Bear the Load.
SPIRITUS SYSTEMS- 34 ALPHA SPLIT RIG First Impressions
The Backstory-
You know when you are hungry as fuck and you look up a recipe online and have to read the persons life story before it shows you the list of ingredients you inevitably don’t have? Yeah this is that. Shout out to Phillip for being my personal photographer during this.
When the 34 Alpha Chest Rig was first teased I was hooked. A hot company bringing to market something that has admittedly existed for a long time? Sign me up. Over the years I have been getting more interested in communications and sustainment vs micro rigs. When I larp around on the airsoft field I always want to be the guy with the map, the comms, and the snacks. Why? Because you need way more of that stuff then fast speed shit.
For the low price of $149.95 for the rig alone before shipping this is what you get-
My Impressions-
The rig comes as two separate panels that hook to each other via 1 inch buckles at the top and the bottom of the rig. The length is adjustable depending how centered you want your kit to be on your front.
Running it with a plate carrier underneath and want access to the placard? Who fucking cares widen it right up. Cram as much or as little shit underneath- it can take it.
Like the Micro Fight, Bank Robber, and Thing setups before it it integrates with Spiritus Systems Fat Straps (or skinny if you are a madman) and the back strap. I have always found these to be woefully underwhelming and often uncomfortable- especially under load. There are plenty of other options on the secondary market. Admittedly my next acquisition will be the Crye Airlite setup as it looks to be the best for load bearing.
The front of the rig is a grid of 6x6 molle slots in a laser cut material. I found the first loop to be tricky as it gets caught on the material below. Because each panel is relatively rigid the molle took a few minutes longer than normal to get it though. Over time and use this should iron itself out- after all who moves pouches around once you get them set?
The back features 3 elastic cells of different sizes. 1 “pistol” 1 “5.56” and 1 “7.62”. Each is a bit tight IMO for how they are advertised. The 5.56 pouch is a little too snug for my liking on the inside of a rig. Instead I opted to attach the included bungee tabs and affix a Baofeng UV-5R inside one of the 7.62 cells and a Retevis RT-5R in the other (more on why I am doing this later).
The bottom of the rig opens up on each side allowing for things that interface via Velcro. I’ve seen people put the Ferro Roll 1, the spiritus sack pouches, and plenty of other crap. Nothing on the market entices me right now. I want to keep clear of my belt line while wearing this.
My current setup is this-
On the left side I have a Spiritus Systems GP Tall pouch and a Spiritus Systems Spud Pouch. The Spud pouch rocks- prepare for a first impression on that soon.
The right side has the Spiritus Systems JSTA and another Spud Pouch.
Conclusion-
Overall the rig is a great addition to anyone's collection looking for a modular load bearing system. Do some research and get a better set of straps and you’ll be one happy camper. Can’t wait to get some more time on this system.
Get yours here.
