I am mostly a woodsball/scenario player and I had previously been skeptical of Dye producing products for that market. They always seemed much more popular in airball and tournament play. Recently, though, Dye tactical has been putting out some really great stuff and the GTG vest is probably the most well designed and well thought out vest for a scenario game I have seen. Here are my thoughts on what I look for in a vest, and how the Dye GTG stacks up:
Sizing 9/10: So, I'm a pretty big guy (both tall and wide) and I was skeptical of a vest that is one size fits all. Others, like the RAP4 I also own, have at least a couple sizes. The side straps and shoulder straps on this vest, though, are adjustable to a wide range, and even with my large frame it fits like a glove. The only complaint I have is that the vest feels a bit short (I'm 6'1"). Perhaps a "tall" size would be nice, but it isn't a major problem by any means. Still fits very well and very comfortable
Durability 10/10: I want a vest that is light and strong. I've seen others comment that the Dye vest is so light it feels flimsy, but I think people feel how light it is and don't have faith that it is actually strong. The material is very strong even though it is so light, which I see as a good thing. If heavier makes you feel better, just load it up with some molle attachements and pod packs and you'll feel that weight.
Functionality 10/10: Probably the thing I appreciate most about this vest, and many of the newer Dye products I have recently tried, is how much functionality they have. Dye seems to think through every single thing on their products down to the stiching, and it really shows. First, the pod packs on the back is a 3+4, meaning it has 3 main pockets, and elastic to hold 4 additional pods between. The tank pouch is large enough to hold my Ninja 90ci tank, but has multiple straps to secure a much smaller tank. On the front you have a larger pouch which fits my radio if I'm using it in a scenario game and has map and ID holders on the front. There is an id holder on the shoulder for game cards if needed as well. The smaller pouch below is useful for smoke grenades, and the dump bag on the side was an incredible addition by Dye that makes dumping used pods in the middle of a game so much easier. You have a huge compartment on the back for a water bladder with a hole to thread the tube through on the back. Then the rest of the vest is molle with all sorts of attachments you can buy from Dye. I have a couple pod and clip holders as well as grenade pouches so I can adjust to whatever game I'm playing. If you want to run heavy, you can easily run three pod or clip pouches on the right and a grenade pouch on the side, or use no molle and run light. It is an extremely adaptable system. Lots of other little touches too like belt loops, velcro for patches, loops for attaching a sling, etc.
I really think this vest is the best I have seen on the market for the well thought out design. Highly recommended.
Edit (5/31): As I was re-reading the product description I thought I would point out that Dye has an earlier version of this vest and DyeCam (the camo pattern) Many paintball sites will list the products as "2.0" or "2013 dye cam." I got this on amazon from WavetoGo, and the molle pouches on Amazon as well from various paintball suppliers. I received the 2013 version of everything in case others were wondering, but there are older versions on Amazon (mostly of the molle attachements) as well. Also, for those who might like the vest but not want to buy all Dye clothing (though that is pretty well designed as well) Dyecam tends to be closest to a multicam pattern I think. In case you want to look at other clothing options, you aren't necessarily locked into buying all Dye products just because it is in Dye's own camo pattern.
Update (8/12/13): Thought I would write a quick update now that I've been playing with this vest for a couple months. I have played with this vest in 5 games now over the summer and I will say, I am still very happy with it. I have another pod pack for warm days as I was afraid it would be too warm, but I've actually used the vest all summer. I haven't played above 90 degrees, but I played an all day big game in 85 degree heat and did pretty well. The vest has had no durability problems. Nothing has broken. My favorite part is still the dump pouch which comes in extremely handy when I'm defending a position and running through lots of ammo quickly. I can easily reload and just drop my pod in the pouch instead of either putting it back in its slot, or dropping it on the ground and risking losing it. Still highly recommended.
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