Esstac 556 KYWI (Kydex Wedge Insert)
ESSTACBelow are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount
- Buy 10 or above and pay only $6.00 each
Esstac 556 KYWI (pronounced "kiwi")
Comes with velco for both sides.
by Sean
Esstac Shingle Mag Pouch with KYWI - I like that these mag pouches bridge the gap between hard plastic and soft/ cloth mag pouches. The retention is perfect. I prefer open top mag pouches to any other type because when you need more ammo you REALLY need more ammo. Fumbling with a velcro flap or even a bungee can be out of the question for the first 4 mags at a minimum. View More SKD Staff Picks
Don't Like bungee topped magazine pouches? Prefer an open topped pouch for rapid magazine changes? Then these new user-installed Kydex upgrades for the Esstac Wedge magazine pouches and Boar series chest rigs are for you.
The Esstac KYWI (Kydex Wedge Insert) allows you to have the option of swapping out all your existing Esstac bungee retention inserts with a quick open topped friction retention design, or swap out just a few for quicker access while leaving the rest of the mags with the added security of the bungee topped inserts. Magazines in the Kydex have enough compression against them to hold the magazines in place even when the pouch is upside down yet with a quick pull on the magazine they release for speedy deployment.
The spring loaded nature of these Kydex inserts keep the mouth of the Magazine pocket fully open for ease of magazine reinsertion yet hold the mags tight under compression. The apex of the KYWI that contacts the magazine sits above the Mag catch bump when the magazine is in place, so the mags "click" into place.
They are compatible with Pmags, USGI, Orilite, Thermold and Lancer magazines as well as most other 5.56 AR-15/M4/M16 type magazines. Aluminum and steel magazines may need sharp edges chamfered to alleviate excessive wear to the Kydex.
Disclaimer:
Will these 5.56 KYWI inserts work in other manufacturers equipment? The honest truth we have no idea. We have been told by customers that our 5.56 KYWI inserts work in other manufacturers equipment but we can't tell you which ones they do and don't work in. We do not buy other gear company's equipment and test our inserts in them so we can't tell you what they are going to work or not work in. If you decide to buy our 5.56 KYWI insert to use in a different manufacturers equipment that is your choice.
Reviews
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Great and affordable and not just for Esstac gear
I'm almost ashamed to say it but I put these in a Condor shingle and they stay put. They work great. The angle of the bends combined with the Velcro keep the inserts in the pouch and while I have fielded these yet, about 25 pulls just to test them, they seem to work pretty darn well. I'm sure they work well for there intended purpose too, but I wanted an affordable upgrade to some gear that hasn't worn out yet and they work great. BTW, I was using standard USGI mags.
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I love these things
I use these Esstac KYWI inserts in all my mag pouches. Affordable, durable, and they work. SKD vame through with top-notch service and shipping, as usual.
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Perfect!
I got these to replace the closed top pouches I have and have some retention, these work perfectly! The velcro on the back really helps keep them in place and retention is excellent!
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Kydex wedge
The inserts fit great in my Condor rig. Love the open top and quick access!
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Good stuff
I bought the inserts because I have a plethora or various pouches and figured something I already had would work. These inserts in a tac tailor pouch are good and tight (should never have an issue with retention). With Condor pouches they are a little looser but by no means will a full mag slip out. I currently have a Condor pouch mounted horizontally on my war belt and I was doing a little run and gun yesterday with zero issues. The draw is good with steel mags and even smoother with pmags. (steel mags also retain better, but are harder to put in). I would suggest mid height or even the shorties for warbelts and then full size for your plate carrier. These are flexible but yet rigid, they have hook velcro on both sides and a water drainage hole at the bottom. Simple concept done well. I'm glad I got these. also if you get the 30rd inserts you can cut them down if you ever want to throw them into a shorter mag pouch.
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Great Delivery and Great Selection
As always I love shipping at SKD, you have a great selection of gear, this allows onsite comparison. Only wish you had a phone.
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As advertised
Fits all pouches I have. Tight at first but breaks in nicely and provides perfect amount of retention.
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Okay
Got 2 out of three items I ordered, now have to do a long return process. The 556 inserts are great !
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Works perfectly but initially looks cheap
See above.