In this video we take a look the Blue Force Gear Combat Helo Load rated Kit (CHLK). This is our first dive into the next generation of battle belts.
| Get the gear in this review |
Blue Force Gear CHLK (Combat Helo Load Rated kit)
Beyond Systems
A-9T Mission Pant (Civilian)
A-9A Advanced Mission Pant (Mil)
Aptus Hybrid Softshell K5 jacket (absolute hidden gem!)
Grim Hunter Tactical Gear
Discount Code: TLD10
Tyr Tactical
Happy Pistol Mag Pouches
Happy Rifle Mag pouches
True North Modular Holster Adapter
Propper Series 100 8” Waterproof boots
| Training |
| Discounts |
Olight Weapon lights
Discount Code: TLDco
Wilder Tactical
Discount Code: TLDco
We start to buy taking a look at everything done differently on this belt. And I have to say, it’s all of it! Even the inner belt of the BFG CHLK has a radically different design. Gone are the buckles and G-hooks and instead the entire inner belt uses hook and loop with a flap that folds over to tighten, similar to the Blue Force Gear Low-profile EDC belt the team loves so much.
The inner belt is also reversible so it can be worn to match the work camo pattern. Even the shape of the belt jumps a bit from the standard to give a flared belt design. The flare on the BFG CHLK is designed to sit more like a worn leather belt with the bottom of the belt flaring out to better distribute the weight of the belt and its additions
Looking at the outer belt, we see some wild new changes to the status quo. The BFH CHLK connects over itself instead of previous designs with a gap in the center to connect the belts. This is important to remember as sizing becomes even more critical when the customer is purchasing. Make sure to follow the blue force gear website and get as close to your size as possible. The website recommended going over a size as I was close to the split but I should not have done that.
The BFG CHLK also uses laser-cut slots on reinforced laminate. Gone are the old sewn-in fabric of the molle webbing and instead you have an unbelievably strong attachment point. You no longer have to worry about the webbing disconnecting from overuse or stress from connected molle pouches. The outer belt also uses the same flared design as the inner belt to distribute the weight evenly on the hips.
Attaching is easy as the BFG CHLK uses the standard molle distancing so you can easily use standard malice clips, helium whisper attachments, or esstac wtf strips. I had no issues connecting up anything and it even seemed more flexible in how I could route the attachments than standard molle due to being able to weave in different patterns in and out of the belt.
The main claim to fame of the Combat Helo Load rated Kit though is that it is actually load rated! The belt has two load-rated attachment points, one on the front of the belt and one located on the rear. Note, this is not load-rated for rappelling and should be for a horizontal load as noted on the load test rating tab included with the BFG CHLK.
After loading it up with our pouches from Grim Hunter Tactical gear and a crazy fancy True North Modular Adapter, we tested everything out to see how it performed.
One issue I find with the design and fitting though, the Crye G3 and comparable Beyond Systems A9s sit a lot higher on the waist than standard OCPs.
I also found the belt to be extremely rigid. I would even go so far as to say, too rigid. As I noted, I went one size higher and the belt has already predetermined my body shape. I’m more of an oval and the belt wants me to be shaped more like a circle.
Another issue is the attachment points themselves. If you’re not getting into helicopters, you’re losing a lot of real estate by using this belt. The blue force gear website says you can cover up the attachment points with standard molle bits but I found this to be extremely challenging. The attachment definitely bulges out and causes anything over it to sit funny.
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Music by th amazing @Barren Gates