How to improve your TAP (Tactical Assault Panel) - Decent to Great!

In today's video, Lucas will show you some great improvements for the TAP system.
Get your TAP here: www.venturesur...
NOTE ON THE AUDIO: We messed up the mic connection, and had to enlist an AI being to help. The result is a little weird, but serviceable.

[@GTWGamer]

Great video, I think a series covering improving surplus/ current issues gear would help a lot of people.

[@charlescarter5069]

The gear is constantly changing, so I think it might be hard to keep up with current changes. In the 90s, the gear did not change much with ALICE. They used to have things like Rangers digest that gear improvement ideas.

[@VentureSurplus]

It is something I'd like to do and hopefully be able to make a series of sorts out of it.

[@charlescarter5069]

@@VentureSurplus I hope you continue to do those types of videos. I am interested in how the equipment has changed, not that I will be wearing it since I am long retired. lol My daughter is currently serving so it might be nice info for her.

[@azzorath9091]

@@VentureSurplus Please continue to do so, I could watch these videos all day so you got my vote!

[@ironteacup2569]

This is more of what I want you guys to cover. You could always have these all together and sell them as a “package” for us lol

[@VentureSurplus]

More like this to come!

[@herknorth8691]

I'd like to see a vid where you compare GP pouches for size, features, etc. It's one thing to read the specs, it's another thing to see two things side-by-side, even if only on video.

[@VentureSurplus]

That is a great idea. I'll see what we've got and put that on my to do list! Thank you for the idea!

[@timsmith6479]

Great video. What I like best about the TAP is versatility. I can run M4 or AK mags with the bungee retention mod. With either M4 or AK mags I fill the center 4 pockets and the outside radio pockets The outside radio pockets will hold and retain AK mags although slow to get in and out. The next pockets inward I use for flashlight and tourniquet. On the front I have two Eagle Industries canteen pouches on each side, outside. With a Eagle Industries double M4 mag pouch which can hold M4 & an Ak mag, pistol, radio etc. Next to that is USMC single mag pouch mounted horizontally used as a fast mag, I like it much better than tacos because of the retention. Next to that is a mag pouch for a multi tool. With an ifak in the inside pocket. Overall a very versatile rig.

[@VentureSurplus]

That sounds like a pretty good setup, I see where you're coming from on the Speed Reload vs the TACO. Cool that you're using it for AK mags too

[@AndyCigars]

On those 4 middle mag pouches...do you cut off the velcro straps when you add the bungee cords for retention?

[@rayhill6136]

Has anyone found a way to attach a dangler to their taps aside from the spiritus one?

[@VentureSurplus]

If the pouch is MOLLE compatible, getting long MALICE/HSGI clips may do the trick. Weave those through the top of the webbing on the pouch, and then the bottom edge on the TAP and it'll do the job without much issue I think. Something I do want to try out!

[@mr.meatshower2756]

Solid video dude. Lots of good ideas and info for the TAPS 🤙

[@RootsMobileGrapplingClub]

I found with p mags it's really difficult to get mags in on the outer 2 mag pouches (not the outermost pouches for radios). Maybe the gi metal mags would fit better but I've been using those pouches for other items

[@VentureSurplus]

Yeah, I'm going to have to play with it a bit more and probably just use standard issue mags to make life easier.

[@RootsMobileGrapplingClub]

@@VentureSurplus i found a TQ fits perfectly in those outer pockets and i molle-d 2 mag pouches to the outside instead to keep the mag count at 6. I kept them on the outer edges to keep the profile slim. Could maybe give that a try 🤷‍♂️

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

3D printed magazines work really well because they have a smooth surface like USGI mags. I use 3D printed mags for all my blackout and it slides in and out easy, which might be a better option for you than going out to buy metal mags. 3D printed mags are also super cheap, like only $2 to make.

[@mrshort2379]

I wish I could afford to get a TAP no matter how basic

[@juliusstanis5855]

You how to adjust the size on an Alice LC2 belt? For some reason each time I try to adjust it, it feels either too tight or loose no matter what. Been trying to find a video on this.

[@VentureSurplus]

On the ends of the webbing there will be clamps that have a locking bar around them. Once that bar is loosened you can then adjust the belt to fit. It can be a pain at times, if the belt is really stiff or new especially. I can add an overview of the belt of my videos to do though!

[@Paulie771]

Just received my Spiritus harness and back strap as well as the bu gee retention kit. Are you cutting the flaps from the mag pouches before you tie the bungees or just tucking them into the pouch? Thanks for these great suggestions!

[@VentureSurplus]

It's up to you. If you're going to cut them it's best to do it first, it's easier that way.

[@thefucrew9865]

What is the difference between the Eagle Industries V1 and V2 Canteen pouches ???

[@VentureSurplus]

@thefucrew9865 The v1 is is has an elastic opening and more similar canteen strap/flap. The v2 is lighter and more oriented towards general purpose use.

[@marshallclowers1242]

Very nice explanation of how to make a piece of gear usable, despite its design. And... matching kit is for plebes ;)

[@VentureSurplus]

Thanks!

[@M81_WOODLAND]

I too find the harness to be a bit of a shortcoming. Other than that this thing is great. It's US made, USGI, and under a $100.

[@VentureSurplus]

Agreed, once you replace the harness and get everything adjusted down right to your body it changes the whole platform.

[@ordinary_american]

Great overview, thank you. How does the TAP work for smaller or shorter people? It looks really wide and would probably wrap around too much for someone skinnier. Also, approximately how tall are you for comparison?

[@VentureSurplus]

It's definitely a wider panel. It can work just fine for shorter and skinnier people, just has to be clinched down. I haven't heard of anyone being too skinny for one at the end of the day, the edges just may sit further along your side and be harder to get to. I'm 5'11" and around 200 Lbs.

[@womb_raider8316]

Need that harness...

[@Sercer25]

How is the actual quality of the material? I hear a lot of Marines saying its low quality and they've broken a few of them.

[@VentureSurplus]

Along the lines of 500d. It's standard and tough, I've seen some that have been torn up but it takes quite a bit to do that.

[@Sercer25]

@@VentureSurplus Thanks.

[@jhutch1470]

I installed grommets at the top of the panel over the four outer pouches and added bungees to those also. Not easy, but works great.

[@VentureSurplus]

That's something I do want to try and do!

[@jhutch1470]

@@VentureSurplus I got the 1/4 inch grommets that came with the grommet tool at Harbor Freight for about $4. I put two grommets in next to each other so I could pass the cord through each one, then gather them together down at the MOLLE for the knot. That way the knot isn't against my body while the panel is loaded. I had to use a drill bit to drill through the plastic panels, then set the grommets. The tool doesn't work very well, and it doesn't always turn out very good looking, but they work.

[@benjihinsoniii]

I have my RRV set up in H harness config almost exactly like this with holster and admin pouch on the chest flap.Not the best, but it does work if you train with it. Great info from Lucas and great gear!

[@MrSwccguy]

So change it ??

[@VentureSurplus]

Oh that's pretty cool. For a "Do it all" kinda setup it works pretty well. It's hard to always be happy with your kit when you're trying to avoid always changing it up. Appreciate the support!

[@benjihinsoniii]

@@MrSwccguy Maybe I came off wrong. I'm quite content with the kit I have and it's configuration. What I meant was that it's not what most would consider the best like Spiritus, Haley Strategic, etc. I think this surplus gear is a steal compared to the prices of gucci gear. That's why I buy it, and the fact that it is American made quality gear. As with any gear it works as well as you train with it.

[@MrSwccguy]

@@benjihinsoniii yeah now I see haha. I read the Not the beat part and thought you were talking about your whole set up.

[@benjihinsoniii]

@@MrSwccguy I can see that in how I wrote it. My bad, just wanted to clarify that surplus gear from Venture has been awesome in my experience, at very good prices to boot!

[@John-ni1lt]

Yeah. All good ammo sexuals need to customize their wanna-be army gear.

[@hunterkiller232134]

This isn't wannabe army gear. This is actual army gear. Guys are actually issued this and have to make it work for themselves.

[@jhutch1470]

@@hunterkiller232134 He's just a troll.