ModGear Plate Carrying Vest

A weapon, spare magazines, hydration pack, radio, the list goes on. There is a piece of gear in my arsenal that I consider to be equally as valuable as these things – armor. The previously listed items provide obvious use in completing an objective. The sole purpose of body armor is to ensure operator safety and keep you alive. This review is not about a particular brand/style of armor, but rather the vest you carry it in.

A little over a year ago I picked up a ModGear vest after much research of different brands. If you’re scratching your head as to where on earth I found the brand ModGear at, search the internet and it’s easily found. The vest I have runs at a very wallet-friendly price yet incorporates many qualities of the high end vests and is built to withstand severe punishment and a fraction of the cost. That fraction being $100.00 plus shipping!

The ModGear carrier I have has 11x7 (width x height) rows of MOLLE loops on the front, and 11x8 in the rear at it’s widest point. Those of you familiar with MOLLE systems can surely appreciate the ease and versatility that it offers. The upper chest and shoulder area have Velcro on top of the MOLLE webbing, to attach ID panels, name tags, or patches. ModGear also put a heavy duty drag handle on the back of the vest which could easily be worth it’s weight in gold should things go sideways. Perhaps one of the most valuable features of the vest is the quick detach strap, which when compared to others I’ve used, is by far one of the most effective and easy to use. Simply grab hold of the plastic loop on your shoulder, tug firmly, and the entire vest falls off in two pieces.

The whole ModGear carrier is fastened around the operator by two large Velcro flaps, also much nicer than similar vests that use laces to be secured. It comes in one size fits most (I’m 6’0”, 190lbs and it fits great) , and five color/camo options.

The photos attached are of the vest with no attachments – the only thing in it is the armor I’m currently using – just to show the real estate better, but I normally have six M4 mag pouches, a hydration pack, and occasionally spare pistol mag pouches as well, all of which fits great and is always in easy reach.

Next time you load up for training or work, make sure you’re carrying your gear and armor in a vest that will meet your demands!

…we never quit!

The Sniper Bladeworks/C. Despins Karambite

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a Karambite about six months ago, and it has seen every mile I have since then. I own several knives of various styles and purposes, but all must live up to my standards if they’re to stay in the rotation. My standards are, probably like most, functional, comfortable, reliable, and for me, interesting.

I have seen, held, and used many blades in my time, but a select few earn the title “interesting”. To me, the Karambite earned this status by incorporating the curved talon-shaped blade of a traditional Karambit-style knife with a uniquely compact frame (blade length of less than 1.25”). The “handle” of the knife also includes grooves and a ring which provide unparalleled retention in various grip configurations.

The particular Karambite that I carry is actually a trial blade, sporting shallower grind than the mass production units, and consequently having a thinner strike face. My first thoughts upon examining the shallow grind raised some hesitant thoughts which were quickly doused during a conversation with the designer himself. I must say, Despins’ words have been utterly reinforced by this blade’s unfailing performance! It has managed to cut and slice through an array of cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and meat targets with ease. The blade has stayed razor sharp and waits patiently for more inside its Kydex sheath hung from a length of 550 cord around my neck.

The blade is 100% concealable under a t-shirt, can be worn over a shirt, or (should you be creative enough) mounted to a MOLLE system. These options allow the operator different deployment methods, some faster than others. However, the Karambite is not what some may consider a “rapid deployment” knife - I cringe slightly when I use that term. The Karambite is perhaps most efficient when deployed prior to an altercation, if the situation awards that split second. It can be worn almost invisibly on the hand while manipulating a firearm or simply walking to your vehicle, before “it” hits the fan in close proximity.

Never before have I seen remotely equal performance from a knife of this size, or larger for that matter, nor for such a reasonable price!

I’d like to give a special thanks to Colin Despins for his creativity and passion, and also to Sniper Bladeworks for building such a blade to no-less-than-perfect specifications!

- Stay sharp!

Back Bite - A Civilian Perspective

Primary reasons for my purchase of the Back Bite: EDC defensive knife, concealed carry (stand alone or as a compliment to a firearm), personal protection. Now that I've had my Back Bite for a couple of weeks, I can't seem to put it down, the more I hold it, the more I like it. It is a stray from your typical blade design, offering maximum cutting/puncturing potential due to multiple blade surfaces & a chisel tip. The design of the handle along with the micarta scales provides an excellent, comfortable grip in either the reverse (primary) grip or a Filipino style hold. 

Like American Express says, "I don't leave home without it", it may save my life one day. I hope this may help anyone under the impression that the Back Bite is just for Military or SO groups. 

Vincere Vel Mori 

Doug

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- Tactiholics   …we never quit!