandes
• 3 RGO or RGN grenades, the grenade pouches are equipped with the carabine for fastening the fuse and quick-arming grenades
• IDP (individual first-aid kit)
• 1 bayonet-knife
• 3 signal flares (rockets)
• Pocket for documents or additional body armour element
  

IN USE (FIELD TEST)

I pretty much got my chance to use my M23 straight away, at an Open Day skirmish at South Yorkshire Airsoft. It was worn as part of my team’s Russian Militia theme, and to accommodate my collection of waffle pattern AK mags for my brand new CYMA AK74.

Even fully loaded – with mags, grenades, small water bottle (which I slipped into the forth AK mag pouch), spare battery and ‘usual’ other airsoft accessories – the harness felt very comfortable and didn’t feel like it was pulling down on my shoulders.

The ‘open’ nature of the rig – as opposed to the closed fitting of a vest – helped keep down the bulk, as the parka I was wearing was reasonably thick (a consideration when playing in winter). I didn’t feel like I was wearing – what amounts to – another item of ‘clothing’.

The various straps of the M23 are fully adjustable, and come with loads of spare length – which was great because I am a hefty and tall guy. This rig should be suitable for all sizes and shapes. I mention this particularly because I had to have my J-Tech M-7 specially ‘tailored’ to accommodate my extra height (6’ 5”).

The strap fasteners are very hardy plastic push buckles, and all other pockets are held closed by Velcro strips. Some might not like Velcro, as I have heard it said that it’s not very ‘tactical, but I prefer them to the so-called ‘quick released’ plastic fasteners (which can sometimes be a bit stiff and fiddly depending on the make).

CONCLUSION

By the end of the days play I was very tired, but didn’t feel like the chest harness has overly contributed to this. I liked the way the rig kept your load ‘close to your chest’. Everything felt firm and secure, and didn’t at any time feel that the rig was getting in my way (in contrast, I occasionally have had to shuffle round and re-adjust my assault vest).

An unexpected test of the M23 came when I toppled over a log in woodland during the game and went skidding across the ground face first. There were no tears or popped fasteners or load spilling out!

As you can probably tell, I am very satisfied with the Splav ‘Pioneer’. It did cost more than the equivalent Bulle or Webtex chest harness (and a lot more than a Viper rig), but I think the solid functionality and build quality will mean that I will get my money’s worth out of it long term.

RELATED LINKS

> Utah Airsoft M23 review
> RedSoldier.com forum M23 review

> UK Retailer: Rusmilitary.com
> US Retailer: RedSoldier.com