HSGI (High Speed Gear Inc) released their "Taco" in prototype form last year, and since then it's become one of the best mag pouches that you've never heard of. What does the Taco do that makes it different? Simple, it uses polymer sides, cordura front and back, and shock cord lacing to lock just about any magazine into place. USGI, HK, PMAG, ARC, FAL, AK 30/ 40, LR20 and M14 magazines have all been swallowed and gleefully spit out on demand.
Click the image for more information and pictures.
more
HSGI gives the following information on their website:
"TACO", Modular single rifle mag pouch. This unique pouch, compared to similar mag pouches in it's class, will hold more types of mags than just the AR series of mags. Not only will it hold AR type mags including P-MAGS, it will also hold Magazines for the AK, FAL, M14, SR25, M1A1 20 rnds, G3, Saiga 12, and more..... even some types of radios. It will also hold the large Flash bangs and the M-18 Smoke grenades. This mag pouch measure 3" in width compared to the top selling mag pouch which is wider and disrupts much needed space on the user's modular platform. Made of Cordura, Kydex and shock-cord, it is silent when stuck against and while extracting the mag. The "TACO" maintains a positive grip on the mag on which is adjustable and does not need any other use of a securing system unless desired upon by user preference. Webbing tabs are sewn in on the top for use of "over the top" bungee retainers if desired (not included). Additional loop velcro is sewn in the inside if the user wishes to use adhesive backed hook velcro on his magazine body for added security.
What we like about the Taco is the ability to switch different weapon platforms while not having to switch over all the ammo pouches. As nice as this is, I'm sure someone will point out that there are a lot of us who setup different carriers and equipment for different taskings, and I'll agree. The next thing the Taco does is give smooth release on the magazines regardless of whether its wet, dry, hot, cold, muddy or clean. That's something that can't be said for all gear. Reloads are quick and easy thanks to the shock cord which laces the body. From inside a vehicle, or from body positions that make a direct upward pull difficult, the Taco has no problems. I've found it easy to pull forward (away from my body) and rip the mags free at an angle. This is all possible while still securely retaining the magazines.
Perhaps what has caught my attention most is the ability of the Taco to go from being a magazine pouch of various calibers, to being a grenade or other accessory pouch. While I prefer to have a strap locking my pistol into a holster, the Taco holds my Glock 19 very well, and while my days of throwing HE are largely over, flash bangs, smoke and CS grenades also work quite nicely.
In training, I've used this with LE as well as MIL gear, and I've loaned it out to others who have all come back with positive things to say. I've also used it when teaching younger kids reloads (my friends kids live interesting lives). I found out a long time ago that to see how well something works, give it to someone who has no artificial perceptions of how something should or shouldn't work. Not only does this pass the test with novices, but with with guys who were crawling in jungles and hills when many of us were kids
HSGI went a step further with their Double Decker Taco. By taking the standard Taco and adding a pistol magazine pouch, they created additional room for secondary equipment. You can see in the below pictures that while one of the pouches is carrying a Glock 17 magazine, another one of the pouches is carrying a multitool. Flashlights are another item which fits nicely inside the pistol mag pouch.
While I have yet to see anything similar to the Taco, this idea is too versatile for people not to rip off, which is a shame, HSGI deserves solid credit for this creation, its a good one. The modular ability to hold multiple caliber magazines, as well as equipment make this an easy item for me to recommend. Even if you only have one or two on your rig, you'll find they come in more than a little useful.
The video is from the HSGI website, it shows the Taco in use quite nicely.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XHRoYCcsjM&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
[nggallery id=198]
