WEAR GEAR

Revision Sawfly Glasses Gen2

Details: Category: Protective; Created: Sunday, 13 February 2011 20:14

I've been digging my original Sawfly specs for sometime now so I was curious how any positive changes were going to be made to this new version. When I first got them in hand, I mostly had a "whatever... these are the same damn thing" reaction, but you know the Monkey wouldn't stop there and investigated further. While actually wearing, the most noticeable and welcomed change are the leaner arms. The ends in particular being slim make these Gen2 glasses go on much easier while wearing a hat or active ear pro / comms. On a long day of training or ops, the slim arms relieve pressure and are much more comfortable that most glasses when used with ear pro / comms.

Combat Cock (Original)

Details: Category: MISC; Created: Wednesday, 12 January 2011 02:23

I had to make a new category just for this thing, a perfect example of something you totally don't need but you so WANT it anyway :)
Made from mostly 1000 D Cordura and MIL-Spec webbing, this Cock is combat ready unlike your typical chump plushie. 3" x 2" loop fields are on each side to allow mounting of your favorite patch to push the morale factor to the limit.

Hazard4 Plan-B modular sling pack

Details: Category: Packs/Bags; Created: Tuesday, 28 September 2010 00:00

Originally seeing this bag back at shotshow, I finally got around to getting one for myself to beat up on. The general shape certainly brings memories of the S.O. TECH Go Bag, yet there are substantial changes that make the Plan-B unique and not just some half-assed copy. Before I go off into comparisons, let's go over pack concept. The main idea of having a pack in this tall and slim shape is to optimize it for stowing in vehicles. Rather than two straps, a single thick strap is used to enhance the grab and go capability. Although the Plan-B can hold a diverse array of items, it is still a specialty pack and won't be able to hold things like laptops or other wide items that many people may take for granted fitting in most backpacks.

Maxpedition Noatak Gearslinger

Details: Category: Packs/Bags; Created: Monday, 09 August 2010 20:27

Based on the Sitka, Maxpedition came out with this lil' guy to compliment the latest Gearslinger design format. The Noatak is the smallest so far and had me curious at first since the Sitka wasn't exactly huge. Don't worry I'll still go over the details, but the summary is the Noatak is pretty much a smaller Sitka without the upper front pocket. So you might be like me thinking, well what is the point?...Who needs a smaller Sitka? I can always find crap to fit in about any bag, but I found my answers in older Maxpedition designs.

Maxpedition MPB XXL

Details: Category: Packs/Bags; Created: Saturday, 15 May 2010 21:14

Overall DIMS: Approx 22" L x 12" W x 13" H

Maxpedition keeps the options coming with this new big boy MPB variant, the XXL. As you may have guessed from the name, it is a fairly large pack, similar to what some may expect out of a patrol bag. The layout is similar to the orignal MPB with an overall upsize to allow larger items such as 17" laptops to fit.

Maxpedition E6 - Folding Knife Case

Details: Category: Pouches; Created: Friday, 26 March 2010 05:14

Coming in at around 6" x 2.5" this design is like the other Maxpedition E series, but in a size optimized for folding knives. Exclusively made for knifeart.com, the main design intent is to hold collector knives or any you might just want to keep nice and protected. The exterior is made of the heavy duty 1000D material Maxpedition is known for, however the inside is lined with gentle fleece. The main flap uses a velcro connection with pull tab to increase ease. The majority of folding knives will easily fit inside and bulk purchasing is even available to make these cases further affordable. It shouldn't be an issue for most, but if you are especially concerned about keeping an item in pristine condition, one should take care not to brush up against the hook velcro when placing items in and out. A simple and effective design.

Where to buy:
http://www.knifeart.com/knifecase.html

Tactics SOG Industries - Jack Bag Gen2

Details: Category: Packs/Bags; Created: Monday, 15 March 2010 21:33

http://www.tacticssog.com

DIMS: Approx 17" L x 13" H x 6" D

There are lots of messenger bags these days so it is always interesting to see how each place approaches the design concept. The Jack Bag Gen2, perhaps would be classified as medium sized, and has some tactical capabilities. Not sure if it was meant to be discreet looking... It doesn't scream military, however the exterior is not plain enough for covert use. For starters there is a big embroidered logo that says TACTICS with a target based symbol and then the PALS webbing on the side is not the lowest key. That aside, the bag has some good design features.

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.

Toy Soldier Workshop - Combat Photo Rig

Details: Category: Vests / Platforms; Created: Monday, 15 February 2010 03:30

I saved this larger item to give a quick break down on the Toy Soldier Workshop. I know many people see the name and just think, you can't be fucking serious why are you giving these commies a chance monkey!? For starters, good things can come out of China and a good example of that is Emdom gear. The other factors are that they are using good genuine materials and putting forth effort into making their own unique designs. When places send me stuff I give it a fair assessment no matter the origin.

Moving onto the actual kit, this chest rig stands out as combat photography stuff tends to be harder to come by.

Toy Soldier Workshop - QuickDraw M4 Pouch

Details: Category: Pouches; Created: Monday, 15 February 2010 03:03

So there are a LOT of mag pouches out there these days, but I thought these were worth showing for something different. The concept is somewhat like a FastMag using soft materials. The sides are made of elastic to keep pressure on the magazine while the insides have a generous amount of non-slip material. The end result is a pretty nice grip.