If the idea of a Glock 43X or 48 with 15 round capacity is exciting to you, you likely remember our previous post on the Shield Arms S15 Magazines. It has been a while since news of the magazines first got out but it appears their release is now closer than ever. Shield Arms has opened preorders for the magazines.
The S15 Magazines have a capacity of 15 rounds and they fit flush in Glock 43X and 48 handguns. We also now know that will require (or at least strongly recommend) the use of an aluminum mag catch which is also available from Shield Arms.
The S15 magazines will cost $40 each and Shield Arms is offering a number of packages that include multiple mags and/or mag catches that will save a few bucks. Magazines are expected to begin shipping in October.
I’ll just say up front that this sCharger-14 is easily the best portable solar charger that I have used and then I’ll spend the rest of this article telling you why. The bottom line is that the quality is excellent, they are assembled and supported here in the USA, and they have a feature that is an absolute game-changer (more on this later).
Water Resistant: 40 Feet, Corrosion Resistant, IPX7 Rated
Dimensions: 11.6″ x 7.25″ x .25″in (closed) / 11.6″ x 14.5″ x .125″ in (open)
Solar Cell Efficiency: ~20%, Mono-Crystalline
Suntactics sCharger-14 (upper right) shown with another panel during testing. There will be a review available on the other panel soon.
Observations from Use
To understand what makes the Suntactics panels so great, it helps to have some context for the state of the solar charger market and some experience with the challenges of solar charging devices in the field. I’ll try to provide that context before explaining how Suntactics addresses both.
Regarding the state of the market – It only takes a quick search on Amazon to see solar chargers from a variety of names you don’t recognize and a few that you might. Many of these brands are based in China and appear to exist solely for the purpose of selling inexpensive electronics on Amazon. In my experience, their quality is often dubious and their specifications aren’t trustworthy.
Suntactics, however, has been making excellent portable solar panels since 2009 and their panels have been very well vetted by several demanding user groups including the through-hiking community and military personnel They work. Their panels have no moving parts. They are laminated in such a way that they submersible and they shrug off poor weather conditions. I have used a USB voltmeter to verify their output claims and this panel will often deliver a charge in conditions where my other panel gives up the ghost which speaks to its efficiency. On top of that, their electronic design is superior to anything I have tried… which brings us to the game-changing feature.
Regarding the challenges of solar charging in the field – You may be aware of the fact that the sun’s position in the sky changes throughout the day. You may also be aware that things occlude the sun, like clouds, exist in significant numbers. What you may not know is that many devices like battery chargers and cell phones just aren’t built to handle the realities of solar charging and the voltage changes that come with it.
In many cases, a cloud passing in front of your solar panel will cause the output of the panel to drop which induces a charge error and the device stops charging. Many cell phones are also a little picky about their charge level and will simply not adjust as the panel output changes with the solar conditions. This can lead to more charge errors or slower charging than is necessary. Basically, all of this means you have to babysit your solar charger at all times so that you can unplug and replace the USB device as necessary to reset any potential charge errors.
All Suntactics panels have a feature that addresses this issue very elegantly. They call it “Auto-Retry” and it basically means that the panel automatically restarts the charge every 5 minutes. It is as if you are standing there unplugging the device and then plugging it back in every 5 minutes. You can leave Suntactics panels unattended with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that charge errors will be dealt with automatically. It’s basically magic.
This photo was taken during testing to illustrate some very challenging conditions. See the next image for actual multimeter readings during these conditions.
In this real-world test, the sCharger-14 was still putting out 4.59 volts at .44 amps with the sun occluded by clouds. The other panel tested during this time was producing charge errors.
I originally purchased my sCharger-14 as more of a preparedness item than a backcountry item. It is the largest panel that Suntactics makes in the sCharger line but I still find it to be quite portable and lightweight compared to many panels so it has seen time in the mountains. That said, I would like to pick up one of their smaller and lighter panels eventually for backcountry use with my preferred power banks (see previous article regarding power banks).
I’ve done things like charge 2 cell phones at once (though only one USB socket will have the Auto-Retry feature). I have charged 18650 batteries in the field at 2 amps (the panel will do it if the charger and solar conditions allow)! I can’t do either of those with the other chargers I have tried. I should also note that this particular panel tops off my battery banks relatively quickly which I appreciate.
Wrap Up
I am not an electrical engineer so I likely won’t dive that much deeper into the stats or tech for this panel. I’m just a guy who has spent too much time screwing with other solar chargers before stumbling on a brand that works. The Suntactics panels are efficient, exhibit great quality and efficiency, and that is all great but… What really sets these apart is that they have obviously been designed to address the challenges of solar use in the field.
Suntactics makes a number of sizes and configurations in the sCharger line. They seem to be made in batches and their website is kept up to date with only the particular panels that are available at that time. Suntactics.com
They also sell direct via Amazon with Prime shipping which is where I purchased my panel: Suntactics on Amazon.com.
Wilde Custom Gear is pushing into a new space – backpacks! Their new Kyll Backpack is now available.
The Wilde Custom Gear Kyll Backpack is a heavy duty, low profile solution for multiday trips, Everyday Carry (EDC) bag or bug out bag.
The Wilde Custom Gear Kyll Backpack is a 31+ liter backpack and features three zippered compartments. The main compartment has an internal hydration sleeve, one slit pocket, one zippered mesh pocket and one full length zippered fabric pocket.
The exterior of the main compartment has a grab handle at the top and sewn the full length of the bag. The top of main compartment has a hydration tube port.
The back is padded and stiffened, and unzips to access a sleeve which can be used for safely carrying up to a 15” laptop.
The outer compartment features an external zippered pocket, internal zippered mesh pocket and internal organizer for pens, pencils and other small accessories.
Two side pockets can carry small and flat items. The pockets are equipped with a laser cut MOLLE panel and elastic to expand to fit a standard U.S. canteen or 1 liter Nalgene water bottle. The side pockets lay flat when not in use.
A soft velour lined zippered pocket for glasses or electronics is located at the top of the pack.
Laser cut MOLLE makes the backpack fully modular and maintains a low profile look.
The tapered outer compartment provides a sleek, low profile look.
The suspension system is based on heavy duty padded shoulder strap yoke and internal stiffener in the back.
The Wilde Custom Gear Kyll Backpack uses a rear ventilation system that provides increased comfort and cooler operation. Contoured foam profiles covered with air mesh create multiple air channels. This keeps the pack off the back which maximizes air circulation while the foam provides comfort and stability.
The Kyll Backpack is currently available to order from Wilde Custom Gear but it is a pre-order with fulfillment coming in about 4 weeks. They will begin regular ordering once they have production in full swing.
Wilde Custom Gear also tells us that we can look forward to a smaller EDC pack to be released in the next few weeks so stay tuned details.
September 13th 2004 the Federal “Assault Weapons Ban” Expired. Today is a day to be remembered as a victory for constitutional rights.
American citizens were once again able to buy modern semiautomatic firearms with the features they wanted and standard capacity magazines at prices not artificially inflated by a restricted supply. The sunset of the ban kicked off a renaissance of innovation of new firearm designs and products in the industry.
In honor of the 15th Anniversary of the sunset of the Federal AWB we will be offering 15% off site wide at www.KEArms.com now through September 30th. Use Coupon Code AWB15 at the checkout and the discount will be applied.
Next week Congress reconvenes and bills to restrict and infringe upon the rights of all Americans are on their agenda. Make sure to contact your elected representatives and encourage them to oppose any infringments on your rights. https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
Viking Tactics Bloodline Series of knives is available
for purchase directly through Viking Tactics and now through TOPS Knives as
well. VTAC’s founder, Special Operations SGM (R) Kyle Lamb, knows a thing or
two about tools and weapons. He wanted these knives to pay homage to different
warriors from different eras, and they do. Each of the knives in the series
includes two-toned handles, Viking vines on the spine, a fuller and TOPS’ famous
differentially heat treated 1095 steel. So
whether you’re looking for a large combat knife, a concealable mid-sized knife,
or a capable EDC, the Viking Tactics Bloodline Series has you covered.
Pick up any of the Viking Tactics Bloodline knives from a TOPS authorized dealer or from TOPS at https://www.topsknives.com/
