High Ground Media, LLC

Introduced in 2022 as the cold-weather extension of Viktos’ Johnny Combat footwear line, the Johnny Combat Winter Boot provides a fully insulated, weather-resistant platform designed for snow, slush, and freezing field conditions. The Winter Boot builds on the minimalistic and putpose-driven foundation of the original Johnny Combat Ops Boot, but incorporates added critical enhancements for warmth, waterproofing, and winter performance.

The Johnny Combat Winter Boot uses a 6″ nylon exterior chassis combined with a waterproof/breathable internal lining to shield the foot from winter moisture. It integrates a 600g 3M Thinsulate® insulation package—an upgrade over the uninsulated, warm-weather construction of the Johnny Combat Ops version—ensuring the boot maintains thermal protection during extended exposure to cold environments.

The upper maintains the Johnny Combat series’ supportive structure, but with reinforced rubber overlays at the toe and heel to increase durability and weather resistance in high-contact areas. These overlays provide additional protection from slush, ice, and abrasive terrain—features absent on the lighter Ops Boot, which favors mobility and heat mitigation over insulation and reinforcement.

A 6″ throat height provides ankle support suitable for winter terrain, while pull loops at the rear assist with donning the boot in cold conditions where thicker socks or layered clothing may be used. Traditional pass-through eyelets and durable laces maintain the Johnny Combat’s familiar lacing system of blended adjustability and reliability.

The Winter Boot’s outsole is derived from Viktos’ combat-oriented “Strife” series of footwear, built to provide traction and stability on slick, uneven, or icy surfaces. The high-rebound Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) midsole is intended to provide cushioning and impact absorption, while the lug pattern promotes grip and helps shed snow and debris during movement. This differs from the Ops Boot’s lighter self-cleaning lug sole, offering improved cold-weather traction but at a slightly heavier weight.

Internally, the boot retains a roomy forefoot to support natural toe splay—important when wearing thicker winter socks or when the foot expands during long periods on cold ground. The internal volume and insulation make the Winter Boot suited for extended outdoor use where warmth and comfort are essential.

The Johnny Combat Winter Boot is available in either Grey (featured) or Black, and a full range of men’s footwear sizes.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At a list price of $160 for the pair, the Johnny Combat Winter Boot occupied a slightly higher cost bracket than the standard Johnny Combat Ops, reflecting its winter-specific construction and materials. The boot incorporated a waterproof upper, integrated insulation, and a more robust outsole intended for cold-weather temperatures, traction, and moisture management—all of which added to manufacturing complexity and cost. In use, the Winter Boot was best described as a cold-to-moderate temperature range and field boot, designed to prioritize warmth and weather protection over minimal weight. Viktos does not state at which temperatures it is acceptable down to, but for most of the lower U.S. states (with the exclusions of high mountain regions and its deeper snowfall/winters) its construction would be ideal. Comparable alternatives included Salomon’s Toundra Pro ($230), 5.11’s A/T 8 Waterproof ($189.99), and Merrell’s Thermo Rogue Tactical ($210), all of which occupied a similar winter-tactical niche. While not the least expensive winter footwear option on the market, the Johnny Combat Winter Boot delivered a competitive feature set at an excellent price point, particularly for users seeking a winter-capable boot that retained Viktos’ familiar Johnny Combat fit and handling.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Much like the Johnny Combat Ops, the Winter Boot ran true-to-size and required only a brief (worn for several iterations) break-in period despite its heavier construction. The added insulation and waterproof lining introduced a slightly firmer initial feel, particularly around the toe box and instep, but this softened with wear while still maintaining solid heel and ankle support. The boot provided consistent structure along the Achilles and lace channels, giving confidence during lateral movement and uneven footing. Under winter testing conditions for here in MO (mostly mud and cold temps), the insulated construction noticeably improved warmth retention, preventing cold seepage through the toe box. While the increased insulation slightly reduced breathability during higher-output movement, overall good comfort remained high for cold-weather range sessions and extended outdoor wear.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Throughout the evaluation period, the Johnny Combat Winter Boot demonstrated good durable performance across mixed winter terrain, including pavement, frozen ground, mud, (yes, a little bit of) snow, and standing water. The reinforced synthetic exterior panels resisted abrasion well, particularly along the toe cap, heel counter, and lateral sidewalls where wear typically accumulates. Waterproof construction prevented moisture intrusion during exposure to any possible snow melt and shallow water, and no internal dampness was noted during testing after exposure to water or from excessive heat dissipation. Stitching remained intact throughout, with no separation between upper materials or stress points along the sole attachment. While the insulated lining inherently limited some flex compared to the standard JCO, it did not negatively impact durability and instead contributed to a more robust overall structure suited for colder conditions. For the most part, cleaning of the boot and its exterior was simply left to warm water and a simple brush.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Johnny Combat Winter Boot balanced cold-weather protection with the agility expected of a range-oriented boot very well. The rounded toe box continued to allow for natural toe splay under load, while the reinforced outsole provided dependable traction on wet, icy, or muddy surfaces. Pull loops at the heel and tongue aided donning and removal, particularly when wearing gloves. The lug pattern shed mud and loose debris effectively, though heavier/thicker mud could accumulate in deeper tread channels before being released through movement. The waterproof barrier performed as intended, preventing moisture ingress during non-submerged exposure. The primary functional trade-off was reduced airflow and range in motion compared to the standard JCO, a necessary compromise given the boot’s good winter-focused insulation and waterproofing.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Each Johnny Combat Winter Boot weighed noticeably more than the standard JCO due to the addition of 3M insulation, waterproof lining, and a heavier outsole, resulting in a weight of approximately 22.6 ounces per boot (or roughly 45 ounces per pair). While the minimally added mass of the evaluated Size 11 winter boot was apparent during extended movement, it did not feel excessively heavy or unbalanced (no Mickey-Mouse boot feel), and weight distribution remained consistent across the foot even when briefly submerged in water for crossing a shallow stream. Prolonged complete submersion did allot for water to enter in through the throat opening of the boot, as was expected, and naturally then saturation of the interior would impact the weight and feel (as it does with any footwear) although it was notably slower than the standard JCO boot. Compared to market alternatives such as the Salomon Toundra Pro (48 ounces for the pair) or Merrell Thermo Rogue Tactical (also 48 ounces for the pair), the Johnny Combat Winter Boot remained competitive in overall weight while offering a more flexible, range-oriented feel. Ultimately, the increased weight was a reasonable (or average) trade-off for improved warmth, weather resistance, and winter-specific performance, positioning the boot as a cold-weather extension of the Johnny Combat platform rather than a direct replacement for the lighter JCO.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://viktos.com/footwear/boots/johnny-combat-winter-boot/

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.

The next generation of Hexmag’s AR-15 magazines offer improved features and performance that elevate the product’s reliability, regardless of condition or platform.

Hexmag Incorporated debuted its magazines in 2013, taking manufacturing of Series 1 live the following year. The magazine’s first foray to market had its stumbling, with some platforms not freely ejecting the magazine, but Hexmag was committed to bringing the best product to market. In late 2016, Hexmag released the Series 2 of its magazine with revised features and improved functionality. By 2017, SENTRY Products Group purchased the Hexmag line and continues to drive Hexmag’s innovation.

The Series 2 magazine is made from PolyHex₂™ Advanced Composite, a proprietary fiber-reinforced polymer that delivers improved strength, with minimal weight. It also features Hexture™, a patented hexagonal surface pattern similar to that found on Hexmag’s grips, that have a pronounced ribbing on the front and back. This pattern ensures a solid grip on the magazine regardless of environment.

The revised Series 2 feed lip and upper magazine are now thinner than the Series 1, enabling for greater versatility, while resolving some of the platform performance issues. Also revised on the Series 2 is a more pronounced magazine latch catch and “ramp” on the side to also improve compatibility. New on the Series 2 is a guide for stripper clips to allow for rapid loading.

Inside the Series 2 magazine, the Anti-Tilt Follower has equal length legs that prevent tilting and provide for reliable feeding. A heat-treated, corrosion resistant 17-7 PH stainless-steel spring allows for the Series 2 to be stored long-term while fully loaded.

Each Series 2 follower comes in SENTRY orange (although can be customized in alternate colors sold separately) for immediate visual inspection of the rifle with the magazine seated. The “tool-less” floor plate can be removed to provide immediate access for cleaning or changing out the HexID follower and latch plate. This enables you to color code magazines per ammo caliber or purpose.

Specifications:

• Available Calibers: .223/5.56x45mm, .300AAC Blackout, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf and more.
• Compatible Rifles: AR-15s, SCAR 16, IWI Tavor, CZ Bren, Beretta ARX 100 and more.
• Magazine Capacity: 10, 15, and 30 round magazines in a standard size body.

Available in Black (featured), Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, and Gray. The Series 2 AR15 magazine is also available in 10 or 15 round capacity thanks to SENTRY’s patented True Riser system.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): Between $14.99 and $16.99 (color & round count dependent) per unit, the Hexmag’s direct competitor is obviously Magpul’s PMag 30s (GEN3 $14.95-$17.95), Daniel Defense’s DD Magazine ($21.00), and Lancer’s L5AWM ($21.95). Given its price and functionality, the Series 2 is extremely well priced in the current market and competitive to other major brands.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): For what they are, as a carbine magazine the Series 2 magazine is just as comfortable as any other polymer-based magazine on the market. The Series 2 was used for a period of 30 days in competition and training events. What set it apart was the Hexture™ that is now slightly deeper than the Series 1, and gives a tactile grip over the entire length of the magazine regardless of if the shooter is wearing gloves or not. This helped in stripping the magazine out, driving it home into the magwell, or manipulation in/out of pouches. The “tool-less” function was easy to manipulate and disassembly was done readily with just one fingertip.
• Durability – Good (4/5): As a range magazine, the Series 2 did a good job in retaining its durability while sacrificing none of the function. The magazines were thrown (loaded and unloaded) onto loose rock and at no point did it lose rounds or come apart. The floor plate did not come off, nor did the follower become ejected during drop testing. While the surface was readily marred, nothing was to the level that was detrimental in the performance of the magazine.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): It did what it needed to and didn’t fail to deliver. The Series 2 fed across multiple AR rifle platforms and ejected just as easily. Rounds were evenly fed with no failures-to-feed or eject, which is often 90% of all AR malfunctions. The high visibility of the SENTRY orange follower and baseplate button was an added bonus because not only did it enable for readily identifiable function while in use, but even in a dark safe stood out easily against the pile of dark PMags and Battlemags.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At 4.6 ounces (empty) the Series 2 is of average weight in comparison to the other market alternatives listed above. This is likely attributed to the consistency in the polymer materials throughout vendors used, which are the dominant element in construction.

Overall Rating – Good (22/25)

Product Link: https://hexmagstore.com/hexmag-series-2-ar-15-magazine-with-a-30-round-capacity/

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 mid-2025 as Athlon’s first-ever offering in this category, the Rangecraft Velocity PRO Radar Chronograph provides a compact yet capable radar chronograph designed for versatile field use. It is designed to capture velocity data without the extensive setup or vulnerable sensor placement traditionally associated with legacy chronographs, making it immediately relevant to shooters, armorers, and ballistic professionals who prioritize efficiency and portability.

The Velocity PRO measures approximately 4.5″ (L) × 3.0″ (H) × 1.5″ (W) and is housed in a rugged polymer composite shell that strikes a balance between strength and weight. The exterior finish and ergonomic contouring helped the unit (and its associated carrying case) tuck securely in gear bags or range packs, and the shell’s construction gave confidence it could endure repeated handling without cracking or flexing. Athlon noted the Velocity PRO holds an IP67 rating for the device, and the sealed button interfaces and gasketed seams offer a reassuring level of resistance to dust, light spray, and incidental moisture—enabling use on range days with light rain without fear of immediate malfunction.

The back face of the Velocity PRO is minimalist yet functional; a clear 2.4” backlit two-color LCD display dominates the layout, presenting captured shot data and other information in crisp numerical form and easing visual interpretation at a glance. Beneath the transreflective polymer display screen sits the sensor array, which operates using Doppler radar technology to measure projectile velocities without requiring the bullet to pass through legacy optical skyscreens or timing gates. In practice, this allows for  consistent measurement of both rifle and pistol speeds with minimal setup alignment, and Athlon’s internal processing to deliver repeatable results across a wide spectrum of forearm calibers.

At the top of the unit are three buttons; Power (PWR)/Return (RTN), Option (OPT)/Delete (DEL), and “OK” buttons are clearly marked for rapid access to key functions such as starting/ending a session, toggling between stored sessions, and adjusting display brightness. The device’s software programming is intended to capitalize on intuitive buttonology.

On the sides of the device, controls were kept simple. Two up/down buttons provide menu navigation, allow access to shot review, and manipulation of setting adjustment, all while giving responsiveness and are large enough to be handled with gloves or under cold conditions. A USB-C port on the opposite side—protected by a fitted rubber plug—allows the internal rechargeable battery to be connected (with USB cable provided) and charged. Once fully charged, the battery delivers up to six hours of continuous operation, enough for extended range sessions without frequent stoppages.

The front of the Velocity PRO is unremarkable and flush to allow the Doppler full sensor range and make the necessary detections.

The bottom of the Velocity PRO features a standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread, enabling attachment to the included lightweight aluminum tripod (or any other common aftermarket tripod base). The supplied tripod offers 4” of height and a 4” triangular base.

Athlon’s onboard software and menu system serves as the primary interface for configuring device behavior. Users and define measurement parameters, set calibration offsets, and manage session data directly on the unit. Alternatively, the device’s bluetooth Low Energy connectivity can pair the chronograph to Athlon’s Rangecraft mobile app on iOS and Android, allowing quick data transfer, shot tagging, export of velocity datasets (CSV), and long-term tracking of performance metrics. This wireless integration can significantly streamline post-session analysis, negating the need for manual note-taking or post-range transcription.

The Rangecraft Velocity PRO Radar Chronograph is offered in a tactical black and grey finish for a subdued, range-appropriate aesthetic.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At an MSRP of $499.99 that was in line with other premium radar-based chronographs, the Rangecraft Velocity PRO Radar Chronograph offers performance comparable to established competitors such as the Garmin Xero C1 Pro. It delivers consistent velocity data using Doppler radar technology without reliance on ambient lighting or downrange sensor placement, eliminating many of the limitations associated with traditional optical chronographs. Setup is minimal, operation is self-contained, and the unit remains safely positioned at the firing line. Compared to older radar systems like the Longshot’s LabRadar LX ($599.95) or Caldwell’s VelociRadar ($604.99)—which are larger, more accessory-dependent, and often criticized for software or setup complexity—the Velocity PRO presents a more streamlined alternative like the Garmin Xero C1 Pro ($599). While it does not compete on price with legacy budget optical chronographs, such as the ProChrono DLX Bluetooth ($169.99) from Competitive Electronics or Caldwell Ballistic Precision 2.0 Chronograph ($164.99) its modern radar implementation, comparable accuracy, and inclusion of a fitted carrying case help justify excellent cost within the current market segment of similar products.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): In use, the physical setup of the Velocity PRO proved intuitive and easy to deploy, with a nearly instant, one-button launch process. While slightly larger than the Xero C1 Pro, this increased size resulted in a noticeably larger and easier-to-read display. However, the screen of the Velocity PRO also featured a more reflective surface, which in brighter outdoor environments proved somewhat problematic at times when attempting to read the display while positioned behind the rifle. The larger buttons and overall size fit more comfortably in the hand than the Xero C1 Pro, which felt almost too small. Physical controls on the device itself were logically arranged and required little familiarization; however, in-app buttonology was somewhat more difficult to navigate, as certain options and commands were buried under multiple layers of menus and proved less intuitive. That said, the application’s charts effectively consolidated collected data into a single point of review and could be easily exported in either .jpg or .xls formats for post-session analysis. Portability remained good despite the larger footprint, and the included carrying case simplified transport and storage. Overall ease of use between the Velocity PRO and the Xero C1 Pro was effectively equivalent, with the larger screen being the most meaningful ergonomic distinction between the two.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The Velocity PRO demonstrated solid durability under regular range use, handling routine transport, incidental impacts in range bags, and outdoor exposure without issue (although despite our best efforts could not time the evaluation with rainfall). Its enclosed housing avoided the fragility common to optical chronographs and maintained reliable performance even when positioned close to the muzzle. As such, it was also removed from being positioned downrange, and not at risk of strike common to screen or gate chronographs. As with most integrated electronic devices, long-term battery serviceability/longevity will remain a consideration, though no issues were encountered during testing and it recharged without problems. The included carrying case was press-fitted for the device and all accessories, and offered additional protection during transport. End-users should avoid rigid weapon-mounted configurations, because although the Velocity PRO has an IP rating, Athlon did not state on its website or in the product specs if the unit was IK rated for shock resistance or to withstand direct firearm recoil impulses. Such rigid mounting methods will transfer the impulse directly into the unit and could affect the sensor’s calibrations.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional perspective, the Velocity PRO was engineered around a streamlined measurement workflow, focused on reliable Doppler-based velocity acquisition and efficient data review. Memory storage of the Velocity PRO could allot for a maximum of 500 shots to be recorded in total. Core device functions—including unit configuration, shot string review, screen color/backlight, and basic system settings—were accessed through a straightforward menu structure that required minimal user navigation before or during live fire. The end-user could select the Quick-Start option to immediately begin, or configure the session as needed based on platform and projectile (which only still took less than a minute to perform). The larger display relative to other chronographs improved direct readability of shot data and reduced dependence on external monitors or a smartphone for real-time confirmation. Initial open-source user feedback and reports indicated that some first-release Velocity PRO units exhibited interoperability issues when operated in (very) close-proximity to other Doppler-based chronographs. Athlon has addressed these observations by clarifying that the Velocity PRO is designed for single-device operation and that its emissions profile and internal electronics are not intended for clustered or co-located radar use (so there is the possibility for electronic interference if used as such). Review of notable issues also showed some of the complaints also centered around end-user misuse (such as placing the unit too close to the bore). During evaluation for this review, no such interference was observed when the Velocity PRO was operated adjacent—at an approximate spacing of six-to-eight inches—to a Garmin Xero C1 Pro and approximately two feet off bore (well within the operational profile stated on-screen). This suggests that most end-users are unlikely to encounter interoperability limitations under normal use conditions. The primary operational impact of this design constraint would apply to range operators or match officials, who should consider device spacing and electrical layout when deploying multiple chronographs simultaneously for organized events. Comparative range testing revealed that the Velocity PRO consistently reported projectile velocities that differed by a minor margin—often 10-20 feet per second, either higher or lower—when compared directly to the Xero C1 Pro regardless of pistol or rifle caliber. These variances were minor and fell within expected tolerances for consumer-grade Doppler systems. The differences are likely attributed to variations in radar hardware characteristics, signal resolution, sampling methodology, and proprietary velocity-calculation algorithms built into the unit. Without laboratory-grade instrumentation and controlled reference standards, it is not feasible to determine absolute velocity “truth” in projectiles or among commercially available chronographs while in field. Consequently, consistency within a single measurement system remains the most critical factor. Thus when used as a standalone reference, the Velocity PRO demonstrated repeatable, internally consistent results suitable for end-user load development and performance-based analysis. The included all-aluminum tripod also added a level of sturdiness when pressing the buttons or withstanding sudden gusts of wind on the range where other, lighter polymer tripods were less robust.
• Weight – Good (4/5): The Velocity PRO weighed in at 4.7 ounces and was slightly heavier and larger than other compact radar chronographs available, but this difference was not operationally significant in terms of field use. The added size primarily supports a larger display and buttons that did not meaningfully detract from portability. When compared to other similar products; like Garmin’s Xero C1 Pro (3.7 ounces), Longshot’s LabRadar LX (11.5 ounces) or Caldwell’s VelociRadar (69 ounces), or legacy radar or optical chronographs that require added external sensors, tripods, or sky screens, the Rangecraft Velocity PRO Chronograph remained substantially more compact and easier to deploy. The included carrying case further mitigated its minimally increased size, making transport and storage straightforward.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://athlonoptics.com/product/rangecraft-velocity-pro-radar-chronograph/

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.