High Ground Media, LLC

Revised for its release, the 2020 version of the Stinger line is one of the brightest handheld lights offered by Streamlight. It features improved ergonomics, electronics, and rechargeable batteries that make it an excellent addition at home or on the job.

With its 7.67” overall length and diameter of 1.62”, the Stinger 2020 comprises of an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body with an anti-roll design, and ergonomic features (such as a notched body and rubberized grip panels) that help maintain a solid hold.

The Stinger 2020 has dual ON/OFF power switches (one on the head, and one on the tail cap) with a selectable output switch of Low, Medium, High. The external Function switch has a set-it-and-forget-it feature where the selected output remains selected until the user changes it.

Producing up to 2,000 lumens of light, the emitter in the Stinger 2020 can be adjusted based on the individual’s needs; Low (100 lumens) with a 70m beam, Medium (850 lumens) with a 200m beam, or High (2,000 lumens) with a 315m beam. The emitter itself is protected behind a high-temperature tempered Borofloat^® glass lens with the internals sealed against moisture (with an IPX7 immersion rating) and corrosion behind a single body design and rubberized gaskets at all access points.

The power source for the Stinger is a SL-B26^™ USB rechargeable battery pack, which can be integrated with pre-existing Stinger smart chargers (while the battery is inside the light), or with USB power cables or a Li-ion battery bank charger. Depending on the selected output, the SL-B26^™ battery will provide varying runtimes between 24 hours of continual use on Low, or up to 2 hours of continual use on High. The Stinger also has a strobe feature (High burst) with a runtime of 3.25 hours.

The Stinger 2020 also includes a wall-mounted charging station that connects to the SL-B26 via through-current connection points and ensures that the handheld light is always ready for use. Included is a separate charging cable specifically to charge the SL-B26 batteries directly.

The Stinger 2020 is available in only in Black (featured).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP at $150.30, the Stinger 2020 offers a 2,000 lumen output in a robust handheld light for personal or field use. The material makes the new Stinger flashlight extremely resistant to impact, while its rechargeable power source offers a number of ways to ensure the light is always ready for use. Market alternatives for similar handheld lights would be the ML150LRS(X) @819 lumens ($124) by Maglite, or the MH40GTR @1200 lumens ($129) by Nitecore. So, it is a balance whereby the Stinger 2020 offers some of the highest lumen output for a handheld of its size and function, but its recent release with newer technology makes it one of the more expensive at an appropriate (or average) price point amid the current market, and one the consumer should consider as an equal balance.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Stinger carried well—not being excessively heavy nor under/over balanced on either end. The notched and rail body features allowed for the Stinger to be comfortably carried, and gave good purchase for positive control while using. The textured rubberized grip panels along the side of the body also added in positive control by giving the hand a rougher surface to feel and hold. The ON/OFF and Function switches had a clear tactile and audible sensation by which it was easy to recognize what setting was currently in use. The adjustable light output helped prevent the light from being over powering, and potentially blinding when use in hours of darkness, in the field, or on the family camping trip. It should be noted, that the strobe feature was effective in momentarily blinding an individual when they looked at the light source.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The Stinger was made from the usual aluminum alloy body and bezel as other Streamlight products, and it survived the drop test (five drops from varying angles) just fine and sustained only superficial marring to the body, edges, and bezel. The thick Borofloat^® glass lens is widely used throughout Streamlight’s products and continued to hold up well against impacts directly to the emitter. While the ON/OFF switches did give good tactile feel through the rubberized protective material, over use/time/sun exposure it is likely this will be the first element of the flashlight to fail—something common to that kind of design. 
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Stinger 2020 was great in performance and lumen emission. Used on the range and in camping trips, the light’s high output easily cut through dust and other photonic barriers. The light did come out as a brighter “white” light vice “warmer” tactical lights that often penetrate those barriers to a further extent. But the variable function switch proved invaluable in situations requiring less light and the ability to switch between the three settings really was an advantage. While its overall length was comfortable as a handheld flashlight, the rear ON/OFF button couldn’t be comfortably reached when used single-handed in a tactical setting so the rear button’s location wasn’t used nearly as frequently as the alternative closer to the front of the light. One minor issue included the wall-mounted charging station that came with the Stinger 2020. It readily provided a full charge to the flashlight quickly, but the retaining prongs that engaged and retained the flashlight’s body while mounted were very tight, making quick removal difficult when needed. Obviously this was a tradeoff in keeping the light secure and connected to the recharging prongs, but something to be aware of in contrast to other wall mounts that maybe keep a looser hold. Perhaps one feature recommended to Streamlight in future versions of the Stinger would be a focal adjustment feature whereby the user can adjust between a focused point of the light’s output, and a wide-angle dispersal for broader throw of coverage, as is the Stinger offers only a focused point. Additionally, it might be nice if the Stinger 2020 came with a rudimentary belt loop, clip, or other accessory for mounting it (aside from the wall mount)—as is the nearly 8” flashlight didn’t come with any means of retention.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 12.30 ounces (with battery pack installed) the Stinger did have a little heft to its feel. This is directly attributed to the volume of aluminum used and normal within the market of similar lights. The weight however wasn’t significantly uncomfortable enough by itself to detract a waist packs or worn on a belt. In contrast to the noted market alternatives above, the ML150LRS(X) @819 lumens (11.2 ounces) by Maglite, or the MH40GTR @1200 lumens (13 ounces) by Nitecore show that the Stinger is well within the appropriate (or average) weight range for similar products.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/stinger-2020

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.

Designed to maintain a low-profile appearance while giving the wearer access to their concealed carry option, the Gunfighter Flannel Jacket by Viktos can also be easily adjusted for direct sidearm access for an extended day on the range. Introduced in October 2019, the Gunfighter is a perfect solution for when the weather cools, but our threats do not.

The Gunfighter is made from an outer shell with a thick blend of 60/40 wool and polyester. The jacket’s thick cotton lining also provides additional comfort and warmth. The Gunfighter includes Viktos’ Attackposture™ design, incorporating four-way, flexible back and underarm panels that provides improved flexibility that can accommodate a variety of shooting stances.

At its front, the Gunfighter has a medium collar roll that provides moderate comfort against wind, and protects the neck from chafe caused be rifle slings or other shoulder straps. At the rear and under the collar’s roll is the phrase “Viktos Black Arms Company” which is in reference to the primary manufacturer.

At the chest are two accessory pockets secured via snap button.

The jacket’s side front has vertical zippered chest pockets directly behind the chest accessory pockets that allow for access while wearing a plate carrier. The zipper’s pull-tab consists of a small, knotted nylon cord with heat-shrink tubing.

Both sides to the Viktos Gunfighter include its Gunvent™ design, a unique, dual-zippered side that allows for immediate access to range belt or holstered sidearm while wearing the jacket.

Down the front of the jacket are six front snap buttons that provide closure of the jacket from neck to below the waistline.

Both sleeves include a low-profile cuff with thump port, while the forearms are reinforced to account for “brush bashing” through moderate vegetation. On the left forearm is a small, zipper secured stash pocket.

At the elbow both sleeves include articulated elbow panels to pad provide for flexibility and comfort.

The interior lining of the jacket has a number of features that make it ideal for concealed operations as well as every-day use. With its unique logos at the top of the back and inner left, the liner also includes two zippered cargo/carry pockets (one on each side).

Additionally, the right side of the liner also includes elastic cuffs for interior wire routing and a pass-through eyelet to the zippered chest pocket that allows for concealed communications or a headset/earbuds if desired.

Specifications:

• Genuine YKK zippers
• Heat-shrink tubing on all zipper pulls
• 1-year workmanship & materials warranty

The Gunfighter Flannel Jacket comes in Midwatch (featured) and Ranger Green, and is available in sizes Small to 3XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $195 the Gunfighter Flannel Jacket by Viktos brings together a unique blend of comfort and concealability that promotes an individual’s “tactical lifestyle” wherein one can be situationally aware, and look good doing it. In comparison, other market alternatives would include the Twill Concealed Carry Jacket ($149.99) by Nine Line Apparel, the Sabre Jacket 2.0 ($249.99) by 5.11 or the Ronin XT Jacket ($255) by Triple Aught Design. While all jackets involve their own designs materials, and features – there are few flannel jackets on the market and almost none consider the tactical mindset, and that is what makes Viktos’s take on outerwear so unique.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The sizing of the Gunfighter felt it ran to the Regular sizing, designed to fit those of average build. It was very comfortable across the shoulders and had significant flexibility on the upper torso thanks to its Attackposture™ material. The articulated elbows and “brush bash” reinforcement was very comfortable and, unlike other padded elbow or forearm material, was not bulky or cumbersome. In wind and light rain, the Gunfighter’s two-part shell did well to keep the wearer dry. Since the fit ran on the Regular sizing; for the 6’2” frame of the reviewer, the sleeves fit adequately – stopping at the wrist bone when the arms were dropped. But the sleeves creeped up approximately 2-3 inches when the arms/hands were raised (reflecting the longer arm length of the individual), thus the thumb ports couldn’t be comfortably used because of the tightness and the port’s material. Viktos could improve the comfort aspect of the Gunfighter by considering a “long” design, or making the ports somewhat elastic to account for the increased arm length of other wearers.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Given that the Gunfighter made from a 60/40 blend of wool and polyester, with a 100% cotton inner shell, it had the same durability as other light jackets. There was some bartack and reinforcement stitching noted at the pockets and other key stress points that added to the jacket’s overall strength. All YKK zippers ran smoothly and did not bind, while all snap buttons provided crisp retention and break. In the time tested during daily wear and on the range, the Gunfighter’s liner did not separate and all threading held. Some excess threading was noted at several points along the edges, but appeared to be due to the machining process and unrelated to the jacket itself (nor effected the integrity of the threading).
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the Gunfighter achieved exactly what was intended, to be a comfortable and low-profile light jacket, that functioned on the range just as well as it did for EDC wear. Other tactical or conceal carry jackets, such as the alternatives noted above, have the distinct disadvantage of still appearing tactical – even when intending to appear low-profile. The Gunfighter accomplished a very effective low-profile appearance by blending the zipper lines and hardware into the color and design scheme of the jacket, and by taking on the every-day appearance of flannel. Likewise, while on the range the Gunvent™ dual zippers provided comfortable and easy access to an OWB holster, allowing the wearer to continue wearing the jacket on the range and remain comfortable despite the cold. It also allowed for one-handed access to the beltline if carrying concealed as well. The only minor issue observed was during EDC wear, the continual light friction of the hands passing over the bottom of the Gunvent™ while walking (zipped closed), caused the bottom of the zipper to continually open slightly (resolved simply by closing it again). This is a common problem with other fleece and light jackets that have a similar side opening and resolved by having a covering material (secured via snap button) over the bottom of the zipper to secure it as well as reinforce the closure. Viktos may want to consider that as an improvement in its next Gunvent™ design.
• Weight – Average (3/5): The weight of outerwear varies wildly, often attributed to a combination of materials, layers, design and hardware. The Gunfighter Flannel Jacket weighed approximately 2 pounds due to the material in the outer and inner shells. This is minimally heavier than the alternative jackets detailed above (averaging 1.5 pounds), but that is due to variance in materials and design. In the end, the Gunfighter’s weight was average for outerwear, yet still minimal and did not prove distracting or cumbersome when worn daily, or on the range.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/outerwear/products/gunfighter-flannel?variant=30279017496672

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.

 

Recently developed by Trident Tactical Technical (T3) Gear as a new means to improve user comfort while wearing heavy plate carriers, the Python Belt brings together traditional belt design with a new means of weight distribution.

Made from an overall 500D solution-dyed Cordura, the Python Belt is a two-part system that involves a semi-rigid duty belt and a padded outer belt.

The inner duty belt is 1.75” wide and made from Type 13 parachute webbing. It is secured using a 2” Raptor Buckle from American Direct Fabrication (ADF). While the Type 13 belt has a tensile strength of 7,000 pounds, the Raptor Buckle is made from 7075 Aluminum and has a tensile strength of 2,000 pounds. The buckle also meets NFPA 1983 certification for safety and MIL-STD-810F for corrosion resistance. Included in the inner duty belt is a tie-in point for attaching carabiner clips or other retention accessories.

The outer padded belt is where the new design and weight distribution come into play. It uses a closed-cell foam pad enclosed in a 500D Cordura sleeve that allows the inner duty belt to pass through a channel the length of the belt. This channel is comprised of reinforced panels with two bands of MOLLE webbing on each, and are segmented to allow the belt to either weave over, or under them. This design aspect allows for full customization of pouches, holsters, and other gear.

Along the interior of the outer padded belt is a continuous band of hook-and-loop (female) material that will be used in conjunction with an additional belt (released separately soon) that is run through the trousers’ belt loops for added security and rapid donning.

But the unique aspect to the Python belt is its foam band that runs along the top edge, of the outer padded belt. This foam is approximately 2” wide, and enclosed in a nylon sleeve with an adjustment cord through it with cinch tabs.

What Does It Do?

What this padded design aspect accomplishes is something found nowhere else currently on any belt. When used in conjunction with a plate carrier or vest, the smart design fills the intervening space between the belt and the bottom of the carrier. Its padded tube supports the carrier, while allowing the user to decide on distributing the carrier’s weight to the user’s shoulders or hip and attain the greatest level of comfort and use.

Specifications:

• Small:…………28″ outer belt w/12 MOLLE rows
• Medium:……..32″ outer belt w/16 MOLLE rows
• Large:…………36″ outer belt w/20 MOLLE rows
• Extra Large:..44″ outer belt w/24 MOLLE rows

The Python Belt is available in Multicam (featured), and in sizes Small through XLarge.

Editor’s Note: The Python Belt appears in this review with associated T3 pouches to evaluate it based on its performance as a field belt. The pouches do not influence the overall scoring of the belt itself.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At an opening cost of approximately $170 the Python Belt brings together traditional nylon materials with an innovative design to help provide added comfort to those wearing protective plates. The belt includes a two-part design to help users provide an immediate way to don a belt fit for any situation that accepts any MOLLE-compatible pouch or accessory.  In contrast, other comparative belt systems include the Padded AGB Sleeve w/Gun Belt ($185) by First Spear, the Sure-Grip (Slotted) Padded Belt w/Rigger Belt ($220), or Tactical Tailor’s Fight Light Battle Belt w/Riggers Belt ($260). But it should be noted none of these alternatives include the unique supportive tube design that helps mitigate some of the added weight of a plate carrier. As such, for its design and innovation, the Python Belt offers users an excellent price point.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect the Python did a very good job of remaining comfortable around the hips, even despite the added weight of a plate carrier. With its wide padded sleeve and tubular support system, the Python was able to broadly distribute the belt’s weight, and that of and pouches and a plate carrier evenly around the hips and alleviate some of the strain on the upper shoulders and back. This was mainly notable when standing, and thus would be ideal for those on sentry duty or have stationary/guard roles. While walking this support was still present, but to a lesser extent due to the rotation of the hips and back movement. The Raptor buckle provided a smooth and reliable function, while the inner duty belt was flexible enough so as not to be excessively rigid and contoured to the waist appropriately.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Extensive double-line threading, X-pattern, and bartack was noted throughout the Python belt at key stress points that added to its overall longevity. The specialized support tube was also encased in a Cordura nylon sleeve that ensured abrasion resistance encountered from plate carrier friction while in dynamic movements. The support tube even had plastic tubing and grommets to help ensure the system did not become compromised, but users should still exercise caution at over-tightening it. Elsewhere the inner belt, being made from Type 13 webbing, was very durable given its greater tensile strength that (combined with the Raptor buckle’s aluminum body) gave it a very strong inner/outer belt system.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The key behind the Python’s overall function was its ability to reduce the dead load factor on the upper torso while wearing a fully loaded plate carrier. In evaluations the Python was worn in a variety of dynamic movements, walking, and static and determined that indeed the system did perform to mitigate that weight on the shoulders and upper/lower back. The extent of that offset varied depending on what the wearer was doing; with static/standing activity having the greatest level of transference, and running having the least. This would make the Python ideal for those who stand guard duty for extended periods. Perhaps the only notable recommendation for T3 to consider would be the inclusion of an elastic/rubberized retention band on the inner belt, as excess material easily let the Raptor buckle slide unnecessarily.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 21.1 ounces (9.7 ounces for inner belt, 11.4 for outer) the Python (Size Large) had an appropriate (or average) weight for the volume and qualities of the material involved. As more pouches were added, and the weight of a plate carrier resting on the support tube did as intended, the Python evenly distributed the weight around the hips and into the legs. This did avoid excess fatigue in the upper torso as is common to most plate carriers used in conjunction with minimalist or low-profile belts. In contrast, other similar belt systems like the Padded AGB Sleeve w/Gun Belt (17.8 ounces), the Sure-Grip (Slotted) Padded Belt w/Rigger Belt (18 ounces), or the Fight Light Battle Belt w/Riggers Belt (26.6 ounces) all illustrate that while the Python is near the upper range of weight, this is due to the use of traditional nylons that are typically heavier and gave the belt an appropriate (or average) scoring.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com

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.