Wednesday, December 24, 2014

SSO SUMRAK - old cut vs. new cut



We have ordered two Sumrak suits from SSO. They where bought at the same time in the official shop in Moscow, but we got a little surprise when the package arrived.
One of them was the well known older cut, but the other one was the new generation redesigned type. I decided to write an article to show the differences.

Both suits are the same size, 52-54/182, so the comparison was easy. (Old type with white label)


The anoraks have similar cut.
 old type

new type

The differences are: the older one is wider and longer, but the new type has a bit longer arms.

The ventilation mesh in the armpit was reduced to half size on the new type.
 old type
new type

The trousers have more differences.


The new type are similar to the Partizan trousers, but it has no side pockets, just a cut.
old type

new type

The new one is more straight cut and have no rubber band at the calves. The bell shaped ending was also deleted, however the two types are have the same length.
 old type

 new type

On the front the reinforced part is smaller on the new type and concentrated to the knees.


The color shade also have some difference, but that is another story, because SSO stuff always have different color at every production run.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

SSO Nerpa - review





The  SSO Nerpa is one of the rarest vests used by Russian troops, but there are pictures that clearly show it is in actual use among special forces.
The Nerpa belongs to the load bearing vests. The concept is not unknown by the Russian military, just think on the classic ANA Grad 2, 6sh92 etc. All of these vests are obviously very similar to the old LBV, used to be used by the US forces. 

Recently, at least two pieces of Nerpa vests were visible in photos, taken in the Crimea.


The subject of this review is an SSO Nerpa from the latest production (2014).

On both sides of the chest, there are two mag pouches, for two magazines (7.62 or 5.45mm) each. There are also two pouches for flares or bayonet (one between the mag pouches and one behind them).

Additional MOLLE slots can be found behind the mag pouches and on the outer sides of them.

The mag pouches are closed by a combination of hook-and-loop and lift-the-dot fasteners. The lift-the-dot fastener can be familiar from old US equipments. According to my experience, it is easier to close and open, compared to the well known snap buttons. 

There is a removable divider in each mag pouch. Same kind as in the Smersh mag pouches.

For width adjustment, there are 3 straps on the side and an oblique one above them. The ladder buckles are made of steel and look the same as the ones used in the US ALICE system. The straps are long enough to let the vest fit even over body armors. The excess of the straps can be folded and fixed with rubber bands.

The inner surface is covered with mesh for improved ventilation.

On each side of the chest, there is a compartment below the mesh. A waterproof pouch (for documents etc) can be found in the compartments, securely fixed to the vest by a piece of string.


In the middle, in front of the chest, the vest is closed with a zipper and two buckles.


The shoulder straps are wide and well padded to reduce fatigue during long term wear . There are MOLLE slots on the straps for attachment of additional pouches (radio-, medic pouch etc). Length adjustment straps attached to the shoulder straps through steel ladder buckles.

The backpanel has MOLLE slots on the outside and it is padded from inside, for more comfort. Butt packs, hydration systems or any kind of MOLLE pouches can be attached to it.


Completed with an SSO RS-31 belt, VOG pouch, KP Vector holster, a woodland Camelbak Pakteen hydration pack and a dump pouch.

Finally, the fanciest feature of the recent Nerpa, the silicone brand tag on the right shoulder strap.

In conclusion, the Nerpa is a very well made and designed load bearing vest and although the choice between a Smersh type harness or a load bearing vest is of personal preference, the quality of the used materials and the stitching won’t cause any disappointment in case of the SSO Nerpa.
As always, the coloration varies according to the production period.

The reviewed Nerpa, worn by the author:


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

SSO MOLLE Base

The SSO MOLLE base is another excellent product, from the Russian Sposn company.
This vest is a widely used gear among Russian special forces.



It can be seen mostly in black, on FSB and MVD soldiers, but there are some examples for OD color in use, of course in different OD shades according to production period.







In this review I got the newest coloration version.


 In the front there is a rough zipper and 3 plastic buckles to fix the vest in the right position.

 At the back there are three straps to adjust size and one under the shoulders to help balance the carried weight.

 The used materials are strong and tough, the seems are well made.

 In the inside we got all mesh surface, which helps air ventillation

 At the shoulders there are pads built in for increased comfort

 The shoulder is adjustable with Velcro and a strap, that holds the size secured.


 At the top of the back we can find a carrying strap

 In the inner side of the front panels, there are secret pockets on both sides, secured with zipper.

 Inside these pockets there are waterproof pouches with a security line fixed to the vest.

 At the bottom of the whole MOLLE base we find loops for the pistol belt.

This is the latest coloration, 2014 edition.

My overall impression: this is another great product from SSO, truly built to last, it satisfies the needs of real soldiers or operators, so for airsoft play it is more than good! :)

It is available in black, OD, and SSO Spectre