High Ground Media, LLC

Identifying Friend or Foe is critical on the objective, or in low-light/no-light training. The use of tactical light emitters, like the HEL-STAR 4 EXO from CORE Survival, provide for clear identification on the end-user’s helmet, protective gear, or a K9 harness.

Designed specifically to fit the curvature of a helmet, the HEL-STAR 4 EXO is an improvement over the previous HEL-STAR 4 design with improved visibility, durable housing, and moisture resistance. Its lightweight housing and minimal profile, ensure the tactical light remains functional in any situation.

With a primary emitter housing, the HEL-STAR 4 EXO includes a power selector switch that gives a clear audible and tactile ON/OFF functioning. In addition, the sliding selector switch has sufficient tactical sensation to be manipulated with or without gloves. Rubberized gaskets help ensure the battery compartment remains sealed up in water up to a depth of 66 feet.

The HEL-STAR 4 EXO light strip itself consists of LED elements that can be pre-programmed for color, intensity, and emission duration (to include Morse Code). The LED element meets the FAA 3-Mile requirements with 180 degree of side-visibility. All of the HEL-STAR 4 EXO is powered by a single CR123a Lithium battery.

On the back of the primary emitter and light strip is a continuous field of hook-and-loop (male) to provide maximum retention to associated hook-and-loop (female) panels on most common helmet designs. The hook-and-loop has sufficient emergency breakaway retention to avoid injury.

The HEL-STAR 4 EXO is available in Desert Tan (featured) and Black. The LED emitters come in a variety of colors to include Green, White, Red, Blue, and Infrared.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): With its MSRP of $149.00, the HEL-STAR 4 EXO is one of several variants to CORE’s Survival’s line of personal illumination devices, designed for field operations and rapid identification. The central module that controls the overall power source and illumination controls is robust enough for impact mitigation, as well as all-weather. The longer line of LED lighting not only provides a larger surface area for visible light, but can also be utilized to denote direction. While the HEL-STAR 5 EXO ($159) is the closest comparator to the 4 EXO, other close alternative personal illumination devices include the HEL-STAR 6 GEN III+ ($205), the Manta Strobe ($219), or VLite ($44) by S&S Precision (which has less robust housing and function). This would place the HEL-STAR 4 EXO at a good price point for the consumer for its function and material.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the HEL-STAR 4 EXO kept a very solid purchase to the hook-and-loop (female) sections on a helmet, given the EXO’s full-length industrial 3M hook-and-loop (male) material along the underside. The ON/OFF and Function switches also had a clear and tactile feel to them when operating so it was easy to tell when they were properly used despite the switches being out of sight on the back of the helmet. And while the HEL-STAR 4 EXO has a variety of light colors and functions available, the evaluated Green was bright and easily seen over distances to identify location and direction of the wearer.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the HEL-STAR 4 EXO was divided between two components; the main control housing and the lightbar. The main control housing was made from a molded polycarbonate similar to many other accessories, which allowed it to maintain a minimalist contour for the battery and electronics, while avoiding excess bulk. This also allowed the main control housing to take a number of strikes by fully loaded magazines, while still properly functioning and not sustaining anything but superficial marring. The lightbar itself was sealed within a transparent, but flexible polymer bar that allows the LED lights to be fully protected from impact and moisture. The only noted area of concern from a durability aspect was the Function switch with some noted play between the slide switch itself and the rail it articulates along. With continual use this play could become exacerbated over time and may need replacement.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally the HEL-STAR 4 EXO did an excellent job at what it was designed for, providing a simplistic, clear and readily identifiable light source to denote an individual’s location and direction. The evaluated 4 EXO only had an ON/OFF function with its Green light, but the 4 EXO has a wide array of different colors and functionality to include strobe and Morse letters. This gives the HEL-STAR 4 EXO a wide range of applicability both on the range, or afield. It should be noted that while the principle function of the HEL-STAR 4 EXO was for the light source to be observed from directly behind or above the helmet, the clear polymer material of the light bar did allow for some light to also be observed from the side of the unit as well.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At a demure 2.3 ounces, the HEL-STAR 4 EXO was extremely light weight when mounted to the helmet, and did not detract with added strain or burden to the head or neck. Indeed, individual illumination devices are often light in total weight for just that purpose. The 4 EXO maintained a light weight by keeping its profile to a minimal construct so as to offer just enough robust protection to the main electronic/power housing and LED lights. In contrast, while other CORE Survival lights like the HEL-STAR 6 (2.9 ounces) are similar in weight, much like the Manta Strobe (2.2 ounces), they have a much taller profile that risks snagging or clipping on obtrusions. But for the overall size and profile, the HEL-STAR 4 EXO was among the lighter lights of similar design and still a good weight for its function and material.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.coresurvival.com/helstar-4-exo-twofunction-marker-light

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.

Taking the concept of its Range Bag, and extending it into a “Go-Bag” for the discriminating professional, the Transport Bag by Grey Ghost Gear allows the end-user to pack a variety of field equipment, firearms, and other accessories.

Introduced in 2019, the Transport Bag expands on previous GGG designs to bring together some common and unique features that shooters often find the most needed in their gear. Made from 500D Cordura nylon, the bag has an overall dimension of 17” (H) x 26” (L) x 8” (D) and consists of a main storage compartment, a front envelope pocket, and two side accessory pockets that yield approximately 1210 in² of storage space.

Exterior

On the front, the Transport Bag is a 17” hook-and-loop secured envelope pocket that runs nearly the length of the bag and opens to reveal six elastic nylon cuffs for rifle magazine storage.

On each side (for two total) is a 6” (H) x 4” (L) accessory pocket that is both hook-and-loop secured, with the added security and reinforcement of a sliding release buckle. On the bottom of both pockets is a pass-through notch in the material to allow for passage of communication cables if a radio is secured to either side.

Both the rear and bottom of the Transport Bag are sleek and otherwise unremarkable.

The top of the Transport Bag has dual nylon handles stitched into the sides that allow for hand carry, while plastic D-rings on both ends enable for anchoring of the removable padded shoulder strap. Access into the main storage compartment is via dual YKK zippers with paracord pull tabs along a single zipper line down the length of the bag.

Interior

The main storage compartment of the Transport Bag measures 11” (H) x 22” (L) x 5” (D) is accessible from the top, and runs the entire length of the bag. The interior has a 8” (L) x 3” (H) hook-and-loop (female) panel on one side, with six elastic nylon cuffs for pistol magazine storage.

Oppositely, two mesh pockets run the length of the interior and are secured by YKK zippers with paracord pull tabs.

The Transport Bag is available in Wolf Grey (featured), Black, Ranger Green and Coyote Brown.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): With an MSRP of $83.99, the cost of the Transport Bag is attributed to its overall size, as it relates to volume of overall quality Cordura nylon needed to ensure the bag’s durability. The YKK zippers and other hardware add minimal cost, but are an improvement over other manufacturers. Other comparisons to the Transport Bag are the ASO Bag ($275.99) by RE Factor, the Range Ready Bag ($110) by 5.11, and the Elite Range Bag ($118) by Shadow/The Requirements Group. Other smaller range bags, such as the Range Bag ($170) by GGG or the Pistol Bag ($129) by Lynx Defense support mostly pistol training, their smaller sizes often allot for more inexpensive options. While these competitors all have variance in design, volume, and materials, they still retain the same approximate function and demonstrate the Transport Bag is an excellent cost for what it offers to the consumer as a range or “Go Bag” and amid the current market of options.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Transport is a frameless bag that expands on the intent of a typical range bag and is more suited as a hand/shoulder-carried “Go Bag” or Vehicle Carry Bag. As such, the use of 500D Cordura added to the overall abrasion resistance of the bag itself without any loss of flexibility in the fabric, even when under a full load of rifle, handgun, ammo and other items. The YKK zipper moved smoothly and did not bind or catch. As it was, when fully loaded with disassembled AR, pistol, and loaded magazines, the removable shoulder strap helped defray some of the heft in transporting the bag. However, the dual handle straps were a single band of unfolded/supported nylon, and the edges of which were somewhat uncomfortable/cutting into the hand when the bag was fully loaded and carried for longer distances. Moreover, there was no means to join the dual handle straps (such as with a hook-and-loop cuff) so sometimes one strap would slide in the hand making transport off-balance until corrected. These would be areas of recommended improved for GGG with minimal effect on cost to the consumer.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The principle material in the Transport was 500D Cordura, which is common use for bags and packs of similar type. It allowed the Transport to be both flexible (because of its frameless design) and resist abrasion from contact against hard edged items or equipment. As with all GGG products, extensive bartack and double-line stitching was noted throughout all key stress points and zipper line that ensured no fraying or stitching was compromised, despite the fully loaded weight. As often the case, more inexpensive range bags are intended to only carry a single pistol and limited ammunition. Anything more risks compromising the stitching. But with the Transport, we were able to test its load-bearing capacity by using multiple loaded magazines for both rifle and pistol (with range accessories) that far exceeded other competitor’s ability to carry in a typical range bag. The only minimal point of improvement from a durability aspect would be for GGG to swap out the plastic hardware with metal for improved strength/durability.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the Transport did a good job of performing as its namesake entails, transporting a AR (broken down into two receivers) with room for accompanying sidearm, magazines, and various accessories. The elastic bands themselves (for both rifle and pistol) did an appropriate (or average) job of magazine retention during transport, although the front envelope pocket for rifle magazines had a bit of excess slack in the hook-and-loop support bands when the pocket was empty. One solution for GGG would be to include a band or central hook-and-loop segment in the middle of the envelope pocket to keep the material flush to the side of the bag when not in use. Otherwise, the internal mesh pockets did a good job for sidearm and accessory storage and the side pockets were of excellent size for shot timer or electronic hearing protection. Perhaps the most significant issue with the Transport was its frameless/shapeless design (which was by intent so the bag could be easily stowed flat or rolled up). With fully loaded contents, the Transport itself would roll-over itself, and slide around when looking around inside for items. This made it somewhat difficult and necessitated the Transport either to be supported against something, or held open with one hand to resolve. Several recommendations for GGG to solve this issue would be to (1) include a removable high-density polyethylene or a perhaps a high-visibility padded foam panel on the bottom of the bag to give it support and structure, or (2) to modify the base to a hardened polymer that would allow the Transport to be placed on wet surfaces without risk of saturation. Of course both of these would negate the collapsible/stowable aspect of the current Transport design.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): With its overall weight of 25 ounces (empty), the Transport was an excellent lightweight range or utility bag, which easily folded or rolled up to be stowed away when not needed. Likewise, there was sufficient reinforcement throughout the bag to ensure longevity, but not an excessive amount so as to make the overall bag bulky or heavy. In contrast the ASO Bag (86.4 ounces), the Range Ready Bag (99.2 ounces), or the Elite Range Bag (75.2 ounces) may have added features (such as internal frame or hardened base material) but those also added to the overall weight of the products. In contrast to market alternatives, the Transport illustrated how GGG kept the functionality of the bag to a minimum, while retaining the most amount of functionality as possible.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com/collections/bags/products/rrs-transport-bag

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 late 2016, the Disruptive Environments Chest Rig “X” is an evolution in the previous D3CR design, but offers the continued adaptability and multi-mission driven-design that put Haley Strategic on the map.

Specifications for the D3CRX:

Made in 500D Cordura, the D3CRX features the following:

• An X-harness across the back, for improved comfort and adjustability.
• Two multi-mission pouches to increase versatility and adaptability such as carrying spare batteries, aid supplies, or small GPS-enabled devices.
• Full backing field of hook-and-loop allow for full-contact with plate carriers using a velcro panel on the front, or via using quick release systems like SwiftClips.
• Accepts four AR or AK magazines, or any standard single or double-stack pistol magazines. All of which are secured by shock cord and Hypalon retention tabs.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $185, the MSRP for the D3CRX chest rig is comparable to other manufacturer’s of high quality gear to include SOE, Mayflower/Velocity Systems, Tactical Tailor, etc. However the use of 500D Cordura in the materials, combined with unique design aspects like the “X” adjustment straps on the back, or the heavy-duty magazine retention tabs show the level of quality put into the design of this chest rig.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Even with four fully-loaded AR magazines and four double-stack pistol magazines, the D3CRX was surprisingly comfortable. The loaded weight of the magazines didn’t loosen the adjustment straps around the waist or shoulders despite physical stressors prior to shooting. The rig remained tight and held the overall platform close up into the chest. It takes a little of a trail-and-error to learn how to don and remove an “X” style chest rig as opposed to an “H” style, but I found the former distributes the weight across the upper torso more evenly. Elastic retention cuffs on the adjustment straps would have been a nice low-cost addition to secure excess material once adjusted, but those can be purchased separately.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The overall chest rig is constructed from 500D Cordura, meaning it will have the necessary abrasion resistance for longevity, but the flexibility to move and adjust with the shooter as they transition through various shooting evolutions. The Hypalon retention tabs will far outlast the corresponding shock cord, the latter of which can be removed and replaced as necessary. There is a fair amount of re-enforced stitching on high-abuse areas that will also ensure overall longevity.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): The overall functionality of the D3CRX isn’t just as a stand alone chest rig, though it does that in spades. It’s ability to also offer two multi-mission pockets expands on the chest rig’s application. But with the D3CRX’s added full hook-and-loop field backing (or by using quick disconnect tabs) the chest rig can be separated from the shoulder straps and directly mounted onto a plate carrier so as to add to that expanded functionality. Haley Strategic also offers a number of accessories or packs that further enhance the D3CRX’s applications.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At an overall weight of approximately 1.5lbs. (with all pouches empty) the D3CRX is of an average weight for chest rigs, and consistent with the choice of overall materials used (Cordura). Alone the weight of the chest rig is hardly noticeable, and fully loaded the design distributes the overall weight evenly across the shoulders and around the waist.

Overall Rating – Very Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://haleystrategic.com/shop/soft-goods/chestrigs/d3crx

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.