The Fast Mag Gen II has been improved from the original design with a reduced width to allow for multiple units in a single PALS column. The friction retention pads have been redesigned and thickened for improved magazine retention. Angled tabs on the top provide a better grip and easier magazine extraction. An adjustable tension band has replaced the rubber band. There is now a drain hole and belt-mounted version without stabilizer tabs. The Gen II addresses issues identified in the original Fast Mag while retaining features like compatibility with standard magazines and reduced IR signature.

1. Fast Mag Review
Gen II Fast Mag from ITW Military
Products
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2. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
As a follow up to our earlier review...
While at SHOT 08 I was able to check out the newest generation of the Fast
Mag. This product is still being manufactured by Down East, Inc and distributed
through ITW Military Products. Instead of rehashing the concept of the design
I'll focus on the improvements.
As with the original Fast Mag, the case is made of high impact, anti-
fragmentation polymer with Ghillitex Technology to reduce IR signature.
The Fast Mag is compatible with the Magpul P-Mag as well as standard USGI
M16/M4 Magazines.
www.diytactical.com

3. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
One of the things noted on
my original review was the
width of the mag holder. The
earlier model essentially took
up half a PALS column and
required a full column
between multiple Fast Mags.
This is no longer an issue.
The width of the device has
been significantly reduced.
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4. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
Down East has also
redesigned the friction
retention pads to be direct
molded instead of riveted
onto the body of the holder. I
have been told that future
versions will be color
matched. I've also noticed
that these pads have been
made thicker to increase
contact with the magazine in
the pouch.
www.diytactical.com

5. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
Another design change is seen with
the tabs that hold the top of the Fast
Mag steady. On the new version
these have been angled back so as
to provide a forward cant to the top
of the mag . This provides a better
angle for a more positive grip and
makes it easier for the user to
execute the slight twisting motion
that allows for an easier release of
the magazine when extracting.
You will also notice in the above photo that the
quot;Jump Strapquot; has been rerouted. While on the
subject of the Jump strap they has also replaced
the webbing pull tab with an ITW Nexus Zipcor.
As a personal preference, I still prefer the pull
tab.
www.diytactical.com

6. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
The tension band that goes along the
outside has been reworked. It had
been replaced with a heavy rubber
band. This band is now able to be
adjusted up and down to adjust tension
and rides in between raised ribs.
These ribs provide additional rigidity to
the body of the Fast Mag as well as
offer protection to the rubber band.
This band can also be removed
entirely. One potential problem I see is
that this band may over time get nicked
and break or get lost after someone
removes it.
www.diytactical.com

7. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
While the newer version of the
Fast Mag is much more secure
than the previous I am still weary
of mounting it upside down. I was
able to get some movement
jumping up and down with a
loaded magazine in the fast mag
while it was inverted. However not
nearly as much as the previous
model (I was able to get the mag
to fall out completely) Based on
past field experience and
Murphy's Law I would recommend
using the Jump Strap when
inverted.
www.diytactical.com

8. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
In the photo below you
can see that there is
now a drain hole on
the bottom between
the two attachment
straps. This is a nice
addition to allow for
the drainage of water,
dirt, and dust.
www.diytactical.com

9. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
Finally there are Two
versions of the Fast
Mag. The one we
have show here and a
version designed to be
belt mounted. The Belt
mounted model has
had the stabilizer tabs
removed. See photo
Below (courtesy ITW
Military Products)
www.diytactical.com

10. Gear Review: Fast Mag Gen II
Overall there have been huge improvements to the original
design which in and of itself was not a bad product.
This Review has been Brought to you by DIY Tactical, LLC
For more information you can look at the ITW Military
Products website or the Down East Inc website.
Product Sheet (.pdf)
www.diytactical.com