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Introduced in 2019 by Helikon-Tex, the Range Bag is intended to provide the end-user with sufficient storage space to transport everything needed for a day on the range—regardless if that is for pistol, rifle, or both.

Review Posted: Tactical Tailor: 3-Day Assault Pack – For the Long Stay

The Three Day Plus Assault Pack (Gen 2) by Tactical Tailor is an expansion on the previous design and now offers increased storage and a lighter overall weight for the end-user who need to carry mission-related essentials for days on end.

Pelican 14QT Personal Cooler: For the Road

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Review Posted: Viktos Farthermost Jacket: Comfort Despite the Cold

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Pelican Dayventure Tumbler: For the Everyday Drink

Introduced in 2020, the Dayventure Tumbler by Pelican is part of the company’s new drinkware line as Pelican further expands its line of products. With its robust design and hardened material, the Tumbler will ensure hot drinks remain so for hours, while cold drinks remain so for even longer.

Made from a body of BPA-free 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel, and folded to shape a vacuum-sealed, double-walled design—the tumbler’s body has the ability to regulate and prolong the thermal shifts of the contents inside. Its overall ergonomics (tapered bottom, fluting, and overall diameter) allow for a comfortable hand grip and for the tumbler to fit 99% of all car cup holder dimensions.

On various pained versions, the tumbler includes a sweat-proof powder finish to mitigate the body from “sweating” and allowing the user to maintain a non-slip surface.

The no-spill lid is a two-part system with a dual screw-top design made from Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for heat resistance and transparency. An integrated carabiner loop allows for the tumbler to be attached to a variety of locations securely via clip (not included) when not in a vehicle cup holder.

Specifications:

  • Length…………………….3.31″ (8.4 cm)
  • Height……………………..7.28″ (18.5 cm)
  • Overall Volume Capacity…16oz (0.47L)

The Dayventure Tumbler is available between 10, 16, and 22oz. sizes, and comes in Silver/Stainless (featured), Seafoam, Black, Canyon Red, and Pacific Blue.

Product Evaluation Scores:

  • Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $24.95 for the 16oz variant, the Dayventure Tumbler from Pelican is made predominantly from folded stainless steel for its longevity and impact resistance. The transparent screw-top lid also is intended to provide some insulation while allowing adjustable flow or direct access. Comparators to the Dayventure Tumbler would be Rambler 16oz Stackable Pint ($24.99) from Yeti, or the Pint Tumbler ($24.99) from Rtic (but appears at a sale price of $11.99 on some third-party retail websites). This would put the Dayventure Tumbler at an appropriate (or average) cost amid the market of similar products, all with similar construction and design.
  • Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort perspective, the 16oz version of the Dayventure Tumbler had a nice, comfortable fit in the hand, with its diameter allowing for a 2/3 grip on the exterior. The tapered bottom to the body also allowed for a slightly reduced diameter so those with smaller hands may also find it just as comfortable to hold. The one noted aspect from a perspective of exposure to 8 hours of heat (such as coffee) was that some warmth (not to the point of discomfort or pain) was noted on the top of the body, presumably since that is where it is thinnest and the material interacts with the lid allotting for a dissipation source, but the rest of the body remained cool throughout the duration. The tapered body also fit snuggly into any of the various cup holders in a GMC pickup truck.
  • Durability – Average (3/5): The 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel used in the Dayventure Tumbler is a material that is both food-grade safe and extremely durable. It is frequently used in cookware and commercial kitchens for both its ability to resist heat and warp. This translated in the tumbler to a body that sustained its shape through rough love inside an equipment and range bag with other items, EDC pack, as well as on the trail or campouts. Drop-testing (10 drops from a height of 6’) resulted in some surface marring to the finish, but nothing that dented the body nor exposed the base metal. Perhaps the weakest element to the overall product would be the appropriate (or average) durability of the two-part, plastic lid, with some hard contacts against the concrete resulting in some deep marring (so further strikes, or a strike at the right angle to the lip could result in cracking). But should anything untoward happen to the Dayventure Tumbler, it is covered by Pelican’s Limited Lifetime Warrantee for full replacement against breakage or defects as a result of workmanship. That warrantee does not include normal wear and tear (of which, dropping is considered).
  • Functionality – Average (3/5): From a functional aspect, the Dayventure performed as expected it should—it kept hot drinks hot, and cold ones cold. But in comparison to other Pelican and Yeti products that share similarities in design and material, the tumbler had an appropriate (or average) heat retention level of all those tested. With an average loss of 9.175 degrees per hour, over an eight hour span, the Dayventure performed at a similar heat loss ratio as its closest market competitor by Yeti. This heat loss could be most likely attributed to the lid (where most tumblers and bottles experience heat loss), that with its transparency and minimal thickness allotted for a steady loss in insulation. One notable point of fact for the consumer to be aware of is that the inner, transparent lid that allots for passage of fluid basically worked by unscrewing it and there is no max limit—so you can easily unscrew it too far in an attempt to maximize flow and completely unscrew it inadvertently. One suggestion to Pelican for future design would be to have some type of bump or stop that would give the user a tactile recognition that the limit of opening the Dayventure lid has been reached. Otherwise, the leakproof seal to the two-part lid kept the liquid contents secure during evaluation. When testing cold items, fully packed ice inside the Dayventure Tumbler lasted for approximately two days before almost all the ice had melted, leaving water at a 33 degrees.
  • Weight – Excellent (5/5): At a measured 10.2 ounces for the 16oz version, the weight of the Dayventure Tumbler was determined by the overall amount of material and size. The 16oz version still felt very lightweight without any contents, and even with various liquids added still was not notably burdensome and felt at home in a backpack, EDC bag, or waist pack. In contrast, the Rambler 16oz Stackable Pint (12.1oz) from Yeti, or the Pint Tumbler (13.1oz) from Rtic both demonstrate that the Dayventure Tumbler from Pelican is at an excellent light weight amid a market of comparable alternatives.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/drinkware/tumbler/dayventure/tw16

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Sentry Gun Care Products: Keep Things Running Smooth

Any firearm is only as good as its maintenance plan. SENTRY Products Group offers a variety of dry and liquid firearm cleaning products to help maintain not only top performance of your firearm, but preserve it against long-term wear.

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SENTRY Tuf-Cloth

The Tuf-Cloth™ Cleaner, Dry-Lubricant, Protectant (CDLP) is a 12”x12” cloth that is permeated with SENTRY’s micro-bonding dry lubricant that, when applied, is applied wet but leaves behind an oil-free coating as it dries that repels debris. Available in the Firearm and Knife industry for years, the Tuf-Cloth makes for ideal field maintenance where one may not have immediate access to a workable space or cleaning supplies. The lubricant is fit for all environmental conditions and finishes, to include wood or plastics. Because of its chemical composition and oil-free application, the lubricant won’t thin in extreme heat or, thicken in colder temperatures. The application from Tuf-Cloth prevents fingerprints, tarnishing, and metal dulling that accompanies environments with a higher moisture content. While CDLP is permeated in the Tuf-Cloth, it is also available in a number of alterative applications to include a pen or needle applicator, or spray bottle.

Product Link: https://hexmagstore.com/sentry-tuf-glide-cdlp-and-tuf-cloth/

SENTRY Hi-Slip

SENTRY Hi-Slip Is a blend of synthetic grease with pure molybdenum  . Hi-Slip maintains all the advantages of a grease in that it remains at the point of application and does not spread/migrate to other mechanical components. Hi-Slip will remain on surfaces between -65ºF to 650ºF. The grease application can lubricate all types of metal including stainless steel, blued metal, titanium and aluminum and will prevent overall galling. Hi-Slip comes in either a needle injector for precise applications or a 2-ounce jar.

Product Link: https://hexmagstore.com/sentry-hi-slip-grease/

SENTRY Smooth-Kote

Expanding on its CDLP line of maintenance products, SENTRY also has introduced a molybdenum dry lubricant & barrel treatment. Smooth-Kote™ is a liquid applicant that protects internal surfaces against friction, fouling, and wear. When applied, the liquid is fast drying and micro-bonds to metal for excellent lubrication from -65˚F to 650˚F. Smooth-Kote comes in either a needle injector for precise applications or a 2-ounce jar.’

Product Link: https://hexmagstore.com/sentry-smooth-kote-barrel-and-bore-treatment/

Product Evaluation Scores:

  • CostGood (4/5): The price for SENTRY’s cleaning products varies per application, per product. The Tuf-Cloth and Hi-Slip in their reviewed applicators both cost $9.99 per item, while the Smooth-Kote was $10.99. The market is awash in cleaning products for firearms, but researched customer reviews cover the use of SENTRY’s products for years, with multiple demonstrations of the CDLP application and moisture resistance over time. The Tuf-Cloth itself was shown to still have lubricant up to three years after being opened and still applicable. These all make SENTRY’s cleaning and lubricant line a very good option for shooters looking to alternatives over traditional oil-based cleaning products.
  • Durability – Good (4/5): As stated, the use of SENTRY’s CDLP and grease made for a variety of products with good extended application. The use of precise applicators minimized waste, and the resealable packaging ensured the maximum longevity of the product. While only used for a 30-day duration, the lubricant did provide a notable layer of protection against debris, however it only made for easy removal of carbon and other elements. Sand, dirt, and carbon still did accumulate (due to environment and ammo powder residue), but were easily wiped away with the Tuf-Cloth. The grease did as promised, and did not spread or migrate over high friction areas, and it maintained lubrication with only a single application throughout the review period. It is likely the only time reapplication would be needed, would be when a full strip cleaning is performed. The only negative noted was the Tuf-Glide and Smooth-Kote needle applicator did not come with a protective cap, such as the pen applicator, so its use will be limited to a workbench. If a protective cap were added, then it would be more feasible to include the applicators in range bags or packs.
  • Functionality Good (4/5): Without getting into the full chemistry involved, gauging the functionality of SENTRY’s cleaning products is difficult to establish apart from any other market product. The CDLP did perform as stated, and the grease maintained lubricant only in the applied areas. The weapons treated consistently performed well without failures, and were easily cleaned once treated despite using reloaded ammunition with heavy fouling. SENTRY could explain the whole “microbonding” element of its cleaning products in a more concise manner, but to the consumer it is less relevant to the ability of the CDLP to provide carbon control, friction protection, and moisture resistance. It should be noted that when using the Tuf-Cloth be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area as the fumes were somewhat strong. Take note some SENTRY cleaning products also recommend using protective gloves to avoid the effects of the chemicals on exposed skin.
  • Weight Average (3/5): The weights to each applicator is minimal at most, and limited to the volume of the item in question. The Tuf-Cloth (1 ounce), Hi-Slip needle injector (0.7 ounces), and Smooth-Kote needle applicator (0.7 ounces) were of good weight to add onto any cleaning bench. The Tuf-Cloth was best added to the range bag so as to facilitate immediate cleaning after use of the firearm. Because the aftermarket is so full of options, generally most cleaning solvents or applications are generally around 1-5 ounces depending on the quantity purchased.

Overall Rating* – Good (15/20)

IMG_2889I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

*For the purpose of this evaluation, the “Comfort” aspect of SENTRY’s CDLP and grease cleaning products was excluded as it is not an item that is neither worn nor directly bears on the user.

 

Pelican 1755 Air Long Case with EZ-Click: Keep It All Secured

Released in the summer of 2022, the 1755 Air Long Case with EZ-Click™ MOLLE Panel is the latest in the line of Air cases by Pelican that is up to 40% lighter than previous models of hard cases. The 1755 is specifically designed for full-sized rifles, but with the inclusion of the EZ-Click panels (sold separately) can accommodate a variety of other items within it. The Air series of cases continues to provide Pelican’s leading protective cases to consumers with its proven materials and design.

As with all Pelican cases, the 1755 Air Long Case is made from super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer with features taken from the Protector Case™ series to deliver a lightweight, watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that offers a significant amount of protection.

Exterior

With an overall exterior dimension of 57.82” (L) x 8.86” (H) x 17.30” (W), the 1755’s exterior comprised of Pelican’s super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer for a lightweight shell that maintains maximum strength and impact resistance.

The new 1755 includes six Press and Pull™ latches made from an ABS polymer that secure the lid to the bottom. In addition, there are three heavy-duty, ergonomic and foldable handles on the side and ends to aid in picking up.

Several protective features built into the 1755 include four stainless-steel padlock protectors, and a single automatic purge valve made with hi-flow Gore-Tex seal using a 3 micron, hydrophobic non-woven material.

The 1755 has two quiet-rolling wheels with stainless-steel bearings that aid in rolling and transport of the case and its fully packed weight. On the exterior is a single, clear plastic business card colder for an identification placard. This card holder is only accessible with the lid open and thus prevents tampering.

The base of the 1755 includes eight low-profile locking cleats that coincide with reinforcement grooves along the top of the case lid, thus alloting for stability when stacking the Air case with other 1755s.

Interior

With an interior space of 55.00” (L) x 8.00” (H) x 14.00” (W), the new 1755 has an overall internal storage capacity of 3.56 ft³.

A one-piece, rubberized EPDM O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space.

The 1755 comes with four layers of open-cell, pick-and-pluck foam that is customizable to meet storage needs. The interior of the storage space is textured to improve grip of the case to the foam and prevent slippage.

Specifications:

  • Foam Layer 1 (Lid)……..2.50″ (6.4 cm) – Convolute
  • Foam Layer 2 (Base)……2.20″ (5.6 cm) – Pick N Pluck
  • Foam Layer 3 (Base)……2.20″ (5.6 cm) – Pick N Pluck
  • Foam Layer 4 (Base)……0.50″ (1.3 cm) – Pad
  • Minimum Temperature…-60° F (-51 ° C)
  • Maximum Temperature…160° F (71 ° C)

EZ-Click™ MOLLE Panel

Easily attaching to anchor points inside the lid of select Pelican cases, the EZ-Click™ MOLLE Panel is intended to augment other case accessories. The EZ-Click™ for the 1755 Air Long Case is a two-panel system that includes moisture reduction foam and is only available in Black (featured).

Made from the same rigid Polypropylene as Pelican’s hard cases, the EZ-Click MOLLE Panel has a spaced, grid pattern needed to mount any pouch, holster, or other accessory using the associated mounting style. The panel has the same performance specifications as a hard case and can withstand temperature variations between 0°F – 140°F.

The eight twist-cam locking mechanisms allow for rapid and easy attachment or removal, while also allowing for easy access to the rear of the panel for accessory adjustments.

Product Evaluation Scores:

  • CostAverage (3/5): With a MSRP of $489.95 the new 1755 Air Long Case can be backordered at third-party retail stores—but as of this publication is listed on Pelican’s website as Out of Stock. Care should be taken when ordering from non-direct vendors however as the condition and legitimacy of such products can sometimes prove dubious. As a whole, the 1755 is part of Pelican’s overall ‘Air’ product line, and made from Pelican’s proprietary HPX²™ Polymer. This new material provides for consistent strength and impact resistance as opposed to other traditional products, yet is still lighter. Comparable market alternatives would be the iSeries 6018-8 Rifle Case ($489.99) from SKB, the KR50 ($293.43) from Case Cruzer, or the 3-Gun Competition Case (Gen 2) ($298.95) from Case Club (though the latter two alternatives were still smaller in overall size and storage capacity). Given the available price point of the new 1755 Air Long Case on the market as $489, for its larger than typical size and overall materials used, it placed the Pelican case at an appropriate (or average) cost among its competitors. The EZ-Click for the new 1755 itself is actually three panels of the same EZ-Click intended for the 1500 Protector Case (which run $43.95 each). The closest comparator to this version of EZ-Click being the 10.75×15 RMP ($44.99) by Grey Man Tactical. But the EZ-Click was still cheaper, with integrated mounting hardware that made it an excellent accessory for the case. Perhaps the only limiting factor for the EZ-Click is that it is only available for so few Pelican cases at the time of this review.
  • Comfort Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, while the new 1755 is the longest case in Pelican’s lineup, the case itself was surprisingly lighter than expected. This is attributed to the Air series and its use of HPX²™ Polymer which allows the case’s shell to be up to 40% lighter than other polymer cases of similar size. The 57” overall length easily accommodated multiple rifles, accessories, handguns, and magazines—while the foldable middle handle on three of the four side made maneuvering a fully loaded case much easier than other alternative cases without a middle-handle. The three collapsible handles felt very comfortable in the hand and did not dig or pinch. The push-button latches were a notable improvement over more traditional C-type clamps, and provided an improved level of security against accidental opening (despite several attempts at trying to force it open from the bottom of the latch). One aspect of the new 1755 that is shared with the other Air and Protector series cases was the locking cleats across the lid and bottom. These cleats provided added strength and allowed for potential stacking of multiple cases if needed. The rolling wheels moved easily and quietly while rolling the case between shooting venues. Perhaps the only negative aspect from a comfort aspect was that because of its overall bulk, the 1755 was a bit unwieldy when carried, vice its rolling wheels and the latter would be the recommended transport method whenever possible. This becomes more strongly advised when the 1755 is fully loaded with equipment or items. The EZ-Click mounting hardware moved smoothly and securely, and gave no hint of inability to support the panel when fully loaded.
  • Durability – Good (4/5): From a durability aspect, Pelican cases generally are thought of as the apex in hard cases. Their polymer material and design have a proven history of survivability despite extreme conditions or abuse. And the new 1755 Air case continued that reputation by basically being left unsecure in the back of a pickup truck bed, and driven around on and off road (with other items to include several steel ammo cans). Rough handling was not held back. The shock and impact resistance held up good, with nary any movement to the weapons contained inside. The EZ-Click panel itself held attached weight of accessories well, and gave no indication of sag or stretching. The pick-and-pluck foam was not customized for the weapons used during this review (instead one base layer was simply removed), however between the lid and remaining base layers they held enough retention to keep the weapons in place and protected. Despite some obvious surface marring to the exterior shell (superficial scratches, gouges, dents, etc.), neither moisture nor dust penetrated the interior at any time.
  • Functionality Good (4/5): The new 1755 is similar to other Pelican hard cases in that it was designed to be a protective box for ground and/or air transport. While the 1755 Air Long Case has an improved polymer blend and new push-button latches, the Air series as a whole had a low-profile appearance and was designed more for the avid traveler (such as trainers or instructors) in mind, not members of the military (who tend to be more abusive to cargo). Features like the two rolling wheels and the pressurization valve were essential as part of the design for long-term use or transport. The stainless-steel protectors (in conjunction with TSA-approved locks – not included) and hinge pins likewise fill an essential aspect of design as it ensured forced entry (shy of cutting) wasn’t possible. The pick-and-pluck foam was of the typical thickness and appropriately perforated to allow customization. As noted above, the new 1755 did share some rigidity aspects of the Protector series with the locking cleats that aided in added reinforcement. Since the new 1755 is intended as a long rifle or survey equipment case, the use of additional EZ-Click panels further expand the case’s functionality beyond its factory design.
  • Weight Average (3/5): Weighing in at 25.05 lbs. (11.3 kg) with foam, the new 1755 Air Long Case has an appropriate (or average) amount of weight for a case of this size and intended to hold multiple firearms or equipment. As such, once fully loaded, the 1755 was very heavy and bulky to maneuver if carrying it from just the single side handle. Truthfully, the best method in transporting the fully loaded 1755 was rolling it around provided it was a smooth, improved surface. The rolling wheels did not easily roll over loose rock, thus necessitated the carry method. In comparison; the iSeries 6018-8 Rifle Case (28.59 pounds), the KR50 (22 pounds), and the 3-Gun Competition Case (Gen 2) (30 pounds) were all near or over the weight of the new 1755 Air Long Gun Case, or were smaller in dimension and thus weighed less. The EZ-Click Panels for the 1755 weighed in at approximately two pounds (each) adding six pounds for all three panels. The closest comparator to the 1755’s EZ-Click panel would be the 10.75×15 RMP from Grey Man Tactical at an approximate 2.0 pounds. The minor added weight to the three EZ-Click panels was directly attributed to the inclusion of mounting hardware and materials needed to make the overall MOLLE design. Thus, the overall weight of the new 1755 Air Case with EZ-Click was at approximately 30 pounds, and placed the case as appropriate (or within average) within other cases of similar size on the current market.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/long-case/air/1755

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

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