REVIEW: First Spear Strandhögg

First Spear has a preference for historical names. The company itself is named after the Roman "Primus Pilus," the longest-serving Centurion of a Legion and commander of the first cohort. The Plate Carrier we are presenting to you today, on the other hand, bears the Viking name "Strandhögg" (spelled with only one "o" in English). This is the contemporary Nordic term for a lightning raid from the sea, for which the Nordmen were feared. With the help of POL-TEC, who represent First Spear in Germany, we took a look at the Strandhögg for you.

The Strandhögg, as seen in the main image, is made of coated 500D Cordura and internally coated with a special, fine Velcro. By laser cutting, it has small slits in the material that replace the usually sewn MOLLE loops. With this integrated solution, First Spear is about 40 percent lighter than conventional carriers. In the image, the side view (left) with a view of a free cummerbund and the rear view (right) can be seen. From behind, the Strandhögg looks the same as from the front, so we left the FS pouch for the hydration bladder attached here.

The shoulder is closed on both front sides with the typical "The Tube" from First Spear, but in this case a short version. This makes the plate carrier very quickly detachable, on both sides. Pads are slid onto the shoulder straps. Always a worthwhile investment with a plate carrier. At the top, you can also see the cable tunnels made of Hypalon.

The Tube in action. Here is the long version, connecting the cummerbund to the front plate pocket on both sides and closing the PC. We pull the cord (left), tear downwards (middle), or upwards, and the carrier is open. This is quick and practical, but closing it is a bit more cumbersome because you have to thread it and the angled position from cummerbund to front closure is, well, "challenging," especially when the cummerbund is loaded with pouches. But once again, this is complaining at a high level. The closure system is very good in itself and allows for dispensing with another quick release system for emergency removal. We have read that the tubes can sometimes squeak lightly: silicone spray provides relief.

One of the best features of the Strandhögg is the padding, especially. It is actually the most comfortable plate carrier we know, a true living room for the chest. Here we see the padding on the inside of the plate pocket (left), on the shoulders (top right), and on the cummerbund (bottom right). Plenty of mesh. It's comfortable, but probably not abrasion-resistant in the long run.

In the bulges of the padding are foam strips that serve as a cushion. This allows cool air to flow better to the body where the carrier does not rest directly. And they are also wonderfully soft.

Inside, the space is segmented. The front pocket of the MBAV version (there is also one for SAPI) can accommodate SK4 plates, such as those available from Best Protection. Inside the back is a separate compartment for soft armor. On the right, you see it taken out, a Level III inlay from First Spear itself.

The hydration bladder pouch is made of the same material as the carrier and has an interior from Source, who currently have the best hydration bladders. The FS Hydration Pouch, available in three sizes from First Spear or POL-TEC, is slotted for attaching pouches. You can see our fingers coming through here.

First Spear is so innovative that it has its own system for attaching pouches. It's called 6/12 and consists of laser cuts in the material, which eliminates the need for sewn MOLLE. The pouches also have small Velcro loops with hook and loops on each side.

Here's how it works: with 6/12, the inside of the carrier is coated with fine female Velcro (left). The small tabs of the pouches are simply pulled through the laser-cut slits (middle) and then bent over and Velcroed (right). It fits perfectly and is easily detachable at any time. A very good system. But you are not limited to this. Conventional MOLLE pouches or MALICE clips can also be attached to the First Spear 6/12.

CONCLUSION: The Strandhögg is one of the most beautiful carriers we have come across. Innovative choice of materials and technology together with perfect padding make it a high-end plate carrier that brings joy and fulfills its purpose. Together with the pouches from First Spear, it makes gear enthusiasts' hearts beat faster.

The First Spear STRANDHÖGG MBAV Cut Plate Carrier costs 409 euros at POL-TEC, the SAPI Cut costs the same. POL-TEC also offers the matching pouches from First Spear. The STRANDHÖGG can also be found at GEARMANIACS.

Here is the First Spear Strandhögg as an Assaulter Kit with an attached First Spear MP7 Triple Pouch.