Intended to break up pattern, and add a measure of scratch resistance, the Reese Wrap for night vision devices is available in a variety of patterns, to a variety of devices (to include lasers and flashlights). Reese Wrap uses precise laser-cut dimensions to give the tightest tolerances possible to ensure a complete match.
Using 500D Cordura nylon, the patterns arrive on a sheet, like many other adhesive products. This allots for maximized usage of the space and dimensions needed.
Each piece is sized using 3D scanning technology, so that it fits exactly where needed.
While the back uses 300LSE adhesive material, if a mistake is made you can remove the piece and realign it as necessary. Once complete, after 24 hours the adhesion will cure and provide a solid bond.
Reese Wrap does allot for an installation guide, however it is recommended that when applying to start on more complicated pieces and slowly work your way outward to smaller simplified pieces.
This review features the RNVG Reese Wrap in Multicam, although numerous other colors are available, such as OD Green, Desert Night Camo.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With most of its NVG wraps at $45, the dominant cost of product stems from the sheet of adhesive-backed Cordura, and labor in laser-cutting necessary to imprint the 3D scanned template to the material. This is comparable to other similar Cordura/nylon NVG wraps like those from Ranger Wrap. However, it is slightly more than vinyl adhesive NVG wrap alternatives that are approximately $30, such as those by Nocorium. The disparity in pricing is directly related to the difference in material, with Cordura nylon patterns being specifically intended to withstand abrasion more than vinyl. Given how little manufacturers there are of such a simplistic accessory, the cost of Reese Wrap NVGs patterns is appropriate within the market and a good overall value for what is gained in material difference.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): Comfort-wise, the Reese Wrap was very simplistic in its design and had an appropriate level of flexibility in the nylon material to allow for easy application. Even the more complex patterns, applied slowly, fit within all ascribed corners and spaces. The point here was to take the time and slowly apply each piece, and work from one side of the device to the other.
- Durability – Good (3/5): Durability of the Reese Wrap really was all about its adhesive-backed Cordura nylon, which given its feel and apparent woven density, would confirm its the typical 500D Cordura, and an appropriate fabric for many other tactical gear designs. The 500D represents the best balance in flexibility and abrasion resistance, while the Cordura additive often is best known for its ability to resist oil and staining. Over the period of evaluation, during use and after, at no point were any of the adhesive pieces observed loose or delaminating off the device. For all intents and purposes, the observed usage of the Reese Wrap added a good level of surface protection to the NGV housing and remained firmly affixed.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the purpose of the Reese Wrap was to break up the all-black profile commonly associated to NVGs with a pattern like other camouflage appearances. The wrap itself does a good job of disrupting the all-black housing, but obviously this was impossible for the adhesion-backed Cordura to be placed over angular 90-degree edges. By limiting the application to planes that are whole, it allows for a complete mating between the NVG housing and 3M adhesion material. It should be important to note for the end-user that their NVG should be clean and free of debris/dust prior to applying (ergo the included alcohol swab) to ensure clean contact. Additionally, it was better to slowly apply each section and gently lay it down to judge its correct placement, prior to applying pressure and activating the 3M adhesion compound. If not correct, do not apply pressure but rather remove and reapply to the desired placement. It is also helpful to use as minimal contact between the adhesion back and fingers, to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the adhesion and negating its effects after applied (using a hobby knife to “hold” a corner of the adhesion side was best). Once application is complete, allow 24 hours for the 3M adhesion material to set before use.
- Weight – Average (3/5): The weight of the applied Reese Wrap to NVGs was minimal (less than an ounce) and reflected the nature of Cordura nylon as a thin fabric. As the product arrives in a single sheet, roughly ¼ of the shipping weight will be lost just by removing the sections from its sheet as not all the material is used. The wrap neither offset the balance of NVGs, nor pulled excessively on the housing once mounted. The Cordura Reese Wrap would be appropriate (or average) of other similar nylon of vinyl wraps on the market.
Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)
Product Link: https://reesewraps.com
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.
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