High Ground Media, LLC

Released in 2020, the 2.0 is the latest iteration of the Patrol Glove offered by Magpul to bring together dynamic materials and robust protection, while offering maximum dexterity possible. The Patrol Glove 2.0 has full coverage and is designed to support law enforcement, military, and private shooters alike.

Made overall from a dual chassis combination of corded elastic nylon and premium goatskin leather, the Patrol Glove 2.0 affords a high-degree of breathability with adequate enclosure around the hand and fingers. This protective leather extends up and around the front tip of each finger and thumb, for increased protection.

Between the thumb and forefinger is a reinforced valley with added leather, that will protect the hand web and material from compromise, be it through abrasion or impact. This is especially good for users of compact and sub-compact handguns due to the increased risk of contact with the slide during function. The thumb in each glove includes touch-screen compatibility for most common smart devices.

Each finger has an enhanced articulation design, and closed-cell padded knuckle panels for maximum tactile control and protection. The top-most facing half of the glove is made from an elastic nylon that allows the glove to contour to the user as well as most dynamic situations.

The Patrol Glove 2.0 includes an elastic nylon band around the wrist bone that secures the glove, as well as anchors a leather pull loop that aids in donning the glove.

The Patrol Glove 2.0 is available in Coyote (featured) and Black, and come in sizes between Small and 2XL.  

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With a list price of $49.95, the Patrol Glove 2.0 is one of several gloves in the Magpul clothing line, and the second generation of the glove that improves on the previous design. The corded elastic nylon material gives maximum flexability and tactile sensation for the wearer, while the closed-cell padding offers a modest degree of protection for the overall hand and knuckles. Some notable market comparators to the Patrol Glove 2.0 would be the M-Pact Tactical Gloves ($24.99) by Mechanix, the Assault Pilot Gloves ($70) by Oakley SI, or the Tactical Gloves ($49.95) by Sig Sauer. This gives the Patrol Glove 2.0 an appropriate (or average) score in terms of its cost to the consumer.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The lightweight and flexible material of the Patrol Glove 2.0 enabled it to fit very comfortably, with a good degree of tactile sensation for weapon controls, loading ammunition, or in general use. The premium leather potions did affect some sense of tactile feel at the fingertips, but not to the point of distraction or inability to manipulate controls. The cut of the material and reinforcement along the web of the hand and palm kept a good degree of comfort and flexibility, while still allowing for full range of motion. The closed cell pads provided a good degree of protection to the knuckle line, but the harder the force striking it (and the object in question), the more abrasive on the exterior material it became and some fraying was noted.
• Durability – Average (3/5): Over the course of examination (roughly 30 days on the range, hikes, and in everyday wear); while the upper corded elastic nylon exterior was very flexible, as it came into contact with more abrasive surfaces (such as hard metal edges, wood, or rocks) the smaller breaks and fraying of the material was noted. This was particularly notable around the raised foam padding with its slightly taller profile. The leather palm held up well with minor scratching noted from manipulating weapon controls or grabbing at various surfaces. The same leather material also extended from the palm, down the bottom length of the fingers, and around the front half of the fingers. This ensured the fingertips were properly protected from hard or abrasive surfaces. The stitching appeared to be one continual line throughout most of the glove, with only extensive bartack and double line stitching added to various stress points. One aspect of the Patrol Glove 2.0 design that lends itself to its longevity is the option to use an elastic wrist closure as opposed to the use of a hook-and-loop tab that many other gloves use and often wears out. This design choice will ensure the gloves longer-term usage.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the Patrol Glove 2.0 did what was expected, it protected the backhand with its closed-cell padded material, while giving the palm and fingers extended protection with the leather. With its elastic wrist enclosure and stitched pull tab, this aided in easy donning of the glove without risk of excessive wear out or compromise of the overall stitch line. The loop itself also had the added function to be used to hang the gloves on a carabiner or hook when not in use. The fingers did have good tactile connectivity to touchscreen technology and easily manipulated the screen to various smart devices to some extent (things that required more dexterity like zoom in/out were somewhat more challenging).
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing 2.5 ounces for the pair, the Patrol Glove 2.0 was a lightweight additive to any range belt or bag. Its materials and size did not contribute to overall bulk, and was otherwise very comfortable. While the M-Pact Tactical Gloves (4.8 ounces) by Mechanix, the Assault Pilot Gloves (7.5 ounces) by Oakley SI, or the Tactical Gloves (3 ounces) by Sig Sauer demonstrate the variance in market weight for such accessories. Given the listed market alternatives, they all demonstrate that the Patrol Glove 2.0 is of a good weight among its competitors that offer similar protection and materials.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://magpul.com/apparel-gear/accessories/gloves/patrolglove2-0.html?mp_global_size=undefined

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.

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.

Developed as a diagnostic training aid, the MantisX Elite is the second generation of the electronic device by Mantis that incorporates all previous models of programming. Its lightweight and compact design allows the shooter to use the device on a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or archery.

Inside the ruggedized polymer housing, the MantisX has a number of precision sensors that measure a variety of behaviors during the firing process to include recoil and draw analysis (if so utilized). The device is sensitive enough to be used with regular ammunition, dry fire, or even airsoft devices.

The MantisX attaches securely to any MIL-STD-1913 rail via an integrated mount on the device’s exterior housing. A QD switch faces forward and allows for easy attaching/removal of the device, while a rear-facing USB port allows for charging of the internal power source when not in use. On the bottom is the Bluetooth sync button with a visual LED light to denote pairing with your enabled device.

When used in conjunction with a holster, the MantisX Elite module itself fits inside the portion of the holster that is allotted for a full-size weapon light. However, because it is not an exact fit, users will note the firearm may not be as secure inside the holster as it is with a weapon light.

The real diagnostic power of the MantisX lies in its application, free for download to any iOS or Android device. When synched via Bluetooth, the MantisX displays real-time individual shooter data in the form of several functions:

• Direction & Magnitude
• Shot-by-Shot Analysis
• Detailed Trace

This functionality is then spread out across 11 different drills built into the Training option of the app that includes; Open Training, Benchmark, Primary/Support Hand Only, Reload Drills, Hostage Drills, and more.

In addition, the MantisX Elite offers a number of assistive training modes and instructor-led courses that are intended to help the individual address noted deficiencies. These are presented as both textual, or come with an assistive video for demonstrative purposes.

The app also allows for a group and leaderboard mode that enables the shooter to compete with friends and fellow team members.

Lastly, the Settings feature of the app allows for the customization of the MantisX for a variety of features to include audible settings, sensor mounting, and overall historical tracking.

Specifications:

• Overall Dimensions: 1.3” (L) x 1” (W) x 0.75” (H)
• Approximate Runtime: 20 hrs. on single charge

The MantisX comes in a variety of models, each with varying degrees of functionality with the Elite being the premier model and only comes in black.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With MantisX having a variety of training devices available within its product line; the Elite version is the most advanced and recent on the market with an MSRP of $249.99 (while its X2 device starts at $99). Obviously the Elite has all the functionality and added applications of other previous models, making it the most inclusive device offered. While there is no direct comparison to the MantisX device on the current market, alternatives for users could be as simple as a pack of dry-fire snap caps ($8), to reactive laser target kit ($110-$350) like those from LaserLyte, or the smart phone Dry Fire Training Kits ($87-$149) from LasterHIT. However, each of these alternatives do not have the ability of giving you the analytical diagnostic feedback as what the MantisX devices are capable of. As such, the top tier MantisX Elite is appropriately (or of average) priced with regards to the overall market of training devices, while the more inexpensive Mantis X2 and other versions being more competitively priced (but with less functionality).
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the MantisX Elite boiled down to how comfortable the device was to use physically, as well as navigate the smart device application. With regards to the Elite device itself, it somewhat mounted easily to any MIL-STD-1913 rail, however some handgun rails (such as on a Gen 5 G19) have a somewhat domed profile, which made for a tight fit to the Elite device (which necessitates a flat picatinny rail profile like on a P226). Thus, users should be aware of this aspect before considering and how the rail of their handgun may play a factor. In both cases (domed or flat rails) the Elite device was still able to be properly mounted and remained secure throughout evaluation. Elsewhere, the smart device application was amazingly easy to navigate, though very in-depth in terms of different means to display shot placement, data analytics, and recommendations for improvement. The extensive training options within the app were appropriately divided so as not to become overwhelming. Yet through it all, the app’s interface was very intuitive and the buttonology flowed easily with some icons sharing commonality to the basic smart device operating system (i.e. an “X” to close, the trashcan option to delete, zoom in/out function, etc.).
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The electronic device to the MantisX Elite was made with a polymer/ABS shell that enclosed the sensitive electrical measurement devices, which recorded vibration, velocity, and angle. That data was then sent via Wi-Fi to the smart device app for further refinement. Throughout use, the device handled both dry and live-fire, holstering, and general range use (to include magazine changes and barricade shooting) without any indication of cracking, wear, or fatigue at the rail mount. One other notable aspect to the durability of the MantisX Elite was the speed in which the device paired with the smart device, even after prolonged use. This demonstrated that although the device was presented with hard use, it was still able to safeguard the sensitive electronics inside to rapidly enable pairing quickly and consistently.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally after an extensive 30-day evaluation on both pistol and rifle, it was determined that the MantisX Elite offered two distinct roles. The first being that it made practice (regardless of weather or setting) more enjoyable (thus increasing the likelihood of continued training). The ability of the device to distinguish between both live and dry fire behaviors meant one could practice on the range in ideal weather with live fire, or dry fire in the basement or garage when the range was closed due to inclement weather or COVID restrictions. The second role of the MantisX was that it allowed in-depth visualization of the mechanics involved in the individual’s specific shooting style. While yes, you could duplicate this process by examining shot placement and personal videos, with the assistance of a dedicated instructor with years of experience, over the process of endless paid private lessons. But realistically few are willing to dedicate themselves to the more traditional road in an era of technology and analytics, with ammo shortages and time in high demand. Moreover, instructors may find the MantisX more ideal for younger students who identify with data-centric analytics partnered with personal guidance. Elsewhere, it was found that the Elite and its app focused on improvement of fundamental principles (trigger squeeze, grip, sight picture, follow-through, etc.) through multiple drills with time and repetition, whereby it took a minimum of 50 rounds for each drill for the software to really begin delving out the full analytics into the shooter’s performance and behaviors (heeling, anticipation, grip posture, etc.). Thus, over time and following the recommendations on improvement, the shooter did note improvement in performance over the 30-day evaluation specifically on; accuracy, acquisition, and follow-through. The MantisX as a training device doesn’t make one a top-tier competition, A Class shooter specifically because it stresses the core fundamentals that without which other advanced techniques cannot be built. But over time, individuals will be challenged via the in-app drills to improve—and that opens the door for other avenues that are similar to improvement in competition shooting such as; wind sprints, stage planning, multiple transitions and more that have broad application.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): At an amazingly demure 0.5 ounces, the MantisX Elite did not pull down or otherwise weigh down either handgun or rifle (as that would have negatively affected the sensor analytics) thanks in large part to the polymer housing and lightweight sensor technology. This helped ensure accuracy and that the mechanics of the shooter wasn’t thrown off. Furthermore, the MantisX came in a small, compact foam padded case that was zipper secured to help protect all components during transport. In comparison, the reactive laser target kits (at 1 pound total for all components) like those from LaserLyte, or the smart phone Dry Fire Training Kits (at 1 pound total for all components and excluding wall targets) from LasterHIT all illustrate that comparable systems rely on multiple parts with invariably more weight and bulk that takes up added space.

Overall Rating – Very Good (22/25)

Product Link: https://mantisx.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.