High Ground Media, LLC

In the world of tactical minimalism, Blue Force Gear excels at keeping things simple. And with the Tourniquet Now! pouch it keeps the tourniquet easily within reach and available for immediate deployment aside from the larger medical kit.

The Tourniquet Now! (TKN) pouch is an open clamshell design that wraps upward to enclose the tourniquet itself. The overall material is 500D Cordura, and the pouch can accommodate any CAT-sized tourniquet or similar typed life-saving strap.

Exterior

The front exterior of the TKN pouch has a black/white “TQ” identification panel stitched into the front for clear visibility.

At the top, the fold-over lid is secured via hook-and-loop and has a Ball Loaded Index Point (BLIP) that helps provide maximum tangibility regardless of conditions.

The rear of the TKN pouch has Blue Force Gear’s proprietary Helium Whisper MOLLE mounting system made from ULTRAcomp laminate, giving it a threaded strength greater than 1000D nylon.

Interior

The inside of the TKN pouch is a nylon sleeve that secures the tourniquet once the pouch is opened. Users merely have to slide their hand down the length of the open pouch and the tourniquet slides readily out.

Specifications:

• Overall Size: 2″ (W) x 2″ (L) x 7″ (H)

The Tourniquet Now! pouch is available in Multicam (featured), Black, and Coyote Brown.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): The Tourniquet Now! (TKN) pouch is listed at $29.95 which, for a dedicated pouch that provides near-immediate, simplistic access, is a reasonable price. Other market alternatives include the C-A-T Holder ($19.95) by North American Rescue, the Tourniquet Pouch ($20.24) by Tactical Tailor, or the Gen2 Tourniquet Pouch ($24) by T3 Gear. These comparisons would place the TKN at the higher end of the current market, and a most likely reason for this would be inclusion of the BLIP and Helium Whisper mounting system.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the TKN provided near-immediate access by allowing the pouch itself to fold away, and expose the tourniquet for easy reach. The BLIP provided easy tactile recognition, even when the pouch is placed out of direct sight. The oversized “TQ” in clear, contrasting colors made it obvious to others that its contents could be of life-saving use if the shooter should become immobilized.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The material of the TKN lends itself to the overall durability of the pouch, and gave the pouch good marks for its blend of 500D Cordura and ULTRAcomp laminate. A little wear was noted on the hook-and-loop tabs on the Helium Whisper mounting system, but this minor wear was consistent with other products using the same mounting system—nor compromised the integrity of the product itself.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the design of the TKN pouch allowed it to open up and fall away is a very simplified manner. The tourniquet itself also slid away easily and was not hindered by the elastic material. The only negative aspect evaluated was the length of hook-and-loop material on the lid, as it was consistently not long enough to cover the entire tourniquet once placed in the TKN. There was still sufficient material to close the pouch, but the BLIP stuck out annoyingly.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At 41 grams (or 1.44 ounces) empty, the TKN was of a lighter weight than the previously mentioned market alternatives, most likely due to its lightweight materials and mounting system. In comparison, the C-A-T Holder (2.4 ounces) by North American Rescue, the Tourniquet Pouch (2.56 ounces) by Tactical Tailor, and the Gen2 Tourniquet Pouch (2.89 ounces) by T3 Gear were all above the weight of the TKN but represented the average weight to be expected for a dedicated MOLLE/PALS pouch.

Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/tourniquet-now-pouch

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.

Owned and operated by US Tactical Systems in Washington, Missouri, Elite Survival Systems (ESS) is a manufacturer of quality products focusing on concealment, transport, or field use for the public. Among its core product line, is the Cobra Riggers Belt and SIDEWINDER™ Adaptive MOLLE Battel Belt. Worn together, the two provide for a comfortable, sturdy belt fit for range or tactical applications.

Elite Survival Cobra Riggers Belt 

The Cobra Riggers Belt is Elite Survival’s take on the classic field belt and can serve as a stand-alone belt or the foundation of a full range/duty belt. It’s Cobra Riggers Belt CRB was among the first to offer the patented AustriAlpin Cobra quick release belt buckle with a rescue D-ring.

The Cobra Buckle is rated to 4000 pounds (straight pull) of force, and the D-ring is rated to 5000 pounds (straight pull), exceeding ANSI Z359.1, CSA, EN, UIAA, and NFPA standards. There is a full “rigger’s stitch” on the D-ring side for added strength and durability.

The belt itself consists of 1.75″ Mil-Spec Type 13 webbing that is rated to 7000 pounds (straight pull) tensile strength. The webbing gives the belt a rigid profile that can support additional gear to be added either directly to the belt, or via a padded battle belt.

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/belts/cobra-riggers-belt/

SIDEWINDER™ Adaptive MOLLE Battle Belt

The SIDEWINDER™ is a 4.75″ padded battle belt offered by Elite Survival as an alternative to mounting holsters or pouches to your belt, while providing comfort to the weight on the body.

The SIDEWINDER is made from 1000D nylon construction and includes segmented PALS panels to accommodate any MOLLE attachment pouch or holster. At either end of the belt are hook-and-loop retention straps that ensure the base belt does not rotate or slide.

The belt itself consists of thick, 1/4” closed cell foam padding with mounting points/hardware for attaching suspenders or a vest (sold separately). On the interior of the SIDEWINDER is a vented mesh to aid in airflow and moisture wicking. On the belt’s interior face, at the rear, is a rubberized panel to increase the overall belt’s grip and prevent slippage during dynamic body movements.

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/belts/sidewinder-adaptive-molle-battle-belt/

Elite Survival System’s Belt Specifications:

• Sizes:
  • SM – Fits 26-31 waist
  • M   – Fits 32-38 waist
  • L   – Fits 39-44 waist
  • XL – Fits 45-50 waist
  • XXL – Fits 51-56 waist

The SIDEWINDER belt available in Black, Coyote, Olive Drab, and Multicam (featured). The D-Ring Cobra buckle by AustiAlpin available only in Black or Coyote (featured).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With the Cobra Riggers Belt at $99.95 and the SIDEWINDER at $72.95, the price point for both belts is based on the overall volume of material, and the quality of nylon involved. Elements like stitching and source (domestic or overseas) can also influence the vendor’s price point. Comparable market alternatives would be; the Assaulters Gun Belt ($81.61) and the Padded AGB Sleeve ($106.81) by First Spear, or the Cobra IDR Riggers Belt (no hook-and-loop) ($91) and Suregrip Padded Belt ($120) by HSGI. With regards to price, it is a tradeoff with the Rigger’s Belt by Elite Survival still above price point of competitors, but the SIDEWINDER below. Thus, the cost of both belts is considered a draw (or average), and left to the consumer to determine how those costs would best fit within their needs or if mixing in alternatives is more feasible.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): Worn independently, the Rigger’s belt felt like any other, with stiff contouring consistent with Type 13 webbing. The Cobra buckle itself provided a clear and audible lock, although the D-ring tended to move around unnecessarily. A good suggestion for improvement would be to add a hook-and-loop retention strap to their Rigger’s belt to keep that D-ring flush. When combined with the SIDEWINDER, the larger, padded belt added comfort and provided a wider base by which the belt grabbed the waist line. The foam padding of the SIDEWINDER itself was not overly thick, but its width did give the hip significant protection from the weight borne.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Like most Elite Survival products, the Cobra Rigger’s Belt and the SIDEWINDER were both made from materials with a high degree of abrasion resistance. A number of vendors use Type 13 webbing to form the base material their rigger belts because of its high degree of tensile strength, as well as the webbing’s ability to withstand abrasion (the buckle often being the weakest aspect in any belt). There was notable reinforcement stitching on the belt that anchored the buckle and made for an extremely solid product. Similarly, the SIDEWINDER was crafted from 1000D nylon, a material also noted for its abrasion resistance, but intended more to support the weight of accessories or items hung around the waist. The outer edging and PALS sections of the SIDEWINDER were all double stitched, while the inner lines of MOLLE webbing had bartack that combined gave the belt a good deal of durability.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the belts were of average performance, demonstrating the expected aspects for their use. The sizing to the Cobra Belt was a little on the plus size; but once ran through the SIDEWINDER, the excess was used up by threading it through the MOLLE/PALS panels and/or additional accessory pouches. The rubberized panel helped ensure the outer SIDEWINDER didn’t rotate or sag. The MOLLE panels held up under stressor drills and supported the weight of fully loaded pouches with ease.
• Weight – Good (4/5): With the Cobra Riggers Belt (size Large) coming in at 14 ounces, and the SIDEWINDER at 9 ounces, the total weight for both as the foundation of a battle/range belt was very minimal. In truth the weight of a battle/range belt comes from its accessory pouches and loaded magazines thus the foundation belt(s) play a minor (but critical) role. In comparison, alternative competitors to Elite Survival’s riggers belt would be the Assaulter’s belt (10.8 ounces) from First Spear, or the Cobra IDR Riggers Belt (12.8 ounces) from HSGI. Alternatives to the SIDEWINDER would be the Padded AGB Sleeve (11.2 ounces) from First Spear, and the Suregrip Padded Belt (16 ounces) from HSGI. It should be noted that the most probable reason Elite Survival’s Cobra Riggers Belt weighs more than others is the belt’s inclusion of a D-ring into the Cobra Buckle, whereas other venders either do not offer such a variant or do so at an added cost. In contrast, the SIDEWINDER was still less in weight than either alternative listed, demonstrating the effective use of design and materials to deliver a lightweight foundation for a battle/range belt.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/belts/

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.

Initially introduced in 2016, the Surefit Competition Belt is Tuff Products effort to provide competitive shooters a secure means to carry their equiptment. With a dual inner/outer belt system, the Surefit belt will hold up a lot more than just holsters.

With an inner belt layer made with flexible 1000D nylon and lined on the outside with large sections of hook-and-loop, the inner belt features a six-panel extension that can be cut to ensure complete fit to the user’s waistline.

Likewise, the outer belt is also constructed with 1000D nylon and has an accent layer that can be customized per the user’s interest. The accent layer comes in: Multicam (featured in this review), Coyote, Gray, Purple, Teal, Red, Blue, Black. The outer belt also is lined on the inside with corresponding sections of hook-and-loop, and features a six-panel extension that can also be cut to ensure proper fit. Unlike the inner belt however, the outer belt features a 1.5″ rigid polymer core that gives the overall Surefit belt its rigidity to maintain form no matter how many holsters you put on it.

The Surefit comes with one spare belt keeper and one “Team Tuff” belt keeper with a PVC logo. The company also offers a set of “bruise bumpers” as separate accessories, which are simply pads that attach to the Surefit’s hook-and-loop and protect the hip from the weight and/or holsters.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $49.99 the Surefit belt is a two-layer system that is comparable in design and construction to other similar competition belt systems currently on the market. The cost however, places it in the upper tier of these systems. If one makes the effort however, you can find the belt offered through Amazon and other online dealers for approximatly $32-$34.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): As a whole, the two-part system makes wearing pistol, mags, and a medical pouch very comfortable. The rigid polymer core of the outer belt carries a large percentage of the overall load, while the hook-and-loop sections help ensure no excessive movement of attached items.
• Durability – Good (4/5): In comparison to competitors, the Surefit has important elements in durability that others do not. Right out of the box there were no loose/excessive threads, and the amount of material along the outer belt edge was noticeably larger in surface area than other competition belts. This translates to longer use in the repetitive action of peeling the outer belt off of the inner, and less chance of separation between the belts and hook-and-loop sections. The 1000D nylon in the belt’s design will also ensure long-term abrasion resistance.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Overall the functionality of the Surefit belt is pretty straightforward. It should be noted here that while trimming the six-panel extension sections to cut inside the six squares and not along the gray stitching. Then use a heat gun or lighter to melt any excess cut nylon.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At approximately 8.8 ounces, the overall Surefit belt is amazingly light considering the amount of materials. The use of the polymer core to the outer belt and the overall 1000D are the dominant elements to the overall weight of the two-belt system.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: http://tuffproducts.com/9017-tuff-surefit-competition-belt-set/

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.