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Old 11-30-2008, 19:52   #16
PinelandVet66
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: JBLM
Posts: 37
Recently had one of my neighbors approach me and ask for a hand putting together his IOTV. i said sure i figured he could use the help because he is a hospital Doc and has never deployed until now. He broke that thing out of the package and i was at a loss for words with the amount of kevlar that thing was packing. Im pretty much a knuckle dragger so i finally got it all together and was surprised how heavy and cumbersome it was minus a combat load. I can understand that a lot of people think that it is a huge improvement on the old interceptor but a some point someone needs to stop and remember that our guys still need to move in their armor. Sometimes speed is security and offense is the best defense in most cases. The IOTV is definitely defensive ! Anouther .02
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Old 11-30-2008, 20:02   #17
dangerman
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Honolulu, HI
Posts: 7
IOTV Review

Between going from an IBA to an IOTV, and back to an IBA for the time being, I have to say I really prefer the IOTV now. The suspension system is a subtle improvement you don't notice until it's gone, as is the over-the-head donning style for me personally. My old IBA was great on my '05 deployment, but then we didn't have to wear the neck collar, groin protector, or the DAPS. We do now, and it sucks in every way imaginable, but thats an organizational thing so ces't la vie.

Since I am a HMMWV gunner on a convoy escort team, I don't wear any pouches at all on the vest (again organizational) save for the IFAK, so I can't say what it's like on the IOTV. I will say though that being 6'4", even the XL IOTV only covered me about to the bottom of my rib cage. Great for mobility, not so much for catastrophic abdominal wounds. Yes, the cvilian at Ft Hood told me not to worry, it fits fine!

The glaring problem I have had with it is the quick release, in that about every third time I go put the vest on it falls apart. Great idea, poor execution. The cable keeps coming out of the loops in the back and voila, falls to my feet in so many pieces. Aggravating, but an added PCC now that I expect it helps out. I thought it may have been operator error since I am Infantry, but a few other guys in the Plt have the same problem. Other than that, it could be a bit lighter and less bulky, but the suspension setup and adjustment straps are a step in the right direction.
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Old 02-07-2009, 20:56   #18
crash
Guerrilla
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 123
I was slightly impressed with the IOTV when it first came out, now that I have one... Not so much. First off I was issued a size to big, may have already read that. So if just feels huge on me; but I was given the wrong size so we won't go there...

Quick release seems like a good design I like the channels for running the cable and to securing it; however they don't work very well, the bottom connector for both side peices always seem to come undone, no matter how the cable gets routed.

Doning the vest, oh yeah when you first get it and there are no pouches on it that little flap will velcrow up, and you can just wrap the side flap around and secure it. now try doing that with 6 mags in pouches, and securing the side flap now that it has a plate in it and whatever other gear it has...

All in all I like that it does provide more side protection, the idea of a quick release/medical access and I understand why they made it longer, but I don't like it. I fidn it uncomfortable, and just don't think it works as well as it must have looked on paper.
ok... Rant over.
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Old 02-10-2009, 00:30   #19
Green Tip
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Abad
Posts: 14
I've had the IOTV (Improved Outer Tactical Vest) for like 4 months now. It fits good, but if you have to foot patrol it keeps your diaphram from exspanding to breathe. Their's a elastic strap that you velcro together when you put it on which is underneath the armor. As far as I know it's a "in theatre only" vest.

The Molle on it really sucks. Their's no were really to customize the way you want it be. Plus once you have all your pouches on it the IOTV becomes a pain in the a** to put on. If you buy your own chest rig I suggest buying one with a back piece instead of a cross over. If you have a cross over, and your rig has 12 mags+NVG+IFAC it will put all the weight on your neck because the throat/neck protector doesnt stop the straps.
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Old 02-14-2009, 00:39   #20
crash
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 123
This vest sucks...

So I was informed that my vest fits, I did not have it adjusted correctly.. ok, Im and idiot.... Now it fits better, but...

So what qualifys a ESAPI plate as being damaged?

I have always been told if any portion of the plate is exposed it needs to be replaced? Is this correct? the corners of both mine are spit open and I can see the layers in the plate....?

The response I received was if its the corners it ok as long as it not the face?
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Old 02-21-2009, 09:02   #21
Green Tip
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Abad
Posts: 14
Try to bend the plate. If it has any movement that you can feel while bending it then I would turn it in.
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