After putting in some time with the Shekkin TBAS T5 after testing the newer T4 clone, I can confidently say this is one of the best reproductions of the current ADA TBAS T5 available. For anyone looking to build a modern Aussie SF-inspired setup (or just to have an extremely functional and simple carrier), Shekkin have done an exceptional job as always.
The first thing that stands out is the quality of the carrier. The AMCU material is extremely convincing and appears to be IR treated. Under night vision with IR illumination, the material does not exhibit the excessive glow often seen on cheaper replica equipment, making it a solid option for users who care about IR signatures.
The plate bags are very well constructed, with excellent stitching and internal hook-and-loop attachment fields for comfort pads. I installed a set of Shekkin AVS-style pads inside mine and found they worked very well. I am currently running Shekkin's Medium weighted SAPI training plates, which fit securely with very little movement inside the carrier, but it is a bit on the tighter side.
My main criticism (if any) is the included cummerbund. The supplied three-band skeletal cummerbund with seven columns of MOLLE appears better suited to small and medium-sized builds. On my initial fitting I was disappointed to find the carrier did not comfortably fit my larger frame. For users with a larger chest size, I would strongly recommend either Shekkin's Quick Release Cummerbund or a compatible AMCU hook-and-loop cummerbund from Platatac or another manufacturer. To their credit, Shekkin were very responsive and have arranged a larger custom ten-column cummerbund for me. I would love to see Large and XL cummerbunds become a standard option in future which are normally supplied in the CES for the real ADA TBAS T5 carrier.
I am also running Shekkin's AMCU zip-on rear panel. The genuine YKK zippers are heavy duty, the stitching is excellent, and overall build quality is exactly what I would expect from a solid carrier.
The shoulder straps are another highlight. They are extremely low profile and utilise a Blue Force Gear Helium Whisper-style laminate material that feels lightweight but strong. Initially I had concerns about the visible stitching at the attachment points, however after inspecting the interior of the plate bags I found the straps are recessed into the carrier and reinforced internally. While I would still like to see these areas strengthened further, the carrier has performed well during field use alongside a field pack with no issues so far.
The internal admin pocket is a great addition and works well for routing communications cables or storing small field items. The front placard interface follows an AVS/JPC-style design, allowing placards to be swapped quickly. Shekkin's AMCU T5 three-magazine shingle placard is excellent quality and performs well when indexing and reinserting magazines. The elastic side loops on both sides of the plate bags are also a thoughtful touch, making cable management and PRC-152 antenna routing simple and effective.
Once fully assembled, the carrier is exactly what the genuine ADA TBAS T5 was designed to be: lightweight, low profile, comfortable, and functional.
With larger cummerbund options and a little additional reinforcement around the shoulder strap attachment points, I genuinely believe this carrier could outperform the genuine TBAS T5 in several areas, particularly when considering price, availability, and overall value for money.
Highly recommended.
Perfect IFAK Pouch, same color and top surface!
Great quality pouch. I have a old salty rav, and this weathered up beautifully to match it. And the weathering process didn't damage it, so I forsee a long wonderful lifetime
Solid mount, no issues. Looks great on the stock.
These work great with my AVS. Color and quality match the real deal. Tegris is sturdy and give the cummerbund plenty of rigidity.
The pouch is perfect in terms of color and quality. My only gripe is there is extra elastic separating the magazines. When inserting magazines they sometimes get caught on the extra elastic material.
Quality and color are spot on. What's stopping me from giving this 5 stars is that it does not hold 2 magazines easily. Otherwise good pouch.
The glasses have poor material,I tried to adjust it the temples to my face and the hinge broke ,I sent a video to shekkins and they refuses to help me to replace them or refund me. I've got a brand new plate carrier with defect as well,brand new (194$) and they send me 30$. Its better to you buy original gear ,shekkins refuses to help you with fabric problems.
quality is pretty good, webbing and plate bags are the correct color. looks identical to my real DGLCS pouches. the lighting on the site makes it look way greener than it is, it’s more close to Eagle khaki than anything. love it, you guys knocked it out of the park.
Really not impressed, second time wearing them. Made sure I got a size bigger than what I usually wear as well
Very good build quality and accurate colors.
Great light, very accurate looking with great build quality and brightness (led version)
Shipping expensive to USA east coast ! But what isnt these days. Exactly what was needed. Good build.
I have had my Shekkin AVS since July of 2025. My AVS has held up phenomenal. I have a set of SAPI small level 4 Hesco plates in my AVS and have had zero issues.
GREAT light. Feels good in the hand and looks genuine. Friend of mine asked how I got a clean new Surefire and told him it was a really good reproduction that won’t break the bank. Sits nicely on my Gordon build.
Would recommend over the cobra buckle in general. I’ve always been a fan of tubes rather than buckled and these tubes cemented that opinion.
Good build quality, and good attention to detail. The way the cummerbund stretches was a good unexpected touch
Excellent build, color, and quality. I haven’t owned a real FCPC v5, but I do own a real Crye JPC 1.0. The build quality is nearly at that level
Bcs the metal hooks could be in some sort of darker colour than exposed metal.
I dare to say its the best frag pouch on the market atm. Will buy more in the future.
