How a chest rig setup works
A modern chest rig is a front piece plus whatever you hang it from. Haley and Spiritus sell each part on its own, so you only pay for what the job needs.
- The chassis or placard: the front pouch that carries your magazines and essentials.
- The harness: the shoulder straps that turn a placard into a standalone rig.
- The back strap: it keeps the rig tight against your body, so it doesn't bounce when you run.
- The inserts: they decide which magazines the rig takes, from 5.56 and 7.62 to SMG mags.
The same front piece also clips onto a plate carrier as a placard. Buy the rig now and it moves onto the carrier later, so you don't pay twice for the front.
TL;DR: pick the rig for the size of the load. Pick the inserts for your rifle.
Haley Strategic chest rig: D3CRM or D3CRX?
Haley Strategic makes its chest rigs in the USA. Every one here is sold as the front placard only, and you add the harness and inserts yourself.
The D3CRM Micro Chest Rig (169,90€) is the compact one. It's small enough to wear under a jacket. With the right insert, it carries three 5.56 mags, two 7.62 mags or four SMG mags. The 556 Triple Mag Insert (45,90€) and the Quad SMG Insert (39,90€) go straight in.
Haley's magazine inserts use the MP2, which clicks the magazine in place without bungees, pull tabs or flaps. You hear and feel it lock.
The D3CRX (239,90€) is the bigger rig for patrol, recon and vehicle work. It gives you extra room for comms, medical gear and admin, which tends to multiply the longer you're out.
Pick the D3CRM if you want the lightest rig for magazines and a few essentials. Pick the D3CRX if the radio, the med kit and the admin all have to live on the same rig.
For bigger magazines, the D3CR Heavy Placard (329,90€) has adjustable cell depth and comes with four MP2 inserts. It takes 7.62 and AK magazines as well as 40-round PMAGs, and a cell can hold a PRC-152 radio instead.
H-Harness or X-Harness?
Both cost the same 69,90€ and come with a waist strap. Each shoulder strap has 1 × 3 MOLLE for cables and a PTT, and both fit every Haley chest rig and placard.
The X-Harness uses a slip loop, so the rig goes on and comes off fast. It fits a wide range of body types and suits a light loadout.
The H-Harness sits evenly across the neckline and spreads the weight over your back and shoulders. That makes it the better fit with a big pack, a heavier load or broad shoulders.
For airflow under the rig, add the Chest Rig Pad (9,90€). Haley uses three pads on the D3CRM and four on the D3CRX.
Spiritus Systems chest rig: Micro Fight
The Micro Fight Chassis Mk6 (89,90€) is a single-cell Spiritus Systems chest rig with a loop-lined interior. Every Spiritus magazine insert fits inside. Switching from 7.62 to 5.56 means buying a 35,90€ insert, not a new rig.
The inserts are elastic, so the draw is quiet and they won't warp in the heat like kydex.
To wear it on its own, add a Fat Strap Mk4 (64,90€) and a Back Strap (22,90€). One Fat Strap is a complete harness, so you don't need a pair. The Back Strap also works as a sling when you want to carry the chassis cross-body as a small go bag.
The Mk6 has the same footprint as the Mk5, so your Mk5 accessories carry over. On a plate carrier, it buckles to the front of an LV-120 with the included side-release buckles or optional G-hooks.
The 5.56 Placard (69,90€) is the simplest way in. Its elastic cells hold 5.56 mags, and the hardware for turning it into a micro chest rig comes in the box.
Growing the Micro Fight
Out of room? The Thing 3 (115,90€) adds four columns of double-sided MOLLE on each side, enough for up to three SPUD Pouches. It also takes Mk4 and Mk5 placards and runs on the Fat Strap and Back Strap. It only comes in black and coyote, because it's meant to disappear under pouches anyway.
The Expander Wing Mk-2 (67,90€) puts a side pouch under the harness on either side of the body. It fits a rifle mag or a radio like the PRC-152.
The Pangolin Flap (22,90€) closes over gear that's the wrong shape for a normal flap. The SMG Pangolin Flap (19,90€) does the same job for subgun magazines.
Running ATAK? The EUD Bridge (82,90€) centres your phone between the shoulder straps on rigs with MOLLE straps. It comes with a hard-mount plate for an MPU5 PTT.
The CCS Pouch (154,90€) covers the whole front of the chassis. It keeps your phone, ID and tools behind double zips. More options from other brands in pouches.
FAQ
Does a chest rig come with a harness and inserts?
No. The D3CRM, D3CRX and Micro Fight are sold as the front piece only. Haley's H-Harness and X-Harness include a waist strap. On the Micro Fight, you add a Fat Strap Mk4 and a Back Strap.
Haley D3CRM or Spiritus Micro Fight?
A complete D3CRM with an X-Harness and a 5.56 insert comes to 285,70€. A Micro Fight with a Fat Strap, a Back Strap and a 5.56 insert comes to 213,60€.
Pick the D3CRM if you want MP2 click-in retention and a choice of two harnesses. Pick the Micro Fight if you want quiet elastic inserts and room to grow with the Thing 3.
Can I use a chest rig on my plate carrier?
Usually, yes. The D3CRM, D3CRX and Micro Fight Mk6 all work as placards. Check that the front of your carrier takes 1-inch buckles or G-hooks before you order.
Do you ship chest rigs across the EU?
Yes. We ship chest rigs, harnesses and inserts from Helsinki to the rest of the EU. VAT is included in the listed price, and there are no customs charges inside the EU.
