Phantom CIRAS (Maritime Version) - For all you peeps that were wondering

[shinjit noir]

Well, after a long wait, I finally received my Phantom CIRAS Replica. In terms of my experience with gear, I've owned a BHI CCH, BHI Strike Recon Chest Harness and finally, a HSGI Weesatch. Not a long list, but I've got a sense of what decent gear should be. Lets get the party started.


Initial Impressions
Quality seems quite good. The attachment points seem to be stitched well, not anything I've noticed being terribly done over the rig. The outer pals are larger than the inners, but this was intended. Not sure if the real deal one is the same. As for the material, it's condura. Feels the same as the Weesatch's materials or any other HS gear I own. The package came with the following.


Basically, a single, double and triple double m16 pouch, dual pistol pouch, ID velcro panel. The flaps on the m16 pouches are overly long, so yes, they will fit larger mags.


Dual Mag Pouch Malice Attachments. Basically a decent copy of Eagles MLCS M16 Pouch.


Dual Mag pouch with TM M16 Lowcaps. Fairly snug fit.


The lids are adjustable/removable, so you can have that TX look if you want, or accomodate larger mags if you'd like.


This really makes me feel like Halloween candy. Those fuckers.


The plate assembly is hidden under the mesh velcro. It's quite thick, but really holds the form of the the rig together.


A shot of the internal retention system the CIRAS has. It's not down to detail, but it gets the job done, and yes, it does self destruct when pulled.


The highlighted area is where the pullcord is for disassembly. (more shots below)




Detailed shot of the internal retention system. Basically, there's a loop of paracord that goes through the rings of the cummerbund, as well as the shoulder straps. The wiring slips through this paracord loop, so when pulled, the whole attachment falls to pieces. From the real CIRAS's instruction manual, this is missing a few steps, but it's still gets the job done.
Real CIRAS Manual:http://www.finnrappel.fi/EagleCiras2.jpg


Phantom CIRAS Left, HSGI Weesatch Right.

Drawbacks
1. Putting it on can be a chore with the velcro. (as opposed to a Weesatch, that quickly clips on and off)
2. Plates are internally sewn into the rig, so there's no getting them out. (Update: no longer a negative. They are removable)
3. Mag pouches are a bit big for m16 mags, but this can easily be solved by adding aftermarket pouches. (Update: They are adjustable, so this isn't a con anymore)
4. Pals not accurate. The Phantom has a 6x6 grid of pals, while the real deal has 7x8. (this may be modelled after a small size version, so this may be correct afterall)
That's about it for now, give me a month or so.


Conclusion
Christmas is here. The rig appears to be solid, to say the least, but I'll run it through the loops and get back to you guys in a few months. Feel free to add to any questions. I'll update this post as per requested.


Santa really went all out this Christmas.

[Rico]

Awesome review. I was considering this for my next rig. One question: Would two M4 mags with Magpuls fit into the pouches? From other pictures I've seen, it looks as if it may be a tight fit.

[Neverhood]

Wow very nice rig. Looks great. How much did that set you back?

[shinjit noir]

Originally Posted by Ricoius

Awesome review. I was considering this for my next rig. One question: Would two M4 mags with Magpuls fit into the pouches? From other pictures I've seen, it looks as if it may be a tight fit.

From my observations, there is a chance, although it's extremely tight (you probably could, but it'd render your reload times to miserable, due to the fact that the mags would clinch together.)

[bruce]

Nice looking rig but it looks real small. It's missing a few rows of PALS webbing compared to the pictures of real ones.

[shinjit noir]

Looks like it, it's got 6x6 vs 7x8. Had a feeling something was off.

[Primus]

Damn! It does look extremely small :cry: How tall are you Shinjit and how much do you weigh?

[Adrian]

Originally Posted by shinjit noir

Looks like it, it's got 6x6 vs 7x8. Had a feeling something was off.

Not neccessarily; the real CIRAS is sized. If this replica is aimed at the asian market, they probably just knocked off the small.

[Xepharo]

Nice review shinjit, was looking into these CIRAS replicas.

[*MADKILL*]

wow verry cool tacvest (Phantom CIRAS (Maritime Version)) you have the price for this tacvest full equip ? because I would like year to have one well.

sorry am french



MADKILL

[shinjit noir]

Originally Posted by Primus

Damn! It does look extremely small :cry: How tall are you Shinjit and how much do you weigh?

I'm 5'10 and around 140lbs. Note, its adjusted to one of the smallest settings, so it will fit larger people.

Originally Posted by Adrian

Not neccessarily; the real CIRAS is sized. If this replica is aimed at the asian market, they probably just knocked off the small.

Glad to hear this, as it was sort of a letdown that it wasn't totally accurate.

Originally Posted by *MADKILL*

wow verry cool tacvest (Phantom CIRAS (Maritime Version)) you have the price for this tacvest full equip ? because I would like year to have one well.

sorry am french



MADKILL

No problems. Regular price was $260+ shipping, although I paid $200 shipped for mine (CATSCAN's)

[CoNtEmPt]

Nice Review Shinjit

I just got one of these as well, and Im fairly impressed with the quality.
After I spent ALOT of time making adjustments I got myself a nice fit.
The soft armour on mine slid right out after unvelcroed however and wasn't sewn into the panels.
I found the soft armour to be really to thick for the rig. After I took them out I cut one right through the middle and reinserted it into front and back. The rig has more then enough for support now and isnt to thick.

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/attachm...tid=1700&stc=1

[Freedom Fighter]

Nice review with decent sized photos. Thanks a bunch!

[lt_poncho]

Awesome review Shinjit - I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this but I think of you as Canada's own Military Moron. Excellent detail and awesome pictures - keep up the good work, mate.

[bruce]

I've asked around Lightfighter Tactical forum to see if anyone knows the configuration of the CIRAS in small size. So far one person has replied that it is indeed a 6X6 PALS setup in front. Sorry to scare you before. ;-)