High Ground Media, LLC

Designed to be a minimalist plate carrier for low-visibility work, or as a base platform to individually customize, the PLATEminus V4 is the next iteration by Blue Force Gear to further advance its plate carrier lineup.

The V4 incorporates the compatibility of the original PLATEminus MOLLE ptaltform, with Blue Force Gear’s proprietary ULTRAcomp™ laminate material, which is half the thickness of a dime and four times as abrasion resistant as 1000D Cordura. The V4’s ULTRAcomp laminate is laser cut to create a fully MOLLE compatible matrix of slots and voids to reduce weight, complexity, and potential failure points over traditional platforms.

The front and back carriers are designed to fully enclose SAPI/ESAPI armored plates (not included) and include integrated shoulder harnesses. The rear cummerbund adjustment panels, and rear side of the side panels feature Ball Loaded Index Points (BLIP) that aid in tactile sensation when donning or adjusting. The interior lining of the V4 features a moisture-wicking Tweeve lining that help assist in mitigating heat from the body. Both the front and back carrier feature a (female) hook-and-loop panel for identification panels or morale patches.

The fully adjustable shoulder harnesses secure across the shoulders via hook-and-loop, and include retention bands for securing hydration lines or communication cables. The V4 also features a fully adjustable cummerbund in front or back with Blue Force Gear’s military grade Ten-Speed elastic, and secured by wide hook-and-loop panels.

The V4 comes in Coyote (featured), Black, and Multicam and is sized to match the following:

• Small – 8.75″ wide x 11.75″ high x 1.25″ thick – For Small SAPI / ESAPI plates
• Medium 9.5″ wide x 12.5″ high x 1.25″ thick – For Medium SAPI / ESAPI plates
• Large 10.25″ wide x 13.25″ high x 1.25″ thick – For large SAPI / ESAPI plates
• Extra Large 11″ wide x 14″ high x 1.25″ thick – For Extra Large SAPI / ESAPI plates

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): The market for minimalist plate carriers averages between $100 and $300 depending on the quality and quantity of materials used. Although the V4 has not yet been released, it is estimated that based on the design and use of proprietary Blue Force Gear materials, the cost for the PLATEminus V4 will be approximately $180-$200. This would place the V4 at an affordable range for most individuals looking for a quality plate carrier to customize, without taking a substantial hit in the wallet.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): With no excessive materials or design, the V4 was a very sleek and lightweight plate carrier that afforded a high degree of comfort and range in motion. Obviously this would vary depending on adding more magazine carriers or accessory pouches, but as a minimalist platform the V4 was very comfortable. The adjustable shoulder harness and cummerbund were made from the military-grade elastic that allowed the wearer to find the perfect height and compression level around the torso. The BLIPs on the back corner of the rear plate carrier and rear of the cummerbund were readily tactile, although it would have been an improvement in the design if it had been on both the front and back corners of the side panels rather than just one—or better yet on the fold-over flap on the front plate carrier since that will be the one you use the most.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The V4 is made dominantly from Blue Force Gear’s proprietary ULTRAcomp™ laminate which has an amazingly high degree of abrasion resistance, minimizes materials needed, and maximizes flexibility. At no point in testing did the carrier separate, plates slide, or adjustment areas not retain their setting. There was extensive bartack stitching throughout the V4 that reinforced all key stress points. The elastic bands in the cummerbund did not fray nor warp, and retained their overall tension levels. The retention bands on the shoulder harness were a little weak on grip, because they are a different hook-and-loop material than the cummerbund, so hydration tubes or communication cables may actually work their way loose. This could be resolved by Blue Force Gear by making the retention bands wider, to afford more contact surface for the hook-and-loop. Some fraying in the (female) hook-and-loop material was observed when opening/closing of the V4s side panels and attributed to normal wear (it was in the center field of the material, not at the stitching).
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a minimalist standpoint, the V4 is about as functionally sound as you could imagine. The design featured no excessive hardware or materials, and the laser cut MOLLE pattern into the ULTRAcomp™ laminate ensured widest compatibility to preferred magazine or accessory pouches without excess stitching. Additionally, the V4 has a legacy-type design wherein the cummerbund of the plate carrier is secured around the wearer’s torso to the front carrier, on top of which a fold-over flap is secured on top of the cummerbund. This approach in design has been used for some time. It would have added to the V4’s overall Functionality score if the outer side of the fold-over flap had a corresponding field of (female) hook-and-loop to allow additional non-MOLLE mounting systems (such as the D3CRX Chest Rig by Haley Strategic) to be added.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): Coming in at an amazingly light 1.8 pounds (without plates), the V4 is obviously a very lightweight design thanks in part to its materials and minimalist intent. This helps spare the overall wear and strain on the user due to excess materials. In comparison, other plate carriers from 5.11, Condor, Tactical Tailor, Shellback Tactical and others with the same legacy design are a full pound heavier or more. The V4 actually comes in closer to the weight of other minimalist carriers, such as by Crye, which puts the PLATEminus V4 on-par with other performance manufactures.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/plateminus-plate-carrier

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.

During the summer months, time spent on the rage in competition or training can get hot. The Eco Tec Tac T-shirt by TRU-SPEC® provides a lightweight base layer shirt, using a unique blend of recycled materials that is also environmentally friendly.

Debuted at 2019 SHOT Show, the Eco Tec T-shirt is made from a material called REPREVE^® (a polyester blend using recycled plastics), and provides the wearer with a base layer shirt and improved airflow through a mesh gusset along the underarms and sides.

At the neck, the Eco Tec T-shirt has a ribbed crewneck collar to ensure a comfortable fit.

Both sleeves feature a single pen slot that is easily accessible and provides for a place to keep writing aids, pen lights or other similar items.

At the bottom, the hem of the shirt is a split-tail design with extended coverage on the back to prevent pulling when bent over or stretching.

The overall material for the Eco Tec T-shirt is the same four-way stretch material found in other TRU-SPEC 24-7 Series^® clothing items, and offers microbial and moisture wicking properties to help keep the wearer cool. The Eco Tec T-shirt is rated to provide 30+ UV protection.

Available in Silver Tan (featured), Black, Navy, Steel Gray, or Ranger Green the Eco Tec Tac comes in sizes between Small and 4XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At an MSRP of $22.95, the Eco Tec Tac T-shirt is one of several shirts in the 24-7 Series^® product line and part of TRU-SPEC’s base layered clothing. Other market alternatives for range t-shirts include 5.11’s Range Ready Performance Shirt ($19.49), Ronin Tactics “Alpha” Shirt ($31), or Velocity Systems BOSS Rugby Shirt ($59). Price for range t-shirts are largely driven by design and material, thus the Eco Tec T-shirt provides a simplified and effective shirt that gives the wearer comfort and breathability at a very affordable cost.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The Eco Tec T-shirt had a great deal of breathability. The airflow across the shoulders and upper back were immediately notable due to the shirt’s four-way stretch material and mesh gusset. The difference in comparison to a regular cotton t-shirt was apparent as the Eco’s lightweight material felt more flexible, and offered improved moisture wicking (although not completely wicking on an 85-degree day with 60% humidity) over cotton.
• Durability – Average (3/5): While the Eco Tec T-shirt’s four-way material is light and breathable, it had the same level of durability as other range shirts. The polyester would provide some level of durability when worn with other gear, but when pressed against (female) hook-and-loop, the fabric would snag/pull slightly. It’s likely that over time and with sufficient heavy wear/abrasion the Eco Tec T-shirt will likely need to be replaced, but this is common among most shirts for range use.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): While the Eco Tec T-shirt was intended as a base layer t-shirt, and its REPREVE material does provide from some feel-good intentions in its recycled polyester, the shirt provided improvements over other performance t-shirts with its ability to hold pens at an accessible position (forward of the shoulder), and consideration to prevent pulling via its split-tail. Other market alternatives either lack these considerations, or over-invest the shirt’s design in other elements (like sleeve pockets or uniform material on the sleeves).
• Weight – Average (3/5): At a mere 8 ounces, the Eco Tec T-shirt had a similar weight to those of other range or cotton shirts. The REPREVE polyester and weave pattern afforded the shirt to be light and breathable while not making the overall fabric excessively heavy.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.truspec.com/24-7-series/shirts/mens-eco-tec-tac-t-shirt

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 FMN500- Friskmaster TM MAX – Cut & Needle Puncture Resistant Glove, by Safariland is designed specifically to meet the needs of law enforcement while conducting body searches and keeping the wearer safe from the risks of blindly reaching into an individual’s pockets. The FMN500 still grants the wearer a modest degree of dexterity to weapon control systems, while providing increased protection to the fingers and palm against needles or edged items.

The FMN500 is the latest product in Safariland’s Police Duty Glove that exchanges traditional synthetic leather found in many gloves, with Protech™  enhanced synthetic suede that gives the wearer A9 Cut Resistance protection, and Level 5 Needlestick Puncture Resistance under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

There is a high-stretch lining along the back of the hand and fingers that gives the gloves a soft contact material when touching sensitive surfaces, and aids in breathability.

The fingertips have a wrap over design that gives the FMN500 improved protection and dexterity over other protective glove designs that would otherwise rely on thick, or bulky layering. Where the FMN500 differs from other all-leather alternatives is it has the touch-screen compatible material at the forefinger and a reinforced thumb.

The gloves are anchored at the wrist bone with an adjustable hook-and-loop cuff.

The FMN500- Friskmaster TM MAX – Cut & Needle Puncture Resistant Glove is available in Black (featured) or Grey, and are available in sizes that range from XSmall to 3XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With its MSRP of $52.00, the FMN500 is at an appropriate (or average) price point as a protective glove for law enforcement use given its thick materials and cut/puncture resistant design. The most direct market competitor to the FMN500 is the LawPro SlashGuard Gloves with Kevlar ($39.99) from Galls, the PointGuard Ultra 4046 ($56.49) from HexArmor, and the Bravo Glove ($105.99) from TurtleSkin that are all very similar in overall design, safety specs, and materials.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The Protech™ and elastic nylon materials involved had a good amount of flex, articulation, and breathability when used that also gave the wearer a good level of comfort. The materials between the thumb, forefinger, and palm (where the greatest amount of stress would take place) held internal, double-line stitch lines. Additionally, double external stitch lines were noted between the reinforced materials to the thumb and forefinger. This layered effect however came at the cost to tactile feel at the fingertips and on gun controls with very little sensation to finer items or at the fingertips. But it remained a balance, offer the protective values of puncture and cut resistance or sacrifice those for improved sense of touch. As frisk/search gloves these had good level of comfort for the intended purpose.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The materials in the FMN500 offer maximum A9 Cut Resistance protection, and Level 5 Needlestick Puncture Resistance while retaining the greatest degree of tactile sense possible. As noted on Safariland’s website, these safety ratings do not mean the FMN500’s material is puncture or cut proof, only that it resisted the effects as much as possible. Pressing an edged blade or needle did not yield penetration, but with sufficient force it is likely to. The tradeoff being that those thick materials that protect, also reduce that sense of touch. Consumers need to understand that this is the tradeoff in these type of gloves, and is one shared among the market alternatives noted above. The more protective and durable the glove, the less tactile sense is provided. During the 30-day evaluation period the only negative aspect to the FMN500’s durability was some curling of the hook-and-loop tab that is consistent with wear, but could become problematic over the glove’s expected lifespan. Exposed hook-and-loop (male) tended to be a bit snaggy and would occasionally catch clothing or other fabrics. A recommended area of improvement for Safariland would be to consider an elastic or fixed wrist band to minimize this effect.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): The FMN500 functioned well and as was intended for a pair of safety search gloves. Some tactile sensation was maintained at the trigger, and with more deft manipulations (such as reloading magazines) despite the thickness of the fabric and the slight excess bulk in the fingertips. However, it was still easy to reach into pockets, pouches, or otherwise manipulate clothing and other items while wearing the gloves. It would be a nice addition if the FMN500 had larger retention loops to aid in donning and to clip the gloves to when not in use, as there was no means to do so. The touchscreen capability of the gloves was challenged on smaller devices, such as smartphones, due to the overall bulk of the protective fabric. But larger touch-screen enabled devices would have much larger buttons and screens and would correspondingly be easier to manipulate.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): At 4.3 ounces (for the pair) the FMN500 was lightweight and gave a comfortable feel without excess bulk or heft while worn, and the weight of the added protection value didn’t prove to be distracting. In contrast, the LawPro SlashGuard Gloves with Kevlar (9 ounces) from Galls, the PointGuard Ultra 4046 (8 ounces) from HexArmor, and the Bravo Glove (8 ounces) from TurtleSkin demonstrate that within the market, the FMN500 is at an excellent weight. Obviously the more protective material and features included on any glove, the more weight is added – and for a protective search glove the FMN500 strides the line between weight and function.

 Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://safariland.com/collections/gloves/products/fmn500-fmn501-friskmaster™-max-police-duty-glove

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.