High Ground Media, LLC

Designed as a lightweight and low profile plate carrier for training on the range, or in use for concealment operations, the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier by Direct Action is a confluence in design from the Spitfire & Hellcat Plate Carrier line and offers more current, low-profile features. The Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier retains an incredible light weight with maximum flexibility for all day use under a jacket or by itself.

Made from a blend of 500D Cordura, 210D nylon, and lightweight laminate nylon, the front and rear carriers of the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier accommodate full-sized SAPI/ESAPI/AR500 plates or any soft armor (sold separately). Both the front and rear carriers also feature extensive hook-and-loop (female) panels for attaching a variety of accessories and/or identification panels or morale patches.

The front carrier also includes female slide-release buckles (secured by elastic nylon cuffs that also include passage for comm cables) for chest rigs, magazine panels, or other associated Mayflower®/Velocity Systems compatible chest panels. The front also includes a removable magazine flap with three elastic nylon slide pouches for rifle magazines.

The rear of the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier features an integrated drag handle and extensive hook-and-loop fields for securing identification panels as well as adjusting the elastic cummerbund.

The interior back panels of the Hellcat’s front and rear carriers are a tweave material to assist with moisture wicking.

The Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier cummerbund is of a minimalist design made from elastic nylon that secures to the front and rear carriers through associated hook-and-loop (male) panels. In addition, each side of the cummerbund features two slide pockets for rifle magazines, and one adjustable slide elastic pocket for a handheld radio or other accessory that can be secured by over-the-top shock cord.  

For shoulder straps, the Hellcat has two laminate nylon bands directly anchored into the front carrier, and pass through ABS plastic cinch buckles at the rear carrier. Adjustment is done via full length hook-and-loop segments. The shoulder straps also include laser-cut comms/hydration slits to keep things organized.

Specifications:

• Size M:
  • Chest size up to 47”
  • Width: 10.5”
  • Height: 13.5”
• Size L:
  • Chest size up to 51”
  • Width: 10.5”
  • Height: 15”
• Size XL:
  • Chest size up to 55”
  • Width: 11.1”
  • Height: 17.05”

The Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier is available in a variety of colors to include; Multicam (featured), Adaptive Green, Shadow Grey and many more.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): For the evaluated carrier, the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier features the company’s lightweight laminate nylon, which also includes a high degree of abrasion resistance for a list price of $229. In comparison, the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier has the most direct comparison to the Stealth Low Vis Carrier ($179) by Shellback Tactical, the Slickster ($159) by Ferro Concepts, or the Tomahawk Low Vis Plate Carrier ($158) by T3 Gear. It should be noted that in some instances, such as with the Slickster or Tomahawk, the magazine pouches differed and additional pouches would be needed to make them a comparable product. In all, for its modularity and materials, the Hellcat Low Vis and other associated accessories all are appropriate (or average) in terms of cost with respect to the overall market for similar products.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect; the Hellcat plate carrier was very lightweight (even with plates added) and did not put an excessive amount of pressure on the shoulders. There was no thick padding in the shoulder straps (to add some would have affected the low profile aspect), but over time it became apparent it would have been an added improvement to have some minimal padding integrated at least into the shoulder straps. The hook-and-loop secured cummerbund was easily adjusted for torso size, and allowed for a comfortable fit around the mid-section. The attached Mag Flap with elastic mag pouches allowed for easy draw and retained the magazine well, although re-holstering the magazines was a little tricky as magazines would occasionally catch the edge of the elastic nylon cuff when driving home.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): A majority of the materials behind the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier was a combination of 500D Cordura, 210D nylon, and lightweight laminate nylon, all of which is known to have a high degree of abrasion resistance. Moreover, there was extensive bartack and X-pattern reinforcement stitching present at key stress points throughout the carrier, cummerbund, and magazine flap. The hook-and-loop fields that provided for a majority of the inserts, joining connections, and adjustment features did hold up over multiple adjustments with only minimal fraying of material (which was within expectations). One suggestion here would be to add a pull tab or plate riser to the flap securing the bottom of plates, and aid in opening, accounting for a variety in plate dimensions, and prolong the life of the material. Perhaps the only concern from a durability aspect comes from the minimal amount of laminate nylon on the front carrier that forms the connection between the front carrier and the shoulder straps (a similarity shared with the Mk II). There is only a single layer of fabric between the two, and this will be an area of extreme stress or tension. Direct Action has reassured users that this unique design aspect has never been compromised, and has been extensively evaluated (illustrating the strength of the nylon laminate) in the field.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier was a limited modular plate carrier that allowed the user to customize it as needed. It had good adaptability with the associated Mag Flap, as well as to other similar Direct Action placards (sold separately). The slide-release buckles and hook-and-loop (female) field also enabled the carrier to be compatible with a variety of other manufacturer chest rigs, such as by Haley Strategic or Spiritus Systems. Other panels or similar accessories are available from Direct Action to expand further on the Hellcat’s modularity but some would undoubtedly affect the low-profile factor. So as a base plate carrier, the Hellcat did a very good job of maintaining a low profile under an open-button shirt or light outer wear in areas that most plate carriers are obvious in (i.e. shoulder straps, bulk, etc.). Even the cummerbund easily interchanged between a flat, minimalist band or allowed to add extra magazines without adding to excessive bulk. Thus, it was evident a lot of forethought went into developing the Hellcat while still keeping as low profile as possible for concealment operations.
• Weight – Average (3/5): The weight of the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier was a demure 19.68 ounces (without plates), thanks in large part to the laminate nylon material that kept a low profile and minimal bulk. This translated to minimal load felt in the shoulders over time, even with plates added into the carrier. And while the Hellcat lacked padding in those areas, the weight was not cumbersome nor distracting. In comparison to other products on the current market using the same lightweight materials, the Hellcat would be most similar to the Stealth Low Vis Carrier (approx. 16 ounces) by Shellback Tactical, the Slickster (15 ounces) by Ferro Concepts, or the Tomahawk Low Vis Plate Carrier (32 ounces) by T3 Gear. Still, all three of these lightweight carriers are a far cry away from more traditional plate carriers using traditional nylon or Cordura materials and designs that can weigh as much as five pounds alone (more when soaked with water or sweat). So, the Hellcat Low Visibility Plate Carrier and its materials by Direct Action were within the average weight as compared to the similar, good-performing carriers previously noted.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/hellcat-low-vis-plate-carrierr#AGR

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.

In February of 2022, T3 Gear released its new line of laminate nylon products to include a new line of M4 Magazine and Pistol Pouches. These pouches merge together some of the market’s newest, lightweight nylon materials, with the precision of machine-laser cut designs.

Made from the same laser cut (LC) laminate nylon as the new T3 Geronimo LC Plate Carrier, the M4 and pistol magazine pouches are designed to hold between one and three full-sized magazines. They provide a secure and weight efficient pouch, with minimal cross section when empty. It also uses TEX 70 bonded nylon thread throughout to ensure all stress points maintain their durability.

On the front exterior, each rifle magazine pouch is a 5×2 laser-cut MOLLE field for attaching other accessories or pouches to. The pistol pouches themselves have a flush, minimalist exterior to prevent any accidental snagging or catching. Each pouch uses an anchored, elastic shock cord with laminate nylon pull tab to ensure positive retention of the magazine.

The rear of each M4 Magazine and Pistol LC Pouch uses laminate nylon MOLLE straps (with rigid tabs) to secure them to any compatible field.

The M4 Magazine and Pistol LC Pouches is available in Multicam (featured) and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP between $26.99 and $63.99 (M4 Magazine) or $17.99 – $28.99 (Pistol) the actual cost is determined by the end-user between a single magazine pouch, or multiple pouches joined together. For T3’s M4 LC pouches a single ($26.99), double ($46.99), or triple mag pouch ($63.99) configuration is available—while pistol pouches are single ($17.99) or double ($28.99). In contrast, examples of market alternatives using similar materials would be the Triple Mag Panel – Laminate ($49) from Grey Ghost Gear or the Triple M4 Magazine Pouch ($69.05) from Blue Force Gear, or the Single ($29.95) and Double ($39.99) Gunnar Pistol Mag Pouches from Sentry. As such, these variations show that amid the market the M4 Magazine and Pistol pouches are appropriate (or of average) cost to the consumer given its materials and design currently available.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect, the new LC magazine pouches were something that was appropriately (or of average) light in weight for its material and not unbalancing for the number of pouches per shingle. With a minimalist profile, the LC magazine pouches did not have excess bulk on the exterior that otherwise obstructed the range of motion, nor impeded weapon/gear/magazine manipulations during stressor drills. The pull tabs, made of the same laminate nylon material, were somewhat hard to get purchase on as the fabric really lacked a tactile grip (as noted in rubberized pull tabs) so immediately accessing secured magazines was sometimes difficult. One area of recommendation for T3 would be to widen the pull tabs to offer better/wider surface area for grip and control.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The durability of laminate nylon as one of the latest fabrics puts it as a fabric with an abrasion rating often at/above 1000D and greater than many other more traditional nylons. As such, the LC magazine pouches handled the friction of repeated draw/re-holstering of magazines without any indication of fraying or compromised threading. The rear of the pouch’s interior was also layered with a rubberized material to further defrayed wear against hard-corner contact to magazines over time and continual use. Extensive bartack and double-line stitching was noted along key stress points to add reinforcement to the overall pouch.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the LC magazine pouches did a good job of being what they were intended for—a magazine pouch. It had a low profile, and retained the magazines (loaded and unloaded) well. The pouches themselves are unstructured so they would occasionally collapse when the magazine was drawn out of the pouch, thus making re-holstering magazines sometimes difficult to drive into the opening. Kydex inserts may resolve that issue by adding that overall structure and keep the opening clear and available. It should be noted here that the attachment system was similar to other T3 products whereby the MOLLE compatible material was secured by tucking the band back under the final loop and this gave the overall pouch a very sturdy attachment to the plate carrier.
• Weight – Average (3/5): With a variety of weight, the overall volume of fabric was directly related to the number of magazine slots per shingle. For T3’s M4 LC pouches a single (1.7 ounces), double (3.8 ounces), or triple mag pouch (5.4 ounces) configuration is available—while pistol pouches are available as a single (0.07 ounces) or double (0.15 ounces). When compared to the market alternatives; the Triple Mag Panel – Laminate (10.6 ounces) from Grey Ghost Gear, or the Triple M4 Magazine Pouch (4.6 ounces) from Blue Force Gear, or the Single (2.82 ounces) and Double (6.72 ounces) Gunnar Pistol Mag Pouches from Sentry all illustrate overall that for its material and design the T3 Gear LC Magazine Pouches are appropriately (or of average) weight amid the market and for its competitors.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/laser-cut/

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.

New for 2021, the Radian Carbon Tripod from Vortex brings together the latest materials and a stable platform to give shooters the critical edge when the shot needs to count. Easily strapped to a backpack, the tripod is easily at home in the field on the hunt, or on the range putting in the work on long distance precision.

Made overall from a combination of carbon fiber and American steel, the Radian Carbon Tripod has an overall deployed height of 67.3” and when collapsed to its lowest position is just 8.3” off the ground with the ball head. But when stowed, the tripod has an overall folded up dimension of just 28” (H) x 6” (W).

Each leg of the Radian is made from carbon fiber construction giving the tripod an overall strength of 55 lbs. Max Load with the Ball Head and 44 lbs. with the Leveling Head. The legs themselves have large rubberized locking lugs (with a vaulted design for rapid deployment) in four sections that give it the ability to adjust to a wide variety of heights. Each leg ends in a rubberized pad/ball with the threaded option to add spiked feet (included) for added traction on loose terrain.

The tripod head of the Radian Carbon is available as either a removable ball or leveling head style that includes dual leveling bubbles (one on the tripod itself and another on the head) to assist in its independent pan and tension control.

An Arca-Swiss Head Mount with a quick-release plate on the tripod gives the Radian Carbon the largest compatibility with a wide array of aftermarket accessories. At the bottom of the tripod head is a counterweight hook to attach stability counterweight if needed.

The Radian Carbon Tripod is available only in carbon black and comes with its own nylon carrying case.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): With an MSRP of $1,199.99 for the Ball Head Kit and $1,099.99 for the Leveling Head Kit, the Radian Carbon Tripod is the most expensive variant of tripods offered from Vortex, and comes in either a ball or leveling platform (featured) version. It consists of some of the lightest and strongest materials available on the market, and can be used in a wide array of applications. Perhaps the closest competitor to the Radian is the TFCT Tripod ($1,270) from RSS/SOAR, while other inexpensive options include the PIGlite-CF4 Carbon Fiber Shooting Tripod ($339 and without tripod head) by Hog Saddle, and the Deathgrip Tripod ($257 with fixed rifle saddle) by BOG. Obviously the market is awash in a variety of tripods offering a variety of lightweight materials and designs. In total, this makes the Radian Carbon Tripod one of the most expensive tripods on the market, something justifiable and at a fair price point with its carbon fiber body and composite metal hardware.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): Fully deployed, the Radian Carbon Tripod had an overall excellent comfort level—with a very wide and stable platform, and both the rubberized and spiked feet kept a solid grip to the ground surface with the rifle mounted and while firing. The legs adjusted smoothly and all locking lugs and metal hinges locked securely with no slippage. Most importantly, the tripod head itself moved smoothly and freely (when loosened) and allowed the shooter to find a comfortable position, tilt, and pan.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): From a durability aspect, the carbon fiber material was among the strongest and lightest on the market, and gave the tripod an excellent level of durability. It bore the weight of a full-length rifle in both the 5.56 and .308 caliber without any flex in the legs, regardless of how far they were extended or compressed. The metal hardware joining the various carbon fiber elements helped ensure the joints of the tripod remained aligned, and moved smoothly. The locking lugs held a secure hold and while engaged prevented any accidental slippage, even when direct pressure was applied. Minor scuffing of the rubberized feet was noted during usage, but that was to be expected over the various terrain types. Wear on these rubberized feet could be further mitigated by using the terrain spikes. Perhaps the only recommendation to Vortex on improvement to the Durability for the Radian tripod overall, would be to consider improvements to the carrying bag, as its internal material and zipper felt sub-par and thin.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the use of the Radian Carbon Tripod was pretty straightforward, with locking lugs having clear icons and directional arrows to denote locking/unlocking while extending the legs. The platform itself was very stable in relation to the free-floating leveling head, that in itself could also be easily adjusted via tension control at the bottom of the leveling head. Moreover, the leveling head could be tilted, or panned and locked into any position desired that give solid support to the shooter. The Arca-Swiss Head Mount itself was also easily removed via the QD lock to install/remove any associated weapon or camera mount (in this review a PIG Saddle). The application of dual leveling bubbles (one on the tripod and one on the head) allowed for quick and easy visual recognition in differences between the angle of the tripod and terrain, and the leveling head to the rifle.
• Weight – Average (3/5): With an overall weight of 7.3 pounds (with the ball head platform on but without weapon mount) and a max height of 67.3”—the Radian Carbon Tripod was of an appropriate (or of average) weight given its overall variable height, lightweight materials, and reinforcing hardware. In contrast, the TFCT Tripod (4.4 pounds w/max height of 71.1”) from RSS/SOAR, the PIGlite-CF4 Carbon Fiber Shooting Tripod (3.6 pounds w/max height of 63.5”) by Hog Saddle, and the Deathgrip Tripod (9.71 pounds for the aluminum version or 9 pounds for the carbon fiber version—both with a max height of 59”) by BOG illustrate that although lighter tripods are available, many lack the overall height of the Radian Carbon (although the Radian it is neither the heaviest nor the tallest).

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/radian-carbon-leveling-head-tripod-kit.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.