So when Haley Strategic Partners (HSP) offers any of their Chest Rigs for sale, they tend to go very quickly. Luckily during the Black Friday sale on 11/27/2020, I was able to obtain one of the beloved D3CRM Chest Rigs.
I was looking to snag a Disruptive Grey in color version, but I was able to snag a Black one to hold me over. First and foremost, this is my first time using a chest rig, I tend to use a Plate Carrier, but I wanted something a bit different and something I can keep in the truck that is easily accessible and can be donned on quickly.
So what makes this Chest Rig so desirable? Let’s break it down a bit from Haley Strategic Directly:
“The NEW Disruptive Environments Chest Rig Micro has been designed to be completely adaptive to any mission. The new multi-mission inserts allow the operator to run any configuration of magazine they choose by simply swapping out the insert for another via velcro. The Micro design is small but packs a lot with redesigned storage capabilities and still works seamlessly with D3CR accessories like our other chest rigs. The addition of two side mounted Multi-Mission pouches allows the rig to be more streamlined and carry mission essentials where they count.
The full field of Velcro allows the rig to be outfitted with the latest D3CR accessories as well as assist in the full contact connection with plate carriers. Just like it’s predecessor, it is designed and optimized for work in urban, vehicle, rural and other confined settings. The Micro also integrates with FlatPack, FlatPack 2.0, and Flatpack+ to complete your kit.”
One thing we absolutely love about this Chest Rig is that it’s Made in the USA and is Berry Amendment Compliant, which means it can be sold to the US Military.
The Micro rig accepts the following 3 insert options that allow it to accommodate most common magazines (Sold Separately):
- The triple 5.56mm insert comes with HSP MP2’s for retention and can also hold a radio if desired.
- The 7.62mm insert pair also comes with HSP MP2’s for retention and can also hold a radio if desired.
- The Quad SMG/PCC (Sub Machine Gun/Pistol Caliber Carbine) insert is our Multi-Mission pouch on steroids, allowing any size mag to be inserted from a smaller MP5 style magazine up to a larger SIG MPX style magazine.
The D3CRM Chest Rig fits perfectly on the HRT HRAC Plate Carrier along with other various Plate Carrier Manufactures to include: Mayflower, Crye, LBX Tactical, Shellback Tactical, Chase Tactical, and many more. When looking at this chest rig, I really liked the fact that I could add it to a plate carrier. But I digress. One thing to remember when using the D3CRM Chest Rig with a plate carrier, is the buckles on the side will be free-floating. You can add female pieces to the cummerbund and attach the chest rig that way as well. If doing that, just have to remember that you have to unbuckle it to remove the plate carrier.
The D3CRM by itself fits very comfortable, even for a fluffy guy like myself (52″ chest). The chest rig cinches down just fine and can be easily donned and doffed in no time. Another thing I really like about HSP, is the ability to make things mission specific. This D3CRM will accept their Flatpack, Flatpack 2.0 and their new Flatpack+ with just changing out the shoulder straps and attaching the packs via swift clips.
The mag inserts aren’t included with the initial purchase, but the triple 5.56 insert goes in place fairly easily and holds retention very well. We placed three fully loaded magazines into the pouch, turned it upside down to see if they would fall out, they did not. They held in place very well and appears they will take the abuse of standard running and gunning.
Retention is nice and pulling out the magazine was effortless. The side pouches are sewn into the front/side of the general administration pouch and holds a spare magazine, flashlight, multi-tool, and any other smaller item you can think of. The general administration pouch has elastic retention straps that can hold your GPS Unit and spare batteries and other odds and ends. The overall fit and feel of the chest rig is phenomenal and the craftsmanship really shines with this product.
On the inside front of the pouch offers velcro to add whatever you need like a pair of their mini trauma sheers in their velcro pouch or anything else you can think of.
Another feature we really like about this D3CRM is the ability to add a hanger pouch, joey pouch, medical pouch, or tourniquet holder on the bottom. After reviewing the Joey Pouch by Chase Tactical, we really like the idea of abdominal pouches and the ability to add extra gear that can be easily accessed. We opted to add a Chase Tactical Joey Pouch on this pack and it works flawlessly.
Overall fit and finish of the D3CRM is very nice and well built. There appeared to be no frays on the stitching and it appears to be high quality. Like I said, the fit of this pack on a fluffy guy works well and will work very well for the female shooters out there. The misses was able to try this pack out on the range and she found it more comfortable than wearing a plate carrier.
Like myself, she liked the idea of adding this D3CRM to the HRT HRAC Plate Carrier and she will able to keep in her vehicle ready to go. With the price tag of $135 for the D3CRM and the triple 5.56 mag insert coming in at $32, this simple chest rig can be seen costing just as almost as much as a Plate Carrier. But in all reality, a good quality plate carrier can cost upwards of $250 and then adding magazine holders from various manufactures can cost an additional $100-$200. So really, this is a good buy for a contentious buyer and someone that is new to shooting and want to have something to use at the range or in a class.
If you are in the market for a new Chest Rig, then check out Haley Strategic Partners D3CRM and see if it’s right for you. For over all fit and comfort, it’s a great choice and the ability to adapt it to certain plate carries makes for a great buy.
As always, ya’ll be good and be safe!
