REVIEW: Zentauron Magazine Rig STANAG 5.56

In their home country, many still believe that a good armor is something that is heavy, massive, and weighs many kilos. Value is defined by mass, which is also related to a certain concept of regular use. The American experience that equipment should be lighter is hardly understood (see IDZ gear). Zentauron now provides a first response to the demand for more mobility: the Magazin Rig - here in the STANAG 5.56 version - reduces itself to the essentials. And that is exactly what is required. Because, honestly: what more do we need. (All images can be enlarged by clicking on them.)

The large belly bag is 46 centimeters long and 14 high and holds six magazines, here those of the Steyr AUG. Zentauron thinks with a central European mindset and also offers the Rig in suitable forms for the G36 and SIG. Three rows of MOLLE on the front ensure that you can attach if you want, or quickly attach a tourniquet or chemlights. The magazines can still be individually secured with shock cord and a pull tab, which we have not attached here. The shock cord is fixed in a loop behind each magazine and with the help of the top MOLLE seam in the middle of each magazine.

A look at the details: where the H-strap meets the Rig in the front, a stylish ITW QUASM (left) clip holds them together. The QUASM buckles can be detached from the strap and with the small segments from the hip belt (see below) can be hung in all MOLLE loops or in the top front rig slots e.g. by Mayflower. Behind the magazine slots is a Velcro pocket (top right) for flat stuff, like a map. Here (bottom right) a view of the internal processing details: the dividers are made of tarp material, the Rig is also lined like this. It is made of solid Cordura on the outside.

The H-strap in the rear view (left). On the side (top right), it attaches from above and behind to the Rig and is clipped in a classic way. At the back, the strap is interrupted by several U-clips. This is intended so that the magazine carrier can also be clipped to a plate carrier, but then without the light carrier frame. With the U-clips, you can attach the male parts of the hip belt to the sides of the cummerbund or the back of the PC and the part is attached to the armor.

CONCLUSION: The Magazin Rig from Zentauron is a small but great piece, which has everything you need. Six magazines ready at the front of the belly plus the ability to customize individually via MOLLE is perfect. The sitting height with the H-strap is very good. However, the magazine carrier is also meant to be attached to armor. Zentauron may surprise us here with a modular system that we are eagerly waiting for.

You can get the Zentauron Magazin Rig STANAG 5.56 in various colors and camouflage patterns directly from the manufacturer for 159.90 euros. The version for G36 magazines costs the same. There is also a Rig for SIG magazines.