High Ground Media, LLC

Released in 2017, the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot from Altama were intended to bring about a tactical footwear that performs well on both linear ranges as well as wet environments. The Assault Boot themselves come in a variety of low, mid, and high support designs that allow the end-user to choose which best suits their individual needs.

Made from an overall main chassis of 1000D Cordura, the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot balances its lightweight materials while providing 0-angle outsole that supports athletic movement and breathability.  The “mid” version of the boot includes a moderate heel collar that allows for a secure fit around the ankle.

The toe box is completely encased in the same rubberized material as the outer sidewalls of the boot’s midsole and the half-circle design provides moderate protection to the toes. A notch in the material behind the toe box allow for maximum articulation of the fabrics and foot, without hinderance or binding. This single-layer of notched material also serves as a non-metallic drain port for the show to drain any excess moisture when articulating.

Laces on the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot are a flattened nylon weave that allows for strength when tied, while reducing any accidental slippage when worn. Each lace is tipped in a laminate wrap, and ran through non-shine/rust-proof eyelets. The tongue of the boot is separated from the shoe, and utilizes a nylon mesh and padding to help protect the top of the foot from overpressure and abrasion.

The outsole to the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is a single, flat design with no trusstic support, and a zero angle heel-to-toe drop making it ideal for CrossFit or other athletic activities. The bottom exterior of the outsole uses a modest lug design with wave-cuts that help mitigate water tension and slippage on wet surfaces.

The interior of the boot uses a nylon mesh for breathability and circulation. Similarly, the sockliner (or the removable insole of the shoe) inside the boot is a rubberized, zero angle pad that has flared sides rising up at the arch and rising to cup the heel. This gives the foot added stability and prevents rolling while inside the shoe. The Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot also has an integrated ABS shank that runs the continual length of the shoe for added structure and support.

The Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is available in Ranger (featured), M81, Multicam and four other popular colors, and in sizes from 5 to 15.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $119 the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is made dominantly from 1000D Cordura nylon that keeps the overall chassis lightweight and breathable, with sufficient durability for footwear. This balanced design is atypical to athletic shoes but more common to traditional field boots, as it gives the wearer the most applicability across multiple environments and abrasive surfaces. However, the flat sole and no supportive material for foot arch put it more ideal as a cross-trainer shoe. Market alternatives include the XA Forces (Mid) Boot ($199) by Salomon, the Anacapa Mid ($185) by HOKA, or the Tactical Boot ($120) by Reebok Tactical. This variance in cost often comes down to quantity of material (and where it is sourced), amount of reinforcement in the shoe, and overall product placement in the market. Thus, for these factors (and the lacking supportive structure for its role as an advertised tactical boot) the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot was at the lower end of the market spectrum and design, giving a appropriate (or average) cost amid the market.
• Comfort – ¨Fair (2/5): As a tactical shoe, the Maritime Mids had a fair level of comfort in the sole for daily wear and more dynamic movements, while the heel collar kept the foot secure and prevented any excess movement. The “regular” sized fit for the foot ran tight at the shoe’s width; so those in Western regions may want to consider the “wide” size option as the Altama’s followed the European design, which tends to be slightly different. The removable insole was flat and of a semi-rigid rubberized material that mimicked the flat sole of the boot, but had zero arch curvature or overall cushioning. Without adequate (or any) arch support, those with natural or high arches in their foot may find the Mids unsupportive and uncomfortable. Corrective orthopedic inserts (purchased separately) were added to provide improved comfort, and resolved most of the support issue. As a athletic trainer, the Mids were well suited for lifting support and providing a flat, solid base—but again without much of a supportive arch, distance walking or running (such as on a treadmill) in the Maritime Mids was very limited in duration without it becoming uncomfortable. The flat shoelaces allowed for the Maritime Mids to be tightened easily for light cardio work or loosened for weight training. During daily wear, the monolithic sole ensured no slippage on prepared surfaces; pavement, sidewalks, and linoleum, while performed adequately on flattened/packed earth. However, the zero angle support of the Mids made it better suited for short stints on a flat range or as gym shoes than on the loose gravel or rocks commonly found in the field.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Over the course of 30-days wear; as a daily shoe, during workouts, and on the range, the Cordura material to the Maritime (Mid) held up to a good level of observed durability against abrasion. Bartack/double-line stitching was noted at key stress points along the tongue, heel collar, and at points mating the rubberized toe box components to the nylon chassis for added strength. The tread pattern did minimally wear as expected for a pair of cross training shoes with the friction from cardio having the largest impact to the bottom material. No separation between the sole and fabric was noted during the review period, while the nylon at the notched area of the boot that would experience the most amount of articulation did not crease or crack.
• Functionality – Fair (2/5): Functionally the role of the Mids were more closely aligned to an athletic trainer than any tactical boot in large part to its design, specifically the flat and unpadded sole. The flat, zero-angle design made for good traction on improved surfaces (such as pavement) using a variety of dynamic movements. But the sole’s lack of supportive trusstic through the overall arch lent itself more to daily or light use and/or as a cross training shoe, but not long distance running, bearing weight for prolonged periods (such as wearing kit), or uneven terrain. Consumers should be aware of the features that delineate between cross training athletic footwear, dedicated running shoes, or supportive tactical footwear. The flat nylon laces were excellent in keeping a solid lock and easily maintained the knot. The tapered toe box and rubberized material did allow for some splay by the toes and protection, and the secure fit to the ankle and heel prevented any excess movement by the overall foot. The light weight and weave of the Cordura nylon chassis ensured breathability, however as experienced while performing a water crossing, the nylon pass-through layer providing for drainage also allowed for almost immediate entry of water. And while any saturation was eventually expelled, the foot did remain wet for the duration of the day. If end-users expect water in their operations, they will need to either swap shoes afterwards, or at the very least socks.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At 13.5 ounces (per shoe, size men’s 11), or just over 26 ounces for the pair, the lightweight nylon material helped keep the necessitating weight of the footwear to a minimum. The rubberized toe box provided minimal offsetting weight that added to that weight, but also improved functionality. In comparison to market alternatives in cross training athletic footwear; the XA Forces (Mid) Boot (16.8 ounces) by Salomon, the Anacapa Mid (16 ounces) by HOKA, or the Tactical Boot (12 ounces) by Reebok Tactical all demonstrate that the Maritime (Mid) Assault Boot is at a good weight for its $120 price point given that shoes with greater reinforcement materials or design (as if an ounce makes that much of a difference) are more expensive, or that more inexpensive shoes lack the additional reinforcement materials or stitching.

Overall Rating – Average (15/25)

Product Link: https://originalfootwear.com/collections/altama/products/altama-maritime-assault-mid-2

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, 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.

It can often be difficult for firearm instructors to find the right tools and resources that adequately convey the concepts of shooting fundamentals to students. There are any number of gimmicks that can prove either stellar successes, or abysmal flops. Enter the Marksmanship Training Aids by TrainingSights.com that have made it easy for both instructor and student to visualize the same sight picture, and improve the lessons learned.

Made from a transparent sheet of ABS plastic, the Marksmanship Training Aids (MTAs) come in a variety of sizes. The largest (8.5” x 11”) best used for large class demonstration can be clearly seen form a distance, while the wallet-sized (2.25” x 3.75”) is best utilized for one-on-one instruction. The ABS material makes the aids water and stain resistant, and are flexible enough to fit inside a range bag without being overly rigid.

At a basic and intermediate level, the MTAs come in a variety of pistol and rifle configurations and sight colors. This allows the broadest number of students, regardless of personal firearm selection, language, or experience to associate what is conveyed in instruction (both audibly and visually) to their own sight picture. This speeds learning and limits excessive lectures.

More advanced MTAs incorporate a Red Dot Sight picture, or more common scope reticles for long-distance shooting education.

The Marksmanship Training Aids are available in White, Red, or Black sight configuration and come in either 8.5” x 11” (Legal), 4” x 6” (Notecard), or 2.25” x 3.75” (Wallet) sizes.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): Price per Marksmanship Training Aid varies based on complexity and overall size, with the more simplified wallet versions costing $4.50 each—to the largest 8.5” x 11” pistol aids (which comprise two pages for both sight posts) at $20.99. Thus, for its varied size and the durability of the ABS material, the MTAs make for a very good and affordable product. In comparison, other similar training aids vary in creativity and cost (such as homemade wooden/PVC sight alignment trainers), visual graphic illustrations, or tried-and-true dime/washer drills. But in all these alternatives the training aids are fixed and static, and require associated lecture to explain concepts. The MTAs by TrainingSights.com allow both the trainer and trainee to visualize the same training concepts, in the same sight picture. This alone can eliminate confusion and speed success.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): For its various sizes, the MTAs were still semi-flexible and pliable enough so as to not be bulky in a range bag. They were also lightweight enough so as to not be burdensome when carried. Thus, when using them, the clear background and stark sight picture silhouettes, allowed the trainer to easily demonstrate proper sight picture and convey various concepts as related to fundamental techniques effectively and clearly.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The principle material to the MTAs was a transparent ABS plastic, into which is printed the sight picture silhouettes. The use of this material meant that the MTAs were water and stain resistant; however, as a softer polymer it was not completely scratchproof. When in contact to hard-edge metal, such as wire cleaning brushes or firearms, the ABS material became superficially marred. Thus, the best means of protection for the MTAs and preserve its durability was to either slide them into the portion of range bags intended for targets/documents and apart from the main compartment with ammo, firearms, and cleaning supplies—or to retain them in a separate folder or binder. The smaller MTAs were easier to store in this regard as they could easily be kept in a side pocket of the range bag or in the individual’s clothing pocket and produced quickly.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally, while the MTAs were all simplistic in design, it was what they helped convey that was far more beneficial—a shared understanding of principles and concepts between instructor and student. In almost all methods of training aids (classroom lecture, drawing illustrations, homemade sight blocks, etc.); instructors are often left demonstrating concepts that then conveyed to the student in the hopes that they understand and internalize the message. Instructors have no awareness if what lesson was being communicated, was done so correctly until shots went downrange and the results are seen on paper. Then the instructor is left to try and get “inside” the student’s head to help either correct or guide the student to attain success. In contrast, the MTAs (printed on large and clear ABS material) allowed the instructor to manipulate various representations of iron sight pictures, holographic red dot images, or multi-power scope reticles to easily help convey the concepts and lessons. Literally using the MTAs was so easy that even a young, aspiring 5yr old novice shooter was able to understand what the sight picture needed to look like to get rounds on paper. The ability to draw upon a variety of different reticle and sight configurations meant that the instructor was able to easily customize the training aid to fit some of the most common firearms and optics on the market.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): From the largest 8.5” x 11” (2 ounces), the 4” x 6” (0.4 ounces), or the 2.25” x 3.75” (0.025 ounces), all the MTAs were amazingly light and not cumbersome in any degree. Weighing less than a notepad, these training aids easily could fit in a variety of locations without being noticeable until needed. In contrast, other training aids noted above (white boards, homemade wooden boxes, endless field manuals) obviously all weight more than these simple ABS sheets. Again, this showed the benefit to these training aids in that they can be stored in any location without much bulk or weight added to the training kit.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.trainingsights.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.

Introduced in 2022 as a magazine enhancement, the Firebase by G-Code provides the end user with increased surface area for control, and a textured non-slip base for support when needed.

Made from a rubberized polymer, each Firebase (sold in pairs) measures 2.75” (L) x 1” (W) x 2” (H). The Firebase is designed to accommodate a majority of the most popular magazine brands.

With its flexible 1/16” thick sidewalls, the Firebase slips over the bottom of a rifle magazine, giving it an improved texture for tactile control.

A reinforced base with a textured exterior allows the end user to comfortably rest the base of a magazine on a variety of surfaces without concern of slippage.

The Firebase is available in Ranger Green (featured), Black, and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $24.95 for a pack of two; the Firebase is made from a flexible, rubberized polymer similar to many common non-slip devices. The Firebase is compatible to many common types of magazines, and assists in supporting the rifle when needed. In contrast, similar types of alternative magazine support bases (that don’t add additional round count) includes the Base Plate ($19.95) by Mag-Pod, Ranger Plates for PMags ($24.95) from Magpul, and the aluminum Ranger Baseplate ($45.00) by Lockstep Arms. This demonstrates the diversity in design and materials amid the market of magazine accessories (separate from the versions that add additional round count), and place the Firebase at an appropriate (or average) cost amid the overall market.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Firebase slipped on the magazine’s base easily, and didn’t come off unless so desired and pulled off. This was thanks in part to the flexible sides that created a slight suction effect to keep the Firebase in place. When attached, the textured base of the Firebase mitigated any accidental slippage of the magazine when a support platform or bench was being used. Additionally, by increasing the surface area of the magazine’s base, it made grasping the magazine from pouches, belts, or plate carrier easier and more readily tactile. Those using a “beer can” grip for magazines would find the Firebase an added benefit while manipulating between magazines.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the Firebase was aided by the polymer material, that was the same blended material as popular magazines. This gave the Firebase a good degree of durability and flexibility to resist impact and abuse. Over the course of field use, only surface marring and other marks were encountered but at no point did the material become torn, weathered, or cracked. It is most likely over time the Firebase would take on similar exterior wear as PMags and other polymer accessories, but would continue to function as intended for the long-term. Perhaps the greatest risk would be over extreme usage the non-slip textured surface on the base may become gouged, but this would be consistent to heavy usage.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the Firebase offered a simplistic advantage, with its textured magazine base preventing inadvertent slippage while at a bench or over a barricade despite recoil. The Firebase also provided a larger surface area in which to grip on when pulling the magazine out of the pouch. The triangular structure of the base’s interior illustrated the reinforcement and durability of the Firebreak over long-term usage. The principle focus of the Firebase was to improve tactile control, and offer support to the rifle while at rest. Perhaps the only limiting factor to the Firebase is that it is not sold individually or combo packs of three (a consistent number to magazines pouches on plate carriers). It would be recommended to G-Code to consider a 3-pack offering of the Firebase as well.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): Each individual Firebase weighed in at just 30 grams, which was negligible considering the overall weight to a rifle and other mounted accessories. The Firebase owed much of its light weight to the offset in design whereby the supporting base was a latticework of space-saving triangular supports rather than a solid structure, allowing the design to add thickness to the supportive walls while not becoming burdensome. In contrast, the Base Plate (60 grams) by Mag-Pod, Ranger Plates for PMags (113 grams) from Magpul, and the aluminum Ranger Baseplate (77 grams) by Lockstep Arms demonstrate the lightweight characteristics of the Firebase’s materials, and make it one of the lighter support bases available on the current market.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/firebase/-1196

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.