Product Preview | Military Times GearScout

Triple Aught Design prototype pants for the girls

By: Stickman

02-02-2012

Raquel Rusing of Triple Aught Design was running around SHOT in a new pair of pants, and while they are prototypes, they are still worth noting. Raquel and myself had a conversation which was similar to one I had recently had with my wife, and no, it wasn’t about me doing more work around the house. The female market for clothing tends to be rather basic, at least when it comes to outdoor and tactical lines. It seems many manufacturers have the idea that mens clothing is suddenly built for women if you just make them in smaller sizes. Any man can tell you women are built different than men, and it would make sense for the clothing to be built to accommodate those assets.

Raquel pointed out the various features of the pants, and sent over some specs, as well as her take on them which is quoted below. She pointed out several things that needed to be changed in these early prototypes, and to be honest, I think many of the issues were things only a female would notice. From a guys respectful point of view, there was nothing wrong with what I saw, and from her flock of protagonists which seemed to follow her, I don’t think most other guys had complaints either. Still, a minor change to the seat of the pants, and altering the cargo pockets were two of the changes she noted.

Click the image for specs and more information.

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ARC’TERYX – Nozone 55

By: Stickman

16-01-2012

Off-Duty, Product Preview, Show Report

It looks like we can finally talk a little about the upcoming Arcteryx Nozone 55. This latest beast from the bird is a top loading, 55 liter/ 3300 cubic inch internal frame pack with dual aluminum stays. The shoulder straps are well padded, anatomical, and have length adjustment on both ends. The waist belt is well padded, and extends out just to the hips eliminating wide padding along the front. A collar on the top of the sack is double cinch corded allowing you to over stuff the pack, and the very top lip allows storage of items you are going to grab on a regular basis, or just items you want on top.

Look for a long term review on our Arc’teryx Nozone 55 in the future. So far we’ve got a half dozen trips with it, and have found the internal frame to work very well. Fully loaded, no pack screams of fun, but this one hasn’t found any pinch points, wear or rubbing on myself or Mrs. Stick as we have hiked and gone snowshoeing on Mt Rainier. Yes, when I hike, everyone rucks up, that includes spouse, nieces, nephews and neighborhood children. Thankfully, I’ve now got a pack nicer than all of theirs.

http://www.arcteryx.com/?EN

Grey Ghost Gear Sling prototype

By: Stickman

05-01-2012

Product Announcement, Product Preview

We’ve mentioned Grey Ghost Gear a couple times, and a few weeks back they sent us a prototype sling to take a look at. I’ll point out this sling is not considered to be a production sample, but I’ve got a feeling this is pretty close to how it will end up when its ready for sale. The sling is an adjustable two point which uses a heavy elastic to allow a bit of extra movement, which can be useful at times. The basic configuration as an adjustable two point is one we’ve seen from various other manufacturers. By using a QD swivel off the rear of the receiver as shown below, the front snap hook can lock in making this a very functional adjustable single point sling. The snap hook may become the fastening method on both ends, or the sling may be configured a few different ways when it hits the street.

What makes this sling special? The price, because it look like its going to retail under $20, which makes this very appealing to anyone looking for a decent sling.

http://www.greyghostgear.com/

Mossie Tactics 2400 Light Mount

By: Stickman

22-12-2011

Photo Recon, Product Announcement

Mossie Tactics has developed their new MT 2400 Light mount in a partnership with Battle Comp Enterprises. Battle Comp already has a distribution system, dealers, and a heavy production capacity, so this pairing up makes sense. Combine it with a product which is so straightforward that I’m wondering why I didn’t think of it first, and it looks like they’ve got a winner.

We first got our hands on a prototype a few weeks ago, but the early production model arrived today. The piece is straightforward in how it mounts. By sliding the grooved portion onto the front sight base, the MT 2400 Light Mount snugs into place. The next step is to tighten the lower screw, then the upper screw, and you are done. If you find the mount tips up or down, adjust your screws accordingly.

The application for the MT 2400 Light Mount is that of a railed extension in the 12 o’clock position. It allows a Surefire X300 or similar light to be mounted, while still retaining functionality of the mechanical and electronic sights. Pushing a light farther forward eliminates shadowing from the barrel, and that is always a good thing. The 12 o’clock mounting position with the light means the rocker switches for the little lights can be activated with either hand, and there is less of an issue when shooting around barricades or corners.

Made in the USA from 6061 aluminum, this has a MSRP of $79, which isn’t cheap, but it is a lot less money and weight than a long rail for your weapon.

Manufacturer Specs:

6061 T6 aluminum
Miltary Type III Hard Anodized
5/64 set screws
Compatible with SF X300, SF X200, SL TLR1, Insight M3/Procyon/WX150
MSRP $79

www.battlecomp.com

http://www.mossietactics.com/

If Thor gave up the hammer, one of these would take its place

By: Rob Curtis

16-12-2011

Product Preview

Meet the RMJ Berserker. Serial #000.

5.11 Tactical commissioned RMJ to make “something nice” for Kyle Lamb. Luckily, in Ryan Johnson’s mind “nice” and “wicked” are synonyms. I’m told Mr. Lamb was pleased.

RMJ made a pair of axes for the project. The Berserker is made from differentially heat treated 4140 steel. The handles are 3D machined micarta, laced with 2mm accessory cord and laser engraved with Viking runes. RMJ plans on adding the Berserker to their product lineup, though the specs may change a bit.

The second “Viking Axe” is a one-off presentation piece made from 400 layers of 1095 and A203E steels with a fire hardened white oak shaft.

Don’t you wish you had buds like 5.11 Tactical and RMJ?

New Magpul Stocks: ACS-L and STR

By: Rob Curtis

30-11-2011

Product Announcement, Product Preview

UPDATE: It looks like Magpul’s new MS3 is breaking cover in photo form in this photo of the STR stock. A drawing of the sling has been on their site, but here’s the first actual look at the new hardware they made for the sling.

Magpul STR Stock Storage/Type Restricted Carbine Stock
The STR Carbine Stock is a drop-in replacement for M4type carbine stocks. The STR has improved cheek weld and two water resistant battery tubes on a reinforced polymer A-frame design. A shielded operation lever and a friction locking system prevent accidental adjustment and eliminate excessive stock movement. The STR incorporates two sling loops, left and right side QD sling mount locations and a replaceable rubber butt pad.

Drop-in replacement for the standard M4 stock (Mil-Spec and Commercial-Spec models available)
Two water resistant battery tubes that can be accessed by hand in any stock position (holds two CR123A or AA
batteries per side)
Reinforced polymer construction
A-frame design with improved cheek weld
Shorter and lighter than the ACS Stock
Shielded release latch and supplemental friction lock
Compatible with Magpul ASAP® and other receiver mount sling attachments
Reversible push-button QD sling mount
Replaceable butt-pad offers an anti-slip surface and increases impact protection
Retail $99, FDE, Black, OD Green and Foliage
Length, Stock: 7.30 in.
Weight: 0.77 lb./1.02 lb. w/Rec. Extension
Width, Maximum: 2.58 in.
LOP Adjustment Range: 3.25 in.
LOP, M4 Collapsed: 11.10 in.
LOP, M4 Extended: 14.35 in.

Magpul ACS-L Stock Adaptable Carbine Stock- Light
The ACS-L Stock is a drop-in replacement buttstock for M4-type carbines. A streamlined version of the ACS, the ACS-L utilizes the same storage compartment and cheek weld but removes the battery tubes for a slimmer, lighter package.

Sloping cheek weld provides a wide contact surface for user comfort
Shielded release latch prevents snagging and accidental operation
Supplemental friction lock minimizes excessive stock movement
Storage compartment in tail of stock with positive latching access door on right hand side
Compatible with Magpul ASAP and other receiver mount sling attachments
Single QD Swivel Sling Mount included to accept any push-button sling swivel
Replaceable butt-pad offers an anti-slip surface and increases impact protection
Retail $99, FDE, Black, OD Green and Foliage
Weight: 0.78 lb./1.02 lb. w/Rec. Extension
Length, Stock: 7.95 in.
Width, Maximum: 2.17 in.
LOP Adjustment Range: 3.25 in.
LOP, M4 Collapsed: 11.75 in.
LOP, M4 Extended: 15.00 in.

Outdoor Research FR Swoop Mitt Shells

By: Stickman

24-11-2011

Product Preview

Outdoor Research is a company better known for its commercial outdoor gear than it is for Military contracts, but that doesn’t change their use of cold weather outerwear making appearances in the right Military circles. The Outdoor Research FR Swoop Mitt Shell is an example of one of those products which fits a certain niche. This Swoop Mitt is three-fingered, and looks like a hybrid between a traditional mitten and glove, taking assets from each to create a level of warmth higher than traditional gloves, while giving better overall dexterity.

I think most people are familiar with fine motor skills, especially when it comes to important ones like trigger control. Heavy gloves make shooting a disaster in most cases, but thin gloves seem to work better for protecting skin from abrasion than actually keeping hands warm. The FR Swoop Mitt Shells cradle the thumb and index finger, while keeping the last three fingers together for warmth. This works well for generic tasks like grabbing items in which mittens would prove to be too cumbersome. However, this isn’t going to allow fine motor skills, and for this, the FR Swoop peels its largest section back allowing for fingers (either bare or with liners) to do whatever needs to be done. In addition to setting fingers free, the FR Swoop opening is large enough for the entire hand to go outside the opening. While this may seem strange, I will say its a lot easier to stay warm, not drop, or not lose an item if it never comes all the way off.

Outdoor Research points out the FR Swoop Mitt Shells are part of an overall system, including a liner, and was originally designed for flight crews. With its FR rating, Goretex and seam sealed layers, I can see why guys would want this. While I can think of fewer things colder than being at altitude up in the mountains in the back of a bird as a crew chief or gunner, I can think of my own time humping a belt fed and laying in the cold and snow for hours on end waiting for bad people. Yeah, the aircrews might get this before anyone else, but I can think of other MOSs that can use it as well.

I’ve started a long term review on these, and they work just the way the pictures show. However, they are so warm that I’ve found I need colder weather to really get a solid review up. Check back in another month or so, and I’ll let you know how they do when the weather gets extra nasty. Click the picture for specs from the manufacturer.

VERTX Smock: Hands on

By: Rob Curtis

12-11-2011

Photo Recon, Product Preview

Here’s an exclusive first look at the VERTX Smock. As a soft shell, this smock is the modern American embodiment of the WWII era British combat smock. In sentimental terms, think of the combat smock as the European equivalent of our M65 field jacket and you get an idea of the garment’s appeal.

It’s an distinctive piece that adds modern styling and function to a vintage design. I think this will be the first in a resurgent wave of combat smocks marketed in the States.

Features:
Vertx gave the smock a full cut so it can be worn over a chest rig or a plate carrier. It’s going to be a bit of a stretch to wear over full-on body armor, though. It’s designed for layering and wear in a broad spectrum of environments. That’s why it’s only insulation is in the fleece lined hood and handwarmer pockets. Lined pit zips keep debris out and prevent you from sticking your arm through an open pitzip when donning the smock. There’s adjusters at the waist and hem to keep out drafts, reenforced elbows, a removable hood, and big Canadian style buttons on the hand warmer pocket flaps and the hood attachment are functional but impart an old school look.

Triple Aught Design (TAD) Ranger Hoodie

By: Stickman

19-10-2011

Product Announcement, Product Preview

Triple Aught Design, better known to most of us as TAD, redesigned their “Ranger Hoodie” earlier this year. With the change in weather coming upon us, and our never ending search for quality items to review, we took this one on along with some other upcoming outwear reviews to let you all know what works and what doesn’t. Its never to early to start thinking of Christmas, and its never to soon to own quality gear.

The TAD Ranger Hoodie is made of DWR-treated Polartec WindPro, which makes it rated to stop four times more wind than other fleece. The DWR coating is a nice touch, but fleece is never going to be the first choice of anyone going out into wet weather. At least with a DWR treatment, short trips or light rain isn’t going to get you soaked. Up here in the Pacific North West, its coming into six months or so of rain, and our long term testing is going to really be putting this to the test. I have no doubt based on short term use that the Ranger Hoodie is great in chilly weather as a stand alone piece, but I think being up on Mount Rainier and out on the Carbon Glacier an outer shell is gong to be needed as well when the cold rain and snow kick in. I’m willing to try layering up and just using the Ranger Hoodie, but I’ll have a hard shell in my pack just case…

My initial thoughts on the TAD Ranger Hoodie is that someone really did their homework. The fit of the size large (in loden green) is almost like it was tailored for me. My extra long arms fit without any trouble, and the thumb holes make for a nice touch for if I’m doing a lot of reaching around and don’t want to sleeve riding up. Like most outerwear I own, this has pockets on the upper arm along with velcro. The upper pockets are well sized, and not placed to far to the rear, which is a pet peeve of mine. The chest pockets are fine, and along with the upper sleeve pockets both have media ports so your iPod won’t get cold or wet.

Consider this a brief overview and a thumbs up from a first look. This TAD Ranger Hoodie will hit the mountains in the next few days, and after we’ve spent enough time to really get to know it, we will let you know how it does. Click the picture to see the product specs as given by TAD.

AAC’s MPW “Honey Badger” don’t care…

By: Rob Curtis

15-10-2011

Product Preview

Advanced Armament Corp. debuted this little honey at AUSA. It’s a low vis carbine designed to bring the potency and range of the 300 BLK round into the workspace of the 9mm H&K MP5 and MP7. Those sub-machine guns run pretty quiet, but using a can AAC optimized for this platform, the Honey Badger (AACs internal nickname for the nasty little thing), hits 125db, dry. Not bad for a full power cartridge in a gun that has more can than barrel. There is a second version of the Multi-Purpose Weapon with a longer handguard that covers the can. A fine CQB assaulter’s weapon, the longer handguard offers more real estate up front for lights, lasers and the like.

The MPW runs an AR style lower and takes all standard AR mags. The buffer system was shortened and the lower modified to accept the custom, adjustable stock. At the moment there are only six of these guns in existence and judging from the appearance of #000006 they are all running hard to prove their place on the battlefield.