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Specs:
Product Brand: Russian military
Built Material: strengthened
cotton/nylon blend
Weight: 3 pounds
Product Brand: Russian military
Built Material: strengthened
cotton/nylon blend
Weight: 3 pounds
Package & MSRP:
This is a VERY basic package, with
just the vest itself and its
incorporated accessories (in this
case, a back pack) for $125 USD MSRP.
This is a VERY basic package, with
just the vest itself and its
incorporated accessories (in this
case, a back pack) for $125 USD MSRP.
Pros:
Looking at the vest one can easily see its rather striking resemblance to the Enhanced Load Bearing Vest (ELBV)
commonly assigned to US Army regular troops. The vest is made up of sections (shoulder pad, left/right halves,
back panel) that are brought together via both adjustable nylon straps and parachute cord, allowing a
flexibility into a single simple design to fit the most common size and shape of the common soldier expected to
wear it, basically a “one-size-fits-most” approach. Another pro I found on this vest was the liberal use of
lightweight materials, which makes it feel almost nonexistent. Movement is not restricted in the slightest even
when fully loaded. Despite the feather-light feel of the vest, the fabric blend is still quite strong. A mix
of both cotton and nylon give the vest a breathing quality but still ensures that it will take quite a bit of
punishment before showing some wear. Next we have the strong abundance of pouches. The main mag pouches are
located on the front chest area, two to each half of the vest to allow instant and easy access to spare mags in
virtually any condition and/or situation. Sewn directly on the side of each respective mag pouch is a smaller
pouch to contain a RDG drumstick type hand grenades that Russian forces favor (for a max total of 4). When not
in use, these pouches can be flattened against the sides of the map pouches and offer little to no
interference. On the lateral parts of the vest directly under each arm are 2 two pouches that can be used to
carry normal hand grenades, gear and accessories, or a combination of both. For a basic rifleman vest, the vest
comes with quite an amenity of pouches to hold a large mix of ammunition magazines as well as additional
firearms and accessories. Pouches are also arranged so they are quick to access and do not interfere with each
other.
Looking at the vest one can easily see its rather striking resemblance to the Enhanced Load Bearing Vest (ELBV)
commonly assigned to US Army regular troops. The vest is made up of sections (shoulder pad, left/right halves,
back panel) that are brought together via both adjustable nylon straps and parachute cord, allowing a
flexibility into a single simple design to fit the most common size and shape of the common soldier expected to
wear it, basically a “one-size-fits-most” approach. Another pro I found on this vest was the liberal use of
lightweight materials, which makes it feel almost nonexistent. Movement is not restricted in the slightest even
when fully loaded. Despite the feather-light feel of the vest, the fabric blend is still quite strong. A mix
of both cotton and nylon give the vest a breathing quality but still ensures that it will take quite a bit of
punishment before showing some wear. Next we have the strong abundance of pouches. The main mag pouches are
located on the front chest area, two to each half of the vest to allow instant and easy access to spare mags in
virtually any condition and/or situation. Sewn directly on the side of each respective mag pouch is a smaller
pouch to contain a RDG drumstick type hand grenades that Russian forces favor (for a max total of 4). When not
in use, these pouches can be flattened against the sides of the map pouches and offer little to no
interference. On the lateral parts of the vest directly under each arm are 2 two pouches that can be used to
carry normal hand grenades, gear and accessories, or a combination of both. For a basic rifleman vest, the vest
comes with quite an amenity of pouches to hold a large mix of ammunition magazines as well as additional
firearms and accessories. Pouches are also arranged so they are quick to access and do not interfere with each
other.
Cons:
On the con side of the issue, I was a little disappointed with the non MOLLE design approach. Much like the
Russian philosophy of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!), the vest layout is pretty straightforward and permanent.
Because of this approach there is no option for additional accessories beyond the belt addition. What you see
is what you get. The pouches are all sewn directly onto the vest frame, making them a permanent fixture of the
vest, unlike the more flexible modular designs (MOLLE) of Westerns armies. Additionally, I found the “back
pack” to be a significantly cumbersome attachment. The pack is more like the Vietnam-era style butt pack with
LBE style hook clamps to attach to specific metal loops along the rear ribs of the vest. While the adjustable
straps allow the wearer to attach the pack firmly or loosely against the body, the pack more often than not
flaps around during movement. Another con was the rather high price for the vest. I found it surprising that
the vest was in the rather high range when it comes to cost for product. This may be mainly due to the
difficulty of acquiring the vest outside of swearing your undying loyalty to the Motherland. It’s also crucial
to point out that most will be importing this, so expect to pay international shipping and don’t forget that
things from Russia can take up to a month or more to arrive. Lastly we have the dissimilar camo pattern used
on the vest. While unique, the Kamysh pattern dyed into the vest limits its compatibility with other uniforms,
especially any non-Russian types. To make the uniform and vest match (like ACU) you would have to also
purchase the appropriate uniform in the same pattern.
On the con side of the issue, I was a little disappointed with the non MOLLE design approach. Much like the
Russian philosophy of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!), the vest layout is pretty straightforward and permanent.
Because of this approach there is no option for additional accessories beyond the belt addition. What you see
is what you get. The pouches are all sewn directly onto the vest frame, making them a permanent fixture of the
vest, unlike the more flexible modular designs (MOLLE) of Westerns armies. Additionally, I found the “back
pack” to be a significantly cumbersome attachment. The pack is more like the Vietnam-era style butt pack with
LBE style hook clamps to attach to specific metal loops along the rear ribs of the vest. While the adjustable
straps allow the wearer to attach the pack firmly or loosely against the body, the pack more often than not
flaps around during movement. Another con was the rather high price for the vest. I found it surprising that
the vest was in the rather high range when it comes to cost for product. This may be mainly due to the
difficulty of acquiring the vest outside of swearing your undying loyalty to the Motherland. It’s also crucial
to point out that most will be importing this, so expect to pay international shipping and don’t forget that
things from Russia can take up to a month or more to arrive. Lastly we have the dissimilar camo pattern used
on the vest. While unique, the Kamysh pattern dyed into the vest limits its compatibility with other uniforms,
especially any non-Russian types. To make the uniform and vest match (like ACU) you would have to also
purchase the appropriate uniform in the same pattern.
Efficiency:
Using this vest is as easy as slipping on a shirt. Much like the Chest Harnesses commonly found on lightly
armed soldiers, this vest wraps around the torso area and does not restrict movement in any way allowing the
wears complete freedom of movement yet keeping the pouches and their contents within quick and easy reach. The
nylon straps can be adjusted to accommodate any height while the “shoe-string” adjustable straps on the side
allow for a wide range of body sizes and girths to be fitted. Playing with the Grad-1 and testing it out the
first a few times shows that you don’t need to have a very fancy or expensive vest to meet most of your tactical
needs. The Grad-1 was very light and virtually weightless when worn empty and did not in any way reduce my
mobility or weigh down upon me even when fully loaded. The weight was evenly distributed so I could move
unimpeded in any situation. All the main ammo pouches and most of the utility pouches were within easy reach
when needed and did not interfere with each other. The only problem I encountered was some difficulty in re-
inserting empty AK mags into the pouch due to the loose material used. The mags kept snagging on the pouches
which made it a bit of a task to get the mag back in to close the pouch.
Using this vest is as easy as slipping on a shirt. Much like the Chest Harnesses commonly found on lightly
armed soldiers, this vest wraps around the torso area and does not restrict movement in any way allowing the
wears complete freedom of movement yet keeping the pouches and their contents within quick and easy reach. The
nylon straps can be adjusted to accommodate any height while the “shoe-string” adjustable straps on the side
allow for a wide range of body sizes and girths to be fitted. Playing with the Grad-1 and testing it out the
first a few times shows that you don’t need to have a very fancy or expensive vest to meet most of your tactical
needs. The Grad-1 was very light and virtually weightless when worn empty and did not in any way reduce my
mobility or weigh down upon me even when fully loaded. The weight was evenly distributed so I could move
unimpeded in any situation. All the main ammo pouches and most of the utility pouches were within easy reach
when needed and did not interfere with each other. The only problem I encountered was some difficulty in re-
inserting empty AK mags into the pouch due to the loose material used. The mags kept snagging on the pouches
which made it a bit of a task to get the mag back in to close the pouch.
Durability:
It is important to remember that this is a real
steel vest currently seeing use with just about
every “Eastern Bloc” army today. Owing to its
simple and straight forward design, the vest
itself is made of relatively sturdy material to
withstand most types of abuse and continue to
function adequately, yet light and sturdy enough
to suit most common battle conditions.
It is important to remember that this is a real
steel vest currently seeing use with just about
every “Eastern Bloc” army today. Owing to its
simple and straight forward design, the vest
itself is made of relatively sturdy material to
withstand most types of abuse and continue to
function adequately, yet light and sturdy enough
to suit most common battle conditions.
Upgradability:
Not really. The pouches are pretty much
permanently sewn in place, and there is
virtually no other attachments points other than
the metal clips along the spin of the vest to
attach the backpack. That said, the included
pistol belt allows for several pouches, drop
systems, and the like to be added superficially
to fulfill whatever needs the vest itself cannot.
Not really. The pouches are pretty much
permanently sewn in place, and there is
virtually no other attachments points other than
the metal clips along the spin of the vest to
attach the backpack. That said, the included
pistol belt allows for several pouches, drop
systems, and the like to be added superficially
to fulfill whatever needs the vest itself cannot.
Final Thoughts:
This vest has given me quite a bit of insight into the design and mindset of the Russian tactical vest
designers. The vest itself was nearly effortless to wear once properly configured, and the material was able
to withstand a crawl though the field without pulling or snagging on underbrush or branches. Dirt was easily
brushed off with just a wet cloth and the vest stayed in pristine condition. All in all, if you’re looking for
a unique Russian look but want to keep it down to the basics necessities, this vest will do you good. It has
enough pouches in the right places and a smart design and layout to keep you shooting all day. Definitely
something you should consider next time you want to get your OpFor groove on.
This vest has given me quite a bit of insight into the design and mindset of the Russian tactical vest
designers. The vest itself was nearly effortless to wear once properly configured, and the material was able
to withstand a crawl though the field without pulling or snagging on underbrush or branches. Dirt was easily
brushed off with just a wet cloth and the vest stayed in pristine condition. All in all, if you’re looking for
a unique Russian look but want to keep it down to the basics necessities, this vest will do you good. It has
enough pouches in the right places and a smart design and layout to keep you shooting all day. Definitely
something you should consider next time you want to get your OpFor groove on.
 |
I’ve been known to state in the past the significance of vests in Airsoft. Without them, it would be quite
difficult for some of the more serious players to take their game to the next level, since they would need some
place to store all that gear, hence, the vest. Although there are literally hundreds of different styles and
makes, the basic principle remains the same: carry enough ammo/gear for a soldier to remain combat effective
yet not bog him down or restrict his ability to move freely and/or quickly. Untold millions of dollars have
been spent by the various Military Industrial corporations coming up with “new and improved” ways of maximizing
the usefulness of these essential items. One such success story is the MOLLE system, which allows the user to
attach whatever pouches they desire to accommodate their usual tactical load out. Yet despite (or in spite) of
these advances (depending on the situation), the much simpler forms of vest are more than adequate. One such
vest is the Omega-1 Vest, made popular by Blackhawk Industries. Its simplicity and “one-size-fits-most” design
make it still a very popular addition to any player’s arsenal. Yet, what about those of us who desire more
comfortable accommodations with a hint “Eastern” influence? Fortunately, there is an answer for those who like
their guns and outfits to have a very Russian distinction. Soviet Propaganda.com was kind enough to provide us
with a Grad-1 vest, one of the mainstay tactical vests used by the Russian military. We took this vest out to a
game and put it though our battery of tests and present the results to you.
difficult for some of the more serious players to take their game to the next level, since they would need some
place to store all that gear, hence, the vest. Although there are literally hundreds of different styles and
makes, the basic principle remains the same: carry enough ammo/gear for a soldier to remain combat effective
yet not bog him down or restrict his ability to move freely and/or quickly. Untold millions of dollars have
been spent by the various Military Industrial corporations coming up with “new and improved” ways of maximizing
the usefulness of these essential items. One such success story is the MOLLE system, which allows the user to
attach whatever pouches they desire to accommodate their usual tactical load out. Yet despite (or in spite) of
these advances (depending on the situation), the much simpler forms of vest are more than adequate. One such
vest is the Omega-1 Vest, made popular by Blackhawk Industries. Its simplicity and “one-size-fits-most” design
make it still a very popular addition to any player’s arsenal. Yet, what about those of us who desire more
comfortable accommodations with a hint “Eastern” influence? Fortunately, there is an answer for those who like
their guns and outfits to have a very Russian distinction. Soviet Propaganda.com was kind enough to provide us
with a Grad-1 vest, one of the mainstay tactical vests used by the Russian military. We took this vest out to a
game and put it though our battery of tests and present the results to you.
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