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Review: Princeton Tec MPLS Switch

By on November 8, 2010 in Flashlights, Reviews

Flexibility. It’s what the Princeton Tec MPLS Switch is all about. Flexibility in the sense that the neck of the MPLS Switch can be bent in order to point the light where ever you need it. Flexibility in the sense that the MPLS Switch is versatile enough to be used for a variety of tasks. The MPLS Switch is a flexible light in more ways than one.

The MPLS' flexible neck is what makes it most noticeably unique. Click any image in this review to enlarge.

Overview

The MPLS Switch is a small, hands-free, personal flashlight that can be mounted in a variety of ways. It is a task light, not a tactical light. The MPLS Switch is useful for short range illumination tasks like navigating indoors or reading a map. It features a simple 1 button user interface and a long flexible neck that allows the user to aim the light where ever it is needed without having to hold the light. The MPLS Switch is an updated version of the original MPLS which features 2 LEDs instead of 1. My particular MPLS Switch has 1 red and 1 white LED (other colors will be available).

Stats:

  • Weight: 17 grams without mount
  • Batteries: 2x 2016 coin cell
  • LED Color: multiple combinations available
  • Body Color: Black, Tan, or OD Green
  • Price: $39.99

Mounts

MPLS stands for Modular Person Lighting System – a very fitting name. 4 different modular mounts comprise the MPLS’ system. Each one has a specific use. The MPLS Switch comes packaged with 2 of the 4 mounts: the MOLLE mount and the helmet mount. The MOLLE mount allows the MPLS Switch to be mounted on any 1″ webbing like MOLLE webbing. This allows the user to place the light on a chest rig, carrier, or even the sternum strap of a backpack. It can be mounted on any 1″ webbing. The helmet mount works on the current US Military helmet.

The MPLS mounts easily to any 1" webbing which includes MOLLE webbing.

There is also an Accessory Pack that is available for separate purchase which consists of 2 additional mounts. One of these mounts is designed to attach the MPLS Switch to the “reverse picatinny” rail of the OPS-CORE helmet. The other mount is designed to attach the MPLS Switch to a standard picatinny rail. This would allow you to attach it to the railed hand guard of your carbine and use it as a discreet navigation light.

The main body of the MPLS Switch can be moved from mount to mount just by twisting the light free from the mount and twisting it into the next mount. The attachment method is simple and secure.

The body of the light simply twists into the mount.

The MPLS comes with 2 mounts: a MOLLE mount (top) and a helmet mount (bottom).

Flexible Neck

The flexible neck is key to the MPLS Switch’s usefulness. It is 1 3/4″ long and allows the light to be aimed in nearly any direction. Once you have the MPLS Switch mounted on your gear, there is very little reason to move it because it can be aimed in nearly any direction.

2 LEDs

The original MPLS had 1 LED. Now the MPLS Switch features 2 LEDs. The one being reviewed here has a red LED and a white LED. Other combinations will be available as well, including IR LEDs for use with night vision equipment. Having 2 different colors of light available at your finger tips really adds to the versatility of this light.

The newest version of the MPLS features two LEDs.

Simple Operation

The MPLS Switch is exceedingly simple to operate. There is one switch that controls the entire light. When the light is turned on it will be in low red mode (or other color depending on model). If the user presses the bottom again quickly, the light will switch to high red mode. If the button is not pressed within about 2 seconds, the next click will turn the light off. If, at any time, the user presses and holds the button, the light will switch to white mode. The next click in white mode, turns the light off. It only takes a moment to learn how to control the MPLS Switch.

It is obvious that a lot of thought went into this interface. The switch is designed to minimize the likelihood an accidental discharge of white light and the light can be turned off quickly from either of the two modes. These two features will be key to military users.

In Use

The MPLS Switch is a joy to use. It is so small and light weight that you hardly notice it until you need it.

The low red mode is very low which makes it excellent for use when you want to maintain your dark adjusted vision. Many lights don’t make the lowest mode low enough but the MPLS Switch gets it right. It attaches easily to the straps of many backpacks and is the perfect light for reading a map after the sun is falling behind the hills. The white mode is surprisingly bright. It is more than enough light to navigate through a dark room.

The 1 button user interface couldn’t be better. It makes moving between the two color outputs very simple. I was able to learn how to use the button very quickly and soon I was selecting the mode that I wanted without having to think about it. This light really allows to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than pressing buttons or holding the light.

My favorite use of the MPLS Switch was clipped to the map holder that I use when I am hiking or orienteering. The flexible neck allowed me to aim the light in such a way that a specific area of the map was illuminated or it could be bent in such a way that nearly the entire map was illuminated. It is brilliant as a map light but that is only scratching the surface of the uses for a light this versatile.

The MPLS makes an excellent map light.

Conclusion

The MPLS Switch is flexible, literally and figuratively. Its versatility comes from its flexible neck, 2 LEDs, numerous mounts, and simple operation. It can be attached in a number of useful ways and aimed just about anywhere. This light would be at home on any hiker, hunter, or soldier’s gear.

Thank you Princeton Tec for providing this new version of the MPLS Switch for review.

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Solve Sling Mounting Problems with the UWL

By on November 6, 2010 in Guns, Reviews, Tactical Gear

Sometimes finding a satisfactory way to mount a sling can be problematic on many firearms. Your firearm may not have a factory provided sling mount or a place to attach a rail mount. Even if there is a sling mount, it may not be in the location that you prefer.

The Universal Wire Loop (UWL) from Blue Force Gear solves sling mounting problems. The UWL consists of two parts: a coated steel cable and a hard anodized aluminum sling loop. It comes in two lengths (I find the longer one more versatile). The user simply wraps the UWL around anything that is available, then wraps the aluminum sling loop through the wire loop, then attach the sling of your choice. It is that easy.

I have used the UWL to attach a sling between the delta ring and upper receiver of an AR-15. This is a great way to mount the sling close to the receiver for those who like standard hand guards. It can be wrapped through a fore end rail or through the front sight base. I have seen it wrapped through the sling mount on the handguard retainer cap of an AK-47 and then passed between the gas tube and barrel to make a left side sling mount. The applications are just about limitless.

The UWL is the kind of thing that every one should have tucked away somewhere for those times when you just can’t figure out a way to attach a sling to something. This is one versatile piece of gear.

Check them out at Brownells: Universal Wire Loop Short and Universal Wire Loop Long

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Review: Multitasker TUBE

By on November 4, 2010 in Reviews, Tactical Gear

It isn’t always practical to carry a fully stocked tool box to the range and it is almost never practical to carry one into the field. However, if you have been shooting very long, you have probably run into a problem on the firing line that makes you wish you had a tool box with you. In that moment, when your carbine seems to be coming apart in your hands, you can either put it up for the day or you can reach for your Multitasker Tool.

Multitasker Tools offers multi-functional tools that are specifically designed with AR-15 shooters in mind. I first became aware of them a couple of years ago when they started offering a multi-tool (the type that folds open into needle nose pliers) that was specifically designed to service the AR-15. It was the first of its kind to my knowledge and it made some serious waves on AR-15 related forums. Since that time Multitasker Tools has continued to innovate and improve their compact, portable, and multi-functional tools, which brings us to the subject of this review – The Multitasker TUBE.

The Multitasker TUBE's pen-like form factor makes it easy to carry. Click to enlarge.

The Multitasker TUBE is a modular, expandable, and functional AR-15 tool set that, when fully assembled, is little bigger than a Sharpie Marker. Even if you add the optional Expansion Pack (and you should) it is still only about as big as two double stack pistol magazines. You may not be able to carry a complete tool box, but you can always find room for the Multitasker TUBE.

In this review, I will be looking at the Multitasker TUBE and the Expansion Pack as a total package. The TUBE is a pen shaped tool that can be unscrewed into three main pieces and provides a ton of functionality on its own. The Expansion Pack is a specially designed carrying case, a set of ¼” screwdriver bits, and a holder for the bits. When you combine the TUBE and Expansion Pack you end up with a very functional and compact tool kit.

Construction, Fit, and Finish

The TUBE is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum. It consists of three main sections that are threaded together. The threads operate smoothly and feature an o-ring at each junction to seal out moisture. The finish is hard anodized matte black which very attractive and very durable (a flat dark earth finish is also available). There are also scallops around the center section of the TUBE that improve grip enough to make gloved use possible.

Often, on poorly made aluminum items, the threads will be gritty or undersized and the finish will be thin in spots, especially on the corners. The Multitasker TUBE exhibits none of these flaws. Instead, the TUBE shows excellent quality and attention to detail. For instance, the pocket clip is not just attached with a screw, there is actually a shallow recess that the clip sits in. This allows the body of the TUBE to absorb some of the stress that light prying would otherwise put completely on the screw.

The construction and quality remind me of a high end flashlight. It is so solid that it would probably make a very decent kubotan in a pinch.

Functions

The MULTITASKER Tube has many functions. Some are obvious. Some are improvised. All are invaluable.

Removing the shorter cap of the TUBE reveals a ¼” magnetic bit holder. This bit holder can hold the well designed front sight tool that is included with the TUBE or any other ¼” bit. The front sight tool can be a finger saver on a cold day. It works perfectly.

The standard 1/4" bit holder makes the TUBE customizable to the user's needs. Click to enlarge.

The included front sight tool works great and definitely beats mangling the tip of a bullet. Click to enlarge.

The Expansion Pack contains a selection of bits that are well suited to a variety of tasks like tightening a scope ring or zeroing an optic. The beauty of this standard sized bit holder is that you can add any ¼” bit that you need. These bits are readily available at hardware stores and firearm oriented bits can be purchased from Brownells. I have several Glock related bits from Brownells that work perfectly with the TUBE.

The cap features a “bump” at the top that functions as a take down pin starter. It allows you to push out a stubborn take down pin far enough to get your fingers on the pin’s domed head or use the pocket clip on the cap to lightly pry under the domed head.

Even the TUBE's cap has multiple uses! Click to enlarge.

The pocket clip, which is made from tough spring steel, also makes an excellent flat head screw driver. It is well sized for adjusting Aimpoints or the older ACOGs with slotted turrets. I found that the clip is tough enough to be used to retract the bolt through the ejection port which is the only way to clear a malfunction where the spent brass finds its way between the bolt and the charging handle. Many trainers suggest keeping a fixed blade knife on your gear to accomplish the task of retracting the bolt so using the pocket clip of the TUBE  can be an attractive, safer option. This is just one of those improvised uses that you will find when you spend some time using the TUBE.

Removing the longer cap of the TUBE reveals a threaded post. This post can be used to attach the included scraper, the included cleaning pick, or the cable from an OTIS cleaning kit (not included).

The TUBE's round scraper tool is very effective at scraping variety of spots on the bolt carrier group. Click to enlarge.

The pick is perfectly shaped for cleaning around the bolt lugs or hooking the firing pin retaining pin. Click to enlarge.

Many scrapers have a flat edge which isn’t really a good choice for the many curved surfaces of the AR-15 bolt and carrier. The TUBE’s scraper is rounded to work with the specific contours and crevices that you have to deal with while cleaning an AR-15 bolt carrier group. I don’t scrape the carbon off my bolt group very often but when I do, it is nice to have a tool that makes it easier. If there is a corner that you can’t clean with the scraper, you can certainly get at it with the pick. The pick’s point is oriented at 90 degrees to the shaft, not a hook like some picks. This makes it much easier to use (especially when you are trying to remove the firing pin retaining cotter pin from your bolt carrier).

The Expansion Pack includes an excellent carrying case, assortment of bits, and bit holder. Click to enlarge.

The Expansion Pack is a very nice addition to the TUBE. The carrying case is made of a semi rigid ballistic nylon type fabric. It is very similar to the Oakley Soft Vaults. There is a single zipper that allows the case open completely and lay flat. Once open, you will find several elastic loops on one side of the case. The largest loop is for the TUBE and the others are for other smaller parts like the pick or OTIS cleaning parts. The opposite side of the case features some mesh dividers. The small mesh slot pocket is perfect for holding the included bits and bit holder. There is a large space behind the mesh that is secured with a hook and loop closure. This space is perfect for storing the OTIS cleaning cable or a multi-tool, like a Multitasker Tool. There is more than enough space in the kit to add several useful items like an extension for the bit driver, a wrench for your LaRue mount, or a small flashlight. The carrying case is versatile enough that it is almost a tool unto itself.

The case neatly organizes the TUBE and its accessories. Click to enlarge.

There is also plenty of space for additional tools. Click to enlarge.

Carrying the TUBE

The TUBE’s biggest strength is its compact size and very light weight. The pocket clip and carrying case make the potential carry methods nearly endless. I found that the entire kit fits nicely into just about any MOLLE utility/admin pouch and it can be used to organize the type of things that you likely already carry in a utility/admin pouch (weapon lube, a light, multitool, etc). If you need to go even lighter than that, you can clip the TUBE into your pocket or a column of MOLLE webbing. The clip provides a very secure hold on the webbing. This is especially handy for those times that you need the TUBE at arms reach like when you are zeroing a new optic.

A tool with all the functions in the world are of no use if you won’t carry it. The TUBE is easy to carry, doesn’t take up much space, and won’t weigh you down.

The TUBE clips securely into a MOLLE column. Click to enlarge.

The carrying case fits the utility pouches of the excellent ATS Low Profile Chest Harness with loads room to spare. Click to enlarge.

Conclusion

The Multitasker TUBE is a worthy addition to any AR-15 shooter’s tool kit. Its extreme versatility and functionality along with it’s compact size and light weight make it perfect for the range or the field. The modular design means you will be finding improvised uses for the TUBE every time you are on the range. It is an excellent compliment to a multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife. The Multitasker TUBE flat out rocks.

Check out the Multitasker Tools Facebook page for all the latest information on their top notch tools. You can purchase your own Multitasker Tube Tool from Brownells.

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Review: ESEE 4 Series Custom Handle Kits from The-Knife-Connection

By on October 27, 2010 in Knives, Reviews, Survival
Click to enlarge.

Users of ESEE Knives have been asking for years to purchase extra handle scales so that they can customize their knives. Until just days ago, there was no source for aftermarket “drop-in” handle scales and ESEE would not sell the scales separately because they require some hand fitting. Dale Stoops, the owner of The-Knife-Connection (T-K-C), saw the potential in making custom handle kits and seized the opportunity. Now ESEE owners have some functional and attractive options for customization.

Fit and Finish

The first thing you notice when take these scales out of the packaging is that they are very attractive. They come in a growing number of colors that should suit just about everyone. The scales are finished nicely with a very fine texture that is at least as “grippy” as the factory linen micarta scales, if not more so. The set that Dale provided for this review are the Red & Black G-10 which is very attractive, especially on a black knife. All of the handle contours really show off the various layers of red and black colors.

The fit of the handles that I was provided is excellent. They fit almost perfectly flush along the front of the grip and are only slightly raised at the spine of the grip (completely unnoticeable in use). The standard ESEE scales are hand fit so for a drop-in set of scales to fit this well is a testament to the precision with which these grips are machined. All of the holes for the handle bolts are nicely recessed so that the screw head sits flush and a lanyard hole is provided. There was obviously a lot of care in the design and manufacture of these handle kits.

Click to enlarge.

Additional Contours

These aren’t just fancy colored clones of the standard handle scales. These slabs were built to increase functionality and improve ergonomics. Many users of ESEE Knives have found the handles to feel a bit too thin, too short, or both. These new handle kits from T-K-C address those issues by adding thick palm swell and about .5″ of extra length. The standard ESEE handle is a uniform .570″ thick. The T-K-C handle features a palm swell that is about .725″ at the widest part of the spine and tapers down to about .580″ at the spine’s thinnest point. The scales are subtly thicker at the back of the grip (the spine) than at the front (where the fingers typically wrap). Even with the additional thickness, these scales still work perfectly with the standard kydex ESEE-4 sheath.

The T-K-C handle features contours that make it very comfortable to use. Shown with a standard ESEE-4 handle for comparison. Click to enlarge.

Note the additional length of the T-K-C handle. Click to enlarge.

In Use

The result of all of these contours is a handle that locks itself comfortably into the users hand. The broad spine gives plenty of surface area to spread the force of powerful push cuts like notching. The slight thinning toward the front of the grip keeps the handle from feeling like a 2×4. The palm swell locks the knife into the hand during pull cuts or thrusting cuts. The short “hook” at the pommel end of the grip works extremely well for times that you want to choke down of the knife. This technique is commonly used to make a short knife behave like a longer one for light chipping.

One of the best things about the original handle is that it let the user comfortably grip the knife in just about any way they wanted and, with all the additional contours, you might think that the T-K-C handle kit would ruin that but it doesn’t. It still feels great in every grip that I tried. This is a well designed handle that is suited to a variety tasks.

Conclusion

These handle kits are a worthy addition to a classic knife. They improve the appearance and function of the knife while still maintaining the use of the standard sheath. If you have been wanting to dress up your ESEE-4, then look no further than these Custom Handle Kits from The-Knife-Connection.

These kits are available at The-Knife-Connection. While you are there check out their selection of ESEE-4 blades without handles and ESEE-4 sheaths so you can build a custom ESEE-4 from the ground up. Also, watch for Custom Handle Kits for other ESEE models coming soon.

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End Cap for the Battle Arms Development – Ambidextrous Safety Selector

By on October 23, 2010 in Guns, Reviews, Tactical Gear

Click to enlarge.

The previously reviewed Battle Arms Development – Ambidextrous Safety Selector (BAD-ASS) is already the most versatile selector on the market. Now, with the addition of the new end cap, that versatility is expanded. I mentioned the end cap previously on Jerking the Trigger and now that I have one in hand, there are no surprises. It works.

Installation is a breeze. You simply bolt the end cap on to the BAD-ASS core. Be careful to align it so that the indicator notch is pointing to the correct selector position (safe or fire).

Once the end cap is installed correctly, it stays completely out of the way of the trigger finger and provides visual indication of the condition of your weapon (safe or fire). This cap makes the BAD-ASS relevant to those who may not have a need for an ambi selector but do want the quality, durability, and ergonomic enhancement of the finest selector available for the AR family of weapons. If you want a left side only lever, you can do that. If you want a right side only lever, you can do that, too. There is no shortage of options with the BAD-ASS.

You can purchase your own at the Battle Arms Development website. It is available for purchase separately or as part of a complete BAD-ASS kit.

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