High Ground Media, LLC

One overlooked aspect of tactical training or operations on the objective is the respiratory health of those in harms way. Yet with the dust, carbonized metal and lead, smoke and more—those individuals can inhale a lot of harmful particulates (even in well ventilated training houses). Over time this can translate to harmful health risks. The TR2 by O2 Tactical is one of only a few to consider these risks and works to minimize its exposure to those who work in harm’s way.

Introduced in 2020, the TR2 is the second generation of tactical respirators by O2 Tactical and is made from a combination of formed soft-touch, medical grade silicone, shaped ABS plastic, and a central raspatory filter.

The harnessing system consists of a continuous two-part head band that has a lower elastic nylon material for support and comfort, and the upper rubberized head band for retention. As the lower is expanded, the upper is cinched and vice versa. Overall length for the head band is adjusted via slide buckles on the upper band near the front face mask.

The front face of the TR2 features a base, contoured layer of medical grade silicone that is designed to fit around the mouth and nose during dynamic movement, while still maintaining a low enough profile to accommodate eyewear. There is even sufficient material to accommodate a proper seal with facial hair.

As part of the front face is a clip-on attachment that houses the principal air filter. The main intent for this filter is to prevent the inhalation of aerosolized lead from discharged ammunition. The filter itself is made from a material that is effective up to 98.8% at 0.3 microns. This means it will stop any airborne particulates found in the lead from gunfire discharge or suppressor use, asbestos, lubricant mist, dust, dirt, carbon from wildfires, and some airborne pathogens. In late 2020, O2 Tactical submitted for certification of its TR2 filter as N95 rated. Editor’s Note: It is important to note to the reader, the TR2 filter is not currently rated to filter out the COVID-19 virus, which is 0.125 microns but still offers comparable protections as N95 or other face masks.

Below the filter clip-on is a removable tube that allows the TR2 to be compatible with various Invisio® headsets for microphone integration and team communications using the associated O2 Tactical accessory (sold separately).

The TR2 is only available in Black (featured), and is a one-size-fits-most.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price of $225 the TR2 is the latest rendition of tactical respirators from O2 Tactical, and involves an air filtration system that provides freedom of airflow and respiratory safety to those training or operating in enclosed areas. While the focus of the TR2 is for those in a tactical setting, the product also has potential applicability for civilians amid the ongoing COVID era. The only market alternative to the TR2 would be the Special Operations Tactical Respirator – SOTR ($300) by OpsCore/Gentex. Thus from a price point; and for its more minimalist design, the TR2 is at a good value for its functionality.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): It took a little time to find the appropriate balance between expanding/cinching the TR2’s harness system that allowed for a good seal, and was still comfortable. The sliding buckles did provide a solid adjustment to the overall length of the harness without any slippage. The TR2 silicone had a comfortable contour around the mouth and nose, although felt unstable as the lower portion of the TR2’s design rests on the Mentolabial Crease (that spot between your lower lip and the chin) rather than extending down to enclose the entire chin. The result was a secure seal only as long as the wearer was not extending the jaw (such as to opening the mouth to talk or shout), but when maximum range of motion was applied, the mask would lose some of its seal and stability. It is recommended to O2 Tactical to address this in subsequent future designs so that the chin is enclosed and the overall mask maintains its seal for all range of motion. Airflow through the filter was easy and uninterrupted, even when conducting dynamic movements (sprints).
• Durability – Good (4/5): From a durability aspect, the main material in the TR2 was the medical grade silicone, which was both flexible and resistant to abrasion. This is the same material that is in military NBC masks and known for its resistance to oil, solvents, corrosion, and puncture. And similarly, the silicone material in the TR2 heavily attracted lint and other particulates, but that didn’t affect fit or seal. Separately, O2 Tactical detailed that the TR2’s filter was only good for an estimated 40hr of wear time. This was dependent on the atmosphere involved with dust and larger particulates obviously clogging the filter material quicker. A recent study of the TR2 also revealed that the respirator did survive drop testing of 120 times from a height of 1m without any damage to the unit, and the multi-fabric head harness had a lateral sheer strength between 20 and 30 pounds depending on the material tested. All of this far exceeds what the casual user would experience in training or in the field.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the TR2 provided an overall good flow of oxygen to the user, despite the intake passing through a filter and in an enclosed seal. Some minimal beading of moisture on the interior of the unit, and around the filer, was noted after an hour of continual and dynamic wear, but was to be expected and common with this type of device. Removal of the clip-on attachment at the face of the respirator, and replacing the filter was easy to do. However, re-attaching the filter/clip while wearing the mask was somewhat challenging as it relied on alignment of the retention clips that cannot be observed nor felt while wearing the mask. This resulted in several instances where it did not fully seat. This problem was easily resolved by simply removing the mask to remove/replace/reattach the components prior to time on the range or in operation (something that each filter’s 40 hour lifespan could easily handle). The minimalist profile of the mask did allow for comfortable wear of eyewear without fogging as well as shouldering a rifle, all while maintaining a proper seal. The one aspect of function that was concerning was the rigid plastic tab supporting the area of material over the bridge of the nose. This rigid piece did not contour/flex to the nose very well, and could potentially jab the wearer in the soft tissue of the face or around the eye if a frontal impact was experienced. It is recommended to O2 Tactical that if the overall area of silicone material were expanded, as discussed in the Comfort section above, this area of the nose could be thickened and not rely on a rigid plastic spur for structure. Other areas of recommended improvement would be alternative harness/mounting designs to allot for quick attach/detach and/or direct attachment to hook-and-loop panels of a helmet. As is, in its current design the TR2 can only be worn under a helmet or headwear, and can only be removed by first removing the headgear.
• Weight – Good (4/5): With an overall weight of 5.1 ounces (the filter alone accounting for 0.5 ounces) the TR2 was very lightweight and did not detract from the front of the face, nor pull excessively on the neck or muscles over time. Indeed, properly fitted the TR2 hung effortlessly. In contrast, the SOTR (16 ounces) is more than double the weight, but is due to the fact it is more encompassing of the face with a much larger air filer. Thus for its minimalist design and overall function, the TR2 has a good level of light overall weight for the consumer and within the market.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.o2tactical.com/products/tr2-tactical-respirator-ii

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.

Made from a variety of components, the complete battle belt system by Direct Action offers the end user an ideal blend of lightweight yet durable materials, rugged reinforcement, and utilitarian design. The result is a comfortable, light, and feasible tactical accessory that will serve well on the range or in the field. Direct Action (DA) has invested considerable effort to ensuring its battle belt system, and other products, represent the latest in materials and fabrication.

Mustang Inner Belt

Intended as the base belt for other DA systems, the Mustang Inner Belt is a thin, flexible belt that can be utilized EDC wear, but in a moment’s notice can mount to the inner hook-and-loop (female) material of the Mustang and Mosquito line of belts.

The Inner Belt is made from a combination of nylon laminate on the inward facing side, and hook-and-loop (male) on the outer.

The Inner Belt threads itself though the belt loops that helps prevent ride-up, while ensuring positive retention to other systems. A plastic pass-through belt loop allows the belt to be reversed back on itself to corresponding hook-and-loop material for a customized fit.

Specifications:

• Size M:
  • Length: 36-39”
• Size L:
  • Length: 39-43”
• Size XL:
  • Length: 43-47”

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/mustang-inner-belt#CBR

Warhawk Rescue/Gun Belt

The Warhawk series of accessories by DA is intended to be more for field use, and designed to be more rigid and bear increased weight. As such, the Rescue/Gun Belt can be used in conjunction with the Mustang Inner Belt, by itself, or as the inner belt to the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve. As a stand-alone belt, the Rescue/Gun Belt is intended to be one of the main platforms for uses to place pouches or other accessories.

Using a genuine AustriAlpin Cobra Belt Buckle, the outward facing edge of the Rescue/Gun Belt includes a 45mm-wide, Type 13 webbing material with a reinforced utility loop near the buckle for attaching clips, rings, or other items. Moreover, the overlap material is significantly reinforced with additional stitching to prevent separation under high separation stressors.

The inner facing edge has a band of hook-and-loop (female) material that extends the length of the belt for bonding to associated male fields on the Mustang belts or other accessories. Any excess material is secured by an elastic cuff to the belt itself.

Specifications:

• Size M:
  • Length: 36-39”
• Size L:
  • Length: 39-43”
• Size XL:
  • Length: 43-47”

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/warhawk-rescue-gun-belt#MCM

Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve

The Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve is 4” wide and intended to augment either the Mustang Inner belt, or the Warhawk Rescue/Gun Belt to provide sufficient padding to the sides, while providing stable platform to mount heavier accessories.

With an exterior comprised of Cordura laminate nylon for added strength and tear resistance, the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve features an extensive laser-cut MOLLE field. The overall design is intended to hug and hold the hips and upper thigh for a stable platform.

Access slots are designed into the bottom edge to accommodate for the pass-through of thigh-rigs or other type of leg-drop panels. There are four plastic eyelets for attaching an optional shoulder harness (sold separately).

The interior is also made from Cordura nylon and has integrated padding into the belt’s body to aid in comfort. The inward-facing side of the belt is lined with matte hook-and-loop (female) material that bonds to the associated outward-facing male material on the Mustang Inner Belt.

Specifications:

• Size S:
  • Length: 29
• Size M:
  • Length: 31
• Size L:
  • Length: 36
• Size XL:
  • Length: 39

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/mosquito-modular-belt-sleeve#AGR

Speed Reload Pouch (Pistol)

Made from folded Cordura with rigid plastic inserts, the Speed Reload Pouch for pistol magazines offers rapid draw of magazines with no loss of retention.

The enclosing shock chord, with speed lock, is wrapped through laser-cut MOLLE sections and allows for easy adjustment of tension.

The rear features a laminate nylon MOLLE strap that joins to associated fields on the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve or other MOLLE fields.

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/speed-reload-pouch-pistol#MCM

Speed Reload Pouch (Rifle)

Similar in design and materials to the pistol pouch, the Speed Reload Pouch for rifle magazines is made from folded Cordura with rigid plastic inserts, and allows for the rapid draw of magazines with no loss of retention.

The enclosing shock chord, with speed lock, is wrapped through laser-cut MOLLE sections and allows for easy adjustment of tension.

The rear features a laminate nylon MOLLE strap that joins to associated fields on the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve or other MOLLE fields.

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/speed-reload-pouch-rifle#MCM

Med Pouch (Horizontal) MkII

A basic sleeve/insert design, the 1.5” (W) x 5.75” (H) x 8.5” (L) Medical Pouch MkII comes in a larger variant than its predecessor with a horizontal draw that makes it comfortable when stowed.

Made from a combination of materials, the outer sleeve comprises of 500D Cordura nylon front/back panels with 210D elastic nylon sides that allow for expansion of the sides to accommodate the side of the medical insert pouch. The word “MED” is written on pinpoint ink lettering on the outward facing exterior to clearly mark it as an aid pouch. The interior of backpanel has a field of hook-and-loop (male) that connects to the associated field on the rear exterior of the insert and provides primary retention. The rear of the Medical Pouch includes two MOLLE straps that allow the overall pouch to be connected to the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve, belt loops, or other MOLLE fields.

The medical insert pouch itself is zipper-secured on three sides and, when opened, lies flat for maximum access to the contents. The exterior of the medical insert is made from 210D nylon, with a hook-and-loop (female) field on the rear that connects to the corresponding field inside the outer sleeve. Anchoring into either side is a pull-handle of hypalon that allows for ambidextrous drawing the insert from either left or right side.

Inside the medical insert are three bands of elastic nylon (two on one side, one on the other) that are segmented to different lengths to allow for the storage of a variety of medical items. On either side of the interior halves are two Hypalon tabs that allow for the medical pouch to be hanged as necessary when being utilized.

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/med-pouch-horizontal-mk-iir#CBR

Dump Pouch

Intending to be rolled up and unobtrusive when not in use, the Dump Pouch can open to allow for the immediate storage of a variety of different items. Made from dominantly 500D Cordura nylon, the dump pouch can be easily deployed with just a tug on the elastic hypalon pull tab.

When open, the Dump Pouch extends to 5.1” (W) x 11” (H) x 9.3” (L) that can accommodate a number of rifle magazines or other SSE items. The top secured via a nylon shock cord with pinch lock, while the bottom includes a nylon mesh material for immediate drainage.

The dump pouch comes with two plastic proprietary MALICE straps that can be threaded through the laser-cut MOLLE field on the rear of the dump pouch and connected to any other associated MOLLE field.

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/dump-pouch#MCM

All of Direct Action’s Mustang, Mosquito, and Warhawk battle belt elements are available in a variety of colors to include Crye Multicam (featured), OD Green (featured), Black, PenCott Badlands, Shadow Grey, and more.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): The cost of each component to the DA Battle Belt varies based on color pattern selected, and in some cases size:
  • Mustang Inner Belt (Size: Large)…………………$22.44
  • Warhawk Rescue/Gun Belt (Size: Large)………$67.92
  • Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve (Size: Large)…$84.15
  • Speed Reload Pouch (Pistol)…………………………..$21.59
  • Speed Reload Pouch (Rifle)………………………….$29.67
  • Medical Pouch (Horizontal)………………….……..$61.12
  • Dump Pouch…………………………………………………$36.47

The total cost for the evaluated DA battle belt system ran $374.62 USD. This price also represents the DA battle belt system comprising of some of the most current designs and materials available on the market. In comparison, a similar battle belt setup by First Spear ($474.76), HSGI ($595), and GCode ($295) all demonstrate that the cost for DA’s system is of a good value within the market range of options. Reinforcing this scoring is that the DA system has many of the characteristics and materials of more expensive systems at a fraction of their cost.

• Comfort – Good (4/5): Of immediate notice, is that the contoured design of the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve had a direct hugging effect to the waist and upper hip when wrapped around and secured with an associated belt. It also provided good padding for the body against loaded magazines or other accessories. The Mustang Inner Belt was very light and did provide a nice EDC style belt to trousers worn throughout the day and around the range. When the time came to working on the firing line, the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve was easily donned to the inner Mustang belt and provided a secure hold to the body. The AustriAlpin buckle did provide a solid and audible lock consistently throughout the evaluations by taking it on and off. On a note of comfort, for the Speed Pouches the plastic inserts provide much the same rapid and comfortable drawing/insertion as other aftermarket kydex pouch inserts, by ensuring the pouch retains a stable shape when in use. Elsewhere the design of the Medical Pouch, with its elastic sides, retained a flat and even profile, even when fully loaded with necessary aid items. Likewise the Dump Pouch was easily deployed by a simple shock cord retention band and comfortable fit a large amount of items with room to spare.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The overriding volume of material used throughout the DA battle belt system is 500D Codrua nylon; with a corresponding balance between laminate nylon used elsewhere, and other materials (shock cord, cinch hardware, AustriAlpin buckle, etc.). The choice of this material put the DA battle belt system on par with many other high-end or Tier 1 performing platforms. In comparison, other more traditional systems rely exclusively (or predominantly) on nylon—something which makes them heavier and retains moisture greater. The use of laminate nylon alone typically has an 1000D abrasion rating, and with the added 500D Cordura, made the overall battle belt system extremely light and durable to both tension and abrasion, in dynamic movements and heavy use. After evaluations, no fraying at the laser-cut MOLLE fields or stretching of the laminate nylon was noted, while the retention of the Speed Pouches remained consistent throughout.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, as a whole, the overall DA battle belt system works very well in conjunction with its various elements to successfully achieve the goal of providing a comfortable and stable platform for the end user. The Mustang Inner Belt allowed trousers, like Direct Action’s Vanguard trousers used during several evaluations, to be worn comfortably around the range, in vehicles, or elsewhere in daily life. It also provided for an immediate-application platform that bonded to the inner lining of the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve, which in turn could be secured by the Warhawk belt. In all the system worked amazingly well together.

Added onto the battle belt was the Speed Pouches that provided comparable access, and retention as any other industry-leading pouches in good part to its plastic inserts. The broad laser-cut MOLLE field on the Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve allowed for user customization and as such, the Dump Pouch was placed easily in a position where it could be readily accessed despite having a different mounting system than all the other components. When opened the Dump Pouch held considerable volume, despite its relatively small size when rolled up and stowed away. The Horizontal Medical Kit MkII was of sufficient storage space to accommodate; one CAT-T, one Israeli Battle Dressing, one gauze roll, one nasopharyngeal airway tube, one set of medical shears, one Quick Clot packet, and one chest seal. Despite all these medical items, there was still sufficient space left to add other smaller items or accessories—and still slid from its outer sleeve with sufficient pull (the inner hook-and-loop lining provided a very good level of retention to the insert while inside the sleeve).

Perhaps from a functional aspect, one factor the consumer may want to consider is the addition of a shoulder harness (sold separately) as it will help offset some of the weight born on the hips to the shoulders. The Mosquito Modular Belt Sleeve has the necessitating hardware to accommodate such an accessory. The only recommendation to Direct Action from a functional improvement standpoint, would be to consider upgrading the AustriAlpin Cobra Buckle on the Warhawk Rescue/Gun Belt to include the newer variant with the integrated D-Ring. This would move the retention point to the stronger, all metal belt buckle while necessitating less material to form one out of Cordura on the belt.

• Weight – Good (4/5): With an overall weight of 2.14 pounds (empty) in its current configuration, the DA battle belt system utilized a blend of 500D Cordura and laminate nylon to maintain a relative light overall weight. This weight can vary based on the application of the user (i.e. what pouches are used), and the DA system weighs very comfortably on the hip (that can be further mitigated on the hips by utilizing a shoulder harness). In comparison, the belt system by First Spear (2.15 pounds) and GCode (2.15 pounds) demonstrate the light weight factors of using combined materials (such as Cordura and laminate nylon). In contrast, the HSGI battle belt (4.01 pounds) shows the increased weight when using a dedicated nylon product system. As such, for its weight, material type, and number of pouches included in the evaluated battle belt system, the DA battle belt was still among the more lightweight ones available.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.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.

Owned and operated by US Tactical Systems in Washington, Missouri, Elite Survival Systems (ESS) is a manufacturer of quality products focusing on concealment, transport, or field use for the public. Among its core product line, is the Cobra Riggers Belt and SIDEWINDER™ Adaptive MOLLE Battel Belt. Worn together, the two provide for a comfortable, sturdy belt fit for range or tactical applications.

Elite Survival Cobra Riggers Belt 

The Cobra Riggers Belt is Elite Survival’s take on the classic field belt and can serve as a stand-alone belt or the foundation of a full range/duty belt. It’s Cobra Riggers Belt CRB was among the first to offer the patented AustriAlpin Cobra quick release belt buckle with a rescue D-ring.

The Cobra Buckle is rated to 4000 pounds (straight pull) of force, and the D-ring is rated to 5000 pounds (straight pull), exceeding ANSI Z359.1, CSA, EN, UIAA, and NFPA standards. There is a full “rigger’s stitch” on the D-ring side for added strength and durability.

The belt itself consists of 1.75″ Mil-Spec Type 13 webbing that is rated to 7000 pounds (straight pull) tensile strength. The webbing gives the belt a rigid profile that can support additional gear to be added either directly to the belt, or via a padded battle belt.

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/belts/cobra-riggers-belt/

SIDEWINDER™ Adaptive MOLLE Battle Belt

The SIDEWINDER™ is a 4.75″ padded battle belt offered by Elite Survival as an alternative to mounting holsters or pouches to your belt, while providing comfort to the weight on the body.

The SIDEWINDER is made from 1000D nylon construction and includes segmented PALS panels to accommodate any MOLLE attachment pouch or holster. At either end of the belt are hook-and-loop retention straps that ensure the base belt does not rotate or slide.

The belt itself consists of thick, 1/4” closed cell foam padding with mounting points/hardware for attaching suspenders or a vest (sold separately). On the interior of the SIDEWINDER is a vented mesh to aid in airflow and moisture wicking. On the belt’s interior face, at the rear, is a rubberized panel to increase the overall belt’s grip and prevent slippage during dynamic body movements.

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/belts/sidewinder-adaptive-molle-battle-belt/

Elite Survival System’s Belt Specifications:

• Sizes:
  • SM – Fits 26-31 waist
  • M   – Fits 32-38 waist
  • L   – Fits 39-44 waist
  • XL – Fits 45-50 waist
  • XXL – Fits 51-56 waist

The SIDEWINDER belt available in Black, Coyote, Olive Drab, and Multicam (featured). The D-Ring Cobra buckle by AustiAlpin available only in Black or Coyote (featured).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With the Cobra Riggers Belt at $99.95 and the SIDEWINDER at $72.95, the price point for both belts is based on the overall volume of material, and the quality of nylon involved. Elements like stitching and source (domestic or overseas) can also influence the vendor’s price point. Comparable market alternatives would be; the Assaulters Gun Belt ($81.61) and the Padded AGB Sleeve ($106.81) by First Spear, or the Cobra IDR Riggers Belt (no hook-and-loop) ($91) and Suregrip Padded Belt ($120) by HSGI. With regards to price, it is a tradeoff with the Rigger’s Belt by Elite Survival still above price point of competitors, but the SIDEWINDER below. Thus, the cost of both belts is considered a draw (or average), and left to the consumer to determine how those costs would best fit within their needs or if mixing in alternatives is more feasible.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): Worn independently, the Rigger’s belt felt like any other, with stiff contouring consistent with Type 13 webbing. The Cobra buckle itself provided a clear and audible lock, although the D-ring tended to move around unnecessarily. A good suggestion for improvement would be to add a hook-and-loop retention strap to their Rigger’s belt to keep that D-ring flush. When combined with the SIDEWINDER, the larger, padded belt added comfort and provided a wider base by which the belt grabbed the waist line. The foam padding of the SIDEWINDER itself was not overly thick, but its width did give the hip significant protection from the weight borne.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Like most Elite Survival products, the Cobra Rigger’s Belt and the SIDEWINDER were both made from materials with a high degree of abrasion resistance. A number of vendors use Type 13 webbing to form the base material their rigger belts because of its high degree of tensile strength, as well as the webbing’s ability to withstand abrasion (the buckle often being the weakest aspect in any belt). There was notable reinforcement stitching on the belt that anchored the buckle and made for an extremely solid product. Similarly, the SIDEWINDER was crafted from 1000D nylon, a material also noted for its abrasion resistance, but intended more to support the weight of accessories or items hung around the waist. The outer edging and PALS sections of the SIDEWINDER were all double stitched, while the inner lines of MOLLE webbing had bartack that combined gave the belt a good deal of durability.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the belts were of average performance, demonstrating the expected aspects for their use. The sizing to the Cobra Belt was a little on the plus size; but once ran through the SIDEWINDER, the excess was used up by threading it through the MOLLE/PALS panels and/or additional accessory pouches. The rubberized panel helped ensure the outer SIDEWINDER didn’t rotate or sag. The MOLLE panels held up under stressor drills and supported the weight of fully loaded pouches with ease.
• Weight – Good (4/5): With the Cobra Riggers Belt (size Large) coming in at 14 ounces, and the SIDEWINDER at 9 ounces, the total weight for both as the foundation of a battle/range belt was very minimal. In truth the weight of a battle/range belt comes from its accessory pouches and loaded magazines thus the foundation belt(s) play a minor (but critical) role. In comparison, alternative competitors to Elite Survival’s riggers belt would be the Assaulter’s belt (10.8 ounces) from First Spear, or the Cobra IDR Riggers Belt (12.8 ounces) from HSGI. Alternatives to the SIDEWINDER would be the Padded AGB Sleeve (11.2 ounces) from First Spear, and the Suregrip Padded Belt (16 ounces) from HSGI. It should be noted that the most probable reason Elite Survival’s Cobra Riggers Belt weighs more than others is the belt’s inclusion of a D-ring into the Cobra Buckle, whereas other venders either do not offer such a variant or do so at an added cost. In contrast, the SIDEWINDER was still less in weight than either alternative listed, demonstrating the effective use of design and materials to deliver a lightweight foundation for a battle/range belt.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.elitesurvival.com/belts/

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.