To say I was quite excited about being sent the D3CR-H (Heavy) would be an understatement. The success of its sibling the D3CR from when it was launched in mid-2013 has been a phenomenal success and it was only a matter of time before they addressed the .308 / 7.62 platforms.
What we have here in essence is a slightly expanded version of the D3CR in a few key areas but still keeping to those core fundamentals and build quality so if you are used to the original you will have no problem getting acquainted with this. If however you never bought the original and this grabs your fancy here is a rundown of the rig.
X4 Magazine pouches located at the rear. This is the key element and is sized to hold 7.62mm magazines covering a plethora of rifles from SR25, SCAR, FAL and M14 etc. However it does not have the carry room for the overly sized HK 417 magazines, you will still need to go to specific pouches for those.
X2 Pistol Pouches front & centre. I say Pistol as that was the original purpose however they are more multifunctional than that and can easily accommodate multi-tools, flashlights as well as pistol magazines. Just like the original D3CR they also have ‘rare earth’ magnets sewn into the back of the pistol pouch providing further retention but not limiting the speed at which you would need to withdraw your placed item.
X1 GP Pouch zipped (small) located on the left hand side which also includes a sensible sized Velcro panel. The previous GP pouches on the original D3CR were Velcro flaps.
The most obvious change in the design is the removable of the ‘STUFFIT’ pouch which is signature design by Extreme Gear Laboratories, the original designer of the D3CR footprint. With this removed as well as an increase in size of the rig Haley Strategic have added a much larger pouch.
X1 Large GP Pouch, zipped and located on the Right hand side and again you have a sensible sized Velcro panel. It has a number of features internally such as 2×2 elasticated retainers as well as a clear (no sealed) documents insert. This pouch can work in a variety of different manners, again user specific.
The H-Harness, which is the preferred harness now a day of most chest rigs, is detachable via QR (quick release) side lock buckles and has a Velcro tab located horizontal on the harness. You also have a PALS webbing system on the left & right shoulder harness for communications cable.
On all the magazine / pistol pouches you will find a shock cord retention system (easily adjusted) with ‘Hypalon’ pull tabs that provide both grip & texture as well as being incredibly strong and durable in all weather conditions.
You also have metal grommets at the centre base of each pouch to allow for water drainage.
The D3CR-H can also be expanded to accommodate you the user with the addition of the Holster Wedge and MMH (Multi-Mission Hanger). I am unsure if they are planning to produce the ‘magazine wedges’ (5.56) that they did for the original D3CR but if they do they can easily be attached to the rear of this chest rig. What is not pictured is the rear of this chest rig where you will find a large Velcro panel (includes colour matched backing) for the both attachment of other ‘D3’ (Disruptive Environments) products as well as for security / retention when mounted to Armour / Plate carriers that are compatible with the D3CR systems.
The only other notable addition to the original design has been the adding of two large elasticated retainers found on the side of the far left & right magazine pouch for cyalumes etc.
Overall I am incredibly impressed with the rig and why not, the original was damn good. Manufactured in the USA out of 500D with the Haley ‘Dragonfly’ what more could you ask for from a compact fixed pouch chest rig? Currently it is only available in Coyote Brown or Multicam but that may change in the future should it be as successful as the original.
I would like to thank Tactical Kit for getting me one so quick and if you´re interested, do check with them on stock availability. You get it for 169,99 pound which is about 228€.
Link: www.tactical-kit.co.uk/haley-strategic-disruptive-environments-heavy-chest-rig
AMNB-Reviewer: Richard aka FireBase Alpha
