Saturday, October 29, 2011

Whiskey Two Four (WTFPB) Ghost Rig

A couple months back, I picked up a Tippmann TPX and was looking for a way to carry magazines and 12 gram Co2 cartridges. I don't even consider vests (too bulky and restricting for me), so my options were limited. It was either a harness, waist/belt or leg rigs.

I contacted Whiskey Two Four looking for a pack that would suit me. The Ghost Rig seemed like it would the bill. While WTF does offer a TPX version, I wanted to play around with a few different configurations, so I ordered the MOLLE version.



I contacted WTF a with a few questions and was met with polite and helpful responses. Overall, the customer service was top notch. I have said before, and will say again: In paintball, customer service can easily make or break a company. I am happy to say that WTF left nothing to be desired in the CS department. Keep up the good work!

The ordering process was very simple and with in a couple weeks, I had the Ghost Rig in my hands. I also ordered 50 round pod pouch considering I plan to use pursuit pistol pod or two.

All I can say is WOW! I am very impressed!

Due to the MOLLE system the Ghost Rig utilizes, many different pouches can be used. From 140 round pods and pistol magazines to 10 round tubes and 12 grams, the options are nearly endless.

The first unique feature of the Ghost Rig is the way it is adjusted. You can see that on the version in WTF's pictures (the rounded corners) utilizes paracord (also known as "550 cord") laced between the MOLLE strips to adjust to almost anyones size.

Not only is that great because you know it will fit, but you are also getting multiple packs in one. If you don't need the back portion for some unknown reason, you could (theoretically) take off the back portion and lace cord or some material between the remaining two portions for a very compact pack.

My pack, as seen by comparing pictures (link above to WTF's pictures), is different the one located on WTF's website. Mine a squared version. I am unsure why it is different, but either way it works the same and looks great to me.

Mine also adjusts with MALICE clips holding the three MOLLE portions together. There is no paracord. Though I could install some (I am fond of knot work and making things out of paracord, so it is on hand) to mimic the rig in WTF's pictures. You can not see the clips in the WTF pictures, but I can guess they hold the back piece on over the two belt halves. You can see the MALICE clips here:



Due to the way this adjusts, keep in mind that the bigger you are, the more MOLLE space you have available. There is a total of 5x3 MOLLE slots on each of the belt halves, but due to my size I can only utilize 1 column. This is not an issue for me as the 3 rows of 12 slots on the back piece are more than enough room for what I carry at the moment. Basically, if you need more space, go eat some more fast food!

The belt itself is also different from others I have used. Most paintball packs I see use a similar system of 4 elastic/velcro straps that overlap to make a tight and great fit. At first glance, the Ghost Rig appears to use the same system. Wrong.

You can see in the picture above that there are 4 strips of elastic just like many other packs. Each is 4" wide and can be easily stretched to fit (once you have adjusted the MOLLE/paracord obviously).
The difference is that the elastic strips are sewn together (in pairs) to create a one overlap. Many packs are similar (Nxe, Dye, Empire), but overlap 3 times versus the 1 time here.
I can't say this system is better, because both work extremely well, though the WTF is slightly faster.

Comfort:
I have 3 packs right now, but can not compare to one (the PBMafia Joyride) considering it is not padded and would not be a fair comparison. Comfort is on par, if not better than my NXe 3+2+2.
The back support is great, and the padding is awesome. Unlike the NXe, this padding is much more plush feeling, but still extremely sturdy. Though softer, it gives great back support and more overall comfort.
Only time will tell if this padding will hold up as well. So far, I don't have a reason to doubt it will. You can see the differences in the photos below.
While both work well, if I had to choose, I would take the WTF padding over the NXe.


The personal touch was awesome. Check out the tag:



You may have noticed that I like to buy things that are made in the USA and this is no exception As it says on the tag: "Made with pride in the USA."

Overall this is a very well thought out design. The craftsmanship is obvious in the final product. I can't wait to get back out onto the field with this. I am considering getting rid of my other packs to use this exclusively. Why own 3 when I can just interchange pouches on one?

I haven't found a downside to the Ghost rig yet. The price may be a little steep compared to some other products, but I will definitely pay a little more to get the customer support of Whiskey Two Four and the confidence that I am buying one of the highest quality packs out there. Oh and if you didn't catch it above, I will always pay a bit more for something that is MADE IN THE USA!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

PBMafia/McCann USA Joyride Stock Class Pack

Recently I have had the joy of trying out a few different paintball packs.

-NXe Elevation 3+2+2 (2008 Alex Fraige Limited Edition)
-PBMafia/McCann USA Joyride
-Whiskey Two Four  Ghost harness

These are each used for different things in paintball. I use the NXe Elevation as my "semi" pack considering how much paint it holds. The PBMafia Joyride is my primary stock class pack. The Whiskey Two Four Ghost harness is more versatile than either considering it utilizes the MOLLE pouch retention system.



The PBMafia Joyride harness is a well known stock class pack. It holds up to fifteen ten round tubes and four twelve grams. The tubes can be carried cap less or with caps depending on what you prefer. I prefer cap less.


I have been using this pack for a few months so far and have been impressed. McCann has treated me well. I have contacted them multiple times with questions about their products and had quick answers as well as overall excellent customer service. Paintball is an industry where customer service can make or break a company and McCann USA (PBMafia) is doing it right.

Size:
When in doubt, measure yourself and contact PBMafia. I have around a 30" waist. There was no issue with sizing for me. PBMafia states: "With the pack laid out flat the belt piece is 45" long. If you need a larger one, just let us know and we'll make it for free."


They will accommodate you, just take that moment and shoot them an E-mail or call.

Comfort and Overall "Fit:"
This pack is relatively comfortable. The strap that runs around the waist is secured by velcro as are most other packs. The piece of material that secures the pack around the waist is not elastic, but is connected to the backside of the pack by a 3" - 4" piece of elastic. The left and right side of the pack is two "tabs" of elastic material with velcro to make sure the pack is tight enough. Unlike the NXe pack, these tabs don't overlap, they come together in the center. Also, the "belt" portion is only 4" - 5" tall verses the larger NXe and WTF belts.




The back of this pack (where you place the 10 round tubes) is relatively thin. I am confident the material will not rip or tear, but due to how thin it is compared to similar (albeit higher priced) options, there is little back support.

Overall the pack fits great, though I can't say it is as comfortable as the NXe because of the back support and wider "belt" portion.

The pack stays secure around your waist, even when running, diving and crawling through brush. It also does not hinder movement at all.

Tubes and Twelve Grams:
As stated earlier, this pack can hold a maximum of 15 tubes (150 paintballs) and 4 twelve grams. The 12 gram loops are located on the left side of the pack but can be easily swapped to the other side by simply sliding it off one side of the belt and onto the other side. The twelve grams are held in by a piece of elastic like many other SC harnesses. After using the Joyride for a few days of play and not losing a single twelve gram, I have confidence in it.


The ten round tubes can be placed in the pack cap down if you plan to use caps at all. When facing upwards, the tube slides through a piece of elastic into a (about 2") piece of material allowing you to go cap less if you choose to. Just like the 12 grams, I have yet to lose a tube and am confident using these loops to hold my paint.



Durability and Stitching:
As you can see from the pictures, I ordered the Gray/Black version. After using it for multiple days of play, and washing it (hand wash) lightly after each day, it still looks brand new. The elastic loops for the 10 round tubes and 12 grams have not stretched out enough to allow tubes to fall out, but it has become easier to get tubes in.

The velcro is still working perfect and holds great. I have found that with some types of velcro, thread and debris seems to get caught in it and near impossible to get out. So far it has stayed clean and looks brand new.

None of the stitches have pulled loose and the pack has held up to everything thrown at it so far, while showing no signs of wear.

Overall, this is a great harness. I do enjoy a slightly wider belt and more back support, but it would most likely jack the price up. For the price, you could not do better in my opinion. I have been impressed so far and hopefully will continue to be.

Oh and I almost forgot to mention one of the best things about it: MADE IN USA!

The different options and other PBMafia items can be found here.

Disclaimer: The pack needed to be cleaned slightly in the pics, those are not stains.