Category: Tactical Gear

On this blog, I have done plenty of gear reviews. These reviews are most often based on extensive use of the item, in various climates or locations. Today I came to the realization that I haven't reviewed some of the gear that I've been using for the longest period of time, and this review is one step towards changing that. Unfortunately, in this case, the Magnum boots I'm reviewing have been discontinued. I therefore won't be spending too much time on individual features, but rather how they were manufactured and… Read More

I could have called this article "Praetor Defense Holster is the Greatest Thing Since Prehistoric Man Created Tools from Rocks and Sticks," and I would not have been far off the mark. My Holster Background I have owned dozens of holsters. They run the gamut from leather to kydex to fabric. Some are made from a combination of materials. Some have active retention systems, and some do not. Some are intended for concealed carry, and some are intended for open carry or duty use. I have holsters that are meant… Read More

Initially, I was content to leave discussion of the flashbang bra holster to female bloggers. This was for several reasons: - Number one, I don't like to discuss products that I have no experience with. - Number two, I didn't really think I'd ever get any actual experience with this product. - Number three, I don't think that I have a very large female audience, so it didn't seem like a pressing issue when I first heard of the product. Recently, though, I spent some time with someone who was… Read More

Although this review focuses on the Cane & Derby product and is not technically a comparison, I refer to NTAC and Raven Concealment holsters throughout to provide a frame of reference for my opinions. I've been carrying a concealed handgun with various kydex holsters for years. My first experience with kydex came from the half-leather, half-Kydex "hybrid" holsters, namely, the Comp-Tac MTAC. I still use these occasionally, but only when I have no other choice - I've found that all-kydex models are far, far better for concealed carry. In January… Read More

I was recently loaned a Blue Force Gear Six Pack Bandolier by Deliberate Dynamics and have been spending a significant amount of time with it. Similar in design to the BFG TenSpeed line of products which sacrifice long-term durability for significant weight, cost, and size savings, the bandolier lists for $43.95 and is designed to hold six M4 type magazines in its elastic pockets. It has a shoulder strap and a waist strap, both of which are constructed from thin webbing. This piece of gear defines minimalism. It naturally hangs… Read More

Like many who've been in the military, I've spent long periods of time wearing armor. It's hot, uncomfortable, and tiring - though you eventually get used to it. While deployed, I wore ye olde Interceptor OTV, as well as the Eagle CIRAS-Maritime, and, occasionally, just a TAG plate carrier. The latter was the most comfortable, even if it was still intended to be used as an "external" plate carrier. I found it easier to sleep in, although the lack of soft armor did mean that my E-SAPI plates dug in… Read More

I love Surefire flashlights. Don't get me wrong. However, recently, I've found myself needing - perhaps wanting is a better term - stuff that Surefire doesn't offer. I've been using some of the following products for a few months now, and I'm pretty impressed with what they have to offer. Before I get started, I should explain a few things. Your average Surefire 6P flashlight uses two 3 volt lithium batteries, type CR123. It has a xenon, or incandescent, bulb designed to be powered with 6 volts. There are batteries… Read More

Last year, I purchased a set (front and rear) of Level IV plates from bulletproofme.com. They fit just fine in my Interceptor, but when other plate carriers were used, the rear, which was countoured differently than the front, would not fit. Even after I had owned them for 6 months, the company offered to swap out the rear for a front plate (for a 20% fee - very reasonable in my opinion, since they would have had to X-ray the plate before reselling it). However, I decided to test the… Read More

I'll admit it, I'm addicted to flashlights. I have way too many of the things. I learned the utility of small flashlights that were easy to carry yet very bright when I was in Iraq. There are times when night vision is useful, and times when a flashlight is more handy. Today, I always have a flashlight on me. I use it probably a dozen times a day, for everything from working inside a computer, to trying to figure out what else has broken inside my Jeep, to identifying things… Read More

If you're like me, you've got a box of holsters somewhere, stuffed with the good, bad, and ugly of leather, kydex, and, yes, even nylon or Cordura holsters. I could probably buy a nice handgun with the money I've spent on holsters I don't use. A lot of people see a holster that looks cool, then try to find a reason for it. In fact, people do that with handguns, rifles, cars, houses, women...but I digress. You should start with your current and potential future needs and work from there.… Read More