RX350 Assisted Open Knife by Coast.

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 19, 2015 | Reviews

Hello everyone thank you for checking out the Charlie Mike Project.  Today will be reviewing the RX350 Knife by Coast.  The RX350 is a blade assist liner lock folder, measuring 8.5in overall and weighing in at 5.4oz.  It has a nylon handle and is available in black with red accents.   The blade is made of 7CR17 stainless steel and is 3.625in ling with a partially serrated blade.  The RX350 comes with a blade lock that is very nice and easy to operate.  The pocket clip is movable to three different positions or can be removed entirely without causing a functionality issue.  The retail price for this knife is $34.99.

I have had this knife since Shot Show 2015.  This knife just feels good.  This knife is by no means a small gentleman’s pocket knife.  It is a rather a hefty working horse.  The balance is where I like it.  When open the balance is just behind my index finger.  This allows for good forward movement with quick reverses and follow-ups.   The knife is solid and weighted well.  It supports my hand during blunt impacts and does not slip.  The handle and spine are contoured and prevent my hand from slipping onto the blade when thrusting and cutting.  The blade is a flat ground leaf-shape with one inch of serration.  It is very sharp but does not take the hair off my arm.  But, I don’t plan on shaving with it so it really does not need to.  The RX350 has held its edge and finish despite being abused daily and being used to cut everything from cardboard and tape to bags of concreate, kydex, rope, leather and a seatbelt.

The RX350 has replaced the CRTK that I had been carrying since 2007.  The CRTK actually came open in my pocket one time.  Not a good day!  I wasn’t too worried, as a tac-medic in know all bleeding eventually stops.  Luckily, the boys are intact and I don’t have any major scars.  I did have to replace my jeans, for various reasons.

The RX350 blade assist is very nice, and operates smoothly.  When intentionally operated the blade comes out quickly.  The lock prevents the blade from accidently opening.  The lock also prevents accidental closing even when the liner lock is accidently disengaged.  There is s ambidextrous stud on the spine of the blade that assists with opening.  The blade opens easily with my left or right hand.  The blade assist is made up of a spring arm and a roller baring that act like a cam.  This provides tension holding the blade closed and makes for a very fast open.

The knife is available only in black and with a partially serrated blade.  There are some nice red accents that add to the aesthetics of the overall look.  Besides the things I already mentioned this blade does not have any accessories like a glass breaker or seat belt cutter.  I am a big believer in “one tool, multiple uses.”  Despite this I really like the RX350 and at $35 it is a great buy.

This knife is great for on or off duty carry.  It would make a great gift for the officer in your life, just don’t forget to include a penny when you give the knife to someone.

The RX350 passes the Charlie Mike test.  I can depend on the RX350 to get me through the mission.

If you would like to learn more about the RX350 you can find it and other Coast products at www.coastportland.com

Ravencrest Tactical OTF Nemesis.

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 16, 2015 | Reviews

Hello everyone thank you for tuning into the Charlie Mike Project.  I will be reviewing the Nemesis knife by Ravencrest Tactical.

The Nemesis is a Double Action, Out The Front (OTF) knife.  It has a 440c stainless steel blade and a rubberized zonk alloy handle.  The blade is 3.9in with a weight of 9.17oz.  The Nemesis is equipped with a glass breaker and pocket clip.  The clip is reversible for left handed users.  The blades are interchangeable and can be swapped if you want a different design or style.  Personally, I prefer a non-serrated double edge spear point on a OTF knife.  The OTF knives from Ravencrest Tactical have a safety feature that stops the blade from fully deploying if it is obstructed.  The blade also requires deliberate pressure to activate it.  These are nice features.  I have had a few knives come open in my pocket.  That was not a good day!  If you have shared a similar experience you understand my fear and concern.

The Nemesis by Ravencrest Tactical retails at $189 and can be more if you want to customize it.  Ravencrest tactical also offer two other styles of full size OTF knives.

I have been using and carrying the OTF Nemesis for several months.  The one I have is called “Slime Green,” and also “Zombie Green.”  I have to say, so far I like it. It is very comfortable in the hand and has a good weight.  It feels solid, the rubberized handle provides grip.  It is a rear heavy knife with the balance being near the center of the handle when the blade is deployed.  The weight and length of the handle make it easily usable for nonlethal self-defense similar to a kubaton. The color is nice too.  It is not a bright neon green but a muted and muddied green similar to baby poop.  The two tone matte black finish and design work on the blade is attractive.

This knife is not a shelf decorator.  The Nemesis has held up and only has a few spots where the paint on the handle has worn down.  The action is still smooth and easy.  The Nemesis is sharp as the dickens and needed no additional sharpening when I received it.

The Nemesis is comparable to other knives of a similar design and function like a Microtech or the Benchmade 3320BK Pagan.  The Nemesis is between $60-$250 less than these other knives and does not sacrifice quality, materials or craftsmanship.  If you want a cheap OTF knife you can find them online for under $50.  But, I would not count on them to hold up to the “bet your life on it” CMP standard.

I know I can Charlie Mike with this knife in hand or on my gear.

If you want more information about the Nemesis or would like to buy one, please visit www.ravencresttactical.com.  They have several good videos of the Nemesis being tortured and offer two other styles of full size OTF knives.

The HP7 flashlight by Coast

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 11, 2015 | Reviews

Hello everyone thank you for checking out the Charlie Mike Project.  Today we take a look at the HP7 flashlight by Coast.

The HP7 retails for $74.99.  This is well worth the price considering everything Coast includes with it.  When compared to a 5.11, Streamlight, Surefire or similar light the Coast is very competitive.

I have been using the HP7 series lights for over a year for duty and at home.  They are my go-to light.  I use them on a daily basis when working the swing or night shift, doing projects at home or just taking a nighttime walk with the family.  They are great for search warrants, clearing a house or alley or when working under the sink or in the attic.  I know I can rely on this light to do what it is designed to do and do what I need it to do when I need it to do it.  I accidentally dropped my HP7R from my attic onto the concreate floor of my garage.  It works perfectly and there was not a scratch on it.

The HP7 is a focusing beam flashlight.  It comes in black and has a pushbutton tail cap.  It weighs a nice 7.2 OZ and is just less than 6 inches long.  The light features high and low output, strobe and one handed beam focus and lock.  This adds versatility and usability to this light and helps eliminate having to carrying extra gear.

The HP7 is light and fits easily in the included pouch on my duty belt and tactical vest.  It removes and goes back into the pouch easily with one hand.  The light is easy to use and operate with one handed.  It does not slip even when wet.  It feels comfortable and is solid in the hand.  It is easy to use with different shooting techniques.  The strobe frequency varies so the person caught in the beam is more disoriented and does not recover as fast.  From personal experience the strobe from the HP7 & HP7R are very uncomfortable and disorienting.

The rechargeable batteries and battery pack are wonderful.  I keep the extra AAA battery and Li-ion pack in my duty bag on the passenger seat.  The rechargeable batteries can charge in the flashlight or on their own with the included UBS cord.  The battery fully charges in just about an hour from the wall or car charger.  Charging from a USB port will take considerably longer.  Changing the battery takes a couple of seconds and is easy.  The charging port on the tail cap locks so it does not accidently come open.
Coast boasts a hefty 3.5 hours of runtime on high beam using AAA batteries and 20 hours on low.  I found my HP7 run just over 4 hours using quality batteries.  The flashlight did not die and become a brick out near the 4 hour mark.  Instead the HP7 switches to a lower power setting allowing me to still use the light for a while longer.  This is a advantage over other lights like the 5.11 TMTL2X which offers 3 hours of runtime on high beam using CR123 batteries.

The HP7 series are extremely durable.  Coast states the HP7 is rated at ANSI/FL1 standard.  My HP7 was kicked, dropped and run over by a car, all in one evening.  Minus the battle scars it now has it still works like new.  As I stated above my HP7R took a high fall bouncing off some rafters than fell from over twelve feet, landing on concreate and is fine.

The current HP7R beam is rated to reach 613 feet. The light is bright, white and clear with no haloing or discoloration.  Being able to focus the beam is extremely helpful.  Searching a wide area or long distance is easy with the focusing beam.  Hotspots and washout are easily eliminated simply by focusing the beam.

Just like the HP7R the HP7 comes in a nice display/gift box.  If you are giving or receiving the either light as a gift the presentation box is very nice.  The HP7 comes with a nylon case, a USB charging cord, wall charger, car charger, belt clip and a wall or car mount.  It also included one AAA battery pack.

The only drawback I have found with the HP7 series is that Coast does not make a weapon mount or pressure switch for this light.   Don’t worry; Coast does make a weapon mounted light.  The TX40 is a light capable of being mounted on a rifle or shotgun.  Come back and check out my review of the TX40.  The HP7 measures just about 1 3/16” on a ruler. So, a 1” ring will not work.

I know I can depend on the HP7 to help me Charlie Mike.

If you like the HP7 or any of the Coast products I have reviewed check out Coast products and visit them online at www.coastportland.com.

TX7R Flashlight from Coast.

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 11, 2015 | Reviews

Hello everyone thank you for checking out the Charlie Mike Project.  I got a new light in recently and wanted to share it with you.  Today we take a look at the TX7R flashlight by Coast.

The TX7R retails for $184.99.  This is worth the price considering everything Coast includes with it.  When compared with other Coast lights in the same family like the HP7R there the TX7R falls short.  The TX7R was designed primarily with law enforcement and corrections in mind.

As I have stated in other reviews, I have been using the HP series lights for over a year for duty and at home.  They are my go-to light.  When I first got the TX7R I thought, “Cool a LE specific light”.  Coast has put some nice aesthetic touches on this light and done some things, which in my opinion, detract from the light.

First, the TX7R is basically a HP7R with some engine work, a new paint job, some special effects and new shoes (Tactical Grip Ring).

I use the HP7R on a daily basis when working the swing or night shift or doing virtually anything around the house.  The TX7R adds a “Tactical Grip Ring” (TGR) to both ends.  This does make it easier to manipulate the focus but I never had a problem doing it without the TGR.  Coast eliminated the focus lock feature, so you can no longer lock the focus if you need to.  The TGR does something else incredibly well. PH7 series and the TX7R have a loop on the tail cap that stick out and help eliminate rolling.  The TGR effectively eliminates the bump.  Now your light can roll away from you in an instant when taking a corner in your patrol car or if you set it down somewhere.  The TGR also makes taking and putting the TX7R into its included nylon holder very hard.  The beveled edges are nice but don’t add much of anything even for self-defense.  The slide of the TX7R beam focus is easier than with the HP7R.  It is so much easier that on several occasions I have accidently bumped the light and changed the focus.

Coast has also taken away the low beam feature, bumped up the lumens, extended battery life and increased the effective distance.  I am ok with this but I have found the low output to be invaluable during search warrants and when doing paper work.  The extended battery life, increased lumens and distance are great and would be nice to see brought over to the HP7R.

The TX7R is a focusing beam flashlight.  It comes in grey and has a pushbutton tail cap with beveled ends.  Like its older sister the HP7R, the TX7R is just over 6 inches long but comes in slightly heavier at 7.5 OZ.  The light features high and strobe and one handed beam focus.

The TX7R is light but does not easily fit in the included pouch. The light is easy to use and operate with one handed.  It does not slip even when wet.  It feels comfortable and is solid in the hand.  It is easy to use with different shooting techniques.  The strobe frequency varies and from personal experience is very uncomfortable and disorienting.

The rechargeable batteries and battery pack are wonderful.  I keep the extra AAA battery and Li-ion pack in my duty bag on the passenger seat.  The rechargeable batteries can charge in the flashlight or on their own with the included UBS cord.  The battery fully charges in just about an hour from the wall or car charger.  Charging from a USB port will take considerably longer.  Changing the battery takes a couple of seconds and is easy.  The charging port on the tail cap locks so it does not accidently come open.

Coast boasts a hefty 7.5 hours of runtime on high beam using the Li-ion batteries.  I found my TX7R run just over 8hours.

Like other lights in the HP series the TX7R is extremely durable and made with the same care and craftsmanship.  Coast states the TX7R is rated at ANSI/FL1 standard.

The current TX7R beam is rated to reach 1200 feet. The light is bright, white and clear with no haloing or discoloration.  Being able to focus the beam is extremely helpful.  Searching a wide area or long distance is easy with the focusing beam.  Hotspots and washout are easily eliminated simply by focusing the beam.

Just like the TX7R comes in a nice display/gift box.  If you are giving or receiving the either light as a gift the presentation box is very nice.  The TX7R comes with a nylon case, a USB charging cord, wall charger, car charger, belt clip and a wall or car mount.  It also included two Li-ion rechargeable batteries and one AAA battery pack.

The TX7R is a good light. However, I would not recommend it when you can get a light with more options form Coast for less.  In my opinion the Coast HP7R is a better choice and is easier on the wallet.

So in all, I can depend on the TX7R to do its job and help me Charlie Mike.  But, there are other more cost effective, more versatile alternatives.  If you really want the TX7R, check out the HP7R first and compare them.  Find what works for you and fits your needs.  Charlie Mike On!

If you like the HP7 or any of the Coast products I have reviewed check out Coast products and visit them online at www.coastportland.com.

The HP7R from Coast.

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 11, 2015 | Reviews

Hello everyone thank you for checking out the Charlie Mike Project.  I have the pleasure of reviewing the HP7R flashlight by Coast.

The HP7R retails for $146.99.  This is well worth the price considering everything included with it and is much less than comparable flashlights.  When I first got the HP7R the retail price was closer to $200.  In the last year Coast has been able to drop the price considerably without sacrificing quality.

Where to start?  I ran into Coast while at a training and again at Shot Show. When I was talking to the rep I realized I had purchased a Coast light several years ago.  I have a head lamp that I bought back in 2001 that still works like new.  It is the older version of the HL27.   I have been using the HP7 series lights for over a year for duty.  They are my go-to light.  I use them on a daily basis when working the swing or night shift, doing projects at home or just taking a nighttime walk with the family.  They are great for search warrants, clearing a house or alley or when working under the sink or in the attic.  I know I can rely on this light to do what it is designed to do and do what I need it to do when I need it to do it.  I accidentally dropped my HP7R from my attic onto the concreate floor of my garage.  It works perfectly and there was not a scratch on it.

Here is a quick description of the HP7R.  The HP7R is a rechargeable long distance focusing beam flashlight.  It comes in black and has a pushbutton tail cap.  It weighs a nice 7.2 OZ and is just over 6 inches long.  The light features high and low output, strobe and one handed beam focus and lock.

The HP7R is by far a step above the HP7 and other rechargeable flashlights on the market.  The HP series include lots of useful accessories that other companies make you pay extra to get, see below.  It doesn’t weigh too much and fits easily in the included pouch on my duty belt and tactical vest.  The light is easy to use and operate with one hand.  It is comfortable and does not slip even when wet.  It feels solid in the hand and is easily usable with different shooting techniques.  The strobe frequency varies so the person caught in the beam is more disoriented and does not recover as fast.  From personal experience the strobe from the HP7 & HP7R are very uncomfortable and disorienting.

The rechargeable batteries and battery pack are wonderful.  I keep the extra AAA battery and Li-ion pack in my duty bag on the passenger seat.  The rechargeable batteries can charge in the flashlight or on their own with the included UBS cord.  The battery fully charges in just about an hour from the wall or car charger.  Charging from a USB port will take considerably longer.  Changing the battery takes a couple of seconds and is easy.  The charging port on the tail cap locks so it does not accidently come open.

Coast boasts a hefty 7 hours of runtime on high beam using the Li-ion batteries and 33 hours on low.  I found my li-ion batteries to run just over 8 hours on a full charge using the high beam.  The flashlight did not die and become a brick out after 8 hours.  Instead the HP7R simply switched to a lower power setting allowing me to still use the light.  This is a great advantage over other rechargeable lights like the Streamlight Stinger which offers a limited 1.25 hours of runtime on high beam.  Also, you can’t focus the stinger.

The HP7 series are extremely durable.  Coast states the HP7R is rated at ANSI/FL1 standard.  My HP7 was kicked, dropped and run over by a car, all in one evening.  Minus the battle scars it now has it still works like new.  As I stated above my HP7R took a high fall bouncing off some rafters than fell from over twelve feet, landing on concreate and is fine.

The current HP7R beam is rated to reach 1154 feet. That is just short of one quarter mile.  The light is bright and being able to focus the beam is extremely helpful.  Searching a wide area or long distance is easy with the focusing beam.  I can eliminate hotspots even for close up work simply by focusing the beam.  The light is clear white and does not have haloing or discoloration.

The HP7R comes in a nice display/gift box.  The box is great for keeping all the trash and paper together before you throw it out.  No seriously, if you are giving or receiving the HP7R as a gift the presentation box is very nice.  The HP7R comes with a nylon case, a USB charging cord, wall charger, car charger, belt clip and a wall or car mount.  It also included two li-ion rechargeable batteries and one AAA battery pack.

The only drawback I have found with the HP7 series is that Coast does not make a weapon mount or pressure switch for this light.   Don’t worry; Coast does make a weapon mounted light.

When things go south fast, I know I can Charlie Mike with the HP7R.

If you like the HP7R check out my other reviews of Coast products or visit them online at www.coastportland.com.

Coast HP5R adjustable focus flashlight

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 10, 2015 | Reviews

The Charlie Mike Project has the pleasure of reviewing the HP5R (rechargeable) flashlight by Coast.

The HP5R retails for $124.99.  This is well worth the price considering everything included with the HP5R and is much less than comparable flashlights.  When I first got the HP5R the retail price was closer to $150.  In the last year Coast has been able to drop the price.

The HP5R is light coming in at 2.6 OZ and 4.8 inches in length.  I have dropped my PH5R accidentally and on purpose.  I have even thrown it around on the range and it still works perfectly.

Here is a quick description of the HP5R.  The HP5R is a rechargeable long distance focusing beam flashlight.  It comes in black and has a pushbutton tail cap. The light features high and low output, strobe and one handed beam focus and lock.

The HP5R is several steps above the HP5 and other rechargeable flashlights on the market of comparable size.  The HP series include lots of useful accessories that other companies make you pay for.  It is very light, fits easily in a pocket or the included pouch.  The light is easy to use and operate with one hand.  It is comfortable and does not slip even when wet.  It feels solid in the hand and is easily usable with different shooting techniques.  The strobe is the same as other HP series with a varying frequency that is very uncomfortable and disorienting.  I have tried it.

The rechargeable batteries and battery pack are wonderful.  The rechargeable batteries can charge in the flashlight or on their own with the included UBS cord.  The battery fully charges in just about an hour from the wall or car charger.  Charging from a USB port will take longer.  Changing the battery takes a couple of seconds and is easy.  The charging port on the tail cap locks so it does not accidently come open.  If your rechargeable battery dies you can simply slip in, the already included, second rechargeable battery or the included AA battery.

Coast boasts a nice 4.5 hours of runtime on high beam using the Li-ion batteries and 14 hours on low.  When the battery runs low the HP5R simply switched to a lower power setting allowing continued use.

The light produced by the PH5R is a very bright white.  The ability to focus the beam is extremely helpful.  Searching a wide area or long distance is easy with the focusing beam.  I can eliminate hotspots even for close up work simply by focusing the beam.  The HP5R gives off a clear white light and does not have haloing or discoloration like some other flashlights I have used.

I am actually running the HP5R on one of my work rifle.  The rifle mount from Coast is an excellent quality mount and fits the light by using the included spacers.  The HP5R is light and easy to operate when mounted on my rail system.  The high and low beams with locking focus are excellent for blinding someone or navigation and searching wide areas.  Four and a half hours on high bean is a good runtime for a light and at fourteen hours on low is great.  These features give me versatility with my rifle that other mounted lights do not offer.  The HP5R has held up on the range and at work through almost a year’s punishment.  I have yet to have a problem with the HP5R on my rifle.  When compared Coast’s weapon mounted light, the TX40, the HP5R holds its own. The HP5R has fewer lumens but has a better range, longer battery life and a focusing beam.  The only drawback I see with the HP5R on my rifle is that Coast does not make a pressure switch attachment for this light.  For those that do not care about a pressure switch, I highly recommend checking this light out.

The HP5 series are extremely durable.  Coast states the HP5R is rated at ANSI/FL1 standard.  My HP5 has been dropped several times and taken to the PD range where it had been run through the trenches and thoroughly abused.  It still runs like new.  The PH5R and my rifle are not show peace safe decorators; this is a working gun that I use for warrants and patrol and it gets used and abused as such.  Scratches and battle scars are part of the job and build character.

The HP5R comes in a nice display/gift box that is great for gifting.  The HP7R comes with a nylon case, a USB charging cord, wall charger, car charger, belt clip and a wall or car mount.  It also included two li-ion rechargeable batteries and one AA battery.

I know I can depend on my HP5R light to do the job and help keep me safe. Charlie Mike on!

If you like the HP5R check out my other reviews of Coast products or visit them online at www.coastportland.com.

Blade-Tech WRS Level 2 Duty Holster with Tac-Light

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 10, 2015 | Reviews

Hello, today the Charlie Mike Project shares its review of the WRS Level 2 Duty Holster with Tac-Light.  I have been a long time user of Blade-Tech and was really looking forward to trying out the WRS Level 2 Holster.

The WRS Level 2 Duty Holster with Tac-Light is a black thermoplastic molded duty holster.  The one I received was level 2 retention with spring-loaded thumb release for a Glock-17.  It included a drop down leg shroud for tactical use and included a quick attachment system to a duty belt or leg shroud.  The holster retails for $124.99 from Blade-Tech.  The price is comparable with other tac-holsters on the market.

Like most things Blade-Tech makes, this holster is very attractive.  It has clean lines, a satin black finish and all edges are finished nicely.  The WRS has a satin, slightly smooth finish that allows a good grip when donning and doffing the holster.  The holster material is light weight, while being structurally strong and does not feel flimsy.  The edges are finished and matched nicely with no rough edges. The thumb release is firm with a crisp fast release.  I like this thumb break!  It is fast, very fast and locking the weapon in simply requires rotating the hood back in place.  The Thermoplastic is very durable and resists rough wear, scratches, the environment and chemicals easily.  It was easily cleaned with water, dish soap and a rag.

I found the WRS holster to be comfortable, even on long days at the range and on duty.  The adjustment system was easy and fast.  The leg shroud was somewhat rigid and would benefit from molding or shaping to better fit the leg.  The straps were not as strong as I expected but were adequate for the occasional user.

The draw and re-holster was easy.   The thumb release was easy to operate and very quick.  The WRS is much faster than the traditional releases used by other manufacturers (ie. press down and rotate forward).  The WRS system is intuitive and quick.  Locking the weapon in the holster was easy.  This is where I began to notice a problem.  I will explain more below (see Retention).

The WRS holster is user friendly when adjusting the tension and position on your leg.  WRS was easy to adjust and put on.  Once positioned correctly the draw is natural.  The included leg shroud was too ridged and did not conform to the shape of the leg.  Adjusting the retention of the holster was causing another issue.  I will explain more below (see Retention).

Retention on the WRS is a molded adjustable pressure system that holds the light with an aditional thumb release strap.  Tension is adjustable by two tensioning screw located near the light and trigger guard.  Tension adjustment was adequate and allowed for varying degrees of retention.  However, retention was only on the light and not on the weapon.  There is no actual retention on the weapon.  This allowed the pistol to rock forward in the holster if the tension was not tight enough.  If the tension was set tight enough to prevent rocking, the weapon became difficult to draw and holster and caused problems with the WRS mechanism releasing.

If the tension is set tight enough to prevent rocking, the WRS system lags.  I found that I had almost a three second delay on some draws.  That is a serious officer safety concern!  If I pressed the weapon down impractically hard when holstering and drawing the lag decreased but did not go away.  The problem was caused by the tension on the light preventing me from holstering the weapon all the way into the holster.  I could not find a happy medium that allowed for a good seat of the weapon and prevented the thumb break lag.

Another problem I found was that you simply cannot holster your weapon without the light on it.  If you try the weapon will simply flop around and fall out.  When I first received the holster and noticed this problem I thought that Blade-Tech had accidently sent me the wrong holster.  I had received the holster for the Glock-17, but my Glock -21 fit perfectly. I spoke with my contact at Blade-Tech and was told I had received the correct holster and that the WRS is designed not to touch the weapon.

Officer Safety and Agency policy:

My agency police precludes using this holster.  Retention must be on the weapon system and not only on an accessory attached to the weapon.  Blade-Tech has added a retention strap and made this a “level 2” holster.  Check your agency police if you are using this holster.

The thumb break over the weapon would lag and stall after the thumb release was pressed.  No upward pressure was being applied to the weapon.  The weapon itself was not being toughed at all.  This happened several times and will cause a safety issue.

Overall the WRS was light and comfortable.  The leg shroud sits on the thigh but is very rigid and does not flex easily.  The straps feel flimsy and do not have enough heft to pull the shroud snuggly around the leg.  The holster   material and finish is top notch and of a quality expected from Blade-Tech.  As a long time user of Blade-Tech products, I am pleased with the performance of the Eclipse OWB despite some issues and agency police limitations.

Honestly, unless Blade-Tech makes some serious design changes to the WRS, I would not recommend the WRS Level 2 Duty Holster with Tac-light to officers.

The retention system causes too many safety concerns for me.  And if my light breaks or comes off for some reason I cannot holster my pistol.  If that happens, I now have a useless brick on my hip and no place to holster my weapon.

I would recommend this holster to the casual and sports user but not for LE or Military applications.

I sent my suggestions and concerns to the Blade-Tech, but I have not seen a change in the  WRS Level 2 Duty Holster with Tac-light.

If you like the WRS Level 2 check out my other reviews.  Don’t forget to Visit Blade-Tech online at www.blade-tech.com

The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier.

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 10, 2015 | Reviews

Hello all, and welcome as the Charlie Mike Project reviews the TacTec Plate Carrier, by 5.11.

TacTec Plate Carrier is a plate carrier system with a weight distributing yoke and a quick release system.   It has a laser cut top with admin pocket, traditional molle lower and adjustable elastic sides.  The yoke, internal padding and elastic sides make this carrier one of the most comfortable I have worn.  It is available in four colors.  The one I have is black.  I have it set up as my active shooter vest with my level four plates, my IFAK and a trauma kit for patching bullet holes (I’m an EMT/Tac-Medic) and some other essential items.  All I need to do to b quickly, is simply slip it over my head and pull it down than grab my rifle and I’m ready to Sheepdog.

The TacTec Plate Carrier retails for $199.95. That is a good price considering what other plate carrier of similar quality will cost you.  The TacTec is well built the material is nice and stitching is strong.  The elastic on the sides is a good quality and has even begun to show signs of wearing out after over a year of use.

I found two minor issues with this plate carrier and this is how I fixed one of them.  First, the laser cut material is nice at first, but after a while the plastic material on the back delaminates and the cloth on the front deforms slightly.  This is only cosmetic and does not affect the performance of the carrier.  Second.  The lower half of the vest is held down only by three Velcro straps that attach to the underside of the carrier.  Also the molle is only attached to the first layer of fabric making up the front panel.  I usually run with a holster on my vest.  Because the bottom is not held down to the vest, the lower half has a tendency to pull up when I draw my weapon or a magazine.  I fixed this by sewing (yes, I sew) some hook Velcro to the underside of the panel and adding some loop Velcro to the elastic strap handles.  Now the panel sits snuggly and does not move.

The Charlie Mike Project gives full confidence in the TacTec Plate Carrier.  Despite the minor short comings mentioned above this plate carrier performs and is reliable.

If you like the TacTec Plate Carrier check out my other reviews of 5.11  and other products.  You can find the plaTacTec plate Carrier at at www.511tactical.com.

5.11 Sierra Bravo Duty Belt Kit.

by Craig Fernandez | Aug 10, 2015 | Reviews

Hello everyone, the Charlie Mike Project is here to share another product review.  Today I will be reviewing the 5.11 Sierra Bravo Duty Belt Kit.  I have been using this belt system for the last six months.  I can say I am not disappointed.  5.11 have delivered with this belt kit.  It is comfortable, easily adjustable, fits well and locks securely.  When worn with the included under-belt it does not slip and your pouches do not slide around.  It also comes with four keepers.  The Sierra Bravo Duty Belt Kit retails for $54.99.  That is an outstanding price when compared to $112 for the Bianchi nylon duty belt system 2025.  You can pay close to $54 for a descent duty belt by its self.

The Sierra Bravo Duty Belt has soft loop Velcro on the underside of the duty belt, so you won’t snag your uniform.  Both ends of the belt are tapered so putting your pouches on and making adjustments is easy.  The buckle is smaller than traditional buckles and goes on by sliding the two ends together.  To take it off, you press the button in the center and slide them apart in the opposite direction.  Because the ends are tapered there is not extra bulk on each end of the belt that you have to fold and force over when you are finished putting your gear on it.  The belt is still and holds my pouches and holster nicely and comfortably.  This duty belt is well thought out, built to last and is comfortable.

I believe I can rely on the Sierra Bravo Duty Belt Kit to help me Charlie Mike when the time comes.

If you like the Sierra Bravo Duty Belt Kit check out my other reviews of 5.11 products or visit them online at www.511tactical.com.