EQUIPMENT

Tuff Writer Operator Tactical Pen

Details: Category: Admin-Intel; Created: Monday, 21 February 2011 07:31

Tuff Writer has been keeping busy and offers yet another variant of their tactical pen design. It looks pretty similar at first, but I think they did some really great changes on this operator series to make it shine. It is closer to the EDC size, only being slightly longer and has a point more like the original Frontline series which is less sharp than the EDC variant. I dig the size as it short enough to allow for easier holding options whether it be a pocket or notebook while still being long enough to be a plausible self defense tool.

Screwpop 4-in-1 Keychain Tool (Black)

Details: Category: Tools; Created: Saturday, 04 December 2010 23:31

Here is a lil something for the EDC crowd. There are a lot of cool guy bottle openers out there, but Screwpop found a good way to integrate further functionality. The end holds a custom double sided screwdriver bit (Phillips #2/Flat Head #2) which in daily urban life is one of the most common used tools. I haven't had a chance to confirm, but the bit holding area is supposed to work as a 1/4” Hex Nut Driver as well. Chances are slim you'll use that part, however it is better than having some other crazy connection system that won't work for anything else. The bit is held in place by a spring loaded ball, which is sufficient for a hold. The bit grip will feel low to some, but it won't shake out and the bit can be manually pulled out without much hassle. Perhaps a magnet could be added for extra piece of mind, but appears it would be unnecessary at the end of the day and add to cost. The bit sizing is a little off compared to traditional 1/4" hex bits so the ones I tried from separate bit sets were too big and would only insert slightly in.

M34 Tactical (ARMT) Assault Rifle Multi-tool

Details: Category: Tools; Created: Sunday, 25 July 2010 20:10

Those on the hunt to find a compact AR tool package may find interest in this tool from M34 Tactical. The ARMT (Assault Rifle Multi-tool) finds a balance of adding quite a few tool functionalities while still offering a nice grip that is uncommon in similar type tools. Offhand my favorite ability is being able to adjust the castle nut (that wacky ring securing the buffer tube) without it being a large tool. It won't be as easy as a armor's tool made just to rock castle nuts all day long, however the ARMT is a lot smaller.

Survival Metrics Military E&E Kit

Details: Category: Tools; Created: Wednesday, 09 June 2010 09:53

I'm no survival master so it was nice to be able to check out this kit to expand my experiences. Survival Metrics offers several kits and survival type supplies, however this kit was specifically made with the intent for military operations in a E&E (Escape and Evade) type situation. With this concept the main idea is to make the kit as small and lightweight as possible so it takes a very careful balance of what all is included.

Princeton Tec MPLS

Details: Category: Illumination; Created: Friday, 04 June 2010 02:51

Princeton Tec brings an interesting short distance illumination package with the fairly new MPLS (MODULAR PERSONAL LIGHTING SYSTEM). As the name hints, it is more modular than most lights and as a definite bonus is generally low profile and light weight. Rather than having some fancy rotation system on the mount, someone over there was smart enough to just slap an LED on a gooseneck. This lets the operator easily change the pointed direction freely where many helmet lights are stuck in one position or limited to one axis of rotation. A slight down side to the gooseneck is that the pointed direction can be knocked out of place by slings or bumping into one's environment. Fortunately the light won't be knocked off the mount and it is easy to fix the direction right back in place.

Tuff-Writer EDC Tactical Pen

Details: Category: Admin-Intel; Created: Wednesday, 31 March 2010 05:17

Similar to the Frontline series, KnifeArt.com teamed up with Tuff-Writer to create this EDC variant. Looks like they may have taken some of my advice on my original review as this EDC version is based on their "shorty" version. The full Frontline pen is about 6.5" long while the shorty and EDC are 5.75". I'm a fan of the shortened length as it allows for the pen to be stored in more places. The downside is that it is less optimized for defense, but I'd say the vast majority of users will consider this a pen first and a defense tool second.

Rite in the Rain - Notebooks

Details: Category: Admin-Intel; Created: Friday, 26 March 2010 05:56

When you need to get your tactical or high adventure write on, look no further than Rite in the Rain products. Featuring paper with an acrylic-based coating, this allows the pages to perform in all weather conditions. Water drops such as due to rain will just glide right off and even if fully submerged, the paper will stay intact rather than turning into mush.

Toy Soldier Workshop - Pocket Admin pouch

Details: Category: Admin-Intel; Created: Sunday, 14 February 2010 22:44

This unique little pouch is an interesting smaller design. The main pouch is a tear drop esq shape coming in around 4.25"L x 2.5"W x 1.25"D. A single zipper is used for the main opening then a hole on the other end gives a clean opening for 2 pieces of 550 cord. A keyring is included for a connection point and it prevents the pouch from losing the cord.