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Author Archive | Matt

New Compass Line from Brunton

By on February 4, 2012 in Survival, Tactical Gear

Brunton has overhauled their entire line of compasses for 2012. The new line includes some familiar faces and several entirely new designs.

The one thing that the entire new line has in common is Brunton’s OSS Alignment System. Previously, this OSS Alignment System was only available on a few select Brunton compasses. Most traditional compasses make you line up the tip of the needle in the “doghouse,” but Brunton OSS compasses feature circle in circle alignment. The compasses have a circular north reference instead of the tip of a needle. The north reference is then aligned in another circle by the user in order to orient the compass. Brunton claims that the system is easier to use and more accurate. I still tend to prefer traditional compass needles but the idea is very intriguing.

The new line includes an overhaul of the 8099, now called the 70M, and an overhaul of the 8096, now called the 40B. Additionally, it includes several other new designs. The completely new 50M and 60M feature a very compact sighting mirror that allows for a very long baseplate and sighting capability in a compact package. The design looks very interesting.

You can see the entire OSS line of of compasses on the Brunton website.

Ares Armor Satellite Ruck

By on February 3, 2012 in Survival, Tactical Gear

As further proof of the ALICE frame’s refusal to go quietly into the night (see yesterday’s post), I present the very slick new Satellite Ruck from Ares Armor. The Satellite Ruck is another new ALICE based pack with a really unique and useful trick up its sleeve.

The Satellite Ruck is so called due to its ability to accept the Ares Armor Combat XII Pack in a space on its back. This allows the wearer to use the entire system for maximum capacity or to drop the main pack and use the Combat XII Pack for times when less capacity is needed. The Satellite Ruck also serves as a stand-alone ruck without the Combat XII Pack. It is sized slightly larger than the medium ALICE pack in terms of capacity.

Ares Armor has also recently introduced a number of other new items, so be sure to check out their website at AresArmor.com.

Eberlestock J51 Warhammer

By on February 2, 2012 in Survival, Tactical Gear

The ALICE pack frame refuses to loosen its clutch on relevance because it works very well (with some comfort tweaks) and is widely available at very low prices. Eberlestock recently introduced a new pack based on the venerable and ubiquitous ALICE frame called the J51 Warhammer.

The Warhammer is one of the most ambitious re-imaginings of the ALICE frame that I have seen. It shares nothing with the ALICE packs of old except for the frame which is well loved by those who take the time to tweak them for comfort. I always liked its compact size which allowed good range of motion, especially for the wearer’s head. Some packs tend to be very tall and prevent the wearer from lifting their head in the prone position. The ALICE frame does not suffer from this.

The ALICE frame is completely enveloped in the pack. Which should reduce or eliminate any frame noise. Eberlestock states that the Warhammer behaves more like an internal frame pack than an external frame ALICE pack. The large open area in the middle of the ALICE is covered with mesh to allow the pack to be very breathable.

The pack is designed much like a shorter version of Eberlestock’s J79 Skycrane II. Like the Skycrane II, the Warhammer features two large butterfly compartments that hinge open to reveal a larger cargo area that can be used for attaching another pack or for lashing awkward loads that can’t just be loaded into a typical pack.

I find this pack very intriguing and I would love to get my hands on one. You can see more details about the J51 Warhammer on the Eberlestock.com.

MagPod

By on February 1, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

Let’s just get something out of the way right up front. Placing the magazine on the ground in order to stabilize your AR-15 will not cause malfunctions. This technique has proven over and over again to be not only reliable but extremely useful. While I am dispelling myths… the 5.56 doesn’t tumble end over end through the air and Mattel never made M16s for the military.

The reason I bring this up is that the makers of the excellent line of Multitasker Tools recently made a splash with the introduction of the MagPod. The MagPod is a replacement baseplate for the ubiquitous Magpul PMAG. It is shaped in such a way that it provides a stable base when you are using the magazine as a monopod to stabilize your rifle and works as an aid in removing the magazine from pouches.

I think the MagPod has tremendous merit. I have personally used the magazine monopod technique with great success for a while now so I have no fears about this product causing malfunctions. Many people use products that attach to the base of their magazines that aid in removing magazines from their mag pouches. I view the MagPod as something similar but with the additional and useful functionality of stabilizing the rifle when used as a monopod. As with any product, time and testing will tell the whole story.

The MagPod will be available soon. While you are waiting, check out MagPod on their website and their Facebook page.

IWC 2 to 1 Point Split-Bar Triglide

By on January 31, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

So you really like the idea of the IWC 2 to 1 Point Triglide but your sling has sewn in attachment points? Well, that is no longer a problem. Check out the new 2 to 1 Point Split-Bar Triglide from Impact Weapons Components.

The 2 to 1 Point Split-Bar Triglide, as the name indicates, has a split center bar. The split center bar allows it to be placed on a sling without having to thread it on from an end. This means that those of you who have slings with sewn in attachment points can now experience the “Triglide.”

Check out the 2 to 1 Point Split-Bar Triglide on ImpactWeaponsComponents.com. Remember to use the coupon code “triggerjerk” at checkout to receive 5% discount at IWC.

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