High Ground Media, LLC

If you are looking for a precise mini-red dot optic for your rifle or pistol, the Razor provides a crystal-clear field of view and rapid acquisition for any environment.

Introduced in 2012, the Razor Red Dot Sight (RDS) by Vortex is designed as a high-quality, open reflex optic for competitive or defensive shooters. It can be mounted to either rifle or handgun for improved cross-compatibility.

The housing of the Razor is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, giving it a high-degree of shock resistance. All threads and battery compartment are sealed with rubberized O-rings that make the Vortex waterproof from moisture. Overall the exterior is in a hard, matte-black anodized finish. There is an included lockout feature built into the rear of the optic that will prevent slippage to the adjustment dials, and requires a hex key to tighten/loosen.

The diode inside the housing is projected on XR™ Fully Multi-Coated glass, and sheltered by the optic’s flared shroud. It projects either a 3MOA reticle (intended for rifles), or 6MOA (for pistols) based on your selection at the time of purchase. Intensity is adjusted by a two-button polymer switch at the base of the glass with nine levels of brightness, while the ON/OFF function is done by press-holding the up chevron (ON) or down (OFF). The glass itself is further protected in an ArmorTek ® coating to fortify scratch resistance.

The CR2032 battery provides approximately 150 hours of life on the brightest intensity (or 30,000 hours at the lowest), and is side-mounted off the RDS’s right side to facilitate changing power sources while leaving the optic mounted. There is a powersave feature that after six hours of inactivity, the Razor will automatically power off and thus conserve battery life.

Specifications

• Mount Type: 1913 Picatinny
• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Color: Bright Red
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
• Max Elevation Adjustment: 170 MOA
• Max Windage Adjustment: 114 MOA
• Parallax Setting: Parallax free
• Length: 1.83 inches

It should be noted various mounting plates are available by Vortex or other retailers to mount the Razor directly to handgun slides, thus negating the need for a picatinny rail. As all its products, Vortex covers the Razor under a lifetime VIP warranty coverage.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At an MSRP of $499.99 the Razor is comparatively priced for a high-end optic. It doesn’t come with the legacy of other RDS optics, such as Leupold’s Delta Point Pro ($519) or Trijicon’s RMR ($419-$546) with its extensive Government contracts, but those also come with the associated intrinsic price tag that can be unrelated to the optic itself. The Razor does offer improvements in design and materials, as well as a larger field of view than more inexpensive RDS optics of similar purpose. Considering that it came with an included picatinny rail adapter, then the price point is well placed.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): With a 28mm x 17.5mm field of view, the Razor was slightly larger than other RDS optics (such as Trijicon’s RMR with a 22mm x 16mm field of view), and was wider than the Vortex Viper. For carbine, the added height-over-bore from the rail adaptor made for a perfect fit and put the rounds right on target without any necessary adjustment. The ability to see the dot, and the peripheral target area allowed for rapid transitions. The 3MOA dot was not as bright nor crisp as a Trijicon RMR04 in full daylight, but was comparable to an Aimpoint PRO in intensity and was still readily tracked. It was an uncomfortable placement of the intensity buttons under the shroud, specifically when turning the RDS ON/OFF. This was made all the more complicated when gloves were introduced. There was a slight bluish tint to the glass that is shared by other optic manufacturers, but not to the level as being a distraction to the shooter.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The Razor is comprised of high-quality aluminum and during evaluation took a significant amount of abuse in terms of contact from weapon manipulation and contact to other gear/hardware. Some superficial marring of the exterior finish was noted, but not to a significant degree so as to penetrate the base metal. Overall the glass quality was very high and resisted any scratching or other marring. The weakest point in the durability of the Razor will be from stripping the hex bolt that secures the picatinny mount to the rail if overtightened, but it is made from the same high-grade aluminum and should last through some level of abuse (within reason). But to extend the durability, should anything happen Vortex has its no-questions-asked VIP Warranty coverage that will replace the optic should something beyond owner’s neglect happen.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): From the standpoint of functionality, the Razor did what it needed to do, and did it well (which was consistently place rounds on target and maintain zero). The robust housing and the optic’s height-over-bore made it easily compatible to either pistol or rifle given the appropriately sized MOA reticle. During the course of evaluation, only the 3MOA dot was tested, which given the smaller dot, may have played a factor into the lack of brightness at full intensity in full sunlight. RDS optics with larger MOA reticles, such as the Razor’s 6MOA option, often are much easier to pick up but lack that precise shot placement for rifles. The curved angle of the protective shroud ensured gear or other objects contacting the top of the optic deflected away from the glass and front of the housing. As noted in Comfort, the biggest negative to functionality was the placement of the polymer switch under the optic’s shroud. Vortex could potentially mitigate this by moving the switch to the side, such as in its Viper RDS model.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At approximately 1.4 ounces without the included picatinny rail adaptor, or 2.4 ounces with it, the Razor is perhaps only slightly heavier than its Trijicon RMR (at 1.2 ounces without a rail adaptor) or Leupold’s Delta Point Pro (1.9 ounces without a rail adaptor) competitors. But at such a minor weight limit to begin with, the differences are really inconsequential in comparison to other accessories or gear. In comparison to the market of other similar RDS optics then the weight is typical for its size and design.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/red-dots/razor-red-dot/vortex-razor-red-dot.html?vortex_reticle=942

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.

Introduced in 2019, the Brace Strap by Flatline Fiber Company is intended to be a simple drop-in replacement for the factory straps included to the popular SBA3 AR pistol brace from SB Tactical. The recent threat by the ATF to move AR pistols under the NFA, such accessories are becoming increasingly in high demand.

Made from milspec A-A-55301 nylon webbing, the 1” wide Brace Strap is a single 1” wide strap that is threaded through a polymer slide buckle, and folded back to be secured via hook-and-loop.

The PRS uses TEX 90 bonded nylon thread throughout for its maximum durability against moisture rot and tensile strength.

The intent of the Brace Strap is that it adds rigidity to the SBA3 brace and prevents inadvertent “rolling” of the open-ended forearm support wings, which can result in permanent deformation of the brace.

Specifications:

• Maximum Length: 20” fully extended

The Brace Strap is available in eight different colors to include Black (featured), various Multicam patterns, or camo colors.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): The listed cost for the Brace Strap runs $25 based on materials and hardware. The Brace Strap’s design is comparable to other mainstream slings currently offered by several other vendors to include; the SBA3 Split Fix ($25) by Lunar Concepts, the SBA3 Strap ($24) by War Horse Concepts, or the BPG Brace Strap ($30) by Burn Proof Gear. Thus, at its list price the Brace Strap is of an appropriate (or average) cost and affordable point on the market.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): For its size, the Brace Strap was very lightweight and of average thickness for modern nylons. The Brace Strap also added very little weight to the overall rear of the pistol brace and had no unbalancing effect. The solution-dyed nylon weave pattern helped ensured appropriate flexibility to wrap around the SBA3 brace. Over time however, the corners of the hook-and-loop (male) material at the end of the Brace Strap started to curl slightly, resulting in some abrasion to skin during use.
• Durability – Fair (2/5): From a durability aspect the Brace Strap comprised of typical 55301 nylon webbing, which gave it an average level of abrasion resistance. As noted in the Comfort section, over time and use, the end of the Brace Strap started to curl slightly, and no amount of adjustment (attempting to gain more contact with the hook-and-loop material) could alleviate that effect. Both an inward position of the strap’s end was utilized, as well as an outward. It is recommended to end-users to have the end of the Brace Strap positioned outward from the torso to minimize incidental contact with the body or gear. Flatline Fiber does also offer a lifetime guarantee and backs up its products.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, an AR pistol brace strap is hard to over develop. The premise is to correct the inadvertent roll of the brace’s split support arms (which can damage the brace over time) and support the overall brace’s design by adding rigidity. Flatline Tactical’s Brace Strap did support to the rubberized arms (with some minimal movement) and supported the SBA3’s overall design. But there is no cross-piece of nylon to lock the brace’s split materials into place, and thus it was still able to roll side-to-side to some minor extent. It is recommended to Flatline Fiber that it consider adding a cross-piece of nylon wrap to the bottom of the strap, and by doing lock that material into place and further strengthen the overall brace.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At just 0.6 ounces, the overall weight of the Brace Strap was extremely light thanks to its principle milspec nylon. There was no excess material or padding, and that kept the weight of the strap to a minimum. In comparison, the SBA3 Split Fix by Lunar Concepts, the SBA3 Strap by War Horse Concepts, and the BPG Brace Strap by Burn Proof Gear all weigh in at 0.7 ounces by utilizing similar materials and design as the Brace Strap (sans the cross-piece of securing nylon), and this illustrate it has an appropriate (or average) weight amid the current market.

Overall Rating – Average (14/25)

Product Link: https://flatlinefiberco.com/product/brace-strap/

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.

Built on a legacy of outdoor gear and accessories, the 2020 Tour is the newest version to one of the most popular lower lumbar waist packs offered by Mountainsmith. The 2020 Tour comes in varying sizes, to fit the individual’s needs on the trail, but all versions offer the beneficial features built on the pack’s 40+ year evolution that make it ideal for the many miles one will obviously travel with it.

Made from an overall 420D Oxford Nylon material, this weave blend gives the 2020 Tour the needed flexibility to be both durable as well as dynamic enough to meet the needs of the user. And while the Tour comes in several sizes, the most popular is the 11.5″ (L) x 10″ (H) x 5″ (W) variant with approximately 9L of overall storage space (featured).

Exterior

At the front is a four-point compression attachment system that is intended to hold fleece jackets, blankets, or other bulkier items. The top two points of the system are ABS plastic toggle buttons that allow for adjusting the 4” of shock cord on either side. This The idea being that the four-point compression attachment system can hold bulkier items against the front body of the Tour itself. On the front flap of the compression attachment system are four nylon bands (one in each corner) for attaching carabiner rings or other attachment items.

On the front of the 2020 Tour and just above the compression attachment system is a thick 10” YKK zipper that opens into a 12” (L) x 8” (H) accessory pouch with a key lanyard. The pull-tab to the YKK zipper itself includes a band of nylon with a rubberized endpoint for more tactile feel and secure pull.

On either side of the 2020 Tour is a mesh and elastic sleeve for up to 32oz. drinking bottles with an adjustable cinch band of shock cord on the top. The mesh material is ideal for drinking bottles to assist in the evaporation of excess/spilled moisture or other condensation.

Continuing from its points on the front and side are four adjustment straps (two per side) that adjust the tension and width of the 2020 Tour to the waist belt itself.

The waist belt consists of a 7” (L) YKK zippered pouch on the right side, and a 5.5” (L) mesh pocket on the left with an elastic band opening. Both pockets are large enough to accommodate plus-sized cellphones or other electronics and immediate-need items.

The interior of the waist belt consists of 1” open-cell foam padding with a mesh fabric for maximum breathability against the body. The waist belt material runs behind, and attaches to the 2020 Tour by, a semi-rigid and contoured closed-cell EVA pad that allows for FreeFlow air passage when against the body and improve air flow.

The waist belt secures with an ABS plastic slide-release buckle, and has 12” of adjustable length on either side to account for between 28” to 48” waistlines. When not in use, the waistband can be stowed behind the semi-rigid, contoured closed-cell pad.

On the backpanel of the 2020 Tour is a pass-through slot near the top for headphones or hydration tube, and two ABS plastic buckles for use with the optional shoulder strap (included) when carried in that desired function. Between the backpanel and semi-rigid and contoured closed-cell EVA pad for the waist belt is a 8.5” (L) stash pocket that can be used for storing a variety of flat items.

Along the top of the 2020 Tour is a thick 16” YKK zipper with similar nylon and rubberized endpoint as the front zipper. This zipper runs along the entire length of the top and both sides for maximum access into the main interior storage space. On either side of the zipper is a carrying handle that allows the 2020 Tour to be hand carried as a pouch or handbag when desired.

Interior

The main storage space for the 2020 Tour is divided into two 210D nylon sections thanks to a foam divider panel that runs the length of the interior. On the inner-facing side is a 11” pocket for a horizontal hydration bladder or electronics, with the pass-through slot at the top. This pocket also has an internal foam pad between the pocket and the bag’s exterior to prevent transfer of heat or moisture.

Oppositely, is a 11.5” (L) x 10” (H) x 3” (W) open storage space for a variety of items, while on the outward-facing side is a small 9” (L) zippered pouch.

The 2020 Tour is available in Black (featured), Rust Brown (featured), Moss Green, and Asphalt Grey.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At an MSRP of $79.95, the 2020 Tour is a continuation of Mountainsmith’s longstanding tradition of producing quality, light, and functional trail gear. The Tour uses nylon materials with a low denier rating that offers fair abrasion resistance while giving excellent flexibility. The Tour is also available in a Small (with 6L of storage for $74.95) and a Day (with 13L of storage for $89.95) configuration that allows the consumer to choose which is best for their needs. In contrast, other market alternatives include the Ripstop Nylon Waist Pack ($175) with 10L of storage by Filson, the Talon 6 ($75) with 6L of storage by Osprey, or the Nine Trails Waistpack ($119) with 8L of storage by Patagonia. This gives the 2020 Tour a good price value for its materials, design, and overall size variations to meet any demand on the trail.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): The 2020 Tour took a little adjusting to get a proper fit, but when properly sized to sit at the lower lumbar, just above the belt line, it was of an appropriate (or average) comfort on the trails. The waist belt proved to give comfortable support around the hips, and the ABS buckle felt secure regardless of the weight to the contents. Overtime however, the weight of the pack while worn on rough or more dynamic trails did pull and fatigue the hips to a notable degree. The larger YKK zippers moved very smoothly and the oversized pull tabs made grasping them easy and comfortable. Likewise, while worn in the shoulder bag configuration, the shoulder strap itself had good padding and made over-the-shoulder carry comfortable. The one notable negative aspect observed was that when carried by the handles in the handbag configuration, the nylon straps became uncomfortable if the bag was heavily loaded. A suggestion for improvement to Mountainsmith would be to make the handles thicker or more rounded (such as inserting a rubberized tube inside the handles) that would make the handles more contoured to fit in the hand.
• Durability – Average (3/5): From a durability aspect, the exterior of the 2020 Tour was made from a flexible 420D nylon blend that started to show signs of exterior wear after just a few hikes and abrasion against some granite trail rocks. This is likely normal, but the use of a higher denier nylon, such as 500D Cordura as commonly found in many tactical accessories, would make the material for more durable. A recommendation to Mountainsmith on a suitable “middle road” would be to reinforce the bottom of the 2020 Tour with a higher denier or rubberized material as that is what will experience the most abrasion. This would also have the added benefit of giving the bag some structure while still being flexible enough to fold flat. Otherwise reinforcement stitching; such as bartack, double-line, and X-pattern threading was noted throughout for added strength. Another notable suggestion to Mountainsmith would be to find a more robust slide-release buckle for the waist belt, as the current one (although remained secure while worn) felt frail.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally; while primary worn as a waist belt and when fully loaded, the 2020 Tour did sit comfortably around the waist due to its robust padding. But over time (several hours) and distance (5mi+) that weight (and the waist belt) of the 2020 Tour did fatigue the hips. It was observed that the weight of contents was somewhat extensive, it often caused the top of the 2020 Tour to sag and thereby further pull on the waist belt. The alternative was to utilize the shoulder strap for over-shoulder carry for light trail hikes, but then the weight pulled disproportionately to one side of the upper torso (i.e. via the shoulder). For the lightest work, the handle carry was the most comfortable over shorter distances, but even then the nylon handles did dig into the hands. On a number of occasions, while sitting, the 32oz. Nalgene water bottle did get pushed out of the mesh pocket and fall on the trail due to pressure applied by rocks or other objects up from the bottom. This was likely due to the cinch drawstring not being up high enough to tightly grip above the shoulder of the bottle and secure it. A 32oz. Nalgene water bottle did max out the circumference of the mesh pocket so it is likely a smaller sized bottle may resolve that issue. A positive note was the high-visibility color of the interior made it remarkably easy to identify even the smallest items when looking through the contents of the main storage compartment. The thick YKK zippers moved easily, quietly, and smoothly while the wide pull tabs made it very easy to hold. Some suggestions for Mountainsmith to consider for future designs would be the integration of hardware along the waist belt that would enable for the attachment of an optional shoulder harness to further (and evenly) distribute the weight across the shoulders and hips. Moreover, integrating a rubber tubing or some type of material into the carrying handles would give it some roundness to fit more comfortably inside the hand. Lastly, Mountainsmith may want to consider adding hook-and-loop material along one side of the internal divider, so as to allow for the attachment of various pouches, patches, or other accessories that would aid in further compartmentalization of contents, should the end user desire it so.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At an empty weight of just 28 ounces, the 2020 Tour with its 9L of storage space was very lightweight due to its flexible and thin nylon material. This afforded the waist pack very good breathability and support. Once items were added to the main storage compartment or two water bottle pockets, that weight then was distributed along the waist belt, shoulder strap, or handles based on its carry configuration. There was however, a finite amount of weight that could be added, as the 2020 Tour was only intended to hold a fixed volume of contents for a single day’s hike. In contrast, the Ripstop Nylon Waist Pack (17.6 ounces) with 10L of storage by Filson, the Talon 6 (11.8 ounces) with 6L of storage by Osprey, or the Nine Trails Waistpack (13.4 ounces) with 8L of storage by Patagonia illustrated how lightweight nylons are commonplace in these products, but with its added padding and hardware the 2020 Tour was of appropriate (or average) weight.

Overall Rating – Average (16/25)

Product Link: https://mountainsmith.com/2020-tour-lumbar.html

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.