Laser Cut vs. Traditional MOLLE: Which PALS System Wins for Modularity?

Introduction: The Quest for Customizable Gear

In the world of tactical gear, outdoor equipment, and even everyday carry (EDC), the ability to customize and adapt one's loadout to specific mission requirements or personal preferences is paramount. For decades, the MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system, and specifically its PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) webbing, has been the dominant standard for achieving this modularity. It allows users to attach a vast array of pouches, holsters, and accessories to backpacks, vests, belts, and other platforms. However, recent years have seen the rise of a new contender: laser-cut MOLLE. This innovative approach replaces traditional sewn nylon webbing with precision-cut slots directly in the fabric of the gear, promising a lighter, sleeker, and potentially more versatile platform.

This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two PALS implementation methods. We will explore the fundamental principles of each system, conduct an in-depth analysis of their modularity features, and examine other critical factors such as durability, weight, cost, and aesthetics. The central question we aim to answer is: when it comes to modularity, does the modern innovation of laser-cut MOLLE truly outperform the time-tested traditional PALS webbing, or is the choice more nuanced? By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each, users can make more informed decisions about which system best suits their individual needs and operational contexts.

Image credit Tacticon Armament

Understanding Traditional MOLLE and PALS Webbing

The foundation of modern modular tactical gear, the MOLLE system, with its PALS webbing, revolutionized how military personnel and, subsequently, civilians carry their equipment. To understand its significance and compare it to newer iterations like laser-cut MOLLE, it's essential to grasp its core principles, design, and operational benefits.

The Genesis of MOLLE: A Need for Adaptability

MOLLE, an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, was officially introduced in the late 1990s by the United States military to replace the older ALICE (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) system. The primary goal was to provide soldiers with a more versatile and ergonomic way to carry their combat loads, allowing for mission-specific customization and better weight distribution. The cornerstone of the MOLLE system is the Pouch Attachment Ladder System, or PALS.

PALS Webbing: The Backbone of Modularity

PALS consists of horizontal rows of heavy-duty 1-inch wide nylon webbing, sewn onto a backing material (the platform, such as a vest or backpack). These rows are spaced 1 inch apart vertically. The webbing itself is stitched to the platform at 1.5-inch intervals horizontally, creating a series of loops. This standardized grid is what allows for the attachment of MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories.

As detailed by sources like 5.11 Tactical, pouches designed for the MOLLE system typically feature vertical straps on their back, often made of stiffened nylon or incorporating a semi-rigid polymer strip (like 5.11's SlickStick® system). These straps are interwoven between the PALS webbing on the platform and corresponding webbing or slots on the back of the pouch itself. The process involves alternating the strap under a PALS loop on the platform, then through a loop on the pouch, and so on, until the entire strap is woven through. The end of the strap is then typically secured with a snap, buckle, or by tucking it back under itself. This weaving action creates a very stable and secure connection, minimizing movement and ensuring that pouches do not inadvertently detach, even during rigorous activity (5.11 Tactical, n.d.).

Key Characteristics of Traditional PALS Modularity:

1. Standardization: The precise 1-inch by 1.5-inch grid is a global standard, ensuring interoperability between gear and pouches from countless manufacturers. Any PALS-compatible pouch should, in theory, fit on any PALS-compatible platform.

2. Robustness: The use of heavy-duty nylon webbing (often Cordura or similar) and strong stitching (bar-tacks at stress points) makes traditional PALS systems very durable and capable of supporting significant weight.

3. Secure Attachment: The interweaving method, when done correctly, provides a tight and reliable attachment that resists shifting and accidental release. The friction between the webbing layers further enhances this security.

4. Versatility: The grid allows for pouches to be mounted in various orientations (though primarily vertical) and positions, enabling users to configure their loadouts based on accessibility, weight distribution, and mission requirements. Users can attach a wide array of items, from magazine and grenade pouches to canteen carriers, first-aid kits (IFAKs), and general-purpose utility pouches (5.11 Tactical, n.d.; Vanquest, 2024).

The Weaving Process: A Deliberate Action

Attaching a pouch via traditional PALS webbing is a deliberate process. It requires careful weaving of the straps, ensuring each loop is engaged correctly. While not overly complex, it can be time-consuming, especially when outfitting an entire vest or backpack. This deliberate nature, however, also contributes to the system's security – pouches are not meant to be quickly slapped on and off but rather semi-permanently affixed until a loadout change is required.

Tips for effective use, as often highlighted by manufacturers, include ensuring all available webbing rows on both the pouch and platform are utilized to maximize stability and to experiment with pouch placement before fully securing them (5.11 Tactical, n.d.).

Traditional MOLLE with PALS webbing has been the bedrock of modular load-carrying for over two decades, proving its worth in countless demanding environments. Its strength lies in its simplicity, standardization, and the sheer robustness of its design. This established system provides the benchmark against which newer innovations like laser-cut MOLLE are measured, particularly in terms of their core function: providing reliable and adaptable modularity.

The Advent of Laser-Cut MOLLE: A Modern Interpretation of PALS

As materials science and manufacturing technologies have advanced, so too have the methods for implementing modular attachment systems. Laser-cut MOLLE represents a significant evolution from traditional sewn PALS webbing, offering a different approach to achieving the same fundamental goal: allowing users to customize their gear with PALS-compatible pouches and accessories. This newer system leverages precision cutting technology to create a sleeker, often lighter, and more integrated modular platform.

Image credit Tacticon Armament

Defining Laser-Cut MOLLE: Subtraction, Not Addition

Unlike traditional MOLLE, which involves sewing rows of nylon webbing onto a base fabric, laser-cut MOLLE (sometimes referred to as laser-cut PALS, LCP, or proprietary names like Vanquest's "MOLLE-Air") creates the attachment points by directly cutting PALS-compatible slots into the material of the gear itself. This is typically done on robust, often laminated fabrics. For example, a common construction involves a layer of durable Cordura nylon laminated to a stiffer polymer backing or another layer of fabric. The laser precisely cuts through this composite material, creating openings that mimic the dimensions and spacing of traditional PALS webbing loops.

As described by Vanquest in their overview of MOLLE systems, their "MOLLE-Air" utilizes materials like Hypalon (a type of chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber known for its resistance to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light) or laminated loop/Cordura fabrics. These materials are die-cut or laser-cut to create low-profile MOLLE panels (Vanquest, 2024). The key principle is that the PALS grid is an integral part of the gear's surface rather than an addition to it.

Key Characteristics of Laser-Cut MOLLE Modularity:

1. Precision and Consistency: Laser cutting allows for extremely precise and uniform slots, ensuring that the PALS standard dimensions (1-inch vertical spacing between rows of slots, and slots sized to accommodate 1-inch wide attachment straps) are meticulously maintained. This can lead to a very consistent attachment experience.

2. Low Profile and Reduced Snagging: Because there is no webbing sewn on top of the base material, laser-cut MOLLE platforms are inherently flatter and have a lower profile. This reduces the overall bulk of the gear and significantly minimizes the potential for snagging on branches, doorways, or other equipment—a notable advantage in confined spaces or dense environments.

3. Weight Reduction: By eliminating the need for separate webbing strips and the associated stitching, laser-cut systems can offer a noticeable weight reduction compared to traditional MOLLE, especially on larger items like plate carriers or backpacks with extensive PALS coverage. The weight saving comes from using less material overall.

4. Aesthetic Appeal: Laser-cut MOLLE often presents a more modern, streamlined, and less overtly "tactical" appearance. This can be desirable for users seeking a more discreet look for everyday carry (EDC) items or for gear used in contexts where a lower visual signature is preferred (Vanquest, 2024).

5. Material Integration and Design Flexibility: Laser cutting allows PALS slots to be incorporated into a wider variety of materials and designs. It can be applied to curved surfaces more easily than sewing traditional webbing and can be combined with other features, such as integrated loop fields for hook-and-loop patches or accessories, as seen in some of Vanquest's MOLLE-Air panels (Vanquest, 2024).

The Attachment Process: Familiar Yet Potentially Different

Attaching MOLLE-compatible pouches to a laser-cut platform follows the same interweaving principle as traditional PALS. The pouch's straps are woven through the laser-cut slots on the platform and the corresponding loops on the pouch. However, the feel can be different. The edges of laser-cut slots are typically very defined and less pliable than fabric webbing.

This can make inserting straps straightforward, but the lack of "give" in some laser-cut materials (especially rigid laminates) might require more precise alignment during weaving.

The security of the attachment still relies on the proper interweaving technique and the final securing mechanism of the pouch's straps (snaps, buckles, etc.).

Material Considerations are Key

The performance and durability of a laser-cut MOLLE system are heavily dependent on the quality and type of base material used and the precision of the laser-cutting process. High-quality, multi-layer laminates or robust single-layer materials like Hypalon are designed to withstand the stresses of carrying loaded pouches and resist tearing at the slot edges. The laser-cutting process itself can also seal the edges of synthetic fabrics, preventing fraying.

Laser-cut MOLLE offers a sophisticated and contemporary take on the PALS standard, emphasizing weight savings, a low profile, and precise manufacturing. While it maintains compatibility with the vast ecosystem of MOLLE accessories, its distinct characteristics present a different set of trade-offs compared to its traditional counterpart.

Modularity Face-Off: Traditional PALS Webbing vs. Laser-Cut Slots

The core appeal of any MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system lies in its modularity—the ability to customize gear by attaching and detaching pouches and accessories as needed. Both traditional MOLLE, with its signature PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) webbing, and the more modern laser-cut systems aim to provide this adaptability, but they achieve it through different means, leading to distinct modularity characteristics.

The Foundation of Attachment: Webbing vs. Precision Cuts

Traditional MOLLE systems are built upon a foundation of PALS webbing. This involves rows of 1-inch wide, heavy-duty nylon webbing stitched onto the surface of backpacks, vests, or other gear, typically with 1-inch intervals between each row and 1.5-inch segments of webbing. Pouches and accessories designed for this system feature their own straps (either integrated or separate, like Natick snaps, MOLLE Stix, or proprietary clips such as 5.11 Tactical's SlickStick®) that are interwoven through these PALS loops on the platform and corresponding loops on the pouch. This creates a secure, interlocking connection. The modularity here stems from the standardized grid, allowing any compatible pouch to be mounted at various points on the gear (5.11 Tactical, n.d.).

Laser-cut MOLLE systems, on the other hand, achieve a similar PALS-compatible grid by directly cutting slots into the fabric of the gear, often a laminate material like Cordura nylon backed with a polymer, or advanced materials like Hypalon. These precision-cut slots serve the same function as the traditional PALS webbing loops, allowing the attachment straps of MOLLE accessories to be woven through them. The modularity, in principle, remains the same: a standardized grid for attaching compatible items. However, the method of creating this grid is fundamentally different, relying on material subtraction rather than material addition (sewn webbing).

Precision, Consistency, and Compatibility in Modular Attachment

One of the key arguments for laser-cut systems in terms of modularity is the precision and consistency of the attachment points. Laser cutting technology allows for extremely accurate and uniform slots, ensuring that the PALS standard dimensions are meticulously maintained across the entire platform. While well-made traditional PALS webbing is also highly consistent, the sewing process can introduce minor variations. For users who frequently reconfigure their loadouts, the consistent geometry of laser-cut slots might offer a slightly smoother and more predictable experience when weaving attachment straps.

Regarding compatibility, both systems are designed to be fully cross-compatible with the vast array of MOLLE/PALS accessories available on the market. A pouch with standard MOLLE attachment straps can be mounted on either a traditional PALS grid or a laser-cut MOLLE panel. This interoperability is a cornerstone of the MOLLE concept and is generally well-preserved by laser-cut designs. Some manufacturers of laser-cut systems, like Vanquest with their "MOLLE-Air" system, even innovate by combining laser-cut PALS slots with loop-facing material, allowing for both MOLLE and hook-and-loop attachments, thereby expanding modular options (Vanquest, 2024).

Attachment Density and Placement Flexibility

In terms of raw attachment points, traditional PALS webbing provides a consistent grid. The modularity comes from how many rows and columns of this webbing are available on a piece of gear. Laser-cut systems replicate this grid, but their manufacturing process can sometimes allow for more intricate patterns or placement of PALS-compatible slots in areas where sewing traditional webbing might be bulky or structurally challenging. For instance, laser-cut panels can be integrated more seamlessly onto curved surfaces or smaller items without adding the thickness of sewn webbing.

Furthermore, some laser-cut designs can offer higher density by placing slots closer together or incorporating half-inch vertical adjustments, which, while potentially deviating slightly from the strict original PALS standard, can offer finer-grained control over pouch placement for users who need it. However, it's crucial that such designs still maintain compatibility with standard MOLLE pouches. Traditional PALS, by its nature, adheres strictly to the 1-inch horizontal and vertical spacing for webbing rows.

Ease of Weaving and Reconfiguration

The experience of attaching and detaching pouches can differ. Traditional PALS webbing, being fabric, has a certain amount of give. This can sometimes make weaving rigid attachment straps a bit fiddly, requiring a technique to properly interweave. However, once attached, the friction and tension of the webbing contribute to a secure hold.

Laser-cut slots, particularly in more rigid laminate materials, offer very defined edges. This can make the initial insertion of attachment straps straightforward. However, the lack of give in the material might mean that the straps rely more heavily on the final securing mechanism (snaps, buckles) to prevent any minute shifting, though this is generally not an issue with well-designed systems and properly attached pouches. The rigidity can also make weaving through multiple layers (pouch backing and platform) slightly less forgiving than with pliable webbing.

Profile and Snagging Potential

From a modularity perspective that also considers the overall utility of the gear, laser-cut systems inherently offer a lower profile. Since there's no webbing sewn on top of the base material, the surface remains flatter. This can reduce snagging on environmental elements or other gear, which is a subtle but practical aspect of modularity in dynamic use. Traditional PALS webbing, while robust, does create a slightly raised profile that can, in some circumstances, be more prone to snagging.

Conclusion on Modularity: A Nuanced Verdict

So, which system wins for modularity? The answer isn't a simple knockout. Both traditional PALS webbing and laser-cut MOLLE systems provide a high degree of modularity by adhering to the PALS standard, ensuring broad compatibility with existing accessories.

• Traditional PALS Webbing: Its modularity is proven, robust, and benefits from the inherent friction and give of nylon webbing, which can contribute to a very secure attachment. It's a time-tested system with a massive user base and a known performance profile.

• Laser-Cut MOLLE: Offers potentially higher precision in attachment point placement, a lower profile, and can be integrated into designs in ways that traditional webbing cannot (e.g., on curved surfaces, or combined with other functionalities like loop fields). The modularity it offers is sleek and modern, potentially allowing for slightly more nuanced placement options in some designs.

Ultimately, the choice for a user will likely depend on the specific application, the importance of a low profile, the types of pouches being attached, and personal preference regarding the feel and aesthetics of the gear. Neither system presents a definitive win in modularity alone; rather, they offer slightly different approaches to achieving a highly modular platform.

Beyond Modularity: Other Key Factors in the MOLLE Showdown

While the degree and nature of modularity are central to choosing between traditional PALS webbing and laser-cut MOLLE systems, a host of other practical considerations significantly influence which system is ultimately more suitable for a user. These factors—durability, weight, manufacturing cost (and thus retail price), aesthetic appeal, and overall compatibility—collectively shape the user experience and performance profile of the gear. A comprehensive understanding of these aspects is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with specific needs, preferences, and operational contexts.

Durability: The Test of Time and Terrain

The ability of gear to withstand harsh conditions and prolonged use is non-negotiable for many users, particularly in tactical, military, or demanding outdoor scenarios. Both traditional and laser-cut MOLLE systems aim for robustness, but their construction methods lead to different durability characteristics and potential failure points.

Traditional PALS Webbing: The longevity of traditional MOLLE gear is largely dependent on two elements: the quality of the nylon webbing itself and the integrity of the stitching, especially the bar-tacks at stress points that secure the webbing to the platform. Reputable manufacturers use high-density, military-specification nylon (such as Cordura®) that offers excellent tensile strength and abrasion resistance. As noted in resources like those from 5.11 Tactical, this system has a long track record of reliability in the field (5.11 Tactical, n.d.). The most common points of failure, if they occur, are typically related to stitching degradation under extreme, repetitive stress or direct damage to the webbing from sharp objects or severe, localized abrasion. However, decades of deployment by armed forces worldwide attest to the overall resilience of well-manufactured traditional PALS systems.

Laser-Cut MOLLE: In laser-cut systems, durability is intrinsically tied to the properties of the base material from which the PALS-compatible slots are excised. These materials are often advanced multi-layer laminates—for instance, a tough Cordura nylon face fabric bonded to a reinforcing polymer sheet or another layer of fabric—or robust monolithic materials like Hypalon, a synthetic rubber lauded for its chemical and environmental resistance (Vanquest, 2024). High-quality laser-cut platforms constructed from these specialized materials are engineered for exceptional tear strength and abrasion resistance. The laser-cutting process itself offers an advantage by heat-sealing the edges of synthetic fabrics, which helps prevent fraying around the slots. Potential concerns, though generally mitigated in premium products, could include the risk of delamination in laminate materials after extended periods of intense use or exposure to extreme environmental cycles. Another consideration is the possibility of tearing initiating from a slot if the base material lacks sufficient inherent strength or if a cut inadvertently creates a stress concentration point. However, the structural integrity often relies on the entire panel, distributing loads more broadly than individual sewn loops might.

Weight: The Scales Tip Towards Laser-Cut

For many applications, from extended military patrols to ultralight backpacking, minimizing gear weight is a critical objective. This is an area where laser-cut MOLLE systems generally present a clear advantage.

Traditional PALS Webbing: The process of creating a traditional MOLLE platform involves adding material—multiple rows of nylon webbing and the thread used for stitching. While each individual strip of webbing is relatively light, the cumulative weight across a large surface, such as a full-sized backpack or a plate carrier, can become quite noticeable. This added mass is an inherent characteristic of its additive manufacturing approach.

Laser-Cut MOLLE: Conversely, laser-cut systems achieve their PALS grid through material subtraction. By cutting slots directly into the base fabric of the gear, they eliminate the need for separate webbing strips and the associated stitching. This subtractive method results in a lighter overall platform. The weight savings can be significant, particularly on gear with extensive MOLLE coverage, making laser-cut options highly attractive for users prioritizing a lighter load without sacrificing modular attachment capabilities.

Cost: The Price of Innovation and Materials

The financial outlay for gear is always a practical consideration. The manufacturing processes and material choices for traditional and laser-cut MOLLE systems influence their respective costs.

Traditional PALS Webbing: The production of gear with traditional PALS webbing is a well-established industrial process. It requires specialized sewing machines capable of strong bar-tack stitching and skilled labor. However, the raw materials—standard nylon webbing and thread—are relatively common and can be sourced economically, especially at scale. This maturity in manufacturing and material availability can often lead to more competitively priced traditional MOLLE gear, particularly from established brands with high-volume production.

Laser-Cut MOLLE: The fabrication of laser-cut MOLLE platforms necessitates precision laser-cutting machinery. Furthermore, these systems often employ more advanced and, consequently, more expensive laminate materials or specialized textiles like Hypalon to ensure durability and performance. The initial capital investment in laser-cutting technology and the higher cost of these advanced materials can translate to a higher retail price for some laser-cut MOLLE gear. However, as laser-cutting technology becomes more prevalent and manufacturing techniques are further optimized, the price difference between the two systems is gradually narrowing. The perceived value derived from weight reduction, a sleeker profile, and modern aesthetics also plays a role in the pricing strategy for laser-cut products.

Aesthetics and Profile: Tactical Tradition Meets Modern Minimalism

The visual appearance and physical profile of gear can be important, not just for personal preference but also for operational considerations like concealability and snagging.

Traditional PALS Webbing: Gear adorned with traditional PALS webbing has an unmistakable and widely recognized appearance, often immediately associated with military, law enforcement, or tactical applications. The visible, slightly raised rows of webbing are a defining characteristic of this style. While this look is perfectly acceptable or even desirable in many contexts, it can be perceived as overly "tactical" or conspicuous for everyday carry (EDC) in civilian settings or for use in situations requiring a more discreet equipment signature (Vanquest, 2024).

Laser-Cut MOLLE: Laser-cut systems typically offer a significantly sleeker, more streamlined, and often more contemporary aesthetic. The absence of sewn-on webbing results in a flatter, lower-profile surface that can integrate more unobtrusively into various environments. This makes laser-cut MOLLE a popular choice for EDC bags, covert tactical gear, and equipment where a less overt or aggressive appearance is preferred. The precision of laser cutting also allows for more intricate designs and the incorporation of branding elements directly into the PALS field, offering greater design freedom to manufacturers.

Compatibility: A Shared Standard Prevails

Despite their different construction methods, a crucial strength shared by both systems is their fundamental adherence to the PALS standard.

Both Systems: This shared standard ensures that pouches, holsters, and accessories designed for MOLLE/PALS are, in the vast majority of cases, fully cross-compatible. A standard MOLLE pouch equipped with 1-inch wide attachment straps can be correctly interwoven onto either a traditional PALS webbing grid or a laser-cut MOLLE panel. This interoperability is a cornerstone of the MOLLE concept and provides users with immense flexibility, ensuring that investments in MOLLE-compatible accessories are not tied to a single, proprietary version of one system over the other. Indeed, some innovative laser-cut designs, such as Vanquest’s "MOLLE-Air," even enhance compatibility by integrating loop-faced surfaces alongside the PALS slots, allowing for the attachment of both MOLLE and hook-and-loop accessories, thereby expanding modular options (Vanquest, 2024).

In summary, when looking beyond pure modularity, the choice between traditional and laser-cut MOLLE involves a careful weighing of these additional factors. If maximum weight savings, a low-profile design, and a modern aesthetic are top priorities, laser-cut systems hold considerable appeal. If proven ruggedness, potentially lower cost, and the classic tactical look are paramount, traditional PALS webbing remains an exceptionally strong and reliable contender. The optimal choice will always be context-dependent, tailored to the user’s specific operational requirements, budget, and personal preferences.

Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of Modularity – A Winner by Context, Not Conquest

The debate between traditional PALS webbing and laser-cut MOLLE systems for superior modularity does not yield a simple victor. Instead, our exploration reveals a more nuanced reality: both systems offer robust and highly effective modular capabilities, rooted in the common PALS standard, yet they cater to slightly different priorities and present distinct advantages based on context and user requirements. The question of which system "wins" is less about inherent superiority in modularity alone, and more about which system aligns best with an individual user’s specific needs regarding weight, profile, aesthetics, durability concerns, and budget.

Traditional PALS webbing, the venerable workhorse of modular systems, has an undeniable legacy. Its modularity is proven through decades of rigorous use in the most demanding environments. It offers a straightforward, universally understood method of attachment that is secure and reliable. The tactile nature of the webbing and the established manufacturing processes contribute to its reputation for ruggedness. For users who prioritize battle-tested reliability, are comfortable with the classic tactical aesthetic, and for whom minor weight penalties are not a primary concern, traditional MOLLE remains an outstanding choice. Its modularity is comprehensive and its compatibility is assured.

Laser-cut MOLLE, the modern challenger, brings innovation and refinement to the PALS concept. Its primary modular advantages lie in its precision, its ability to create a lower-profile and lighter platform, and its potential for more seamless integration into diverse gear designs. The sleekness and reduced snag potential are significant benefits for users in confined spaces or those seeking a less overt appearance. For the weight-conscious operator, the EDC enthusiast desiring a modern aesthetic, or the designer looking to push the boundaries of gear integration, laser-cut MOLLE offers compelling modular advantages. Innovations like hybrid laser-cut panels that incorporate loop surfaces further expand its versatility, as highlighted by manufacturers like Vanquest (Vanquest, 2024).

Ultimately, the "winner" in the modularity contest is the system that best empowers the individual user. If the core definition of modularity is the ability to adapt, customize, and reconfigure, then both systems excel. Traditional MOLLE provides this with a focus on established strength and simplicity. Laser-cut MOLLE achieves it with an emphasis on efficiency, reduced signature, and modern manufacturing precision.

The choice, therefore, hinges on a personal calculus of needs:

• For sheer, unadulterated modular attachment capability based on the PALS standard: It’s largely a tie. Both systems allow for the attachment of a vast array of compatible pouches.

• For modularity combined with minimal weight and lowest profile: Laser-cut MOLLE generally takes the lead.

• For modularity where cost and proven, traditional ruggedness are paramount: Traditional PALS webbing often has the edge.

• For modularity in a system that needs to blend into less tactical environments: Laser-cut MOLLE offers a more discreet aesthetic.

The evolution from traditional sewn webbing to laser-cut slots reflects a broader trend in gear design towards lighter, more streamlined, and technologically advanced solutions. However, the enduring utility of the original PALS concept means that both approaches will likely coexist for the foreseeable future, each serving the diverse needs of a wide range of users. The best PALS system for modularity is the one that best fits the mission, the environment, and the individual carrying the load.

References

• 5.11 Tactical. (n.d.). MOLLE Systems Explained: How It Works & Usage Tips. Retrieved from https://www.511tactical.com/how-does-molle-work

• Vanquest. (2024, August 15) . MOLLE System 101: Pro Tips For Modular Attachment & Organization. Retrieved from https://vanquest.com/blog/molle-system-101-pro-tips-for-modular-attachment-and-organization