Esstac Handcuff KYWI Pouch
The Esstac handcuff pouch is designed for those who need an open-top cuff with retention. The end user can use either of the two inserts that come included and find which works best for them, whether it be Smith & Wesson M301 (hinged) or Peerless 700C chain cuffs!
The esstac KYWI system is simply the best on the market, which is why we choose to carry them. The Warrior Solution® is an authorized esstac dealer, and all of our inventory comes straight from esstac HQ. Â
Features
- Fits S&W M-301 and Peerless 700C handcuffs
- Esstac KYWI Hybrid Kydex insert and nylon design
- Kydex wedge insert (KYWI) provides excellent cuff retention
- Requires mounting hardware (choose your option above)
- Made in USA
- Does *NOT* fit ASP cuffs.Â
The cuffs pictured are for demonstration only and are not included with the pouch. Nice try, though.
How To Mount An Esstac Pouch - Mounting Options Explained
POUCH MOUNTING OPTIONS
None
This one is pretty straightforward. “None” means nothing, the absence of something, and general emptiness. Like your soul. (No mounting hardware, so you have to supply your own.) Esstac does not use traditional PALs straps and buttons for their pouches, so you will need to choose an option that works best for where you plan to mount it.Â
Velcro One Wrap
If you’re planning on mounting esstac pouches on a battle belt, go with the One Wrap option. This is by far, the easiest, fastest, and most efficient way to mount an esstac pouch on a belt. One Wrap is basically superfine hook velcro on one side, and loop on the other. It sticks to itself when you loop it around a belt. Another advantage of One Wrap is that it will also stick to the hook/loop on your inner and outer battle belt, keeping the pouch even more secure. I haven’t done any side-by-side strength testing with the various options, but I can say for sure that One Wrap is the best (in my opinion) if you’re going to run the pouch on a battle belt.
WTF Straps
Legend has it, these are named based on the number of F-Bombs you’ll drop trying to install them. Meanwhile, everyone that doesn’t eat Crayons can figure these out pretty easily. They are laser cut Hypalon/HANK (whatever that means *takes another bite*) material – basically super flexible rubbery bands. They are very strong, and they won’t dig into your hips or create hotspots over time. WTFix straps are ideal for mounting esstac pouches on plate carriers, chest rigs, or bags. They are not so great if you plan on mounting the pouch to a battle belt. The reason is battle belt’s use NON-Mil-Spec 1/2 webbing, which will ultimately cause the WTF strap to be a little too loose, thus causing you to drop another F-Bomb on your way to order one wrap to replace them.
WTFix straps are me by Whiskey Two Four, and are much lighter and more flexible than MALICE Clips if you’re trying to go as light as possible. They also don’t absorb water for those special LARPing sessions in your mom’s bathtub.
MALICE Clips
Back in the day, Tactical Tailor came up with a new wizbang way of attaching pouches to plate carriers. They are called, MALICE Clips and have become an industry standard for attaching MOLLE pouches to PALS webbing. Available in two sizes and colors, these clips allow you to attach pouches like a boss. They are a little finicky to work with on a battle belt, and the lower portion where the clip locks into itself can cause hot spots over time.Â
Fight Light MALICE Clips® are best for attaching pouches to plate carriers, chest rigs, bags, and things that use standard 1″ gap PALS webbing. Basically all of the battle belts on the market use 1/2″ “micro” webbing, which makes the gap too small to work properly with MALICE clips.
MALICE Clips are not affected bo hot or cold weather, they do not corrode, absorb water, or ever lose their subdued color. They also stay locked until you use a flat object like a screwdriver or knife to pry them back open. A very sold choice.
1.75″ Belt Loops
These are designed to weave into the MOLLE of your esstac pouch and then worn with any belt 1.5-1.75″ in width. Esstac belt loops are injection molded in the USA and are your best option if you don’t have a dedicated battle belt and you’re looking for a way to carry a KYWI pouch on your belt. Â
2.00″ Belt Loops
Same as above except just a tad wider. Esstac’s 2.00″ belt loops weave into the rear webbing of their pouches, or any standard PALs pattern pouch, to create a loop on the back of the pouch, which can then be worn directly on any 2″ Belt. Esstac belt loops are injection molded in the USA.
This is a great piece of kit. I’m still one of the hold outs, I run most of my kit on my belt, although I’m sure this cuff holder would also go great on a vest. In a pinch, it’ll double fairly well as an AR Mag pouch. Great retention, light weight, and low profile.