USGI Tactical Assault Panel (TAP) Chest Rig, Review

Hey everybody welcome back to another episode of Muddy Reviews, in this video, we are checking out the USGI Tactical Assault panel. This chest rig is the US Militaries standard-issued Infantry fighting load carrier replacing the FLC.
The TAP is a fairly decent piece of kit when it is worn in a placard configuration and on an armor carrier. Where the TAP really falls short is as a chest rig. IT can however be converted into a fairly decent chest rig for a minimal price. I will have more on that in a future review.
The UCP TAPs can be found for as low as 20.00$ USD and as high as 100$ USD but the average median price for one in UCP is around 35.00$ USD. The Multicam or OCP TAPs however fetch a considerably higher resale price now as they are around 50.00$ USD on the low end and 200.00$ USD on the high end. Occasionally you can find an OCP or Multicam TAP for around 35.00$ USD but these are getting harder to find for that deal and are generally in pretty poor condition even for surplus. A few examples are at the below links:
UCP:
www.amazon.com/Tactial-Assaul...
www.mcguirearmynavy.com/produ...
www.mcguirearmynavy.com/produ...
MULTICAM/OCP:
www.ebay.com/itm/234526102034
www.fortbraggsurplus.us/TAP-T...
www.ebay.com/itm/195783628943...
www.ebay.com/itm/175756149696...
Believe it or not, there are even repros of the standard TAP such as these examples:
www.amazon.com/MT-Military-Ta...
www.rothco.com/product/rothco...
The Multicam TAP in the Amazon listing is easily noticeable as a knock-off / Repro because the Chest rig straps are in Multicam whereas the USGI-issued TAPs have Tan499 chest rig straps.
I don't think the TAP is a lost cause as there are upgrade kits made by Spiritus Systems to bring the TAP into the modern era:
www.spiritussystems.com/taps-...
This adds a better strap H-Harness and a dangler option purpose-built to integrate with the TAPs. I really hope this review was useful for all of you and you may have found something you may want or for my Airsofter Impresionistas out there something you need for the "kit build". As always folks get out there and play some Airsoft, LARP smarter, not harder, and above all else take care.
#airsoft #airsoftnation #airsoftvideo

[@eameam3772]

great review. i didn't think to reuse the loop cut off those last pockets to sew the cordloc. saved me a couple bucks.

[@Muddy_Reviews]

Glad to hear it man! And glad you liked the review. Always trying to reuse when possible and save a few pennies.

[@intellectualiconoclasm3264]

These are very reminiscent of the early rig I bought for Afghanistan in '03/'04. It's wider with more pockets, and has a Y-strap rather than crossed straps. I loved that thing, but have been looking for a more modernized version. And here it is. I think the mag pouches should have been height-staggard doubles with individual closures. There's no good reason not to make it hold a realistic amount of mags for a modern firefight. And for REMFs who only get a basic-load, LOTS of space for rapid-access aid and support items. And definitely snaps, not velcro closures on the mag-pouches.

[@Muddy_Reviews]

Yeah, the TAPS system mised the mark on some things, but it was a great modernized upgrade to something like the FLC. The velcro is something I can do without, and I actually modded mine to run with bungee pull tabs instead. The Y yoke is on of the missed marks IMHO and a simple mod to run an H-Style chest rig strap like the Spiritus FAT straps. I remember seeing some similar rigs in the earl GWOT myself.

[@intellectualiconoclasm3264]

@@Muddy_Reviews I agree with you looking in. I want to get my hands on one to see if it's what I'd hopped it could be. As to closures, I was planning to rip the velcro and set some snaps. The bungee retainers look smart, too. They never should have stopped manufacturing the MOLLE snap-closures to mod kit. But I get it, I'm all about the "Boomer MOLLE kit I got used to." I can grouse all I want, but these systems are worlds better than the old perpendicular 3x ALLICE mag pouches.

[@JerseyMcK]

I bought one off your recommendation years ago and now I want to modify it. Thanks bud! And I never knew the outside pouches were for 7.62, the more you know.

[@Muddy_Reviews]

Good shit! I do like the TAP and with the modest mods it really becomes a good chest rig

[@alexs5744]

I love my TAPs but I’m going to make a couple modifications such as changing the harness and removing the Velcro magazine retention and replacing them with shock cord. I’m also going to put on grommets on the other cells for two additional magazines. I’m already setting my sights on any H harness that’s out there as to what I don’t know but I’m sure I’ll make my mind up.

[@Muddy_Reviews]

I have been modifying a Multicam TAP and UCP tap. I'm trying to get it as close to the Spiritus TAP as I could for fun. I will say the TAP is a great rig once you start modifying it. A really cost-effective harness is a Krydex fat strap (repro of the Spiritus Fat Straps). If you want to spend some money look into the Lunar Concept Hybrid harness, Review is coming to the channel soon.

[@alexs5744]

@@Muddy_Reviews Krydex is my second but what I really want is Spiritus but they’re out of stock and my rig is the UCP pattern. Maybe at some point I may or may not dye my rig to be a little more greener and a little less whatever it is.

[@Muddy_Reviews]

@alexs5744 Ranger green FAT Straps are a nice touch on a UCP TAPS. That is why I ended up going with the krydex copies sadly. Another option is finding a smaller stitch bitch and see if he can make some UCP Straps for you.

[@Nothing_141]

Nice Kit. But i’ll buy something more modern since army regs dont apply to me. 😂 Keep up the great work 👍

[@Muddy_Reviews]

100 percent agree, I don't need them either but they are fun to toy with. Also thank you and I shall lol.

[@jerryrichards8172]

Just purchased a new army ACU tap with all the extras and instructions. If I decide to modify one I'll just get a cheaper used one.

[@Muddy_Reviews]

Nice, the UCP TAPS are great because you can usually find them for a steal. Also, if you want to get the UCP TAP to a more functional camo, you can use Apple Green RIT dye and dye it. It turns it into knock off CADPAT.

[@jerryrichards8172]

@@Muddy_Reviews OK thanks

[@ironteacup2569]

Might run this for fun one time but I need to buy my own taps to modify and have fun with

[@Muddy_Reviews]

I won't lie they are fun, I had actually filmed me modding a TAP but the video came out pretty bad sadly.

[@Stuka83]

Cool piece, can it hold ak74 mags or only m4?

[@Muddy_Reviews]

Sort of but not well. Once you get the AK mags in it is a little difficult to pull them.

[@max29pl]

Imo best budget friendly chest for airsoft. Only downside it dosent work with ak style mags ;(

[@Muddy_Reviews]

The UCP TAP 100%, the Multicam/OCP tap is a different story. For the price most go for you can get a better chest rig.

[@max29pl]

​@@Muddy_Reviews I understand. Got my multicam tap for $33 in good condition with just the harness. For me it was a good deal, but as you said, the UCP is a chaper, brand new with even a manual, costs around $45-50 in Poland. But nonetheless great piece of kit

[@Muddy_Reviews]

@@max29pl fantastic price for a Multicam TAP!

[@constantinosconstantinou6262]

What is the size of the repair buckles?

[@Muddy_Reviews]

1 inch buckles same as what was on the rig already.