Tactical body armor for SWAT teams:

SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) is an elite tactical team unit used in various departments of national law enforcement. The operations that are out of the scope of regular officers which pose high risk are carried out by these highly trained SWAT teams. Their duties include counter terrorism operations and hostage rescue; search warrants and performing arrests of high risks; keep under control barricaded suspects; and engage criminals armed heavily. SWAT teams are provided with specialized and powerful firearms like assault rifles, submachine guns, riot control agents, breaching shotguns, sniper rifles and stun grenades. Their specialized equipments include ballistic shields, heavy body armor, night vision optics that are highly advanced, armored vehicles, motion detectors which would help them the position of the hostages or their takers inside closed places and entry tools.

SWAT teams services are not frequent but that doesn’t mean that these equipped, capable and highly trained officers will enjoy a leisure time when there is no emergency. There are several departments where these officers are posted for regular duties but they can be called out any time through radio transceivers, pagers or mobile phones. Large and prominent police agencies like the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) these SWAT officers can be often seen in various roles mostly crime suppression. They are far more specialized and dangerous than the regular patrol although they do not carry their distinctive weapons and armor.

Because of the huge demand of the officers every day, situations might arise where these SWAT officers are given the responsibility of regular patrol. In order to reduce the response time of the SWAT teams in serious situations, SWAT weaponry and equipments are now placed inside lockers that are absolutely secure. It is generally kept in the trunks of the police cruisers that are highly specialized. Los Angeles is a big place with a lot of traffic that why these are cruisers are kept so that the officers won’t find it necessary to return back to the department. Situations that ask for heavy duty equipments may need some kind of alternate arrangement.

Depending on the emergency of the situation including like close quarters combat (CQC) in urban environments these SWAT teams use specially designed equipments. Although the equipments vary from one unit to the other but the trend is almost the same in what they use and wear.

Police SWAT teams, paramilitary squads and tactical units depend on the lightest and best ballistic helmets capable of delivering superior protection. Protective products are available from one of the best manufacturers like body armor which is affordable and capable of protecting against multi hits and sniper shots.

Depending on the unique duties they carry out SWAT team members are found in unique and distinctive uniforms in the field. The fire resistant jumpsuit that SWAT members wear is generally navy blue or black in color. They are well equipped with specialized body armors and belt or vest for ammunition transport and equipments like tasers. Goggles, masks and helmets are common identifiable objects in SWAT members but they vary according to the situation.

In some countries officers wear concealable carriers. The ballistic panels are held close to the body and over the carrier the uniform is worn. These are designed to fit perfectly the body of the person and people who are obese face some difficulty in getting a perfect shaped carrier which is much more comfortable.

The TK35 is only 16cm long by 43cm wide while producing a massive 820 lumens. The fact that it can contain that much power with that small of a body still astounds me, but that is all thanks to the Cree XM-L that is housed inside this little monster. The TK35, much like most newer flash lights is designed to be used with cr123 and 18650 batteries. It requires either 4x cr123 batteries or 2x 18650. With that in mind, your battery life is 93 mins on Turbo (820 lumens), 5 hours 6 minutes on high (346 lumens), 16 hours on medium (109 lumens) and 170 hours on low (12 lumens). All modes are controlled by a separated toggle button on the back for easy access.

I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but my experiences with the TK35 during durability tests were exactly what I’ve come to expect from Fenix. The TK35 held up like a warm sunny day in water proof tests, cold, heat and a trip down a flight of stairs. Even a 6 foot drop didn’t seem to phase this guy. I decided to go one step further this time and freeze the TK35 into a block of ice and even that seemed to have no effect on the light. The hard anodized black finish has proven to be more than durable when faced with situations that would scratch, chip or otherwise mar the finish. You can barely see the beating that I have give to my TK35.

The ergonomics of the Tk35 aren’t perfect. To me this came to be expected in its ultra-compact design. Though it doest fit as perfectly in my hand as a round light would. I respect the fact that Fenix went for a minimalist design instead of adding some bulky useless metal to the equation. In the box was the usual basic holster that I am not a huge fan of, but hey, it does the trick. There was also a lanyard that has a nice little paracord esque braid. But for the most part its just a little useless piece of string. I have noticed on Fenix’s new lights that they have labeled “Caution HOT” on the head of the light. While I’m sure that is just to avoid some stupid lawsuit, I haven’t really seen one of these get much more than just luke warm.

I cant see much to improve on with this light. Most lights I have experienced are double the size to output this much light, so for the minor inconvenience in ergonomics I will gladly take half the size, weight and batteries. If you like the looks of this light, but maybe its too big, check out some of the other lights that I’ve reviewed like the Fenix TK12, Fenix PD32, Fenix MC11 or the Coast PX-5.

I think I’m going to need a section just for flashlights soon! If you havent seen it yet, I am giving away a Fenix MC11 over on the contests page at the top as well!

First, lets talk about what a brokerage fee is, what duties are and how they effect all of us. Brokerage fees are what many shipping companies charge us to spend the time claiming the values of our goods to customs (The CBSA, Canadian Border Services Agency here in Canada). The respective border agency then tells the shipping company how much taxes we mus pay to bring our products in to the country. These government fees will be based on what state or province you live in, where the product was made and how much it is worth (strong words of advice, don’t lie about this part. If they catch you, it hurts). The shipping company then slaps an invoice on your package but adds a “little” convenience fee on there because they did the work for you. Some companies are very minimal on these “convenience” or brokerage fees, but some feel that time is money and will make every hole on your body sting if at all possible. While postal services like Canada Post and USPS are known for their $5 flat rates (plus any duties owed), companies like UPS and FEDEX are committing highway robbery with fees up to and higher than $100 on many occasions. These costs are on top of any duties owed. That is flat out robbery.

Many people usually avoid these fees by using their regular mail systems. But there are many downfalls to this system, for example: Mail based shipping is significantly slower than most courrier services, Tracking often doesn’t work once the product crosses the border, Express shipping is grossly overpriced, rates of loss or damage are higher and many other reasons. Courrier services like UPS and FEDEX are often much quicker and can some times be less expensive too, but you run the risk of these evil fees!

If I were to ask for a show of hands as to how many people have received a package from UPS only to be hit with a bill equal to or more than the product they purchased, I probably wouldn’t see any hands because your’re reading this from all of your secret ninja hideouts on the internet. But I bet most of you did raise your hand. So we all hate this, we must see this stop, but how? Let me tell you.

What if UPS didn’t do the brokerage part of the deal? Well then they couldn’t charge us for their efforts. What I am about to tell you will work in Canada, but I am not sure about anywhere else. I do however suggest that every one check with their respective customs agencies on their policies with brokerage. If this process sounds too hard, there are also many brokerage companies that operate on much lower flat rates than UPS (usually $10 or so). So below I am going to list out the steps, you must follow them fairly correctly or you wont succeed.

1. Order a product online from your favourite cross-border retailer.
2. Wait for your tracking number
3. Contact the courrier and let them know you will be brokering your own package (You may have to go to the courriers depot to pick up your package if you do this)
4. Take your invoice (paypal or similar) and your tracking number to your nearest CBSA office (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/listing/indexpages/index-e.html)
5. Pay the taxes on your invoice to obtain a clearance form from the CBSA
6. Go pick up your package at your courriers depot and provide the documentation you received from the CBSA
7. Profit?

Some things that may happen, but dont let this discourage you: UPS is known for telling you that you have to go to the port of entry (place where the package crosses the border) to broker the package. While not entirely untrue, you only need to do this if your package exceeds $1000 in value. UPS has also been known to tell people that they can not follow this procedure, they are lying when they say this. If you have issues, contact the CBSA.

As I stated above, this process works in Canada, I cannot verify that for any other countries, but the rules are likely similar. Again, if this seems like too much work you should search the internet for some flat rate brokerage companies that will do the work for a much lower cost than the courrier companies do.

This process has been tried and tested, but many just don’t know about it. Lets show these courrier companies that we are smarter than them and wont let them charge us for not knowing any better. Don’t forget to share your success stories and don’t forget to apologize to your cat for contemplating the thought of using it as an outlet for your rage.

Evan “The Tactical Survivor”

www.tacticalsurvivor.com

United® Cutlery to License Willumsen Urban Tactical Knife Designs

Moultrie, GA – (May 2, 2012)

United Cutlery has paired with Custom Knifemaker Mikkel WIllumsen of Denmark to produce one of the most unique tactical folding knives on the market today. Willumsen has been a custom knifemaker for the past ten years in Copenhagen, Denmark, calling his designs Urban Tactical. Specializing in folders, fixed blades and balisongs, Willumsen’s designs are based on functionality and quality, mixing classical designs with modern tactics. Renowned for his inovative and tactical designs, Mikkel Willumsen brings his talents and knifemaking experience to United® Cutlery.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mikkel Willumsen,” said Clint Kadel, CEO and owner of United® Cutlery. “Mikkel is a well-respected designer with years of experience. Willumsen’s knives are already highly sought-after in the custom-knife world, fetching as much as $600 each for a tactical folder. We are excited at the opportunity to give all knife enthusiasts a chance to purchase a Willumsen Urban Tactical knife at an affordable price with no compromise in the quality of materials.”

United Cutlery has chosen to launch this exclusive new line of premium knives with Willumsen’s most-popular custom knife, “Blondie.” The Blondie features rugged G10 handle scales with a distinct, grippy pattern machined right into the handle. The high-carbon 440C stainless steel blades are razor-sharp and offer excellent blade retention qualities thanks to the high carbon content of the 440C stainless steel. An over-sized thumb hole allows for an easy one-handed open with even a gloved hand. The blade opens smoothly and with an added flick of a wrist, it could even fool users into thinking it was an automatic. The modified tanto point blade offers the strength of a tanto point with the versatility of a drop-point. It makes short work of shaving wood for starting fires and saws right through the toughest ballistic nylon straps making it a perfect blade for troops in combat. A rock-solid, frame-lock mechanism ensures the blade stays securely open while in use for safe operation on even strenuous cutting tasks. A low-profile stainless steel pocket clip is secured to the frame by three separate screws for the ultimate retention power. The Blondie is available in a black-coated, urban camouflage or satin-finished blade with a partially serrated or straight edge totaling six versions in all.

United Cutlery expects the Willumsen Urban Tactical Blondie to reach dealers in May 2012. For high-resolution images of all versions of the Blondie contact Drew Hall at dhall@budk.com.

About United® Cutlery

United® Cutlery is distinguished as the world leader in movie prop and video game replicas, fantasy collectibles, traditional samurai swords, the most innovative sport and tactical knives in the field, and our unique designer line of knives and swords from Kit Rae and Gil Hibben. Nearly thirty years ago United® brought together a combined team of dedicated experts in design, manufacturing and sales with one goal – to make the best knives, swords, and collectibles on the planet. Often imitated, but never exceeded, we strive to make our products to the highest standards in the industry, with superior value, quality, and performance! From 2001-2012 United® produced a fantastic collection of over fifty licensed weapon, helm, and prop replicas from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and we are proudly continuing that line with replicas of weapons from Simon West’s THE EXPENDABLES® 2. The United® replica philosophy is simple – to create the most accurate and visually stunning replica of a film prop as possible using modern materials and production methods, but at a price the average person can afford. We consider our film replicas heirlooms that fans will cherish for many years, as a fond memory of the world created in the films. We strive for accuracy not only in exactly replicating the filming props, but in replicating the exact look as seen in film. This includes weathering and distressing effects to accurately produce the worn and well used appearance some replicas require to satisfy collectors. Our other film licenses include The Lord of the Rings Trilogy®, GI Joe, Indiana Jones, Highlander, Hellboy, the Rambo films, the Blade films, Terminator 2, Total Recall, Mortal Kombat, The Mask of Zorro, and the Heroes television series. Our video game replicas include God of War, Devil May Cry, and Darksiders.

For more information, or to request a free United® Catalog, CLICK HERE .

Measuring a little over 7cm long, the PX5 pushes out a small yet impressive 44 lumens. While this sounds miniscule next to some of the lights that I have reviewed, this little bad boy beats out your regular mini mags and Costco flashlights in terms of brightness at a very similar price point. The other really cool thing about the PX5 is that it offers the same focussing lens as the HL7 I reviewed earlier. This allows you to give even light at a short distance or spotlight at a longer distance.

Though quoted as having an indestructible LED, I’ll be honest and say I have not beaten this light enough to really test that theory. The PX5 has been on my keychain since day one and continues to get used on almost a daily basis. Being tiny, it isn’t cumbersome to carry around but it is powerful enough to replace the traditional belt mounted mag or similar on a day to day basis.

This is definitely a light worth owning and at less than $20, it’s even affordable for everyone! I definitely look forward to seeing more from Coast in the future as everything I have gotten my hands on so far has far exceeded my expectations!

At a minimal 10 cm tall, the MC11 puts out an impressive 87 lumens from a single AA type battery. I’ve been using the cheapo no name batteries from my local electronics store and I can still pull about 100 minutes of usage out if it at full power.

With the attached clip, it makes it nice and easy to mount on a belt, backpack or breast pocket for hands free lighting. The right angle head can be adjusted to point anywhere within 90 degrees. The MC11 even comes packaged with a clip on light diffuser to create a more even light in your workspace. When attached, the diffuser can easily flip out of the way if you need more concentrated light.

This time, I decided to take my tests to a few more extremes. I exposed the light to extreme colds, water and physical abuse to make sure it will stand the test of time. I like my stuff to perform even when it has taken shit. Well, lets see how it does.

The first test was the water test. As expected, the MC11 didn’t even hiccup during this test. With IPX-8 waterproof compliance you can expect continued operation in underwater environments under 2 meters deep. Beyond this, you’re on your own, but don’t be too amazed when it outperforms those ratings. For the second round of testing, I froze the MC11 overnight in zub-zero temperatures. Needless to say, the light worked just fine after removing it over 12 hours later. I sometimes question why I bother to beat the crap out of these things when I already know how the test is going to turn out. Oh well, on to the next test! Last but not least. I subjected the MC11 to stairwells, concrete floors and some medium height drops. I mean, if it has already made it this far, why wouldn’t I? Not much of a surprise here, but even a fall of about 17 concrete steps didn’t seem to phase this little guy. So out of frustration I threw the light from my front steps into the park next door. Despite throwing it as hard as I could, it only got a little dirty.

So there you have it, even if I want to kill this thing it wont seem to die by any reasonable exposure to abuse. I’m sure I could smash it with a cinder block but lets face it, that isn’t likely to happen in real world use either. Fenix continues to impress me with their unique selection of lights. The MC11 mixes durability, brightness and versatility into a perfect combination creating one of the most useful lights in my collection.

Think you want one of these little bad boys? I have a spare one to give away (that I havent utterly beaten the crap out of). Check out the contests link at the top of the page for all the nitty grittys!

I have a whole lot of articles that are almost ready for release too! You’ll get some of my no BS opinions on some new lights, knives, cold weather products along with some tasty and fun how-to’s to have sum fun on weekends with.

On a side note, holy Facebook! I’ve reached near 1700 followers and I am really not sure how. What better way to celebrate this than to give some stuff away. But I haven’t quite decided how to go about it. What I can tell you is that there will be a Fenix light and a few sweet rubber patches from Clawgear and Crypsis too!

Stay tuned for a fun filled season of smashing, cutting, burning, shooting, roping and other fun stuff in the great outdoors that will make you a Tactical Survivor!

The IFF patch is quite simple, its basically just a little pocket. It has velcro on the back for attachment to a wide variety of garments and has a simple see through slip pocket on the front for holding 1.5″ glow sticks. You could put one glow stick in there, or maybe a couple. I found it interesting to make different patterns with glow sticks, this could help you identify your medic, commander or heavy gunner in a low light situation as well.
While using this I came up with another interesting concept. We all love to take our kids camping, but if they are as adventurous as we are they will likely sneak off at some point just a little too far away. Well what if you gave them the free reign to wander into nature on their own but with an IFF attached. This way even at a distance they will still be in eyesight. I imagine in some interesting situation, this could be a lifesaver.

The only differences I would like to see here is a possible accessory of a molle mount, or an elastic arm band so that this coule be worn even if you don’t have any free velcro to use. Aside from that, the pocket is a little hard to get into, but in reality, you put the glow stick in there and you forget about it.

Crypsis also stocks a full range of colours and they are only a couple of bucks each. Not too much money to spend to save yourself from the unfortunate demise that come from paintball or airsoft in the dark. Info and pricing is here.

Recently Coast(Portland) was kind enough to reach out to me with a new headband light. If you read my earlier spotlight on Coast, you saw a bit of info about their focussing beams, adjustable and versatile designs along with ease of use and durability. The cool thing about Coast is that you can even find them in your local Walmart, hardware store and outdoor retailer. I would usually agree that if you can buy it at Walmart, you probably shouldn’t. In this case I was more wrong than I could possibly imagine.

When I first unboxed my shiny new HL7 I noticed a few things, 1) it uses AAA batteries (so even in a blackout you can just steal batteries from your TV remote and 2) it uses a big easy to find power button. I have found in many situations that when I need a light, I can’t see anything in front of me. Being able to find that power button without fumbling for five minutes is a big win for me. Over the past couple of months I have had this light I have tried to use it in a variety of situations. My most common uses have been for working in the sump underneath my aquarium and working in the basement of my 110 year old building. Needless to say some of the hallways and corners of that basement have never seen an electric light before.

With the HL7 offering upwards of 200 Lumens, it can easily turn the dead of night to the light of day in your work area. The focussing beam allows you to quickly adjust between an even light spread in a close work area, or a spotlight for seeing distances. I was even surprised to see the light overpowering the flash in one of our recent photo shoots that included the HL7. With adjustable brightness you can keep yourself discreet while providing yourself with light, or blind everyone you look at. You choose.

Over the past few months this light has been exposed to rain, snow, extreme cold and heat as well as a quick dunk in salt water when I dropped it under the fish tank. I think I have put the HL7 through a pretty good beating and it just keeps taking it. The best part about the whole thing is that these lights retail for less than $80. It is rare that I find this kind of performance from a relatively inexpensive headband light. Definitely a keeper! If you dont have one already, add this one to your list of considerations when shopping for a new Headband light.

Coast offers some new perspectives on how lights should work and back it up with some solid tech to do so. One quick example is their patented Pure Beam technology that allows you to focus the beam of light for your flashlight based on specific task. I particularly like how this plays out for using a light in a work area, focusing the beam allows an even spread of light across the width of the beam so that you do not end up with any dark spots in your task area. Coast offers this technology in a range of lights from keychain size to full blown torches.

Recently Coast was kind enough to send me a few of their lights to play with. Keep watching for reviews coming soon, as of right now they will definitely be worth reading about. You can check out Coast Products on Facebook or Twitter and let them know I sent you looking.

Keep em peeled for more fun ahead.