High Ground Media, LLC

Launched in early 2021, the Venom 5-25×56 FFP from Votex brings together basic and intuitive features shooters desire for moderate long-distance shooting, and rapid adjustment between variable distances to ensure consecutive shots on target.

With its standard 15.25” overall length, the Venom 5-25×56 First Focal Plane (FFP) delivers a solid optic platform for full-length bolt or semi-automatic rifles. The variable magnification and parallax adjustability make it an ideal optic for competition shooting or out on the hunt. The ArmorTek ® coating provides an ultra-hard surface that resists scratches, oil, and dirt.

With its single-piece housing of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, the 34mm main tube and 56mm objective lens provide the greater overall dimensions to the Venom’s body. Its adjustable eyebell assembly provides the 5x – 25x magnification at a 3.6” eye relief. The removable throw lever assists in rapid adjustments between magnification levels. All connections within the Venom are IPX7 sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture penetration and nitrogen gas purged to prevent fogging.

Features within the Venom optic include its glass-etched EBR-7C reticle, and XD (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements that have anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass elements to increase light transmission and clarity.

The exposed tactical-style turrets allow for immediate access for elevation/windage adjustment, and the grooves ensure consistent alignment as the shooter adjusts between various distances. Each turret provides adjustments of ¼ MOA per click. The RevStop™ Zero System in the elevation turret allows for adjustments to various elevation then rapid return to zero.

Specifications:

• Magnification……………….5x – 25x
• Eye Relief…..…………………3.6”
• Field of View (@100yd)…21.2’(5x magnification) – 4.7’ (25x magnification)

The Venom is available only in black and can be selected between an MOA or MRAD reticle.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): With a list price of $699.99 the Venom 5-25×56 FFP provides a variable magnification optic for long distance shooting with features found in many top-shelf competitors. Included in the price is Vortex’s “No Questions Asked” warrantee for the life of the product. In contrast, market alternatives include the RT 5-25×56 ($839) from Burris, the Mark 5HD 5-25×56 ($1,999) from Leupold, and the ATACR 5-25×56 ($2,700) from Nightforce all illustrate that the Venom is excellently priced for its function and quality of glass amid the market of similar competitors offering similar products.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect the Venom held a very comfortable eye relief with full view down the optic. The glass itself was very clear with no hint of colored tint around the edges of the field of view. The exposed turrets did provide a clear audible and tangible click with each increment changed and remained firmly locked into place throughout evaluations. Moreover the line markings on the elevation and windage correctly aligned with each adThe parallax adjustment did help to maintain a comfortable  image sharpness within the context of the 5-25 magnification.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Durability wise the Venom was coated in a matte black using Vortex’s ArmorTek ® coating, which gave the optic’s exterior sufficient hardness and abrasion resistance. No scratches nor superficial marring was noted during evaluation from transporting and moving the rifle around and coming into contact with varied surfaces. Likewise the glass performed as expected (without using the sunshade) and neither became loose nor scratched. The Venom came with a lens cloth and rubberized bikini cover to protect the glass during non-use and ensure it was properly maintained. Moreover, as mentioned Vortex does offer its lifetime “VIP Warrantee” should your optic ever get damaged.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the Venom provided very good 5-25 magnification while keeping the glass clear. The adjustable eyepiece and parallax adjustment helped to ensure that targets remained clear and in focus throughout, and made ringing steel at 300 yards easy, even to the point of identifying bullet trace downrange. The EBR-7C reticle was short and clear, with incremental markings to adequately range targets and compensate for drop to the evaluated distances. Moreover, as the zoom was increased, the reticle remained sharp and clear. The RevStop™ Zero System worked well in that it basically allowed the end-user to take any distance and modify the elevation turret and reset the dial to zero for the new distance. That process could be repeated/adjusted over time if the end-user decided they wanted a different distance zero. Perhaps the only negative aspects from a functionalist point identified was the plastic adjustment tool that came with the optic and allows you to loosen the elevation turret to use the RevStop™ Zero. The tabs were very small and allotted little purchase, and easily snapped. Perhaps a recommendation to Vortex would be, although an accessory to the optic, to reexamine the design or polymer material for improvement. Elsewhere, adjusting the eyepiece for 5-25 zoom was very stiff even with the throw ring, and perhaps Vortex may want to think about loosening the tolerance a little.
• Weight – Fair (2/5): At a demure 35 ounces the Venom owed most of its weight to its anodized aircraft-grade aluminum body which made it strong enough to withstand the impulse of multiple rifle cycles, but not so heavy as to make the rifle top-heavy or off balance. This too added to its durability and strength in design to hold up over time and transportation. In contrast, the RT 5-25×56 (24.8 ounces) from Burris, the Mark 5HD 5-25×56 (30 ounces) from Leupold, and the ATACR 5-25×56 (39.1 ounces) from Nightforce show that the Venom is on the heavier side (most likely from the materials) and a fair weight amid the market of alternatives.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/venom-5-25×56-ffp-riflescope.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.

The Contractor Multicam (MC) pant by Viktos was recently released at SHOT Show 2020. It is their company’s solution to provide shooters with a low-vis tactical trousers using high-durability textiles. Building on Viktos’ Contractor AF pattern the Contractor MC is made from 50% NyCo Multicam / 50% nylon, and provides a number of elements intent on providing comfort as well as function.

Starting at the waist, the Contractor MC pant have seven 3” wide beltloops (four in the front and three in the back) with a padded waistband and patterned stitch line. These features improve comfort when wearing a heavy tactical belt, and have extensive bartack that maintains durability of the materials. The cut of the Contractor MC pant is slightly bowed due to the articulation slits at the needs and added material. This accounts for deep knee movements common with life in the field.

The Contractor MC has a top button and dual-shuttle YKK zipper fly whereby the zipper line itself has a sufficient amount of excess material under it to protect the more sensitive skin areas (i.e. frank and beans) from any accidental pinching. This unique design also allows the zipper to function while continuing to wear a duty or gun belt, and not requiring the wearer to remove it.

The two front pockets are a deep slash pattern, with additional bartack and double line stitching for reinforcement and to account for retention clip items (such as pocket knives). The Viktos “Unconquered” branding appears on the interior of the front right pocket. On the top of each thigh is a smaller 4” wide accessory pocket for smaller items, such as pocket notebooks or magazines, that can be easily accessed while sitting in a vehicle.

The two rear pockets are zipper secured with bands of nylon adding reinforcement to the exterior pocket flap. The “Viktos” name appears in raised rubberized lettering on the right pocket band. On the outer thigh is a 7 ¾” zipper-secured concealed cargo pocket on each side with a nylon pull cord that is then sealed in shrink tubing. Just below those is a 4” open-ended accessory pocket for pocket knives or other clip-on accessories.

The knee segments and a crotch gusset are articulated, that incorporate Viktos’ Attackposture™ design, a four-way, flexible panel that provides maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of shooting stances. At each knee is an expansion panel for added articulation.

Each pant cuff is triple line stitched for maximum reinforcement, and to prevent/limit any fraying or compromise to the material.

The Contractor MC pant comes in Multicam (featured) and Multicam Dark (Coming Soon). Its sizing runs from a 28” waist to 44” and an inseam from 30” to 36”.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At the list price of $160 the Contractor MC is Viktos’ take on a dedicated range/field pant that also omits some of the more flamboyant “operator” trademarks; such as external knee pads, hook-and-loop straps, or extravagant fabrics. For the price users get a very durable and functional set of trousers for the range (even if that range includes rock, mud, or sand). While the defacto king of trousers in this market type is Crye, whose trousers run between $214 and $273 and can be a little tough for the average consumer to afford. More realistically Direct Action’s Vanguard ($199 USD) trousers are an appropriate comparator, as would be UF Pro’s Striker ($199 USD) trousers, or Massif’s Combat Pant ($275). Obviously there are innumerable market alternatives that are more inexpensive, such as Tru-Spec’s 24×7 or Propper’s HLX, but these were trousers that did not have similarities in materials, stitching, or design. Among the market, this gave the MC a good level of affordability when considering what it brings to the table.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): Worn for several iterations at the range and in a variety of stressors, the Contractor MC remained extremely flexible and comfortable. While often the crotch is the point where trousers bind in more extreme movements, the MC had a sufficient gusset to allow for a wide range of motion, as did the Attackposture™ material (which is really just a four-way elastic type of nylon) included in the yolk and across the waist of the trousers. Likewise, the expandable slits just above the knee gave the MC a good deal of flex when taking a knee or bringing the leg up into the chest. One notable feature for comfort was the padded waistline; filled with a thin layer of open-cell foam, it was extremely comfortable against a duty or range belt and more so against the skin during dynamic movements. The one negative aspect from a comfort aspect for a pair of range/field pants was the lack of ability to add padding to the knees (be it either a sleeve inside the leg or on the exterior) so if you take a knee on uneven or rocky terrain care should be taken. Viktos excluded this design option most likely to maintain a more applicable field pant for consumers, not operators.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The MC was made from a blend of cotton and nylon that gave the trousers an average level of durability and stiffness. The conditions tested in included water, mud, rock, and on concrete and aside from usual wear the material retained an average level or abrasion resistance. The trousers were put through four wash cycles and no loose threading or material was noted. Final examination revealed that the MC had a high level of bartack stitching along the belt line and high-stress points of the pockets, with double-line stitching on pockets, crotch, and leg cuffs. These all ensured that there was no compromise of the stitching or material, and if it were to ever become so then it would be limited to the effected area. The only concern was the plastic top button to the fly, it was only secured by a single band of nylon. Under hard usage, similar buttons retained in the same manner have either been ripped off by gear or simply broken and it would be recommended to Viktos to consider metal snap-type buttons in future field pants for added strength and stand less chance of being torn off.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally, the number of pockets on the MC were extremely useful. Most could easily accommodate a rifle or pistol magazine, and it was noted the pockets on the front thigh could allow for more direct access than traditional cargo pockets, leaving the concealed cargo pockets available or larger items. The fly itself had two shuttles, so there was no need to have to undo any range/battle belt if visiting the restroom. A good deal of the MC’s functionality was put into making it comfortable while worn for an extensive time (4+ hours) and regardless of conditions. The only noted minor problem with the function of the MC pants was the concealed cargo pockets on the outer thighs. When walking the pull cords would, by natural action of walking, stand out and brush against the hands while swaying. A little annoying but not anything that would detract from the overall function and purpose of the trousers. Traditional cargo pockets are often buttoned, or have a zipper shuttle that can likewise be tucked under the material.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.72 pounds the MC had a good amount of blended nylon and appropriate room for movement through its waist and upper thigh. The NyCo gives the material added resistance to abrasion and limited any potential tears to the stitching. However, the MC also came in at a little heavier than some market alternatives identified, with the Crye Gen 3 (1.6 pounds), the Vanguard (1.32 pounds), UF Pro’s Striker (2.09 pounds), and the Massif’s Combat Pant (2.0 pounds) all placed the MC at an average weight within the market of range/field trousers.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/pants/products/contractor-mc?variant=31737035292768

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.

Capable as a stand-alone waist bag, with enough durability to augment a full kit in the field, the Recon Waist Bag by Emdom USA offers the user added storage of critical resources or accessories within easy reach.

Exterior

Made from 1000D Cordura with ITW Ghillietex hardware, the Recon Waist Bag (RWB) has three storage compartments that can accommodate sensitive equipment, EOD tools, or other necessities.

The main storage compartment has an overall dimension of 11” (L) x 7” (H) x 4” (W) with a “V” type design that comfortably fits inside the front hip, optimizes storage, and does not inhibit movement or range of motion. It is secured via a genuine YKK zipper with a single paracord pull-tab, and the zipper itself has extensive cover rims to protect from moisture penetration or saturation along the line.

In front of the main storage compartment is an additional 6” (L) x 4” (H) x 2” (W) accessory pocket secured via YKK zipper with a paracord pull-tab, and cover rim. A single drainage grommet allows the passage of moisture or other debris.

The third storage compartment is an 8” (L) x 4” (H) flat-style pocket on the upper back of the RWB, that is also secured by YKK zipper. This makes it ideal for conceal carry firearms, notebooks, or sensitive electronics.

On the rear of the third storage compartment is a MOLLE/PALS webbing field for attaching the RWB to a plate carrier or belt (with short MALICE clips) when the waist belt is disconnected. At the bottom is a single drainage grommet.

The removable waist belt can accommodate waist sizes up to 53”. It has a 1” wide ITW side-release buckle at the middle and a “looploc / oval slide” release system at each end for donning and removal from the main waist bag. By sliding the oval slide out from the looploc, the belt is detached from the main waist bag. The belt also features an elastic retention loop for securing excess webbing.

Interior

The interior of the main storage compartment features a mesh pockets with an elastic rim. In opposite bottom corners of the space is a paracord loop (two total) for attaching keyrings, carabiners, or other retention items. As with all interior spaces, all edges are finished with binding tape nylon to ensure no fraying.

The front and rear accessory pockets are otherwise unremarkable with enough room for smaller items, electronics, or other necessity items.

The Recon Waist Bag is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote, and SDU Grey. Other custom colors are available for pre-order.  

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price of $69.99, the Emdom Recon Waist Bag is the size of a small fanny pack, and made from material and hardware consistent with most tactical the gear. This helps ensure its longevity in the field. Some similar market alternatives include Spiritus Systems Fanny SACK ($64.95), the Tactical Fanny Pack ($74.00) by T3 Gear, or the Gear Belt Pack ($115.00) from Hill People Gear. This shows that the RWB is one of the more inexpensive options available, and at a good overall cost to the consumer.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the RWB had an adjustable nylon belt that could accommodate up to a 53” waistline, so there was ample material to get a comfortable fit. An included elastic cuff on the belt ensured that excess material was appropriately secured. The side-release buckle and YKK zippers all moved easily and smoothly. The RWB had a “V” type design that helped keep the center of gravity to the bag’s contents in the front pelvis, and with minimal “flop” when running or during dynamic movements. This also ensured that the RWB did not inhibit or gouge the body when taking a knee or sitting.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): As with most of its products, Emdom USA used 1000D Cordura for its RWB, relying on the material’s high degree of abrasion resistance—which was needed given the bag’s position in front of the body. Pointed objects stored inside the bag did not poke through or penetrate the material’s denier. Extensive bartack and double-line stitching was noted throughout and added to the bag’s overall strength. All interior edges also had binding tape throughout that kept the material from fraying when in contact to stored items or general wear. 
• Functionality – Average (3/4): Functionally, the RWB was comfortable and offered an immediate place to keep smaller, needed items close at hand. And while the RWB lacked the semi-rigidity of say, the Expandable Hanger Pouch with its HDPE insert, this would have impacted the RWB’s “V” style design to sit comfortably inside the front pelvis pocket, and out of the range of movement. So, there was a tradeoff between flexibility and function. There was the option to disconnect the waist belt and attach the RWB itself (via the included MALICE clips) to a MOLLE field on a plate carrier or bag, but it was rather tricky/difficult to pass the flat metal sliders through the plastic hardware to disconnect it on both sides. Again, this was difficult while repeating the process backwards to reattach. Otherwise all pockets were easily accessed and the main storage or third storage compartment made an ideal pocket for a CCW while leaving plenty of other room for regular EDC items. One solid recommendation to Emdom would be to examine an alternative means of quick connect/disconnect given the market’s large volume of hardware, rather than this pass-through approach.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At 10 ounces (empty), the 1000D Cordura material of the RWB was reasonably lightweight, and did not pull or fatigue the hip or back regardless of how heavy the added items were. The one notable aspect in how the RWB distributed the weight was the lack of padding or thickness in the removable nylon strap that wraps around the waist. During dynamic movements that strap wound move around unless secured through the trousers’ belt loops, and over time that could potentially chafe exposed skin or cause the bag itself to move around excessively. In terms of overall weight, the Tactical Fanny Pack (6.3 ounces) by T3 Gear, or the Gear Belt Pack (14.8 ounces) from Hill People Gear illustrate that the type of material and amount used can play directly into the overall weight of the product. And while there are minimalist designs as well as traditional, the Recon Waist Bag by Emdom USA is of an appropriate (or average) weight between these two design approaches.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-Recon-Waist-Bag-p/eu047a.htm

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.