Member Jujigatame recently let me borrow is Max Barnacle for 2 weeks, so I could compare it to the Max M2, which I was carrying at the time. The following are my pics and thoughts.
I’ve gone from using a double carbine magazine pouch for EDC over the years, to using an M2 since Christmas. I decided the M2 was too deep, stuck out too far, and since it was so much bigger it was only encouraging me to carry more stuff that I didn’t necessarily need.
So I put out the call, and got a Barnacle to test drive.
Here’s the Barn and M2 with a BM Mini Grip to show relative size. Please excuse the nasty looking stain. :green:
Here’s the profile shot to show thickness/ depth of the pouches.
The backs, with MALICE clips.
I was hoping the Barn would be slimmer in depth, but it really isn’t enough for me. I’ve decided that the design of the M2,Barnacle, and other pouches use of “Stacking” compartments just makes them too fat for me to wear everyday. It’s nice that it compacts the pouches to around the 4×4″ range, but I’m not able to get past the thickness anymore.

Here are some shots of both pouches on my belt ,again with the BM for size. Yes, the Barnacle is a bit smaller. And with the MALICE clips, it sits lower which I count as a large plus.
Looking down at both from above, to show thickness. Too thick for me.
Open to show contents. In the front section is a Nuwai Q3 single CR123 light, and travel size Aleve container to carry a CR123 or AA depending on what light I’m carrying. In the closest section is a IMCO Austrian lighter on the left, and Leatherman Wave on the right. I had a Fisher Stowaway and mini-Sharpie in the front flap section. With all these things, the Barn was pretty tight to close. And I couldn’t get the Leatherman or lighter out without the other one falling over and blocking the way when replacing the LM or lighter.
Just the Barnacle and Mini Grip. Not so bad, I could be satisfied with this setup, but it’s not perfect to me.
Another profile to show thickness from belt.

Now here’s my old and revamped EDC pouch, shown from overhead.
A profile shot of the carbine pouch.
And a head on shot. It measures 5×5″ overall, the sections are 3.5″ tall by 2″ wide by 1.25″ deep.
Opened to display contents. They are the same as what was in the Barnacle, but much easier to access for me.
And an overhead of contents, to show how they are oriented into both magazine sections. This is what I was using before the M2, and I now realize just how used to and comfortable I am with this design, of two sections side by side, opened by a flap instead of a zipper.
I’m currently working with flashbang  on a design that mimics the 30cal carbine pouch’s side by side sections, but with separate flaps for each section, cordura instead of canvas, and the flaps will be secured by buckles instead of a snap (or hook and loop 👿 )

Hope ya guys dig the review, questions and comments welcome! I also hope the pics help with people needing to see the sizes of both Max pouches.