I originally wrote about the First Tactical Tactix parka, here. I really like it, it’s a great all-around piece of gear.
Now, I’ve had a lot more time to use it and abuse it …
Category: Tactical Gear
Safariland ALS vs BLACKHAWK! Serpa
I recently had a friend show me their Safariland Automatic Locking System (ALS®) holster, and in playing around with it, I decided I really liked the retention release. So I picked up a Safariland 6378 ALS holster to compare to my BLACKHAWK!® CQC® Serpa® holster.
I normally use the Serpa holster for Outside the Waistband (OWB) carry, and have used them for many training, etc. So that is what I’m most familiar with. I really like them, but the release on the ALS is something that I really like.
WARFYTR Equipment – Rifle Magazine Carrier
I recently got my hands on a new product from the company WARFYTR. This is their Rifle Magazine Carrier that uses a self-locking design that allows the magazines to be stored in the hanging position and “oriented to the weapon”. This is intended to speed up reloads as there is less movement of the magazine required. It also uses adjustable universal mounts that will fit belts up to 2″ and will also fit in MOLLE/PALS webbing on tactical vests and other equipment. The clips can also be set in 3-different positions and are ambidextrous.
This model currently only works with USGI 5.56×45 NATO magazines, but I’m told a PMag version is in the works for 2014.
In the playing around that I did with the carrier, I didn’t have any retention issues, even when running and jumping around with it. The magazines snap in, and you give them a twist and pull to remove them. The “latching mechanism” that is in the carrier is designed for specific magazines. Because of that, you will have to use carriers specifically designed for the magazines you will be using. This limits them over say, a pouch, but I don’t think that will be much of an issue in the reality of things.
This really looks to be an innovative product for shooters; I can definitely see it used in 3-gun competitions and other high-speed applications. It may not fit the bill for all users, but it’s definitely worth taking a look at.
You can pre-order them on the WARFYTR website. Give them a look and let me know what you think!
Pictures and a YouTube video from WARFYTR below.
Mechanix Wear M-Pact Gloves
I recently picked up a pair of Mechanix Wear M-Pact gloves; I’ve heard good things about them from multiple sources so I figured why not give them a try!
The M-Pact gloves have the “PORON XRD Extreme Impact Protection” on the palms and a rubberized padding on the back of the gloves. They will, no doubt, offer great impact protection.
From an initial review, I like them, but I have a few concerns about them. Mainly that the grip “bunches up” a bit when I make a fist or try to grip anything. Basically I have to press my palm agains my pistol grip, then close my fingers. Otherwise I end up with a bit of bunched up material, and it causes my grip to be off a little. It could be my issue with sizing, but we will see. I need to get some more use out of them before I make a real decision. I just know they don’t “feel” as good as my old gloves.
Also, the trigger finger has a stitch over the end of the finger, that makes the sides a little wider than I would like. I think over time that will wear down and flatten out. It’s not a really big issue, but it is worth noting. If you are planning to use them on a firearm that has a small trigger guard, it may interfere.
Other than those little gripes, that could be related to sizing more than anything else, they seem to be well made gloves that I think I will get some good use out of, one way or another.
Just for reference, the old gloves that I have been using are some generic Firm Grip construction gloves that I picked up from a local Home Depot. They were cheep, but lasted 2 or so years and have worked really well. If you don’t like the Mechanix gloves, or are in the mood to try out something else, check your local home improvement store, they usually have something that will work well.
Check out the video below for the full review.
Smith Optics – Aegis Echo Glasses
I recently got my hands on a new pair of Smith Optics Elite Aegis Echo protective glasses. I’ve used the original model Aegis glasses for quite some time and have been very happy with them. The new Echo series incorporates a redesigned frame that is made of spring steel and is only .6mm thick on the ear pieces. This allows for easy use with over the ear, ear protection. Check out the video below for the full review!
Specifications
- PivLock Lens Interchange Technology allows for fast lens exchange
- Super thin alloy temples fit cleanly under ear pro without breaking the seal
- Temples are moldable for the best fit
- Meets US Mil Spec MIL-PRF-31013 and ANSI Z87.1 standards
- Designed for extended wear – eliminates pressure points
- 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays
- Compatible with all Aegis lenses
- Tapered Lens Technology corrects distortion
- Anti-fog and scratch resistant coating on all lenses
- Available as a complete kit or as a replacement frame
- Good fit for hat size 7 1/4 or greater
Color Options
- Black
- MultiCam
- Tan
Check out all of the details over at Smith Optics Elite.
If you are interested in picking up a pair, you can order them from Amazon.
Velocity Systems Light Weight Plate Carrier
I recently was able to get my hands on a Velocity Systems Light Weight Plate Carrier in Multicam. I was looking between a few models, but this one seemed to have the most reasonable prices (that I could find) and worked the best with the gear that I already had.
The Velocity plate carrier uses a SwiftClip system that allows for easy adding of various other equipment such as the Haley Strategic D3 Chest Rig, something that I currently use. So this allows me to have a full plate carrier setup or just a chest rig with the same load out that only requires using a couple of clips and some Velcro to change between.
Here are the specs for the carrier from Velocity’s website.
- Made with 500 Denier Nylon Cordura® outer material
- Made with 400 Denier Nylon Packcloth inner material
- Integrated admin pouch on front plate pocket
- Cumber-bunds made of light weight mesh for air flow
- Utilizes Velocity Systems new patent pending SwiftClip™ attachment system to don/doff chest rigs and additional equipment.
- Colors: MC = MultiCam, CB = Coyote Brown, BK = Black, call for others
- Sizes: Small/Medium, Large/XLarge
Overall, the fit and finish on the carrier is awesome. Everything is double stitched and appears to be very well made. Also, the Velcro seems to be very high quality and should last a long time.
For a detailed review, check out the YouTube video below!
BLACKHAWK! CQB/Riggers Belt
A quick review on the BLACKHAWK! CQB/Riggers belt; the belt, so far, has been amazing! I’ve used it through multiple trainings and through various shooting activities and it’s worked flawlessly.
It was noted on various websites that the sizes run small, but if you are truly a size 33″ or smaller waist, the small belt will probably work for you without any issues. I ordered the normal size, for up to 41″ waists, and it’s a little bit big. It wraps over a little far and gets in the way of my holster so I have to fold it under the belt loop. If you take a look at the video review, you can see what I’m talking about with this.
Bottom line, this is a great belt. If you are in the market for a new shooting belt, it’s definitely a great choice.
Here are the basic specs:
- 1.75″ webbing
- 7,000-lb. tensile strength (solid colors) or 5,000-lb. tensile strength (MultiCam®)
- Hook & loop secures running end
Check out the video review below for more details! Thanks!
Haley Strategic D3 Chest Rig
I recently purchased the Haley Strategic Disruptive Environments (D3) chest rig in the Kryptek Highlander camouflage pattern.
My first impressions of the rig is that it’s nice and well made, and for the most part, does and holds all of the things that they mention on the site.
Here are the basic specs off of the Haley Strategic site, http://l.santsys.com/155sDR7.
- 4 fully loaded magazines (M4, M16, AK) with Hypalon® magazine retention tabs
- 2 Multi-Mission Pouches with Hypalon® magazine retention tabs
- 2 flapped GP pouches
- 1 STUFFIT™ pouch
- 500D Construction
I put 4 AR-15 mags, 2 Glock 17 magazines and a flashlight into the rig without any issues and there was room to spare, as I would have imagined there would be. I tried stuffing some other magazines in there, and the only mags that didn’t really fit well were shorter stubby mags like my Glock 36 mags. They are too short and a just didn’t fit well. But with 1911 mags, and the Glock 17 and 23 mags I tried, they worked perfectly.
One of the things that was pointed out in some other reviews that I saw was that there are a lot of dangling straps once you have the rig on and pulled tight, and there definitely are. Depending on your frame, you end up with anywhere from an inch or two to 6-8 inches of extra strap on each side. This isn’t really a bad thing, but it will get annoying. You can use some rubber bands or some velcro strips to wrap up the excess if you need to, I know I will be doing that.
The shoulder harness that comes with the rig is pretty basic, it doesn’t have a lot of webbing on it (3 webs on each strap), but I wouldn’t suggest attaching too much to the straps, they are pretty floppy. Also, there is no padding or anything like that in the straps, so with a full loadout, the straps may not be the most comfortable things. To me, it looks like the straps seem like you can use them if you want to, but it is really designed to hook into a plate carrier. So that’s great if you have a plate carrier, but if you don’t, you may end up not liking the shoulder harness if you have to use this rig regularly with a heavy loadout.
Other than the harness being a little less than expected, I think this is a great rig, and you can really mix and match it with a lot of different gear. Also, the 500D construction should hold up pretty well. I’m hoping to take it out and run it through it’s paces doing some shooting and see how it holds up when it’s getting banged around.