R.A.V. Replica Vest Review

[Toothbrush]

Well, I finally went modualr and I couldn't be happier. ;D

Apparently US Customs wanted a sneak peak


The RAV replica is a reproduction of the Paraclete Armor Releasable Modular Vest. These vests allow for a modular vest/plate carrier that can be quickly detached in the event the wearier needs to; for example, if they fall into a body of water and must ditch the vest to prevent drowning.

The RAV replica does a very good job of getting the look right. In all honesty, I can’t tell the difference visually between my replica and the pictures on the Paraclete website. You will notice plenty of MOLLE compatible loops and a strip of Velcro on the front, more MOLLE loops on the cummerbund and more MOLLE loops on the back panel. Beyond the plethora of MOLLE loops, the vest has a vast amount of Velcro all over the vest. The rear panel is held on by two large zippers and Velcro (the whole back panel is covered in Velcro). In addition both the internal and external cummerbunds are held on by Velcro (external also has one large zipper).





What you probably really want to know about is the release system. It is activated by the large cylinder shaped pull tab. The tab connects to 4 wires that lead into the vest. Two go to the rear and hold the internal cummerbund in place. The other two go to the shoulder straps and hold them in place. When the tab is pulled it removes the wires for the four areas and separates them, releasing the vest. While this works on the replica it is a bit un refined, and I am not sure if I would fully trust it if I were “doing this for real”.

So far I am very please with the vest. I have found it very comfortable and it appears it will suit my needs very well. Much to my joy, the replica vest comes with some features you must purchase separately on the real vest. The most valuable I have found are the foam inserts for the shoulder straps. I am confident they are not as good as the Paraclete ones, but they are still nice to have. Like the real RAV, the replica also has a "grab and drag" loop on the back. It seems secure but I am not sure if I would want it used to much. It does work well to help hold my hydration carrier though.

The vest also has room for hard armor plates in the front and rear but I don’t belive I will be using this feature anytime soon.

I can't complain about the vest. It is much, much less expensive than the real one but is still perfectly suited for my purposes within the airsoft community.





Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[Psychosis]

I think a few key questions would be these: Where did you order from (Red Wolf?) who was the manufacturer and how much was it?

[Jacko]

How does it wear without plates? I've found that plate carriers tend to sit poorly without them. You're a pretty tall dude like myself, can we get some pictures of it being worn?

[Toothbrush]

psychosis said:

I think a few key questions would be these: Where did you order from (Red Wolf?) who was the manufacturer and how much was it?

I knew I forgot something. I wanted to comment on the manufacturer, I don't know. Redwolf, who I ordered from, has it listed as being made by "MILSPEC". However, WGC has an identical looking vest by the name of "WGC custom RAV Vest. I belive it may be made by some off-brand company and retailers call it what they like. I bought it for $130 USD + Shipping

jacko said:

How does it wear without plates? I've found that plate carriers tend to sit poorly without them. You're a pretty tall dude like myself, can we get some pictures of it being worn?

I have no experience with other plate carriers so I can't compare how it "sits". I will say I havn't had any discomfort or it moving out of position as of yet (ran around with it in the back yard today).

Pics as requested:



Review also edited/added to slighty.

[Great Troub of Troubistan]

To much digital camouflage....


effective I would guess though.

[Hadoken]

Looking good there Mr. Toothbrush, makes me wish I still had my sexy RAV.

Vest looks good too, colors are a bit off but once it gets covered in pouches it doesn't really matter anyway. Very nice!