Facebook Twitter InstaGram YouTube
  • STORE
  • ABOUT
  • WEAR GEAR
    • Pouches
    • Gloves
    • Footwear
    • Belts
    • Protective
    • Clothing
    • Packs/Bags
    • Vests / Platforms
    • Misc
  • EQUIPMENT
    • Admin-Intel
    • Electronics
    • Tools
    • Illumination
    • Medical
    • Hydration
    • Comm Gear
    • Dive-Swim
  • CUSTOMIZE
    • Info
    • Materials
    • Webbing
    • Elastics/Cord
    • Hardware
    • Prototypes
    • DIY-Stores
  • ARTICLES
  • WEAPONS
    • Rifles
    • Pistols
    • Optics
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Stocks
    • Accessories
    • Blades
  • MORALE
    • Morale Patches
    • Amusement
  • LINKS
  • CONTACT
  • SEARCH

Protective

MTEK Weapon Systems G3A + G3C

Details
Category: Protective
Created: Sunday, 28 February 2010 20:37


http://www.mtekweaponsystems.com

I had the pleasure to connect with MTEK semi recently and appreciate seeing their spirit as a new company. Their current emphasis is in facial armor and what they offer is an excelent advancement compared to earlier solutions. For example the mandible cover on aircrew helemets isn't for ballistic protection and full thick ballistic riot style visors tend to poorly affect weapon handling.

               

The G3A was their first design with the intent to mostly be used with crew served weaponry. A perfect example would be a turret gunner on a hummer, but this can apply to many similar situations. Since weapon cheekweld is less of a concern, the armor is hard to offer the highest balance of weight and protection. For not being some wacky metal or ceramic it is surprisingly capable of absorbing an AK 7.62x39 round without penetration. Even if not getting shot at much, the G3A makes great sense for additional IED protection. A lot of other design balance has been put into how much of the face is covered and how far away it extends. This combination gives almost no obstruction of vision while creating a gap for breathability and space for communications gear. The vast majority of glasses and goggles can still be used and thus night vision compatibility stays in tact as well. Despite the armor extention away from the face, the operator is still able to look down and have reasonable head movement even with soft neck armor on.

To offer more options, the G3C was created as a more flexible material variant. The layout is very similar, but the material is more flexible so small arms operators can acquire a proper cheek weld. Hard enough that it isn't flopping around at all, but flexible enough for weapon interaction. Since not hard armor the strength drops down, however it is still very effective in fragmentation protection and will stop most handgun rounds. This combination lends itself to working well when IEDs are a threat for ground operations or a solid protection option for law enforcement where pistol rounds tend to be the common threat.

To mount either of these MTEK came up with a snassy attachment system they call the VERSA rail. Mostly made of polymer, they are lightweight while being quite durable at the same time. They attach on the sides of the helmet and have been designed to go on the vast majority of helmets in use these days such as the ACH / MICH, but still work on older PASGT helmets. To use, the attachment in this case facial armor, is slid back on the rails until locked into place. To release, two generous sized buttons are on the back of the VERSA system. Hardware is included so mounting is possible right out of the box. Although most helmets and straps will be compatible, I was unable to get the supplied hardware to interface with my OPS-Core chin strap. Taking items off is certainly easier than putting on, but with practice it does become easier. The main thing to learn is how to angle your own hands while inserting to make sure the rails line up. Another cool thing about the VERSA rail is the possibilities for the future. This quick on/off system would be very practical for helmet lights, cameras, and similar tactical accessories.

The end result appearance is a bit bulky, yet I feel it is justified. A more streamlined approach would require a specific helmet with no on/off ability and as a practical standpoint, adding 3 inches-ish to your helmet width is not a big mobility issue. During my use so far, I didn't get the feeling I was banging into my environment any more than usual and didn't have weapon sling snagging issues. I'd like to note the G3A is usable with a rifle, just the checkweld will cause a helmet shift. Perhaps not a comfy ride, but still an option. Depending on what you are doing, the mouth coverage restricting some air flow should be noted. As a roof gunner in a moving vehicle it is for the most part a non issue, but while running around on foot it is noticable that it is easier to breath without the armor on. Depending on the weather and eye protection you are wearing, fogging issues can be enhanced with either G3 armor package. The distance from the face makes the issue tolerable, and putting extra holes is not really an option as it would greatly reduce the protection strength on either variant. Overall I think MTEK brings some worthwhile armor options. It won't be for everyone, but for those who need more protection, these are a big upgrade from the old school ballistic hockey masks. I am also looking forward to see cool guy accessories for the VERSA rail.

Lightweight- less than 1lb. (410g)

The G3A was tested for ballistic performance by using both MIL STD 662F and NIJ STD 0108.01 test methods.

  • 2gr. RCC @ 4750 FPS
  • 4gr.RCC @ 3600 FPS
  • 16gr. RCC @ 2450 FPS
  • 64gr. RCC @ 1800 FPS
  • 17gr. FSP @ 2200 FPS
  • NIJ IIIA (NIJ STD 0108.01)

The G3C was tested for ballistic performance by using both MIL STD 662F and NIJ STD 0108.01 test methods.

  • 2gr. RCC @ 2710 FPS
  • 4gr. RCC @ 2400 FPS
  • 16gr. RCC @ 2050 FPS
  • 64gr. RCC @ 1660 FPS
  • NIJ IIIA (NIJ STD 0108.01)
  • Prev
  • Next

Random Articles

IMAGE Fantoni HB 01 Black Tactical Folding Knife
Sunday, 24 March 2013
I think I've been quite lucky on what I've come across for blade opportunities and this Fantoni HB-01 does not disappoint the streak. A collaboration... Read More...
IMAGE Rifles
Sunday, 08 July 2007
This area will be for displaying long barrel firearms considered rifles or carbines. Examples would include M4, M16, Ak47. Bonus Shotguns for now.... Read More...
Corps Strength - Book Review
Friday, 30 July 2010
Clearly I don't read as much as I should hence there not being a perfect category on my site for this review; none the less I wanted to share one of... Read More...
SHOTSHOW 2008
Saturday, 23 February 2008
I brought more Army Game buddies with me this year to try and step it up a notch. I didn't do as many photos, but made a mean batch of product video... Read More...
IMAGE SOG PowerLock Multitool with V-Cutter
Saturday, 23 August 2008
SPECS: Closed: 4.6" Open: 7" Weight: 9.6 oz. SOG has a lot of variants on their PowerLock series so it is a little hard to narrow down this model,... Read More...
IMAGE COUNTY COMM Kershaw T-Tool
Saturday, 05 July 2008
Since I don't have a big Torx screw set this guys comes in handy to adjust the clips on my knives. Very compact and lightweight, it comes with the... Read More...
IMAGE MAXPEDITION Monsoon Gearslinger Backpack:
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Dimensions (main compartment) : 18" (High) Tapers from 16" wide at base to 6" wide at top. Total Capacity : Over 1600 cu. in. Hydration (two) : Up to... Read More...
IMAGE TACTICAL TAILOR SAW Pouch OD
Saturday, 08 July 2006
DIM: 8.5" x 7.5" x 2.5" Notes: Pouch for holding 200 round SAW drum or 150 linked rounds of 7.62. This version is an older one, latest one appears to... Read More...

MSM STORE

If you find this site useful, please check out our store to say thanks! We have a good selection of morale and tactical accessories.

image

©COPYRIGHT MIL-SPEC MONKEY 2023 MADE IN USA