Well, from everything I understand the MTV and the IOTV are essentially the same. Where I haven't noticed the wieght problem, it is significantly more comfortable, than the standard IBA. I didn't wear mine with the side plates, though. It was a big large though. My medium, fit like a large, except with smaller plates. I found it nearly impossible, to get the IOTV the way you liked it, with pouches attached. The cumberbun is flimsy, and doesn't support the wieght that is put on it. SAW gunners who liked to attach their shit to the vest have a hard time also, as the panel that covers the cumberbun is too wide, thus making large SAW drums cumbersome. I have seen soldiers have their vest fall apart, and it seems to be a common problem. I found the release cable to a poor design. The shoulders are a pain in the ass to adjust, so you pretty much wear it as is. Overall, it is an improvement from the IBA as far as comfort. I feel it is a step down as far as versatility for load. Also, there is alot of unused space on the armor, and pockets that are utterly useless.
I don't know about this "class 5 dragon skn", but the dragon skin has yet to prove itself. Due to the way the armor panel is built, it cannot stand heat, and the "scales" tend to shift, reducing its capability to protect the end user.
