Just to pop my two cents in here, since I talk about the TAP a lot and stare at one nearly everyday. The TRAAP is everything everyone wants the TAP to be, but also doesn't have to be. It's a definite modernized/upgraded version of a chest rig, the TAP, that does a lot of great things when you put a little time and effort into it. The price tag is high, but it is feature packed and a better one stop shop solution. For those that don't want to have to think and put additional effort in. If you have a TAP, there really is no reason to get a TRAAP unless you have to have it because the upgrades really call to you that hard.
Disregard previous comment about being out of TAPs.... apparently a couple hundred New & Unissued will be here next week. So we went ahead and put them In Stock, because someone decided to post a video heavily talking about them. If you order one, they should ship by 13 SEP.
As an infantryman, the TRAAP is a better version of TAPs while staying in unit sop of requiring a TAPS since it is so similar. For anyone thinking about the TRAAP but aren’t sure if they want to spend the money, I recommend getting a taps for the price and seeing if it meets your needs when you’re out training.
@@makinbacon3124 H harness is definitely a huge upgrade for the TAPS . But at XCTC/JRTC those buckles you put on for the H harness will fail you from all the ammo and gear you put on your chest rig. From experience, My TAPS molle could not handle the weight and ripped off in multiple spots because of how awkwardly wide the TAPS is . I had to tie everything down with zip ties. That is the reason why I got a TRAAP
Didn't even get 5 mins in and I went and bought my first one from you 😂 Had to get it defective but idgaf I got $30 for a helpful piece of kit that will last enough to get some use. It's just gotta hold mags while I fight off Venezuelans I mean run drill in my backyard 😂
@@godwarrior3403 Defect gear is a great way to go! Usually all it's got going on is a little "war Patina" and is still fully usable! Have fun with your TAP!
TRAAP is just another option in the sea of options we have. I am very grateful we have these options available to us. I don’t need a TRAAP because I’ve got a nicely kitted taps. But it’s there if someone wants an out of the box solution.
The $100 Condor TAPS system I bought at the PX on base in Hawaii (We ran Recce roles) - was fucking amazing. I got chewed out a few times for buying “high-speed gear” in a low-speed unit… to which I challenged my leadership and asked them if they had ever heard of the term, “philosophy of use.” I was forced to write an essay on it… which I just copied and pasted an old college paper I had aced prior to dropping out. I lost track of what I was talking about - but I love the TAPS system… if I could build my own, it would have 4 pouches in the front, 3 for mags and 1 for a radio… with accessories slots that accept MOLLE
Bro so happy I found Hop, and then you bro. Yall actually dispense practical wisdom that helps the average gun consumer (financially irresponsible at best) make informed and smart decisions without breaking their damn banks. I appreciate you both so much man, I'll be watching both of yall instead of the fuckin influencers trying to get me to spend $240 for fuckin nylon.
The tap rig was designed to be worn over body armor which is why it is so big. The straps being thin and binding don’t really matter as you won’t feel them when you are wearing armor. I was still in when the change was made from an OTV covered in molle to a PC with the tap rig over top and it was a big improvement at the time, (2009ish). We were never allowed to go without our PPE so you would never wear just the chest rig. With plate carrier designs getting better and armor getting less and less expensive and improving, I can’t think of a single reason I’d want to only go with a chest rig. I have a couple of different set ups currently but my favorite is a low profile PC with interchangeable front panels.
Honestly, the reason is largely weight and not being useful for some applications. I like using chest rigs for when I'm out in the woods because it makes it so easy to store and grab stuff. But if we are talking about it for gunfighting purposes, absolutely 100% wear those plates. They suck, but you know what sucks more? Bullets in your thoracic cavity.
@@Isometrix116 If I’m going to the range to dick around I’ll just use mags in my pockets or a belt if I’m using one. If I’m seriously training, I’m wearing my PC damn the comfort and heat, train like you fight. Plus training in all your kit helps flesh out and streamline your set up.
One rig that exists in the same league in terms of price and performance as the ones you mentioned is the Tasmanian Tiger Mk2. It's had a few videos made about it recently ( Blue Jean Operator as well as others). I forget if the videos mention this feature, but you may look at it and say "whats the big deal", it's an updated RRV". The thing that makes it special is the design and shape of the GP pouches on the side and how they interface with the bottom side of the H Harness. I dunno if it's apparent if you see someone wearing it, but you can kind of tell when you put it on and load it with gear that it's incredibly well designed.
I bought the TRAAP exactly for the reason that you mentioned in your comment, it was a one stop shop solution. It accommodates everything that I need in my kit and more importantly it fits my person perfectly. But again, I bought it because it was basically a fire and forget purchase. I don’t have to spend anymore time tweaking my rig. Many people enjoying tweaking/customizing but I do not and I maintain that pattern as a consumer across various categories of products. Just my two cents
I understand and appreciate the balanced and mild mannered overview. My perspective is a little less kind. Used the old stuff in units I've been in for the same reasons and mission sets that people don't want armor. Used it in quite a few schools that mandate its use as well. There are about a million ways to use one that essentially made the "discomfort" that I hear of from some people frankly baffling. That said I understand that I have bias because I carried light machine guns for endless miles for a big chunk of my early career so what counts as real uncomfortable is probably a little skewed. That said there has always been a bunch of latitude to alter taps to about exactly how you want it to wear on your body from my mind eye. It may require hours of tinkering with your tism to get exactly what you want and you may eventually buy a better clip in harness (I never have). But to me it always strikes me as an empty parking lot. I can put however much or little as I need without much consequence for either. And the very concept of paying over $200 for essentially a mild improvement for something that doesn't require that much money to improve yourself just kinda hits the brain wrong
That's the issue though. Some people don't want to spend the time and time is money. You trade time for money to get what you want. Also, there are people like me who cannot envision how to alter something into what they want. My brain just doesn't work that way. I often need someone who's better at altering things in the real world to point out the small thing I'm missing and then I can figure it out.
@@JK13A Generally speaking experience informs decision making. If you don't have the vision to make your own changes you most likely do not have the experience to be spending shit loads of money on things you don't understand yet.
@@Regular_Guy_Training_LLC you're not wrong but does that mean everyone who has less time or doesn't have military experience should just not buy quality well thought out gear. To say that someone shouldn't spend money on something the majority says is a quality upgrade from the basic when they have nothing just doesn't sit well with me. Take a guy like me minus my military experience. He's a CPA and wants to get into guns and have some reliable well thought out kit. He has very little time to iterate on his set-up because he has other priorities. He doesn't have time to buy a TAPS and figure out where he wants to go with the rig. He just needs something that's well thought out and people agree is something that's going to work well. Maybe that is a standard TAPS rig but most would agree it has much to be desired. The TRAAP clearly has a lot going for it.
@@JK13A When all it takes is to simply look up good information vs what I would look at as needlessly spending money you don't need to, I personally don't see it. Do I look at people who just want to spend money and not have to think through that less? Not necessarily no, but as easy as it is to simply look things up, especially considering the fact that everybody is watching their wallet while doing this, it doesn't make much sense. At least to me.
@@Regular_Guy_Training_LLC Yes but all that research and execution on that research takes a lot of time. I've done plenty of it myself when deciding on a PC. Otherwise you can just get something ready to go.
My SADF and British PLCE surplus works just fine... More importantly, thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction for a magnifier mount for my AK. Is that an Arisaka?
I got a surplus TAP for pretty cheap about a year ago. I carry 6 mags, a multitool and a radio in the pouches. I have no glaring complaints with the rig. I mean I'm not much of a fan of the rear mesh pockets but I just don't use them. Instead I have an admin pouch molled on the front for my map, notebook, pens, etc as well as a tq mounted next to my radio slot. I have it to supplement my gunbelt which has my core kit; ifak (with a tq), 3 pistol mags, single rifle mag, dump pouch, and holster. I can throw on my belt and not "need" anything else, but I have the added equipment on the TAP for if the need does arise.
Found out about it from the trex vids, the kywi talls fit in the traaps perfect and stay locked in, even with the velcro only on one side. It's probably from the tension between them and the mag pouch/rig. I'm running them on the center four and keeping the bungies on the outer two.
Have you ever tried out an L4 performance WICSIG? I’m of the opinion it’s the best bang for your buck new chest rig on the market at $165. Two large buckled gp pouches, two large radio pouches, and 4 double m4 styled mag slots secured by shock cord, Velcro on the body side for danglers and such, and a decent harness(the harness is imo it’s weak point, but it’s not bad so much as not incredible). It’s also much lighter weight than most other chest rigs out there. I feel like the WICSIG is a good comparison for this and most other rigs on the market.
Carcajou makes awesome chest rigs and are in the 240-400 price range (the higher end being a chest rig that comes with a few gizmos to make it belt kit. )
I got my TRAAP a few weeks ago. About to run it through its first class this weekend. So far, I love it. If you're going to get a taps rig and update it the Trex arms version just makes more sense.
When you take the time and effort, which is minimal, the TAP is a much more cost effective solution that offers slightly more in comparison. The TRAAP feels like a modern rendition of the TAP if you want something uber expensive with a fancy name behind, go for it. But for less than $150-$200 you can get a full ready to run, 24 hour special purpose rig out of the TAP itself with your own modern upgrades. I own an upgraded and decked out taps and it's a wonderful option for a do everything chest rig imo.
@@makinbacon3124 NGL I just bought a Krydex H Harness but any harness from Spiritus, Haley, Trex, Unobtainium Gear or others that use the swift clips will work just fine.
There's another alternative I'd like to recommend & it's the Tasmanian Tiger Mk2 chest rig (both the standard/universal & M4 versions). Similar design & layout to the TAP/TRAAP, just has 2 admin pouches on the left & right that can fit a pretty good amount of stuff. Costs around the same as the TRAAP ($219-250 USD).
Beat me to it. The KS Pat83 repro is my current rig and I really enjoy it. The Pat84 2.0 looks really dope, but don't quite think I can reasonably spend that much on a second rig at this point.
I bought the Trex Arms Traaps to replace my TAPS rig. Trex fixed everything I hate about the TAPs. I started by slowly buying all the little upgrades (harness, back strap, different pouches....) but overall, the TAPs is just too wide. Whether wearing it as a chest rig or on my IOTV, it was way too difficult to connect the side buckles to anything because I couldn't reach them either from reaching across or around my back. They were too far behind me. As I wear it almost every day, the TRAAPs is far more comfortable and user friendly. By the end of my current mobilization, I'll have gotten my money's worth.
Decided on a direct action Warwick panel chest rig for 100$ and decided to use the savings on pouches, I was concerned about reindexing 7.62x39 mags into the traap rig. Very nice looking piece of kit from Lucas tho
I think ATS takes the cake for feature-rich quality chest rigs without breaking the bank. The Slimline RECCE 5.56 and and Slimline II rig are both fantastic options that give the TRAAP and all other rigs shown while being significantly less expensive.
They get better when dirty, I've used my flc for 10 years now. Many different setups, and there is a guy that does modernizing/ alternate setup videos here on TH-cam. @legion preparedness
@@justcallmejoeable same friend but apparently Army Combat Uniform is ACU and Urban Combat Pattern is UCP, that stupid ass digi print. In the USMC we called it blouses and trousers, and we had MARPAT. I thought UCP was ACU for over a decade lolz. Either way just rit dye it fam
Well there also is the Spiritus Systems TAPS Upgrade Kit MK2 for about $159 if you have a TAPS already, but they have been out of stock for a while. They do address most of the shortfalls of the system as well.
If I was to buy a new chest rig, it would probably be the TRAAP, perfect size, is set up for the upgrades/alterations I would want to do (which I’ve already done on my current). Can’t have a chest rig have everything you want while still being the right size for CQB and mounted ops, plus maintain an ability to lay flat, and reach battle belt items. However if you’re willing to take some creative license with what you want, the TRAAP has the set up and size to do that and not get in the way. Which is the same size as my Thing2 set up.
When I got the TAPS it was a straight improvement from the FLC for me. The way it mounted on an IOTV made it much better for putting gear on in a hurry and especially taking gear off someone else in a hurry to render aid. It works well for the environment it was made for but doesn’t perform so well without the rest of the system it was built around. Go figure.
Why are you not crossing the shoulder straps over on the back. It stops them from sliding off, which you see in the video. Alternatively you can purchase from a multitude of vendors a hybrid H-style harness which eliminates the binding issue of the traditional x-cross straps. Also great review
Love the featureset of the "TRAAP". The price does seem kind of high but your comparison to similar products makes me realize its not quite as spendy as i initially perceived. I really wish the mag pouches had velcro on both sides so i could use agilite retention tabs. Negates the issue of elastic getting in the way and is way easier to reindex. I too prefer the haley mag pouch inserts. Maybe one day ill get a TRAAP. But i think that money may be better spent on a case of 9mm for me personally
Just here for the pup... Miss my old dogs so much, i appreciate that you always bring her out .. i unfortunately lost all my amazing dogs before I they could teach my current mutt... Please consider getting another dog so your awesome pup can impart her personality and training on it
@@BrassFacts this is the only "social media" I had to put down our oldest girl in March, she was 15 and had a disease we knew about.... My wife scooped up the new mutt puppy a couple months later because we thought our male husky was getting depressed (12) ... He perked right up... But he died shortly after from liver failure...
@@BrassFacts the best dog I have ever known was a mutt I got from the county ASPCA ... He was the best friend I had ever had for 14 years.... His cancer finally got him... Like my father and likely soon my mother....
I think stuff like the Beez chest rig, Tacer Tactical Scout, Parashooter Pathfinder, and other "modern" takes on the TAP offer more and cost less. Also, the TAP is still an excellent value if you're willing to put in a little work and ingenuity.
@BrassFacts It's a molle panel with mags in the back. It's in the same spirt. There's three genres of chest rigs: molle panel with mags in the back, tri/quad flap in the middle, and split rigs. Those are the only three food groups I recognize.
@@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa it’s pretty nice RN im only really running 3 pouches (2 GP pouches and an NAR MFAK) on it since thats all i really need atm but there’s a lot of capability with it. one gripe i have is that i have to REALLY tighten it down for it to sit on my chest cuz im not a big dude but thats just a personal pet peeve of mine
I have a quad flap and like it but I am starting to think for what a civilian is more likely to need a lbe would be better suited. I’d think a civilian force is going to be less mechanized and more of a ground force that doesn’t have steady resupply and it gets the weight more comfortably distributed
Get a tap and throw an h harness on it(coincidentally, i used a t rex harness)....... best of both worlds! The harness was my biggest complaint with the tap. The buckling is an issue, but overall, it's pretty comfy and does what i need.
@brassfacts Sounds like getting a Midwest Armor Hilo Recon Rig might be a nice middle ground? US made, TAPS like, integrated map pocket and mag inserts for days. Not excessively expensive. Would love to see thoughts!
For my AK family here... If you run a TAPS, have you noticed that when youre strapped down and you run 4 mags that the rear lug of the magazine gets caught on the front of the mag seated next to it? Ive tried everything and it is damn near impossible to extract the closest weak side from the TAPS.
I have a couple of TAPs set up for different contexts (that’s the current buzz word isn’t it?). But I would like to try the TRAAP. I like condor as a test platform. Buy a cheap condor chest rig, try it for awhile and if I like it I’ll go buy a better version and sell the condor. If I don’t like the concept I’ll sell the condor and try something else. Let’s you try a concept without going broke.
So I personally don't think it's worth 240 but I know it'll be for someone. T Rex products themselves I only have experience with the nylon because they don't make holsters for my ccw and I think they are good. Haven't had a issue with anything
I’ve bought a lot of Trex stuff & love it. But the Plate Carriers Suck, I have 2 of them, & my 20 year old Blackwater Plate Carriers are much much more usable.
I have a HS “heavy” rig that I’ve been scheming on how to add more mags/storage to it. Ive been considering getting a taps and attaching my rig to the front of one. Idk I just grabbed the expander wings from HS and hopefully that’ll get me what I need but it’s only 2 rows wide on each side… most Gp pouches are at least 3
Like all gear. I think its situational and based on budget. For example, me personally, the TRAAP rig works great with my hrt hrac and their upgraded cummerbund with the molle. Almost like I'm not missing the molle from the TRAAP rig..
Dude I got a used taps for 15 bucks. Couple pouches I had laying around, and some mods…. Less than 100 bucks in, 6 mags, Nalgene, smokes, small admin, multitool, light, med. literally everything I need for cheeeaaaap
Tbh my unissued usmc taps rig was $60 bucks got a gp pouch a bunch if spare buckles etc and a h harness all for $150 bucks going from my Haley both micro and fullsize rigs I'm a fan of my taps rig as of right now
I used TAP and its earlier predecessors for a long time, basically whenever we could get away with ditching the IOTV. It might be the only piece of kit I was ever issued that felt like it was scaled appropriately for someone who regularly gets confused for Bigfoot on hikes. After messing around with comically undersized plate carriers for a while once I get out, I think I'm going back to TAP. I'll leave the more expensive stuff for the little guys.
Ngl, I hated the taps rig, but I liked wearing my stuff on my carrier. I took a falcon rig, which is basically a taps with a hydration bladder pocket to AFG and it did work.
Still like my helikon tex mini rig which ends up holding about as many mags, the Amazon knock off of it has been good with mild use at least, Havnt really used it but i kinda liked the HRT whatever it was that was a decent price, not their more recent expensive thing. Nylon mania is old enough i even forget the name brand rig I have that was kinda precursor to the pusher in the video? I just wish it wasn't so hard to get every item you want in the same camo and good forbid you change what you like when I moved states. From dessert plains to mild jungle/ forest but since decent browns in Eastern OK
Great video as always. That AK is looking good. Can't wait to see the AK video, tell me how trash it is to help me from sinking more money into mine... unfortuntely its too fun to shoot, even if you are sending expensive trash ammo downrange at 4+ MOA.
Imagine slightly upgrading a Honda Civic in every way and then charging $120,000 for it. When the supply of surplus taps dries up in 10 or whatever years, this will be worth grabbing. But as long as the option a quarter of the price exists, it's tough.
Just to pop my two cents in here, since I talk about the TAP a lot and stare at one nearly everyday. The TRAAP is everything everyone wants the TAP to be, but also doesn't have to be. It's a definite modernized/upgraded version of a chest rig, the TAP, that does a lot of great things when you put a little time and effort into it. The price tag is high, but it is feature packed and a better one stop shop solution. For those that don't want to have to think and put additional effort in. If you have a TAP, there really is no reason to get a TRAAP unless you have to have it because the upgrades really call to you that hard.
you were here fast.
@@BrassFacts It's Friday and the only thing I have left to do is figure out worse coupon codes for you.
What he said.
👀
@@VentureSurplus Any multicam TAPS coming soon? puh-leeeze
Disregard previous comment about being out of TAPs.... apparently a couple hundred New & Unissued will be here next week. So we went ahead and put them In Stock, because someone decided to post a video heavily talking about them. If you order one, they should ship by 13 SEP.
Are you going to get any more ACU ones in?
Just ordered one becuase yall seem megabased
@@BillWilsonBG They seem to have ACU right now. I hope they get Multi-Cam again soon. I only just discovered them.
Solid overview and feedback! Thanks for taking the time!
Overpriced fabric
Oh boy, I can't wait to read the replies to this comment
When you copy your friends work but charge 5x. INNOVATION!
Keep capitalizing on ignorance and consumerism. 🫡
@@baconatoromg6062I will get the popcorn
How are you not verified? YT trippin
I still kinda want one, but I'm more sure than ever that I don't $250 want one.
Holding out for that 75% off multicam arid sale
Get a taps and buy an h harness maybe an extra 30-40 bucks still cheaper than the traap
They were under 20$ on berli and I'm sure someone will have truckload again to
As an infantryman, the TRAAP is a better version of TAPs while staying in unit sop of requiring a TAPS since it is so similar. For anyone thinking about the TRAAP but aren’t sure if they want to spend the money, I recommend getting a taps for the price and seeing if it meets your needs when you’re out training.
Only thing my taps needs is a better harness.
interesting point, thanks.
@@makinbacon3124 H harness is definitely a huge upgrade for the TAPS . But at XCTC/JRTC those buckles you put on for the H harness will fail you from all the ammo and gear you put on your chest rig. From experience, My TAPS molle could not handle the weight and ripped off in multiple spots because of how awkwardly wide the TAPS is . I had to tie everything down with zip ties. That is the reason why I got a TRAAP
@@makinbacon3124 or just get the TRAAP panel and get some Cheapo H harness to save a few bucks
Plus, if you wear anything from trex you won’t have to tell your dad you’re gay cuz… (he already knew anyway)
Not sure if the rig is worth it but the sad and lonely deserts intro music is always worth it.
Unfortunatly we're about out of TAPs currently..... sign up for emails so you know when more get in!
Didn't even get 5 mins in and I went and bought my first one from you 😂 Had to get it defective but idgaf I got $30 for a helpful piece of kit that will last enough to get some use. It's just gotta hold mags while I fight off Venezuelans I mean run drill in my backyard 😂
wow, terrible sponsor.
@@godwarrior3403 Defect gear is a great way to go! Usually all it's got going on is a little "war Patina" and is still fully usable! Have fun with your TAP!
@@godwarrior3403😂😂😂
TRAAP is just another option in the sea of options we have.
I am very grateful we have these options available to us. I don’t need a TRAAP because I’ve got a nicely kitted taps. But it’s there if someone wants an out of the box solution.
The $100 Condor TAPS system I bought at the PX on base in Hawaii (We ran Recce roles) - was fucking amazing. I got chewed out a few times for buying “high-speed gear” in a low-speed unit… to which I challenged my leadership and asked them if they had ever heard of the term, “philosophy of use.”
I was forced to write an essay on it… which I just copied and pasted an old college paper I had aced prior to dropping out.
I lost track of what I was talking about - but I love the TAPS system… if I could build my own, it would have 4 pouches in the front, 3 for mags and 1 for a radio… with accessories slots that accept MOLLE
I wish you put out more content. One of my favirite channels.
plz sir, I can't do anymore, 1 a week is already nuts.
@@BrassFacts pump these out like how disney pumps out marvel tv shows
If only TH-cam didn't hate gun content..
cant wait for the daily brass facts range stream
Video production will increase until morale improves
Bro so happy I found Hop, and then you bro. Yall actually dispense practical wisdom that helps the average gun consumer (financially irresponsible at best) make informed and smart decisions without breaking their damn banks. I appreciate you both so much man, I'll be watching both of yall instead of the fuckin influencers trying to get me to spend $240 for fuckin nylon.
The tap rig was designed to be worn over body armor which is why it is so big. The straps being thin and binding don’t really matter as you won’t feel them when you are wearing armor. I was still in when the change was made from an OTV covered in molle to a PC with the tap rig over top and it was a big improvement at the time, (2009ish). We were never allowed to go without our PPE so you would never wear just the chest rig. With plate carrier designs getting better and armor getting less and less expensive and improving, I can’t think of a single reason I’d want to only go with a chest rig. I have a couple of different set ups currently but my favorite is a low profile PC with interchangeable front panels.
Honestly, the reason is largely weight and not being useful for some applications. I like using chest rigs for when I'm out in the woods because it makes it so easy to store and grab stuff.
But if we are talking about it for gunfighting purposes, absolutely 100% wear those plates. They suck, but you know what sucks more? Bullets in your thoracic cavity.
@@Isometrix116 If I’m going to the range to dick around I’ll just use mags in my pockets or a belt if I’m using one. If I’m seriously training, I’m wearing my PC damn the comfort and heat, train like you fight. Plus training in all your kit helps flesh out and streamline your set up.
The condor assault panel holds a special spot in my heart
BF you have quickly become my favorite gear reviewer. Keep up the good work!
Brock the type of guy to buy surplus dental floss.
gotta save monies.
One rig that exists in the same league in terms of price and performance as the ones you mentioned is the Tasmanian Tiger Mk2. It's had a few videos made about it recently ( Blue Jean Operator as well as others).
I forget if the videos mention this feature, but you may look at it and say "whats the big deal", it's an updated RRV". The thing that makes it special is the design and shape of the GP pouches on the side and how they interface with the bottom side of the H Harness.
I dunno if it's apparent if you see someone wearing it, but you can kind of tell when you put it on and load it with gear that it's incredibly well designed.
I got my TAPs rig for $11 in multicam by our local AS. i just built off that using some Spiritus Sytemas.. Thanks for sharing as usual!! you rock!
Don't forget the lead times on UW gear. My buddy waited almost 2 years for both of his rigs. It's one guy making them
I snagged a micro rig UW gear made for Brushbeater store and it’s probably the nicest piece of nylon kit I own.
@Myrcene my buddy said his are really well made but he wasn't expecting that long of a wait time.
I bought the TRAAP exactly for the reason that you mentioned in your comment, it was a one stop shop solution. It accommodates everything that I need in my kit and more importantly it fits my person perfectly. But again, I bought it because it was basically a fire and forget purchase. I don’t have to spend anymore time tweaking my rig. Many people enjoying tweaking/customizing but I do not and I maintain that pattern as a consumer across various categories of products.
Just my two cents
Tactical gear addiction will make people want to purchase one. It's America for now so buy what you want.
Have to say. My condor gets beat to hell 2.5 yrs now and still going strong. When it dies I'll upgrade but as of now it works for me.
Same, alot of people want the Instagram CQB look but 99% if us are not that guy or have little need for the fashionable Uber gucci stuff.
I understand and appreciate the balanced and mild mannered overview.
My perspective is a little less kind.
Used the old stuff in units I've been in for the same reasons and mission sets that people don't want armor. Used it in quite a few schools that mandate its use as well.
There are about a million ways to use one that essentially made the "discomfort" that I hear of from some people frankly baffling. That said I understand that I have bias because I carried light machine guns for endless miles for a big chunk of my early career so what counts as real uncomfortable is probably a little skewed.
That said there has always been a bunch of latitude to alter taps to about exactly how you want it to wear on your body from my mind eye. It may require hours of tinkering with your tism to get exactly what you want and you may eventually buy a better clip in harness (I never have). But to me it always strikes me as an empty parking lot. I can put however much or little as I need without much consequence for either. And the very concept of paying over $200 for essentially a mild improvement for something that doesn't require that much money to improve yourself just kinda hits the brain wrong
That's the issue though. Some people don't want to spend the time and time is money. You trade time for money to get what you want. Also, there are people like me who cannot envision how to alter something into what they want. My brain just doesn't work that way. I often need someone who's better at altering things in the real world to point out the small thing I'm missing and then I can figure it out.
@@JK13A Generally speaking experience informs decision making. If you don't have the vision to make your own changes you most likely do not have the experience to be spending shit loads of money on things you don't understand yet.
@@Regular_Guy_Training_LLC you're not wrong but does that mean everyone who has less time or doesn't have military experience should just not buy quality well thought out gear. To say that someone shouldn't spend money on something the majority says is a quality upgrade from the basic when they have nothing just doesn't sit well with me. Take a guy like me minus my military experience. He's a CPA and wants to get into guns and have some reliable well thought out kit. He has very little time to iterate on his set-up because he has other priorities. He doesn't have time to buy a TAPS and figure out where he wants to go with the rig. He just needs something that's well thought out and people agree is something that's going to work well. Maybe that is a standard TAPS rig but most would agree it has much to be desired. The TRAAP clearly has a lot going for it.
@@JK13A When all it takes is to simply look up good information vs what I would look at as needlessly spending money you don't need to, I personally don't see it.
Do I look at people who just want to spend money and not have to think through that less? Not necessarily no, but as easy as it is to simply look things up, especially considering the fact that everybody is watching their wallet while doing this, it doesn't make much sense.
At least to me.
@@Regular_Guy_Training_LLC Yes but all that research and execution on that research takes a lot of time. I've done plenty of it myself when deciding on a PC. Otherwise you can just get something ready to go.
It's a TRAAP!
Underrated comment
My SADF and British PLCE surplus works just fine...
More importantly, thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction for a magnifier mount for my AK. Is that an Arisaka?
I got a surplus TAP for pretty cheap about a year ago. I carry 6 mags, a multitool and a radio in the pouches. I have no glaring complaints with the rig. I mean I'm not much of a fan of the rear mesh pockets but I just don't use them. Instead I have an admin pouch molled on the front for my map, notebook, pens, etc as well as a tq mounted next to my radio slot.
I have it to supplement my gunbelt which has my core kit; ifak (with a tq), 3 pistol mags, single rifle mag, dump pouch, and holster. I can throw on my belt and not "need" anything else, but I have the added equipment on the TAP for if the need does arise.
Where do you find them for cheap?
Found out about it from the trex vids, the kywi talls fit in the traaps perfect and stay locked in, even with the velcro only on one side. It's probably from the tension between them and the mag pouch/rig. I'm running them on the center four and keeping the bungies on the outer two.
It's 250 bucks, where people would just rather walk the long mile and buy a plate carrier at that point, it seems.
They don't do the same thing.
@@TheMikeshannon You are very much right, though Lucas made a video that it is possible to put front plates.
Have you ever tried out an L4 performance WICSIG? I’m of the opinion it’s the best bang for your buck new chest rig on the market at $165. Two large buckled gp pouches, two large radio pouches, and 4 double m4 styled mag slots secured by shock cord, Velcro on the body side for danglers and such, and a decent harness(the harness is imo it’s weak point, but it’s not bad so much as not incredible). It’s also much lighter weight than most other chest rigs out there. I feel like the WICSIG is a good comparison for this and most other rigs on the market.
Carcajou makes awesome chest rigs and are in the 240-400 price range (the higher end being a chest rig that comes with a few gizmos to make it belt kit. )
I'm really happy with my haily strategic rig. It's expensive but I have 4 mags and can run 308, ak or ar and I can trough it on my plate carrier.
Sadly everything is getting expensive, even the raw materials that they need to make nylon gear.
@@Crackshotsteph I understand that. Our insurance on everything had doubled this year for no reason what so ever.
@@jonhurley7889 no good reason
Outstanding Analysis!
Little mistake at 11:45 the SCOUT rig is from Tracer Tactical
I got my TRAAP a few weeks ago. About to run it through its first class this weekend. So far, I love it. If you're going to get a taps rig and update it the Trex arms version just makes more sense.
When you take the time and effort, which is minimal, the TAP is a much more cost effective solution that offers slightly more in comparison. The TRAAP feels like a modern rendition of the TAP if you want something uber expensive with a fancy name behind, go for it. But for less than $150-$200 you can get a full ready to run, 24 hour special purpose rig out of the TAP itself with your own modern upgrades. I own an upgraded and decked out taps and it's a wonderful option for a do everything chest rig imo.
What do you run for upgraded straps/harness?
@@makinbacon3124 NGL I just bought a Krydex H Harness but any harness from Spiritus, Haley, Trex, Unobtainium Gear or others that use the swift clips will work just fine.
I'll keep my TAPs rig. No need to change. Good video! Thanks!!!
Bro the music in your videos and your voice. Just gives me a red dead redemption 1 vibe idk why. It’s like nostalgic 😂
Brassfacts Friday 🎉🎉🎉🎉
There's another alternative I'd like to recommend & it's the Tasmanian Tiger Mk2 chest rig (both the standard/universal & M4 versions). Similar design & layout to the TAP/TRAAP, just has 2 admin pouches on the left & right that can fit a pretty good amount of stuff. Costs around the same as the TRAAP ($219-250 USD).
Me with my $40 condor chest rig I’ve chopped and screwed into a usable piece of gear.
I hope you lubricated..
Neat. Do the pattern 84 next.
Beat me to it. The KS Pat83 repro is my current rig and I really enjoy it. The Pat84 2.0 looks really dope, but don't quite think I can reasonably spend that much on a second rig at this point.
I bought the Trex Arms Traaps to replace my TAPS rig. Trex fixed everything I hate about the TAPs. I started by slowly buying all the little upgrades (harness, back strap, different pouches....) but overall, the TAPs is just too wide. Whether wearing it as a chest rig or on my IOTV, it was way too difficult to connect the side buckles to anything because I couldn't reach them either from reaching across or around my back. They were too far behind me. As I wear it almost every day, the TRAAPs is far more comfortable and user friendly. By the end of my current mobilization, I'll have gotten my money's worth.
00:25 What's that "ghillie" half jacket/poncho/sleeves/hood thing?
Idk if its what he has but “tactical concealment” makes the same hood/sleeves combo
@@epicfortnitekid8536 The Viper Hood would be the OG in my mind; I just really wanna take a closer look of that one.
beez viper
Can confirm beez makes exceptional gear
Decided on a direct action Warwick panel chest rig for 100$ and decided to use the savings on pouches, I was concerned about reindexing 7.62x39 mags into the traap rig. Very nice looking piece of kit from Lucas tho
I think ATS takes the cake for feature-rich quality chest rigs without breaking the bank. The Slimline RECCE 5.56 and and Slimline II rig are both fantastic options that give the TRAAP and all other rigs shown while being significantly less expensive.
Was that... Was that a Cam'ron reference at 1:20?! I think it was, SUBSCRIBED
99% of the time I don't understand what is being talked about in these videos, but 100% watch all of them for doggo... 🐶❤🍻
I see that glx 1x microprism. Cant wait for the review.
I see an AK and cant wait for that review
The TAPS was a step backwards in my opinion. The FLC was better. Just too bad 90% of the used ones are in ACU.
They get better when dirty, I've used my flc for 10 years now. Many different setups, and there is a guy that does modernizing/ alternate setup videos here on TH-cam. @legion preparedness
Get some rit dye my guy.
You mean UCP? ACU is the uniform.
I mean ACU. It'll always be ACU to me.
@@justcallmejoeable same friend but apparently Army Combat Uniform is ACU and Urban Combat Pattern is UCP, that stupid ass digi print.
In the USMC we called it blouses and trousers, and we had MARPAT.
I thought UCP was ACU for over a decade lolz.
Either way just rit dye it fam
Well there also is the Spiritus Systems TAPS Upgrade Kit MK2 for about $159 if you have a TAPS already, but they have been out of stock for a while. They do address most of the shortfalls of the system as well.
If I was to buy a new chest rig, it would probably be the TRAAP, perfect size, is set up for the upgrades/alterations I would want to do (which I’ve already done on my current). Can’t have a chest rig have everything you want while still being the right size for CQB and mounted ops, plus maintain an ability to lay flat, and reach battle belt items. However if you’re willing to take some creative license with what you want, the TRAAP has the set up and size to do that and not get in the way. Which is the same size as my Thing2 set up.
The obvious answer is no, also taps can be found even more cheaply
Blackhawk had an 8 mag Rhodesian rig back in the day. Didn’t fit 7.62 Ak mags but awesome for AR sized mags
When I got the TAPS it was a straight improvement from the FLC for me. The way it mounted on an IOTV made it much better for putting gear on in a hurry and especially taking gear off someone else in a hurry to render aid.
It works well for the environment it was made for but doesn’t perform so well without the rest of the system it was built around. Go figure.
Why are you not crossing the shoulder straps over on the back. It stops them from sliding off, which you see in the video. Alternatively you can purchase from a multitude of vendors a hybrid H-style harness which eliminates the binding issue of the traditional x-cross straps. Also great review
Love the featureset of the "TRAAP". The price does seem kind of high but your comparison to similar products makes me realize its not quite as spendy as i initially perceived. I really wish the mag pouches had velcro on both sides so i could use agilite retention tabs. Negates the issue of elastic getting in the way and is way easier to reindex. I too prefer the haley mag pouch inserts. Maybe one day ill get a TRAAP. But i think that money may be better spent on a case of 9mm for me personally
Just here for the pup... Miss my old dogs so much, i appreciate that you always bring her out .. i unfortunately lost all my amazing dogs before I they could teach my current mutt... Please consider getting another dog so your awesome pup can impart her personality and training on it
I don't think nova would like a second dog in our life. She's kinda of a spoiled gurl.
@@BrassFacts I thought the same about my male husky
@@BrassFacts this is the only "social media" I had to put down our oldest girl in March, she was 15 and had a disease we knew about.... My wife scooped up the new mutt puppy a couple months later because we thought our male husky was getting depressed (12) ... He perked right up... But he died shortly after from liver failure...
@@BrassFacts the best dog I have ever known was a mutt I got from the county ASPCA ... He was the best friend I had ever had for 14 years.... His cancer finally got him... Like my father and likely soon my mother....
@@nope653 yeah I've considered it. And my condolences. I'll think on it
I think stuff like the Beez chest rig, Tacer Tactical Scout, Parashooter Pathfinder, and other "modern" takes on the TAP offer more and cost less. Also, the TAP is still an excellent value if you're willing to put in a little work and ingenuity.
I like the beez one. But it's not really in the same category.
@BrassFacts It's a molle panel with mags in the back. It's in the same spirt. There's three genres of chest rigs: molle panel with mags in the back, tri/quad flap in the middle, and split rigs. Those are the only three food groups I recognize.
Tracer tactical scout rig is the GOAT. it is the true successor of the TAPS rig
Can you review the blue force gear split rig please? No one has a decent review on it yet. Thank you! Love the honest ccontent. Keep up the good work.
FLC has more real estate and wide, thin non interfering with ruck H support and can be split or set up as a chest rig with buckle in back.
Ive been looking to get my first chest rig for a while now. Still have no idea what to get.
ATS slimline chest rig.
I was as well, get a taps use it and figure out what you like and dont like so you dont spend a ton of money on a chest rig you may or may not like.
Condor 7 Pocket Chest Rig - just spend the 32 bucks, use it, and learn what you do or don't need
SADF Pattern 83 surplus to try it out.
not this
Don’t forget the upgrade kit for spritus.
Also -Acetac sop chest rig and you get everything.
I run a multicam taps with an unobtanium gear h harness. I really like it
oh shit me too
@@Arlanenic how you like it? I'm a fan. I can't complain for the price vs the capability
@@abolishtheatfandrepealthenfa it’s pretty nice RN im only really running 3 pouches (2 GP pouches and an NAR MFAK) on it since thats all i really need atm but there’s a lot of capability with it. one gripe i have is that i have to REALLY tighten it down for it to sit on my chest cuz im not a big dude but thats just a personal pet peeve of mine
@@Arlanenic same here. I'm skinny so I have to cinch it down. I run 6 mags and an ifak currently
I have a quad flap and like it but I am starting to think for what a civilian is more likely to need a lbe would be better suited. I’d think a civilian force is going to be less mechanized and more of a ground force that doesn’t have steady resupply and it gets the weight more comfortably distributed
Oh nose! A fair review of a Trex product! Reddits not gonna like this one..
Get a tap and throw an h harness on it(coincidentally, i used a t rex harness)....... best of both worlds! The harness was my biggest complaint with the tap. The buckling is an issue, but overall, it's pretty comfy and does what i need.
@brassfacts Sounds like getting a Midwest Armor Hilo Recon Rig might be a nice middle ground? US made, TAPS like, integrated map pocket and mag inserts for days. Not excessively expensive. Would love to see thoughts!
The supply of TAPS will run out, probably, at some point.
So...maybe the price will come down when they make/sell more.
For my AK family here...
If you run a TAPS, have you noticed that when youre strapped down and you run 4 mags that the rear lug of the magazine gets caught on the front of the mag seated next to it? Ive tried everything and it is damn near impossible to extract the closest weak side from the TAPS.
I have a couple of TAPs set up for different contexts (that’s the current buzz word isn’t it?). But I would like to try the TRAAP. I like condor as a test platform. Buy a cheap condor chest rig, try it for awhile and if I like it I’ll go buy a better version and sell the condor. If I don’t like the concept I’ll sell the condor and try something else. Let’s you try a concept without going broke.
The shot by the water in the intro is hard
Got it. Buy a taps rig, and I don’t have to hear about Lucas being a associated with hi tler online
Nice choice for TRAAP music.
great review! Thanks!
So I personally don't think it's worth 240 but I know it'll be for someone. T Rex products themselves I only have experience with the nylon because they don't make holsters for my ccw and I think they are good. Haven't had a issue with anything
“T.Rex T.Rex Arms Assault Panel?” That’s some Leupold LCO and Aimpoin ACO levels of dumb naming.
RAS syndrome
The FN FNC
The VIN number
ATM machine.
TRTRAAP
I will get the traap in a few months. I like the updates and slightly smaller size. My pmags get kinda stuck in the tap
I’ve bought a lot of Trex stuff & love it. But the Plate Carriers Suck, I have 2 of them, & my 20 year old Blackwater Plate Carriers are much much more usable.
always a good soundtrack on your vids
Perfect timing I was looking for a chest rig
I have a HS “heavy” rig that I’ve been scheming on how to add more mags/storage to it. Ive been considering getting a taps and attaching my rig to the front of one. Idk I just grabbed the expander wings from HS and hopefully that’ll get me what I need but it’s only 2 rows wide on each side… most Gp pouches are at least 3
Just get a midwest armor chest rig for half the price. EOD fish reviewed one if you’re curious.
Best thing that TREX did for the traap is selling it as a base only since nearly everyone that would buy it already has a harness and back strap
Like all gear. I think its situational and based on budget. For example, me personally, the TRAAP rig works great with my hrt hrac and their upgraded cummerbund with the molle. Almost like I'm not missing the molle from the TRAAP rig..
Dude I got a used taps for 15 bucks. Couple pouches I had laying around, and some mods…. Less than 100 bucks in, 6 mags, Nalgene, smokes, small admin, multitool, light, med. literally everything I need for cheeeaaaap
Short answer. No.
Long answer. Hell no.
Long answer. Hell no.
This was actually a lot more positive of the TRAAP then I thought it would be.
As a fellow lefty has you ever considered doing a video of your setup and what if any you do to accommodate handedness?
yes actually, it's a WIP
Tbh my unissued usmc taps rig was $60 bucks got a gp pouch a bunch if spare buckles etc and a h harness all for $150 bucks going from my Haley both micro and fullsize rigs I'm a fan of my taps rig as of right now
I used TAP and its earlier predecessors for a long time, basically whenever we could get away with ditching the IOTV. It might be the only piece of kit I was ever issued that felt like it was scaled appropriately for someone who regularly gets confused for Bigfoot on hikes. After messing around with comically undersized plate carriers for a while once I get out, I think I'm going back to TAP. I'll leave the more expensive stuff for the little guys.
lmao, if the TAPs fits you, you are one impressive human being.
@@BrassFacts For reference, I'm 6'5" and weighed about 250 pounds at the time. Wasn't super jacked or anything, but I did make tape, so there's that.
At that price I’d rather just buy the GBRS rig. (That is also over priced) It’s crazy light and endless possibilities.
Ngl, I hated the taps rig, but I liked wearing my stuff on my carrier. I took a falcon rig, which is basically a taps with a hydration bladder pocket to AFG and it did work.
Great vid, but what gloves are you rocking and where can i find them?
watched for the info, liked for the dog.
Still like my helikon tex mini rig which ends up holding about as many mags, the Amazon knock off of it has been good with mild use at least, Havnt really used it but i kinda liked the HRT whatever it was that was a decent price, not their more recent expensive thing.
Nylon mania is old enough i even forget the name brand rig I have that was kinda precursor to the pusher in the video?
I just wish it wasn't so hard to get every item you want in the same camo and good forbid you change what you like when I moved states. From dessert plains to mild jungle/ forest but since decent browns in Eastern OK
Great video as always. That AK is looking good. Can't wait to see the AK video, tell me how trash it is to help me from sinking more money into mine... unfortuntely its too fun to shoot, even if you are sending expensive trash ammo downrange at 4+ MOA.
My TAP rig with cheap surplus pouches and modified strap attachments at $100 total is good for me.
Imagine slightly upgrading a Honda Civic in every way and then charging $120,000 for it. When the supply of surplus taps dries up in 10 or whatever years, this will be worth grabbing. But as long as the option a quarter of the price exists, it's tough.
Been really loving your channel lately. Out of curiosity, do you shoot on public land or private land?
BLM land. so public.
What are those leather gloves good Sir?
ECC, dont exist yet, but will soon