First and foremost, what is MOLLE?
Now, I could secretly re-write most of what the
Wiki on MOLLE has to say and make myself appear smarter than I really am. But instead I will let you go there and read it. In short MOLLE/PALS consists of rows of nylon webbing stitched to a larger carrier that is designed to allow various pouches and things to attach with a plastic strap that locks through the webbing.
I'm not actually sure where one buys the MOLLE sheath or what the available color options are. I couldn't find it on the Gerber homepage. This example came second-hand from Bladeforums and is ACU Digital Camouflage. Not my first choice for sheath color but I was actually buying the tool and was ambivalent about the sheath. Then I found out how neat this particular model is, and have added it to my EDC rotation.
What makes it so appealing to me?
- It's sturdy.
- It has some play in the strap, allowing more comfort when driving or sitting.
- Fastex buckle makes it one of the more secure sheaths on the market.
-
To the actual sheath. Fit/finish is good. Some of the stitching is a little off but it doesn't affect functionality or strength. Overall sheath durability seems high, the material is thick and feels very sturdy. Fastex buckles are very durable.
It is significantly thicker than the regular Gerber sheath.
The plastic strap and integral nylon webbing allow both horizontal and vertical carry.
Note the small section on the front of the sheath that holds the torx wrench for rotating the wire cutters. It holds the wrench secure but it is still easy to get to with little chance of accidental removal.
It only fits the tool one way and does not extend enough to accommodate a tool with the pliers extended.
How do you attach it to a MOLLE rig?
First, you acquire something with MOLLE on it. I so happen to have a Maxpedition Jumbo Fatboy-S, like most Maxpedition products it's covered with webbing for attaching cool gadgets purchased from countycomm that are rarely ever used.
Then you pry up the little tab on the plastic strap, this allows you to open the strap and slide it through the webbing.
Once through the webbing you slide the plastic strap into the locking mechanism and listen for it to click in.
Everything clicked in you are now ready to tackle all manner of exciting adventures. The grocery store! Taking the kids to the park! PTA meetings!
So there's one option. Everyone likes Maxpedition stuff, it's cool looking and very fashionable with the gear community (just don't let those Usual Suspects see it!) but what do you do if you don't have any Maxpedition?
Well, buck up! You can still stick the sheath on your belt! Depending on your personal preference it will either work great or feel like crap. Since it is not designed for belt carry it is very loose and is maybe a little too easy to move around. However, for me, this is excellent. It doesn't poke like normal sheaths when driving and sitting since the amount of play causes the sheath to move to more comfortable positions on it's own when driving/sitting.
Obviously it sits fat on the belt and looks best with a tucked in shirt, lest you appear to have a waist tumor of some sort. A little note here folks; if you ever have any reason to take pictures similar to the ones above just set the timer and do it yourself. Never ask for assistance from anyone else, the conversation goes as follows.
Them: "Why do you have two pouches on your belt? Camouflage? Hey Army man."
You: "I need you to take a picture of my waist so I can review the differences of the two sheaths for this multitool forum I post on."
Them:
Them: "You get paid for that?"
You: "No, it's like a hobby."
Them: *sighs, takes picture and looks at you weird the rest of the night.*
You: "Shut up."
Anyway. Problems with the sheath?
- Security provided by the buckle makes it hard to close the sheath with one hand. Expect to use two hands to accomplish this task.
- Access is not as quick either since you just don't rip open Velcro or a snap, you need to find the tabs for the buckle and push them in to open.
- Really floppy when using the tool and the sheath is open.
- It is a MOLLE sheath and works best as designed.
- May or may not be available for purchase.
Overall I like it. The ACU makes it kind of a novelty but the buckle is the really valuable part of this model. It's resistance to accidental opening makes it a good choice for me when working outdoors, bicycling and hiking. I'd buy it again, although maybe I'd go for the OD Green color instead. Color-coordinating is an important part of tactical accessorizing.
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