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.



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