Custom Gear Report

Ok this has been a long time in the works. Colin from 762 Tactical sent us a Chi Com Chest Rig for review a few months back and we’ve finally gotten around to putting a video together for it.

I’ll start by saying I am not an “AK guy” my experience is limited to familiarization training and fun shoots. So I don’t claim to be an expert on it. But the review is not intended to be based on functionality.

My overall impression is that the rig is very well made. This is a basic chest rig just like the original with minimal bells and whistles, just like the weapons system it is designed to be used with. Some nice features include, adjustable flaps, PALS on either side of mag pouches and non snag pouch edges.

My only gripe would be the depth of the pockets, they are deeper than I’d prefer but my guess is that this is in staying true to the original design.

Colin sent me retail pricing but that was a while back, so I’m  not too sure if that has changed. I’ll email him and update this article when I get the latest info.

You can contact Colin through his website www.762tactical.com, 762 also has an eBay store at  http://myworld.ebay.com/762tactical/

Another point to note is 762 Tactical is sponsoring our next contest, and this rig is going to be the “prize” for so stay tuned for details.

So it’s been a while since you’ve seen any new content, for that we apologize. But this is not without reason.

The big news is we have a new member to the CGR family, my wife gave birth to our son last week. So the week before and week after were hectic. The good news is that everyone is doing well.

Since my wife helps me out with the business I am now short handed while she recovers and gets into a routine with the baby. In the meantime I am on my own and trying to catch up.

However just prior to this I was able to shoot a couple videos. One is the Update Video posted below and there will be two follow on gear reviews already filmed that I still need to edit and a couple other planned in the near future.

Part of the reason for this update is to announce that we are now going to be using YouTube as well as viddler to serve the video content. You will be able to access our channel here: http://www.youtube.com/CustomGearReport Be sure to subscribe if you are a YouTube junkie like me.

Of course we will be adding easy to recognize badges to the site soon among other new features so keep an eye out for that.

We are also working with a new camera and new editing software so please be patient while we figure that out.

We received the Ultimate Riggers Belt from 215 Gear a couple months ago but held off on doing the review when we saw that ITS Published their review at that time. Not to mention we were having some hardware trouble with our video gear. I also misspoke in the video, apparently Soldier Systems has not done a review of the belt, I thought they had.

Anyway, we’ve gotten to the point were we can get something out for you. Here is our take on the belt.

Points to Note:

• Cobra Buckle: Tan Anodized Aluminum, rated to 4000 lbs
• Webbing attachment point, no bulky hardware
• Mil-w-4088 Type 13 parachute harness webbing
• Sewn with 5 cord thread on a class 7 machine.
• Multiple diamond stitch pattern near attachment point
• 6 Rows of stitching to provide rigidity
• Lifetime warranty
• Made in the USA

Retail: $74.99

Sizes:

Medium fits 30”-35” waist
Large fits 35-40” waist.
X-Large fits 40-45” waist.

Salt Fog Testing:

As mentioned in the video 215 Gear hired an independent lab to conduct salt water testing on their belt to see how it compared against several other leading manufacturers belts.

Test results and photos after the break

Read more…

Earlier this year Soldier Systems posted about the quadruped robot appropriately name BIG DOG. Well it seems the engineers at Boston Dynamics have also been working on a biped named PETMAN. Here is a video of it walking on a treadmill. The “push” the tech gives the robot at :26 impressed the hell out of me. It won’t be long before you see proper droids on a battlefield near you. Not sure what this is going to do for the custom gear industry though. Boston Dynamics has some pretty cool stuff including a 6 legged bot they call RiSE that has the ability to climb vertical surfaces. Beware the rise of the machines.

Just your typical range video but the intro makes it. My new favorite song.

You can get the song here: Shoot the Zombies Song

I’ve always been a fan of small gadgets and tools along with the whole EDC concept and being prepared for life’s daily hiccups. I carry a couple things in my pockets that I use on a daily basis to accomplish little tasks, might be a good article at a later date. As a hobby home shop metal worker I also appreciate quality design and craftsmanship.

About a year and a half ago I discovered the work of Peter Atwood of Atwood Knife and Tool. Peter designs and produces some pretty cool small pocket tools and blades. Over this time I’ve purchased 5 of his creations and have to say I am pretty happy with them. I carry two tools on my keychain. The “Atwrench with Tiki Grinds” and the “Nibble” and use them daily for opening boxes, prying, opening beer bottles etc. I also have a titanium “Bug out Bar”, “Keyton” and a titanium “Bermuda Triangle” I’ll save the details on these for a future review video.

In Peter’s own words:

I specialize in small pocket tools and key ring knives although I have made many folding knives and even a few larger fixed blades over the years. But my main love is for the small stuff. I’m constantly working on new designs for gadgets, prybars, small edged tools and unique hand tools.

Atwood has formed what I would call somewhat of a cult following. He produces his tools in batches then posts them on Planet Pocket Tool which is his blog. After that it is first come first served and things usually sell out within in minutes. Because of the limited supply and the high demand, his stuff is highly collectible.

The items are not exactly cheap, and some have remarked that they are overpriced for what they are, but when you consider the labor involved in grinding, deburring, heat treating and finishing each tool it’s pretty labor intensive. Add to that the supply and demand issue mentioned above and you can understand the price tag. As someone who does a little bit of hobby metal working, I certainly understand.

If you get a chance head on over to his websites and take a look at his work. I think you’ll be impressed.

Videos of Peter working in his shop and more photos after the read more.

Read more…

A video that has been making the rounds, figured I would share the fun. Nothing says happiness like insurgents blowing themselves up.

I’ve been a follower of Stormdrain’s blog for quite some time now. If it has something to do with weaving cordage, especially Paracord, you’ll find it on his site. Here is his latest video on how to weave a Turks Head Lanyard.

If this is your sort of thing I recommend adding his blog to your RSS feed.