The ACE High Speed Gear, Inc. (HSG) WASATCH Special Forces (SF) III Vest Set - (2004)

ACE HSG WASATCH Equipment Set: Desert Tan (Left), OD Green (Right)

Product Description:

Well, sports fans, I am at it again inspired to provide information to help with your 1/6^th scale purchasing decisions.  This time it is the ACE the High Speed Gear, Inc. (HSG) WASATCH Special Forces (SF) III vest set which was released in late 2004.  This set is HOT and went like hot cakes on most 1/6^th scale eCommerce sites!  ACE Workshop has been putting out high end, high quality, and highly detailed 1/6^th scale accessories since 2002.  Each year and with each release, ACE gets better by adding another level of detail for every equipment piece released. Thus providing us some of the latest and greatest 1/6^th scale items that our soldiers, sailors, and marines are using in the field today.

Seen below, this set comes with majority of the items you need to configure your SOF operator.  The HSG WASATCH equipment set is made up of 1 each (ea.) HSG WASATCH Chest Rig, 1 ea. Omega Baffled Reservoir w/HydroLink, 6 ea. M4/M16 Mags with Magpul systems, 2 ea. Paraclete 3 Pocket (MOLLE/PALS compatible) ammo pouches, 1 ea. Paraclete Double (2 Pocket) Pistol 9mm Ammo Pouch, 1 ea. SIG-Sauer P-226 9 mm Pistol, 3 ea. 15 Round 9 mm magazines, and 1 ea. Safariland SL-6004 Dropdown holster.  The MSRP on this item is $27.99.

ACE Workshop HSG WASATCH Equipment set

Military 1-to-1 Overview (The real thing!):

First thing first, so, lets get a look at the full-scale 1-to-1 items that the ACE HSG WASATCH equipment set is composed of.  Keep in mind that the HSG WASATCH is just the vest (Chest Rig) and armor plate carrier bib/harness.  ACE has added “STUFF” to give you bang for the buck.  Now, just as easily as ACE has mixed and matched items to come up with the basic set, you to can configure this load carrying system to meet your needs.

Chest Rig

The HSG WASATCH was developed based on the needs of the US Army 19^th Special Forces Group (SFG). The WASATCH is named after the geographic area the 19^th Group came from which is the Utah area, and henceforth name the Wasatch after the "Wasatch mountain range” which is a dominate feature in Utah(Yes this is correct, got this straight from the CEO of High Speed Gear, Mr. Gene Higdon [Thanks Gene!]).  This rig is a chest system that is designed to hold front and back Small Arms Protection Inserts (SAPI) plates (AKA: body armor plates, stand alone plates, ceramic rifle plates, ballistic plates, ballistic protection, ballistic shield.), twelve (12) M4/M16 magazines (or 6 ea. AK-47 Mags or, 6 ea. M14 Mags), 1 smoke grenade (or MK-13 Flare) and an MBITR (AN/PRC-148) or comparable size radio (Like the SABER). The internal magazine pouches feature Velcro closure, which can be adjusted for height based on the type of magazines carried. The Radio is retained by shock cord. Other features include PALS webbing on all surfaces, front and rear, for adding gear for whatever contingencies may arise, and a drag handle for casualty extraction. This Chest Rig also features a bib with PALS webbing and an inner storage Velcro closing pocket. The inner surface of the vest features mesh slots for storage of maps and any other small flat items. There are four points of release for quick-ditch situations, should the need arise. This Chest rig is fully adjustable for girth and height. The pictures below provide several good perspectives of the HSG WASATCH.

1 to 1 HSG WASATCH Chest System

1 to 1 HSG WASATCH Chest System Loaded

Hydration Bladder:

Although the good old one-quart LC-2 canteen with cover is not gone, it is being quickly replaced and/or augmented by state of the art hydration systems.  The Hydration systems are the newest method of supplying troops with an ample water supply during various operations.  ACE modeled the hydration system after the Camelbak, Gray Omega Baffled Reservoir w/HydroLink that provides a sufficient water supply when needed in an easy to clean bladder system.  This bladder system is available in 72 and 100 oz configurations and easily fits in the back of many carrier systems.

The 1-to-1 The Camelbak, Gray Omega Baffled Reservoir w/HydroLink

Ammo Pouches M4 / M16:

For extra ammo carrying capacity, ACE modeled the Paraclete M4/M16 Triple Magazine Pouch.  The Paraclete M4/M16 Triple Magazine Pouch has a 4" Velcro pile across the front of the pockets to allow for the attachment of ID markings or use under the exterior cummerbund of the RAV Communications vest (Point of Reference (POR): If any of you guys have seen or have the BBi SOCOM Ranger “Renegade” figure, this is the vest I am talking about.).  These Mag pouch pockets are open top with a retention system. This Mag Pouch attaches to belt or vest with a strap attachment system.

1-to-1 Paraclete M4/M16 Triple Magazine Pouch

Ammo Pouches, Pistol (9 mm or 45 ACP):

For extra pistol magazines capability, ACE modeled the Paraclete Double Pistol Pouch 9mm or 0.45 Cal.  The Paraclete Double Pistol Pouch is made by Paraclete Armor and Equipment, Inc. and is designed to accommodate twin secondary weapon system magazines. The APF0019R-9 (9 mm) and APF0019-45 (0.45 Cal) - Double Pistol magazine pouch are a standard in the industry.  This Mag Pouch Pocket has Velcro flap closures and elastic retaining bands. The flap closures on this Mag pouch are not removable. This Mag Pouch attaches to belt or vest with strap attachment system.

1-to-1 Paraclete Double Pistol Pouch 9mm or 0.45 Cal

Magazine Pullers (i.e., Magpul):

Believe it or not, there is a company out there called MAGPUL Industries Corporation.  These guys have taken what use to be done with 100 mile-an-hour tape and brought it to a whole new level. With the new technology in ammo pouch design, getting the magazine out of the pouch quickly can be a problem.  The Magpul™ 5.56 NATO system provides a solution to quickly removing magazines from the narrow pouch compartments.  The Magpul™ is based upon the tried and true Para-cord loops and duct-tape tabs currently in use with special warfare units worldwide. These units discovered that a loop or tab affixed to the base of rifle magazine could aid dramatically in a successful magazine change under duress. When the Magpul™ is incorporated in a comprehensive training schedule, the effective time for a tactical magazine change can be as little as 1.6 seconds, with an average of 2.3 seconds.  Still an individual equipment buy for most soldier, it is gradually being excepted as an issue item in the more elite units.  Additionally, soldiers are more like to collect and keep their empty magazines.

1-to-1, Magpul™ 5.56 NATO

Weapon: Pistol

The SIG Sauer P-226 is what many experts regard as the most wonderful of all the recent crop of "wonder-nines” and that includes the Beretta currently used by the US military.  Basically, the P-226 is the P-220 (P-220 uses a single column magazine holding nine 9mm Parabellum, .30 Lugar or .38 Super rounds, or seven .45 ACP.) modified to accept a double-column magazine holding 15 rounds of 9mm Parabellum ammunition. It also uses a Colt 1911-type magazine catch, which most combat authorities consider preferable to the P-220's heel-clip magazine catch. It's the most advanced pistol in the SIG-Sauer line, and unquestionably one of the world's premier combat automatic pistols.  Many industry insiders had regarded the P-226 as the front-runner in the U.S. military's recent tests for a new service sidearm, and the decision in favor of Beretta's entry came as quite a surprise to those who claimed to be "in the know." The official military position is that Beretta and SIG-Sauer were the only two pistols that successfully completed all tests, and Beretta had the low bid.  Most SOF operators have chosen the P-226 over the Beretta because of it firing characteristics, ease of maintenance, and steel-to-steel relationship (Less wear with use over time) vs. steel to aluminum trait of the Beretta.

1-to-1 SIG-Sauer P-220 9 mm Pistol

Holster:

The tactical Safariland 6004 (SLS) holster is built for comfort as well as functionality. This holster features the SLS rotating hood system that is so well suited for the tactical situations encountered today.  Since there is no snap, the "SLS" allows for a smoother single-motion draw and greater protection against attempted weapon takeaways and provides reliability in the unpredictable conditions that occur during tactical operations. The hood can only be released by being simultaneously pushed down and rotated forward and actually becomes more secure when upward force is applied. It is also far less likely to release accidentally than conventional thumb break snaps.  The Tactical Finish of the holster is rugged, protecting the gun in scrape, scratch and dent incidents. The thermal-molded Safari-Laminate construction protects the gun, unlike a nylon holster, which can allow dents and dings to smash right through in tough conditions. Molded sight track and soft orthopedic suede protect the gun's sights and finish. A special feature of the Model 6004 is the double leg strap and the leg shroud. These two features combined equal comfort and stability in the holster position on the leg. The leg harness is lightweight and simple to operate. 

1-to-1 Safariland SLS-6004 Dropdown Holster

Product Review:

OK, now that you know what the real thing looks like and how it functions, we can do a little review and comparison of the HSG WASATCH equipment set.  As you are working with your figures, keep in mind that the HSG WASATCH is not a standard issued item for US troops other then perhaps SF troops.  Most other troops having a WASATCH (including Marines) would be responsible for purchasing this item on their own dime.  Again, this set includes 1 ea. HSG WASATCH Chest Rig, 1 ea. Omega Baffled Reservoir w/HydroLink, 6 ea. M4/M16 Mags with Magpul systems, 2 ea. Paraclete 3 Pocket (MOLLE/PALS compatible) ammo pouches, 1 ea. Paraclete Double (2 Pocket) Pistol 9mm Ammo Pouch, 1 ea. SIG-Sauer P-226 9 mm Pistol, 3 ea. 15 Round 9 mm magazines, and 1 ea. Safariland SL-6004 Dropdown holster.

The ACE HSG WASATCH SF Series III Equipment set

HSG WASATCH

The quality of the ACE HSG WASATCH is outstanding.  No loose ends, frays, or repairs needed here on the set I purchased.  The system looks and functions the same as its 1-to-1 counterpart.  As you see from the photos the mash backing is functional and the front bib has a pocket stow area with PALS webbing.  Both the front and back panels open up to support the insertion of a SAPI plate.  However, no ballistic plates came with this set.  Once again, I just made my own out of 0.60 mm Styrene plastic added to my chest harness. 

Front SAPI Stow Pocket area w/Styrene Filler

Rear SAPI Stow Pocket (Note area divided area to support both the Ballistic Pate and Hydration System)

Here is an interesting factoid.  The 1-to-1 WASATCH is designed to carry 12 M4 / M16 magazines in its internal pouch systems.  Well, I could also get twelve M4 / M16 magazines in the ACE WASATCH, very cool!  Now, the 1/6^th Scale WASATCH may look a little thick when you add that number of Mags, but it worked.  However, I have to say that the ACE WASATCH looks better with just one magazine per pocket.

WASATCH Magazine Stow Area w/Paraclete Ammo Pouch Attached (Note Bib Stow Area which is functional)

Another neat thing is the ACE WASATCH also supports the insertion of a SABER or MBITR (AN/PRC-148) radio in the radio pocket area.  For those of you who are unaware of this area, it is located on the far right front corner of the WASATCH as you are facing it.  Long as you keep the hand-held radio to a reasonable size, it will fit!  ACE also incorporated the elastic retention cord for the radio.  Again, long as you are careful on inserting the radio in to the stow area (put the radio in before you put the Mags in.) it will go in OK.  Pay attention to the radio retention cord and please don’t do a “HULK” or you will damage it.

WASATCH Loaded Layout (Note: Bib, MK-13 Signal Flare and Radio Stow Areas)

Radio Stow Area w/Retention Cord

One of the first things you will notice right away is the auxiliary extension belt on the lower edge of the rear plate carried system. The second thing you will notice when you start adding gear to the WASATCH is that the main waist strap will no longer fit around the figure.  This is especially true if you are using a BBi 3.0 or 3.5 body.  The HSG WASATCH auxiliary extension belt on the back rear plate carrier systems is the mechanism that provides you the extra length.  You may have to completely remove the belt from its storage place to adjust and reconfigure it for the load your figure is carrying.  However, re-stowing the extension belt back into the rear plate carrier is effortless.

Waist Support Belt Expanded with Extension Belt

Omega Hydration Bladder:

The ACE rendition of the Omega Hydration Bladder is a good likeness of its 1-to-1 brother.  ACE put plenty of detail in to this item so I think most folks will be happy with it.  The bladder is made of a thick plastic and once inserted in to the rear plate carrier, you will find that there is really no need to add a SAPI plate (Styrene plastic) to the rear.  The water extraction tube is a one-piece molded job that is painted to provide its detail and like most 1/6^th scale hydration systems, the water intake cap is fixed to the bladder and will not open.  The Omega Baffled Hydration Reservoir fits seamlessly in to its own stow area/pocket of the rear plate carrier system.

Omega Hydration Bladder (Ace on Left, 1-to-1 On Right)

Ammo Pouches: M4 / M16 & PMP II Double Mag Pistol Pouch:

Note the likeness between the 1-to-1 version and ACE’s version.  ACE provided very good detail with the Paraclete pouch.  You will also note that to facilitate the PALS and MOLLE configuration, attaching the various pouches to the WASATCH PALS webbing requires interlacing the item through the webbing.  Once interlaced, they will stay in place. Not a real heavy point of discussion here. 

Back and Font View of the ACE’s Paraclete 3 Pocket Ammo Pouch

Paraclete Double (2 Pocket) Pistol 9mm Ammo Pouch

The ACE modeled Paraclete Double (2 Pocket) Pistol 9mm Ammo Pouch mirrors its 1-to-1 brother.  It is design, functions, and looks the same.  It even has the elastic retaining strap at the med-section with a Velcro clip / magazine closer system.  To attach the Paraclete double Mag pouch to the chest harness, the pouch MOLLE or PALS strap must be interlaced through the WASATCH PALS webbing.

Magazine Pullers (i.e., Magpul):

Now sports fans, there is no real reason to add Magpuls to the Magazines that are put in the inner WASATCH pockets. Save your money here because you really will not be able to see them (However, that is totally your call).  That being said, the Magpuls do look very good placed in the Paraclete 3-pocket pouches.  (Factoid: currently the basic load of ammunition for a US infantry soldier is 240 rounds (12 Mags). 

The ACE Magpul (left) as compared to the 1-to-1 version (Right)

ACE loaded version on the left, 1-to-1, Version on the right

SIG-226 Pistol &SL-6004 Holster

When comparing the 1-to-1 Pistol and holster to they are very close.  Matter of fact, from just a quick look it is very hard to tell which is real and which is 1/6^th scale.  However, the more interesting point you have seen this pistol – holster configuration many times. No matter whom the vendor is who has made (BBi, Hot Toys, Custom Craft, Toys Soldier, etc.), this pistol and holster set, it has been very hard for me to tell the difference between the various vendors. The quality of the product is good and every item on the holster and pistol function the way it should.  I also think that ACE has done a good job modeling the SIG-226.  Sure, it is not a true gunmetal paint color, which is not a problem.  However, it does have a highly detailed removable magazine and a working (So, to speak. It moves!) receiver slide.

The ACE SL-6004 (Left) and the 1-to-1 Version (Right)

The ACE SIG-226 and the 1-to-1 Version

Overall Rating:

Overall I have to give the ACE HSG WASATCH a nine (9) out of ten (10).  There was nothing really to complain about.  Yes, I could have said that a gunmetal paint on the weapon would have been sweeter or that for the Paraclete Pocket Ammo Pouches ACE could have clean up the stitching a little better. However, that would have been nitpicking.  Now adding SAPI ballistic plates would have been really nice and ACE lost a point for that.  Also, the Omega Hydration Bladder helped fill out the rear plate carrier section and the front plate is really a matter of taste (I would have like to have seen it).

The bottom line is that the ACE HSG WASATCH Equipment set is outstanding and gives you a lot of options for to modeling your figure.  As far as the cost of the item, well times are changing.  And with changing times comes the level of detail desired and expected by 1/6^th scale hobbyist and collectors today.  The HSG WASATCH is a good buy.

Enjoy!

T. R. Stallworth

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