Dank Robber Chest Rig Review: Unobtanium Gear

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The arc of development, for skillsets and equipment, eventually reaches a point where, instead of adding more features, the process starts trimming down to the minimum necessary elements to complete the task. The phrase, “everything you need, nothing you don't” has travelled through more than one special operations unit, and it differs from the minimalism of backpackers in that some things cannot be accomplished by a multitool. The Dank Robber chest rig by Unobtanium Gear represents this principle in load-bearing gear by combining distinctly capable capacity with a distinct lack of bulk.

Primarily constructed of elastic, the Dank Robber carries 3 rifle-type magazines, and has 3 pouches that take pistol mags, flashlights, multitools, or a small knife. Flanking the body, on the left there's a purpose-built radio attachment point, and on the right, a spot to carry a smoke canister or contained medical kit. Threaded into the bottom, two bungee chords loops for a TQ for a complete kit.

Unobtanium Gear lists the rifle mag sleeves as 5.56 pouches, but they will take AK mags. PCC mags such as for a B&T APC9K, however, slip through the opening in the bottom so they'll be restricted to the pistol pouches. The Dank Robber's primary mode of retention is the elastic, which effectively contains the loadout. Blades will require some DIY ingenuity to keep the sheath from sliding out with the knife. The Toor Knives/Haley Strategic Darter ships with a Ulticlip which does the trick.

Above: B&T APC9/GHM9 mags, Toor Knives/Haley Strategic Darter, Veil Solutions Baofeng Radio, Enola Gay Orange Smoke,  and a gerber multitool. 

Fully adjustable to a one-size fits basically all configuration of cross straps and a back strap, the Dank Robber chest rig could be attached to a plate carrier via the buckles, but it's not recommended. This isn't trying to be jack of all trades itself into mastering none.

The simplicity of the kit is its strongest point. The Dank Robber fits the bill for a trunk loadout, a contained element within a get-home bag, or as a light patrolling setup. In a world full of overly military-esque nylon gear, it stands out by wasting no time with excessive attachment points or gimmicky features.

Unobtanium Gear Dank Robber Chest Rig

Colors: Black, Green, Wolf Grey, FDE, Coyote, M81 Woodland, Multicam, Multicam Black, Ranger Green
Weight: 12 ounces / 340 grams
MSRP: $90-$100 depending on color
URL: unobtainiumgear.com

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Bulletproof Vest versus Plate Carrier

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The concept of body armor, has for years generated ideas of two different types of people. On the one hand, you have the knight-in-shining-armor-to-tactical-operator historical timeline, where the person and the equipment are almost synonymous. Take, for example, the idea of the Samurai, where both the gear, and the persona come to mind. On the other hand, however, we have the example of peoples wearing body armor only in extreme circumstances, where the elevated threat is both illustrated by the other-than-normal use of a bulletproof vest. In the social milieu of the west, it seems that a plate carrier denotes the professional, where a bulletproof vest suggests more civilian applications. The social barrier between the two is rapidly shattering.

Outside of the social perception of body armor, the difference between various pieces of equipment are appropriately divided by both purpose and capability. The old ways of thinking about protective gear as being either military or civilian in nature, have fallen, and we are dealing with the aftermath, especially when it comes to the term bulletproof vest. In reality, there is no such thing, as no human-worn armor exists that can withstand any and all types of bullets.

armor express soft armor

Instead, various types of armor are rated to withstand certain types of projectiles, and as we've seen with the rise of so-called special threat plates, bigger is not always better. The scaling of what a piece of armor can withstand often results in a give and take, whether it be weight, cost, or weakness to other projectiles.

Bulletproof Vest, Sorta

The term Bulletproof Vest typically refers to soft armor: flexible layers of densely woven materials that are able to catch a bullet, so long as it is large enough and moving slow enough. The common dividing line between hard and soft armor, in regards to capacity, has been that solid plates are required to stop rifle rounds, where soft armor is capable only of stopping most pistol projectiles. There are challenges to this norm, from time to time, but generally it remains in place.

Since that is the case, the materials that constitute soft armor have been used in everything from vests to underwear. Easier to conceal by far, soft armor has been applied in under-cover situations, to robberies, to VIP's and Diplomats transportation. Not all soft armor is meant to be concealed however, as law enforcement have treated soft armor as a daily part of their uniform, with plates held in reserve for escalated situations. In light of recent events, that likely has changed across the country.

Plate Carriers

Plate Carriers, like Night Vision, have long been perceived as more offensive in nature. This may apply to their origins, as the military adopted the use of hard plates long before it reached the level of social acceptance amongst common society, but like we stated earlier, that division is beginning to blur, whether through social unrest or competitions like the Tactical Games.

ar mag pouch HSGI taco

The term Plate Carrier covers more than vests and harnesses designed as load-bearing gear for the military. At one point, calling something tactical meant it likely came in black, tan, or camo, and had MOLLE attachment points across at least the front and back panels. For simplification, plate carriers are often divided between low-profile, minimalist, and tactical, although these sub-categories continue to blur as well.

ferro concepts slickster

Generally speaking, a low-profile plate carrier is not meant to carry any additional equipment, such as firearms magazines, radios, or medical gear, although some models can accommodate these options to some degree. Minimalist Plate Carriers are those that are expecting to bear mission-essential equipment, but focus on remaining light-weight and unrestricting, such as the Crye JPC or Arbor Arms Minuteman. They are often scalable to different scenarios, and only differentiate themselves from the tactical catagory by having both features of general use and low-profile.

Arbor Arms Minuteman Cover

That leaves the tactical catagory, which as far as body armor goes, has in the past resembled the early 2000's idea of a bulletproof vest, but now typifies pieces like the Ferro Concepts FCPC, the First Spear Strandhögg, and Crye Precision's AVS System. The more recent use of semi-rigid materials has influenced this catagory most, as it has seen the greatest diversity in quality and integration.

S&S Precision Plate Frame

The S&S Precision PlateFrame Modular distinguishes itself from the pack of plate carriers in its novel interface...

In addition to the more dedicated nature of tactical plate carriers, they include special-purpose gear like the S&S Precision PlateFrame Modular, which, despite its space age-appearance, was designed for maritime applications.

Body Armor Levels

The various advancements in body armor have historically been driven by following the emergence of new threats. On the homefront, handguns were used in violent crimes much more than rifles or carbines, which drove the development of bulletproof vests to meet the need. The National Institute of Justice Body Armor Performance Standards, which are generally used as a rubric for the protective capabilities of a piece of gear, begins at NIJ IIA, which is expected to stop a 9mm bullet, moving less than 1165 feet per second, as well as a .40 S&W moving at less than 1065 feet per second.

bullet safe soft armor

Ratings of IIA, II, and IIIA all are meant to defeat rounds typically fired by handguns, from a 9mm to a .44 Magnum. The rating of III (not to be confused with IIIA) specifies rifle rounds, and level IV must be able to stop a 166 grain, .30 caliber M2 AP (armor piercing) projectile moving at 2880 feet per second according to the NIJ. Although not a part of the National Institue of Justice's standards, terms like III+ and Special Threat Plates have become more common among hard plate manufacturers and retailers. At the time of this writing, special threat plates are often described as specifically designed to defeat the common M855 “green tip” 5.56 ammunition.

For an in-depth look at various plates and their evaluations check out Body Armor 101 on RECOILweb.

Fading Away: Bulletproof Vests

So, the term Bulletproof Vest always had its limitations, and it's just as important to remember the application of such equipment never existed in a void. Instead, each piece of gear was designed to meet a specific threat common to the time, and like the use of plates, relied on an already existing medical infrastructure. A properly worn hard armor plate protects the heart, lungs, and some of the spine, balancing the cost of mobility with the trust that, if the wearer receives a gunshot wound, they will be able to survive until they reach a medical trauma center.

The use of bulletproof vests is fading away, as plate armor rises in both popularity, availability, and common understanding among the citizenry. Some of this can be thanks to the rise in plate carriers being represented in entertainment, but also correlated with multitudes of veterans from the Global War on Terror. While soft armor continues to be used in some civil applications, it is quickly being replaced by hard armor.

In this way, when considering these two types of protective gear, it is more important to identify the likely threats you will face, and base your decision on that assessment than it is to hold to the social distinction that once saw plate carriers as military gear, while the citizenry were only worthy of so-called bulletproof vests. Once that decision is made, the next step is to consider your plate carrier setup.

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Emergency Lights and Versatile Illumination

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Whether it’s a power outage, a natural or man-made disaster, or something as common as a roadside breakdown, emergency lights and power will often play a critical role in any recovery effort. Even the most basic tasks become vastly more difficult when you can’t see what you’re doing.

For emergency lighting, a battery-operated flashlight or lantern has usually been the standard. Although ordinary flashlights/lanterns are effective, many of the examples you’ll find at big-box retailers and hardware stores are bulky and inefficient. For those times when visibility is critical, you’ll need more robust and flexible lighting solutions. Enter Chip-On-Board (COB) LED technology, which packs a large quantity of highly efficient LEDs onto a small circuit board for higher light intensity and lower energy usage.

emergency lights battery

Above: Removable, rechargeable lithium battery features a power switch and LED charge status display. The battery also has a USB outlet and can be used to charge small electronic devices.

In this article, we take a look at the Clore Automotive Light-N-Carry Rechargeable COB LED Lights, and examine the capabilities of these powerful, multi-function tools for emergency lighting and backup power.

The Storm

In early September 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, was making its way toward the Florida Peninsula. Bringing catastrophic winds and monstrous 20-foot coastal surges, Irma was leaving a trail of death and destruction all along the Caribbean.

As the outermost bands of winds started battering my family’s home, we anxiously waited to see what path Irma would take. Fortunately for heavily populated Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, which are home to well over 6-million people, Irma took a turn, and we avoided a direct hit. The folks along parts of the Florida Keys and the West Coast of Florida weren’t so lucky. Before it was over, Hurricane Irma would claim well over 100 lives, 72 of which were in the state of Florida, and cost well over $50 billion.

emergency lighting

Back in my neck of the woods, although we had missed a direct strike, we still had plenty of problems. Many roads were covered in storm debris, downed trees, and power lines. But worse yet, lots of folks in South Florida (including yours truly) would be without power for many weeks as utility crews worked day and night to clear debris, repair powerlines, and restore service one block at a time.

Lights Out

The moment the lights go out, everything changes. And the longer you’re without power, the more difficult the situation becomes. If it’s just a few hours, you’ll probably be able to make do with whatever lights (or candles) you have on-hand. But for the long-term, you’ll need much more. For Irma, we had headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns, but as the days wore on, we began to realize that our equipment was seriously lacking. We were also running through batteries a lot quicker than anticipated, and not producing nearly the amount of light we needed. While we managed to get by, one thing became painfully obvious: We wanted better lighting options, lights that would be powerful enough to illuminate an entire room and could easily be adjusted and repositioned as conditions changed. We also wanted rechargeable lights, thereby minimizing our dependency on disposable batteries. While lighting preps usually don’t get as much attention as water, food, or security/self-defense, this is one of those things that you just can’t afford to neglect.

Above: Clore’s heavy-duty housing incorporates reinforced corners and a protective rubber bumper casing for impact resistance.

We also realized that we would need a way to recharge our cell phones and other small electronic devices. During an emergency, smartphones can be used to monitor weather conditions/advisories, and to communicate with friends and family. The battery backups we had for our phones only got us so far — we knew we could do much better. 

(For more tips on how to use a fully charged cell phone or tablet for survival during a crisis, see our review of 10 Emergency Apps for iOS and Android in RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 29.)

The Aftermath

For us, it would be almost 10 days before the power was fully restored. The storm itself was challenging, but it only lasted a few hours. The aftermath, including those brutal days without power, tested all of our plans, preparations, and gear. We needed to make improvements.

As soon as things got back to normal, I started looking for ways to upgrade our emergency lighting and power backup options. In reality, whether it’s a natural or man-made crisis, emergency lighting matters. With this in mind, we knew that any gear we considered would need to have the following features:

  • High-lumen output, low energy consumption LEDs
  • Cool to the touch, even after extended use
  • Rechargeable, swappable batteries 
  • Rugged, lightweight, and portable (impact and weather resistant)
  • Capable of charging other small electronic devices.

Storage Considerations

We recommend staging supplies, including portable lighting, in a number of key locations throughout the house as well as in your vehicles. This accounts for two needs: 

1. Proximity. Vital gear is always close at hand no matter what part of the house you find yourself in.

2. Risk management and loss mitigation. If you put all your eggs in one basket and your only stockpile is affected by wind/flood/fire or some other version of crisis-related damage, you could end up losing some, or all, of your supplies.

Clore Light-N-Carry

Clore is a company that specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of automotive service equipment for professionals and consumers. They’re probably best known for their Jump-N-Carry Starters, battery chargers/testers, and power inverters. But the folks at Clore also have an extensive lineup of powerful, portable, rechargeable lighting products. The new Light-N-Carry work lights seemed to have many of the features we were looking for. After careful consideration, we focused on four Light-N-Carry products that we felt were especially well-suited not only for crisis planning and preparation, but also for everyday use.

  • LNC2251 1,500 Lumen Flood Light
  • LNC2551 4,000 Lumen Flood Light
  • LNC1541 500 Lumen Work Light 
  • LNC7250 Lenexa Headlamp

At the heart of each of these products is the modern Chip-On-Board (COB) LED technology. COB lights are brighter, consume less power, and produce a higher intensity beam of light compared to older dual inline package (DIP) and surface-mount device (SMD) LED technologies. In essence, you get more light from a smaller unit with lower power consumption.

Above: The LNCPOD is a four-legged, adjustable, tubular steel platform that provides exceptional stability and can support up to four lights. 

While each product has its own set of unique features, all excel at producing powerful illumination, long run times, and easy recharging. The two Flood Lights (2551 and 2251) also feature a pair of powerful, rechargeable batteries that also function as a USB power bank to charge small electronic devices. Below is a summary of the four products we tested.

Light-N-Carry LNC2551 (Flood)

With two removable batteries and a maximum output of 4,000 lumens, it can easily light up an entire large room. On the medium setting (1,500lm — which is still plenty bright), we consistently got a bit over eight hours of runtime with the two batteries included. But, besides producing an incredible amount of light, the LNC2551 runs cool. The swivel arm and magnetic mounts allow the unit to be positioned in a variety of different ways, depending on the environment and the needs at hand. And at 3.7 pounds, the LNC2551 is about half the weight of a standard 1,000-lumen camping-style lantern powered by D batteries. The COB LED also features IP64 dust/water protection. All in all, a very powerful package, and a great light to keep at home or in a vehicle.

clore automotive light-n-carry

Expect to pay approximately $150, although shopping around can often get you a better deal. Many other manufacturers sell high-lumen LED lights at lower prices, but in order to do a true price comparison, you have to compare construction, runtime, and durability, not just lumens. Clore gets top marks for building a very solid product. If you’re willing to pay for quality, the higher price point makes sense. If you use the rechargeable batteries to charge other electronic devices, or run the unit at full power, expect the batteries to drain much faster. With two batteries, however, you have the option of charging one battery while you use the other.  

Note: For additional mounting options, Clore offers the LNCPOD, a four-legged, tubular steel platform that’s fully adjustable and provides exceptional stability supporting up to four lights.

At a Glance:

  • Three intensity settings: 4,000/1,500/1,000lm 
  • Four hours of runtime on Med output setting
  • 180-degree swivel arm for both fixed and magnetic mounting options
  • Rechargeable/removable lithium battery, which also serves as a portable power supply with a 1A USB outlet to charge small electronic devices
  • LED battery status display (this comes in very handy)
  • Includes two batteries, a wall charger, and a braided charging cord
  • Grip-Tech housing for improved grip and impact resistance
  • IP64 dust/water protection

Light-N-Carry LNC2251 (Flood)

The LNC2251 is the smaller version of the LNC2551. While the maximum amount of light drops down to 1,500lm, the LNC2251 uses the same size rechargeable batteries and has all the same features, just at a lower lumen count — 1,500/1,000/500lm. Weighing in at 2.8 pounds, the LNC2251 proves that size doesn’t always matter. (If portability isn’t your first concern, I’d probably spend the extra bucks and get the more powerful LNC2551.)

emergency lights flood

Above: The Light-N-Carry 2251 flood light combines COB technology, high lumen output, a removable, rechargeable battery, and a dust/water-resistant housing.

Expect to pay approximately $125 if you shop around. Since the LNC2251 is a smaller version of the LNC 2551, the same comments above apply here. 

At a Glance:

  • Three intensity settings: 1,500/1,000/500lm 
  • Four hours of runtime on the high output setting
  • 180-degree swivel arm for both fixed and magnetic mounting options
  • Rechargeable/removable lithium battery, which also serves as a portable power supply with a 1A USB outlet to charge small electronic devices
  • LED battery status display
  • Includes two batteries, a wall charger, and a braided charging cord
  • IP64 dust/water protection

Light-N-Carry LNC1541 (Work Light)

The LNC1541 is the smallest handheld light on our list. With a maximum lumen output of 500lm, the LNC1541 is designed to be handheld or mounted/hung and used to illuminate smaller spaces. The unit features a rechargeable battery and produces 500/150/60lm. Weighing in at 0.9 pound, the LNC1541 can easily be carried in a pocket or a small bag, making it one of our favorite lights to use around the house and to keep in the car. It’s powerful, affordable, fits just about anywhere, and has a ton of features. I can also see throwing this light in a bug-out bag or a toolkit.

work light

Above: This 500-Lumen LED work light is coupled with a 60-lumen focused beam and features a swivel handle with magnetic mounting.

This model will cost approximately $40, slightly above competitors’ products but more in line with what one would expect to pay for this sort of light. The battery is built in and can’t be swapped out, which was a disappointment considering how easy it was to swap out batteries on the LNC2251 and the LNC2551. Swappable batteries would’ve been really helpful on this model — maybe something for the folks at Clore to consider for future upgrades.

At a Glance:

  • Two intensity settings: 500/150lm 
  • Surface-Mount Device (SMD) LED focus beam setting: 60lm
  • Four hours of runtime on high output setting
  • 180-degree swivel arm for both fixed and magnetic mounting options (also includes a hang-hook)
  • IP54 dust/water protection
  • Grip-Tech chemical-resistant housing
  • LED battery status display
  • Includes a wall charger and a braided Micro-USB charging cord

Light-N-Carry LNC7250 (Lenexa)

The LNC7250 is a headlamp with various mounting options. With a maximum of 250lm, the LNC7250 provides a convenient lighting option for small, close-up work, or as a backup when using more robust lighting. It also has some very cool features such as the M-Lock magnetic mounting system and touchless wave on/off. With 200lm CREE LED Spotlight and 250lm COB LED Floodlight output, the LNC7250 produces a respectable amount of light from a very small and lightweight package. 

lenoxo headlamp

Above: The Lenexa Hands-Free Light is rechargeable and offers a motion-activated wave on/off mode for touchless operation.

Expect to spend around $50. This was my least favorite light of the bunch, although I’m not really a big fan of headlamps in general. I also felt that it offered the least value for the money. With all the mounting options and higher lumen count, I felt that the LNC1541 provided superior performance for less money. I realize that I’m comparing two very different lights, and that in certain situations a headlamp can provide lots of benefits, but if I had to pick one, I would go with the LNC1541.

At a Glance:

  • Two settings: 200lm Spot/250lm Flood
  • Four hours of runtime on high output setting
  • 180-degree rotation of the housing structure
  • Includes head strap, belt clip, and features an action mount magnetic (M-Lock) system
  • IP54 dust/water protection
  • Touchless Wave on/off
  • 18650 lithium battery with Micro-USB charging (charging cord included)

Conclusion

Emergency lights and power are a crucial, but often overlooked, component of any viable survival plan. Not only were these products effective in producing high-lumen, high-quality light, but they also offer emergency backup power for small electronics. We especially liked the LNC2551 and LNC2251 for those times when you need lots of portable light. For smaller jobs, the LNC1541 quickly became our favorite go-to light. As with any other purchase, cost is always a consideration. Make sure to shop around — we did a quick search and found many retailers offering discounts. We got these lights to fortify our emergency preps, but we find ourselves using them all the time. 

clore automotive jump

Above: Rather than relying on jumper cables and assistance from another vehicle, the JNCXFE and JNCAIR battery starters allow you to jump-start an engine by yourself.

Disasters often challenge our plans and force us to reevaluate our choices. In this case, the lessons learned will help my family be better prepared for just about any low-light crisis situation. 

Source 

Clore Automotive: cloreautomotive.com

About the Author

Richard is an urban survival consultant, writer, and firearms enthusiast. He’s the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster, and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness. For the latest preparedness news and updates, connect with Richard on quickstartsurvival.com.

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Handheld and Weapon Mounted Light Techniques

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Why do things go bump in the night? Why do werewolves change at the full moon? Why are vampires allergic to sunlight? The short answer is it’s easier to do evil deeds after nightfall. By the time the sun is completely down, most people are tired, relaxed, full-bellied from dinner, and getting ready for bed. There’s less light, generally less traffic (both vehicle and pedestrian), and it’s colder. If you have ill intentions, you’re unlikely to be seen and even less likely to be paid attention to. According to an article published by The Sleep Judge, based on 2017 crime reports from several selected cities, more than half of violent crimes occur at nighttime. We gleaned the following highlights from their data:

  • 65 percent of murders and nonnegligent manslaughters (for the cities polled) occurred at night, with a peak hour of 9 p.m.
  • 59 percent of rapes and sexual assaults occurred at night, with a peak hour of 12 a.m.
  • Robbery, motor vehicle theft, and assault all have occurrence rates of 50 percent or greater at night, sharing a peak hour of 8 p.m.

The source article goes into more depth, but these tidbits give us some great context to discuss the importance of low light tactics. To get ourselves properly “enlightened” on the topic, we took a two-day low-light shoot-house course taught jointly by Don Edwards of Greenline Tactical and John Dufresne of Kinetic Consulting. Both are veterans of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and their combined backgrounds include executive protection, professional mentor/consulting experience, as well as time spent in Special Forces and Asymmetric Warfare Group. While they both teach a number of classes separately, they joined forces to teach a weekend-long class that dealt specifically with the use of white lights in enclosed spaces for self-defense and duty purposes. 

carbine light wml weapon mounted light

Point and Click

Buying a capable flashlight (a term we’ll define in greater detail below) isn’t the end of your journey to combating nighttime vulnerability. It’s the beginning. This is a common misconception and one that even yours truly once fell victim to. But the first time you use your 1,000-plus-lumen flashlight to search your house and hit the bathroom mirror or a glass sliding door at face level, you’ll realize that maybe there are some nuances to white light employment. We learned a couple of techniques from the Greenline/Kinetic team that were very helpful for us in navigating the dark. 

If you have a light in your hand, and if you’re searching for potential threats, it’s instinct to point your light directly at anything that may signify said threat. Furthermore, many historical “tactical” light techniques (Harries, Rogers, syringe, FBI, etc.) require the light be placed in line with the muzzle of your weapon (and therefore your eyeball). While the logic of that makes sense on the surface — putting maximum lumens directly in front of your eye’s light sensors — handheld and weapon-mounted lights have evolved to such high output levels that legacy techniques sometimes shortchange the end user of important capabilities.

flashlight techniques

Above: The power to punch through and around barriers (like windows and door pillars) is an important quality in any light, weapon-mounted or handheld, that will be used in a defensive context.

Baseboard Lighting

This technique is applicable to both handheld and weapon-mounted lights, but we’re going to focus on the latter for now. When searching a dark structure, it’s common practice to conduct your entire search with your weapon at full extension and either search through your optic or look through (or slightly over) your sights. If you have a pistol or carbine in front of your face when you turn on that light, target acquisition is easy since the light is directed parallel to the barrel of your gun, directly where you intend to put your bullets. But target identification can be hindered by two factors: having the weapon itself in your sight line, and having your light focused directly at the other person’s head/shoulders/upper thoracic cavity. Those are great areas to put bullets, but if you can’t see their hands, you’ll have a difficult time discerning whether or not they need to receive bullets. If the person’s hands are below their sternum, seeing them through or over the top of your sights will be impeded by your weapon, especially a carbine or shotgun, and you may not be able to determine if they’re holding a weapon or carrying one in their waistband. Furthermore, the configuration of your light could compound the problem. Some flashlights have a very intense center hotspot with little to no spill (residual light that surrounds the focused portion of the beam). If your light has high output with a very tight beam, you still may not see those hands or that weapon, even if you’re using a handheld light at eye level with no gun. 

One of the solutions put out by Dufresne was what he referred to as baseboard lighting. As the name implies, you aim your light slightly below your eye line, aiming it at the baseboard where the wall in front of you meets the floor. This allows you to fully use your light’s beam pattern, both hot spot and spill. Even if your light has that really tight pattern, baseboarding will induce some reflection off of both surfaces (floor and wall) and scatter the light a little more evenly over a wider area. From the perspective of room searching/clearing, this also prevented us from having tunnel-vision through our red dot, and increased overall situational awareness when entering rooms with unknown threats inside. For those worried about reaction or engagement times, we found the change in weapon position to be very small — think holding the muzzle at shoulder height instead of eyeball height. This technique does not require a 45-degree SWAT-style low ready to work. In addition to lighting more of the immediate area more effectively, baseboard lighting has the added benefit of aiming the hot spot of your light directly at the waistline and lower abdomen of anybody you may find in front of you. So even if someone’s hands are down at their sides, they’re hiding one hand behind their thigh to hide a weapon, or they’re trying to get a weapon out of a pocket or holster, you’ll see it almost immediately. 

baseboard lighting technique WML

Above: The “baseboard lighting” technique is an alternative to direct lighting that puts softer, ambient light on the target.

Umbrella Lighting    

Opposite baseboard lighting is umbrella lighting. As the name implies, this technique involves bouncing the light over you. This could be shining the light straight up on the ceiling, or using a high corner to take advantage of the wall/ceiling junction. If you’re a hard-core high-ready gun carrier (pistol or carbine), this may be more natural for you than baseboard lighting. 

We found this technique serves us especially well in two situations. One is using a handheld light in conjunction with a pistol. The other is trying to get an immediate picture of an entire room, particularly a larger one, as opposed to being engaged in a focused, methodical search. In both cases, holding the light at a temple index or even slightly behind our head and angling the light to a far high corner produced a great general lighting effect with the particular lights we were using. But light output, beam pattern, existing ambient light, ceiling height/angle, and room size will all affect your results. 

A Note on Strobing

The idea of strobing your light, whether using a built-in strobe function or manually clicking your light on and off rapidly, seems to have cyclical recurrence in various professional circles. Dufresne and Edwards both advise against this technique. To paraphrase Dufresne, strobing or blinking your light during a room search is forcing your brain to take in data, process it, lose it, and then regain an altered set of data over and over again. If you or someone else in the room are moving quickly, the picture your brain receives is going to be different every time the light comes on, much like watching a stop-motion animation or low-framerate video. It also forces your pupils to constrict and dilate rapidly to compensate for sudden, severe, repeated changes in the lighting conditions. These combined factors can increase mental and physical fatigue, and decrease situational awareness, especially during multi-room or full-structure searches. 

A Better Mousetrap

The science that goes into building a high-performance light could be several articles all by itself. But we had an opportunity during our class to speak with Sean McCauley, one of the owners of Cloud Defensive, who attended this class. We took a little time between shoot-house runs to pick his brain about some commonly tossed around light specs and what makes Cloud’s designs unique in the market.

offensive and defensive use of a WML

Above: The effects of white light are both offensive and defensive. Not only does the light reveal your adversary, but it conceals you from them as well.

OFFGRID: Most tactical flashlights are marketed by the number of lumens they put out. More recently, candela ratings have been introduced into these conversations. What’s the difference between lumens and candela, and what do they provide for the end user?

SEAN MCCAULEY: For years, the flashlight industry has been engaged in a race to get more lumen output out of the flashlight. Technology has improved, and that’s great for the end user. But the reality is the manufacturers haven’t historically cared about the actual performance of the light. Rather, they engaged in a “space-race” for lumens and the users got the benefit of brighter and brighter lights. But for weapon-based applications, that’s not inherently valuable. And the biggest need of all from a weapon-mounted standpoint was never addressed until Cloud Defensive brought that conversation to the forefront. And that is the conversation about candela.

When you talk about weapon-based lighting applications, and in particular carbine-based applications, you absolutely have to understand three critical things: 1) The amount of light (lumen output) that comes out of the emitter itself is correlated to performance, but in no way does it guarantee usable light on target. 2) From a performance standpoint, what matters to the shooter the most is how much light is actually on the target. The candela rating gives insight into how far you will throw light downrange.

By definition, candela is a standardized measurement of light concentration. Think of candela as a function of focusing your lumen output so you can throw light toward a target rather than disperse it into the universe. The good news here is that we are having this discussion and weapon-mounted lights are now being judged based on how usable they are in weaponized applications. Bright lights are only cool if they work for you. “Can I see my target? Can I get Positive ID on this target? Is there enough usable “spill” around the hot spot on this light to ensure I am situationally aware so I can determine whether I am going to fire or not?” That is what a weapon light is supposed to do for you. A high candela rating gives you that capability. You can create usable spill from high candela, but you cannot create high candela from spill.

Let’s talk light temperature. Much less talked about, especially in technical terms, what is light temperature and how does it affect the end user? 

SM: The temperature of the light coloration is an interesting conversation. We have this conversation because early LED technology was pretty poor by today’s standards. You may remember seeing bluish colored lights in the early days of the LED, which were a far cry from the warmer coloration of the incandescent bulbs we were all used to at the time. The difference was so pronounced that people to this day still desire that warmer color in a light. And for good reason — it’s superior. Most flashlight manufacturers choose light temperatures in the 5,000 to 6,500k range. Those are cooler, more whitish-blue lights. That 5,000 to 6,500k range gives the appearance of being brighter in certain applications. Again though, we are talking about weapon-mounted applications here and those cooler temperatures bring operational liabilities. So, Cloud Defensive uses a 4,000k light temperature for some very specific reasons.

umbrella lighting WML

Above: “Umbrella lighting” is another way to bounce light off a surface to light up a broad area instead of a point. 

First of all, when you are talking about weapon-mounted lights, you are generally talking about using them in less-than-ideal environments. One of the most common challenges these lights face is everything in the atmosphere between you and the target, from smoke to dust to humid air. When there is particulate present in the air, it blocks the photons from getting to the target, and as such, these are often called photonic barriers. Some barriers are more defeatable than others. Light temperature absolutely dictates how your light will perform in these adverse conditions. 

5,000 to 6,500k lights are whiter/bluer lights. While the photons still proceed downrange, the whiter nature of the light actually causes more disruption to the shooter because more of that bright white light is reflected back at you when it hits photonic barriers. If you need a practical example of this, think about running your high beams on your car in thick fog. The high beams create a lot of disruption to the driver in that instance. Not unlike what happens when you “white-wall” yourself with one of the 5,000 to 6,500k lights in a shoot-house environment. It’s problematic. Our 4,000k temperature solves this issue. It allows the shooter to better defeat those photonic barriers. It pushes the light downrange and is significantly less disruptive to the shooter while being incredibly punishing to the target. (Editor’s note: To continue the automotive example, this is why many cars have warm white or yellow-tinted fog lights.)

Another fun fact about the 4,000k range LED is it will better defeat other lights. And weapon lights absolutely have to be able to defeat other lights. Maybe you are in a dark room and need to push light through a bright space into a different dark room. Or perhaps you are on the street and need to push light through a streetlight (very challenging, by the way) into a window of a dark house. Those are times when your light coloration and your candela rating will either save you or render your light unable to perform in that critical moment. 4,000k is better in those situations. And that statement is absolutely demonstrable. 4,000k is also far superior when you need to defeat tinted glass on vehicles as well. It punches through in ways the 5,000 to 6,500k lights do not, and again is less disruptive to the shooter.

One other very useful benefit to 4,000k is that it helps your human eyes distinguish colors from longer distances. So, if you need to be able to tell a blue sweatshirt from a green sweatshirt at, say 200 yards, the 4,000k is going to better help you do that. Why do other manufacturers use 5,000 to 6,500k? Because it’s the way it has always been done, and dogma is powerful. Cooler light temps also appear brighter at times. But 4,000k is just flat-out a better performer for weapon-based applications, and Cloud is absolutely leading that charge.

Tools of the Train(ing)

This class was held at the Midwest Threat Assessment Center (MTAC) in Muncie, Indiana. The facility itself is one of the better-designed shoot houses we’ve ever seen, outside of military and law enforcement training compounds. It’s not live-fire rated, and runs entirely on Universal Training Munitions (UTM) marking rounds. MTAC has rental gear available, but we were able to get a replacement AR bolt and some ammunition directly from UTM for this purpose. A UTM-only shoot house offers two distinct advantages. One is that it’s ready for force-on-force training to pressure test tactics and techniques. But our course didn’t involve any force-on-force. It was strictly marking cartridges on paper. This is a great risk reducer and confidence builder for teaching less-experienced shooters complex skills like clearing rooms in multi-man teams. Shooters can be introduced to advanced problems like CQB and vehicle-based tactics, with a less-than-lethal penalty for poor marksmanship under stress. Since this is an indoor shoot-house, we were also able to practice low-light searches without having to wait until the sun went down.

As previously stated, Cloud Defensive was on-site as a sponsor of this course. They brought enough samples of their new REIN weapon lights that every student in the class could test drive one against their current lights, and also speak with two of the owners about what makes Cloud’s products unique. We took full advantage of the opportunity and ran a REIN all weekend, sometimes testing it against our handheld from another brand. The benefits of the REIN, and of Cloud’s approach to building lights, became immediately apparent. We hope Cloud offers this opportunity to their consumers more often going forward. Shining two lights against a wall is one thing. But getting to see how they perform in total darkness, mixed lighting, through fog, and in varied confined spaces, allows a thoroughly informed decision to be made. 

Many companies offer a lot of different beam patterns, from flood to spot to everything in the middle. Is one better than the other for certain tasks, or is there a ratio of spot to spill that you prefer?

SM: Beam patterns, ratios, lumens, lux, and candela numbers can get complicated fast. And if you ever want to glaze somebody’s eyes over, start talking about reflector design and the physics involved there to get what you want. The real key here is to not get too lost in those weeds, but focus on the big points and frame it in a way that is applicable to your needs. 

Beam patterns absolutely matter. But the ideal is 100-percent dependent upon what your need is. There is no one-size-fits-all beam pattern in the world of flashlights. The flashlight on your iPhone has no light concentration. It’s just an LED that is used as an admin light. Handy when you lose the remote in the couch at night. Not so much if you are trying to look 150 yards down the road in search of your lost dog. So, lights need to be thought of, generally speaking, as specialized tools. That’s not to say a handheld light can’t try to offer the best of both worlds. Some have multiple output levels. Some have adjustable beam patterns. And some just try to strike a nice balance of capability. There is an argument to be made for all of those designs. 

painting with light

Above: Beam pattern and reflector design will determine how your light “behaves” when using tactics like deep-corner lighting to light up a large, open space.

With a weapon-mounted light, the debate becomes more focused. Your performance goal with any weapon light is to put as much light on a target as you can, and to have enough usable spill around that target to be able to maintain situational awareness. 

As we’ve discussed, there are a few variables that impact your ability to do that. As a rule, you need to favor higher candela-rated lights. Anything under 50,000 candela on a rifle-mounted light is not going to push light out to rifle distances. But a weapon light with high candela at the expense of spill is not inherently useful. It doesn’t do much good to see the bad guy at 100 yards but not see his buddy 10 feet away because your light is more like a laser beam. So as a rule, you need high candela rating and high-enough lumen output that you get adequate downrange performance with both light concentration on-target and enough surrounding light for situational awareness. That’s the gold standard. 

[Photography by Real Dirty Media.]

Sources 

Midwest Threat Assessment Center > mtactraining.com
Cloud Defensive > clouddefensive.com
Kinetic Consulting > kinetic-consulting.net
Greenline Tactical > greenlinetactical.com
The Sleep Judge > thesleepjudge.com/crimes-that-happen-while-you-sleep/

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Arbor Arms Minuteman Plate Carrier: For the Athletic Professional

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It's strange to describe a plate carrier as athletic. For the most part, designs trend towards the tactical, like the Crye Precision JPC, or the load-bearing, like their APC system. In another direction, minimalist plate carriers sought to go light and sleek in order to fit under clothing unnoticed. Modularity demanded so much of so many different systems, as hook-and-loop, MOLLE/PALS webbing, zippers, and more competed for the limited real estate on the front, back, and cummerbund. The worst designs were the ones that dismissed the need for athleticism or propper fit, the best accommodated the athlete-professional. From what we've seen from Arbor Arms, however, appears to begin with the athlete, and built a plate carrier for those expecting to wear their body armor for extended periods of time, and through extensive feats of physical exertion.

arbor arms layout

The Arbor Arms Minuteman Plate Carrier is their take on a minimalist piece of kit. As modularity has expanded into how the cummerbund secures to the plate bags, through connectors like First Spear Tubes, AustiAlpine Cobra Buckles, Taktic Buckles, not to mention Velcro, the Minuteman gives the owner an immense amount of choice. Whether as slim as a single line of webbing, or as complete as a 3-strand elastic capable of bearing side plates and more, the Minuteman is scaleable to various scenarios, be it the professional Tactical Games athlete, or those on the line of duty.

arbor arms cummerbun

A factor not lost on Arbor Arms, is the desire for customization that many are looking for. Very little of their plate carrier forces the wearer to pick between a short suite of proprietary options. The front features a combination of hook-and-loop and MOLLE attachment space.

The cummerbund can attach to the front plate bag itself, or to an Arbor Arms placard. The elastic then pulls the whole plate carrier tighter to the wearer's body, reducing if not eliminating the bouncing of gear that would otherwise quickly tire any bearer. This is where the athleticism of the design comes to show.

arbor arms placards

One place where professionalism and physical acumen come together is how one fits in their plate carrier. A hallmark of experience between soldiers and operators looks at not only at the fighter's physical condition, but whether or not their gear is in order. A loose-fitting plate carrier quickly exhausts the wearer, and the sudden shift in weight can lead to disastrous consequences, as a mild twist of the ankle suddenly turns into a year of recovery.

arbor arms shoulderpad

The Arbor Arms Minuteman addresses this problem through its fitment and adjustability. In addition to the cummerbund, the shoulder straps are adjustable, and capture radio PPT's, Garmin 401's and more through lengthwise anchor points sewn into the base strap that also serve as a place to attach a single-point sling. Arbor Arm's Shoulder Pad Accessories are some of the most intricate we've seen in the market. While those deployed have utilized everything from chopped yoga mats, to slip on pads, to spreading a shemagh across the nape to balance weight across one's shoulder's better, these include both cable/hose management straps, and a generous but compact pad that takes the edge off a full combat load.

Arbor Arms Minuteman Plate Carrier Back Pannel

The interface between the cummerbun and rear plate bag looks complicated, but ends up providing more options for the...

What the Arbor Arms Minimalist Plate Carrier is not, however, is a ready-from-the-box plate carrier. That is a good thing, as the wearer goes through the process of fitting the various parts to his body. The ability to customize the plate carrier to the wearer requires them to take the time to fit it to themselves, and make adjustments as the pieces come together. The result: a plate carrier that feels opposite to a generic model.

Arbor Arms Minuteman

Night Vision Incorporated DTNVG's on an OpsCore FAST SF Super High Cut Balistic helmet.

One example of this, is the ability to customize the length of their multi-strand elastic cummerbunds. By setting the lowest strand one segment tighter, the bottom edge of the front plate sucks into the chest, further reducing the amount of bounce and giving the whole carrier a feeling of being supported by the Rib Cage, taking some of the pressure off the shoulders themselves. This feeling of being adhered to the rib cage, instead of being worn like a vest or pack, helps make the carrier feel more like part of the body, than something to be managed. The cummerbund has the ability to be mounted in such a way to produce two preset sizes: one for warm weather, and another to go over thicker jackets.

Arbor Arms Minuteman Ferro Roll 1

On this Minuteman: Ferro Concepts/Forward Observations Group Roll 1 Trauma Pouch.

The Arbor Arms Minuteman Plate Carrier does not feature a molle back panel, but instead has proprietary anchor points for upcoming hydration systems. The Plate Bags are “one-size-fits-most” with an integral strap to ensure shorter plates ride securely.

Closing Off

The Arbor Arms Minuteman has taken cues on what is commonly expected from a plate carrier, and added their own improvements to both the fit and features. The result is a plate carrier that can be fit to the user, while keeping away from the trap of another proprietary system. Additionally, the components play well with others, matching intuitive design with quality manufacturing.

Arbor Arms Minuteman Plate Carrier

Colors: Multicam, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, Wolf Grey
Weight: 14.4 ounces with single strap
MSRP: $99 for the Plate Carrier, $5-150 for the Cummerbun
URL: arborarmsusa.com

More on Chest Rigs, Body Armor, and Tactical Gear

Money Clip: Pocket Preps

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When we asked survivalist Les Stroud (see Issue 21) what his most important everyday-carry (EDC) item was, we were shocked to learn it wasn’t something sexy like a folding knife, but rather it was cash and credit cards. His reasoning is that you’re more likely to use what’s in your wallet or money clip — not your go-bag — to either evade a crisis or to recover from one.

Picture buying fuel for your vehicle before a hurricane evacuation, or having the liquid funds to pay for a replacement part in the event of an unforeseen breakdown. In the worst-case scenario, you might have to bribe your way through a situation. Money solves a lot of problems, and can usually help prevent the rest.

That’s why we’re taking a closer look at a convenient way to carry these items: money clips. 

Before minimalist wallets were invented, the money clip existed in various forms for centuries, but the modern version was patented in the early 20th century. It’s usually made of rectangular metal that’s folded in half so that cash and/or cards can be wedged between the two ends. Some have hinged clamps, while others feature a timepiece or are decked out with diamonds.

The money clips we review here aren’t quite that Gucci. Some are simple but functional, others have integrated tools, and one is even ubiquitous office stationery you probably never even thought of using. All are worth a look-see. 

511 Utility Money Clip_

5.11 Tactical Utility Money Clip Multitool

Material: Spring Steel
Dimensions: 2.5 by 1 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $20
URL: 511tactical.com

pocket clip 511 Utility Money Clip_

At first glance, this clip looks like your average modern money clip. But on closer inspection, you’ll realize it actually has some built-in tools that give it more functionality than just holding your paper and plastic. There’s a wire stripper, bottle opener, multi-size bolt wrench, flathead screwdrivers, and both metric and imperial rulers. Overall, it’s a robust money clip with a smart, functional design.

Money Clip 511 Utility Money Clip_

Pros:

  • Integrated tools add greater utility 
  • Goldilocks size: not too small, not too bulky
  • It’s made of 1.2mm spring steel, providing good strength to keep your valuables in place, but it’s flexible so it won’t crack.

Cons:

  • It’ll be a tight fit if you want to carry more than just one or two credit cards and a wad of cash.
  • The screwdrivers are too stubby to reach recessed screws.

clip filson tug boat

Filson Tug Boat Money Clip

Material: Brass, Copper
Dimensions: 2.6 by 1 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $78
URL: filson.com

clip filson tug boat

This is something your granddaddy probably could’ve carried — and that’s a compliment. Handmade in Ohio from brass and copper, this Filson accessory features a tugboat that’s handcut using a jeweler’s saw then soldered into place. This limited-
edition piece has the look, feel, and weight of an old-school money clip and harkens back to an era when craftsmanship mattered and products lasted longer. A classy, made-in-the-USA money clip for EDC.

clip filson tug boat

Pros:

  • Intricate artwork and vintage appeal
  • Solid heft without being heavy
  • Tight clip ensures your moolah won’t go missing

Cons:

  • Unlike some of the other clips reviewed here, this one doesn’t have any secondary functions despite being the priciest option at $78.

money clip halfbreed blades CCC-1

Halfbreed Blades CCC-01

Material: Titanium
Dimensions: 2.1 by 1 inches
Weight: 0.4 ounces
MSRP: $55
URL: halfbreedblades.com

money clip halfbreed blades CCC-1

The CCC-01, or Cash & Card Clip, earns our Top Pick Award because it can do more than just hold your dough and plastic. Made from titanium, it has a built-in belt cutter (for slicing seatbelts in emergencies or more mundane tasks like opening packages) and a multi-size hex wrench (for your torquing needs). It’s a badass blend of good looks, smart design, durability, and EDC functionality. Available in Black, Dark Earth, and Ranger Green.

money clip halfbreed blades CCC-1

Pros:

  • It’s as tough and functional as it is handsome.
  • Titanium is flexible yet incredibly strong and lightweight.
  • Anti-reflective PVD coating increases wear resistance
  • Comes in a classy foam-lined box with logo sticker, warranty card, specifications card, and certificate of authenticity

Cons:

  • There’s a roughly 1/8-inch gap where the clip’s two ends meet, which makes it easier to slide a thick fold of greenbacks … but is too loose if you want to carry only a couple of bills.

mgear gadget wallet

MGear Gadget Wallet 2.0 – Hero Edition

Material: Various, including polymer and stainless steel
Dimensions: 3.6 by 2.6 inches (entire wallet + money clip)
Weight: 3.7 ounces (entire wallet + money clip)
MSRP: Starting at $50
URL: mgear.io

mgear gadget wallet

This is actually a multi-tool wallet, but we’ve included it because it comes with a substantial money clip that’s removable. What’s cool about the Gadget Wallet is that it’s customizable à la carte style; you can pay extra for a custom printed image, an engraved steel clip, or a variety of survival tools. Our upgraded review sample — which came with the money clip, a 10-in-1 mutli-tool, and a Bruce Lee print on the backside — priced out at $59.

mgear gadget wallet

Pros:

  • If you’re looking for more than just a money clip, the Gadget Wallet 2.0 offers greater cargo capacity in a slim package.
  • Highly customizable for a reasonable price
  • Base model wallet comes with Fresnel lens, RFID-blocking ruler/survival guide card, and more.

Cons:

  • The stainless steel clip is large and strong, which is nice, but it’s screwed to a plastic frame with faux carbon fiber, which isn’t so strong and flexes too much.
  • It might lean too close to the “tacticool” aesthetic for some.

money clip nite ize

Nite Ize Financial Tool Money Clip + Pocket Tools

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 3.5 by 2.2 inches
Weight: 3.3 ounces
MSRP: $20
URL: niteize.com

money clip nite ize

Unlike the conventional design, the Financial Tool Money Clip is folded twice, with the bigger fold for holding a couple of charge cards and the smaller fold for cash. Plus, it’s an extension of a larger rectangular body that houses a fold-out hook knife, can opener, bottle opener, and screwdrivers. The Financial Tool Money Clip is a brilliant outside-the-box design packed with utility for an affordable price, which is why it earns our Best Value Award.

money clip nite ize

Pros:

  • With a 6-in-1 multi-tool design, it’s more than a money clip.
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Comes with a retractable pocket clip for deep carry
  • Great bang for the buck

Cons:

  • The short screwdrivers won’t be able to reach recessed screws.
  • Not ideal for holding more than a few plastic cards

binder clip and cash

Office Depot Binder Clip

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 2.2 by 1.3 inches
Weight: 0.1 ounces
MSRP: $4 for a 24-pack
URL: officedepot.com

binder clip

All too often, newbie survivalists want the flashy toys instead of investing in learning skills. That’s why we’ve included this super low-budget option: the binder clip. Anyone who’s ever attended high school or works an office job has a ton of these stashed in their desk drawer. Pull one out, because it doesn’t just work as a strong money clip, but also can be improvised for a variety of post-SHTF scenarios — you’re limited only by your skills and imagination.

Pros:

  • Super cheap option at about 16 cents a piece
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Can hold several credit cards and a decent-sized wad of cash
  • Has many improvised survival functions when used in conjunction with other items, e.g. set up a rain catcher, secure tarp for shelter, etc.

Cons:

  You won’t win any style points.

money clip vargo money clip

Vargo Titanium Money Clip

Material: Titanium
Dimensions: 2 by 0.8 ounces
Weight: 0.3 ounces
MSRP: $20
URL: vargooutdoors.com

money clip vargo money clip

This little puppy is for ultra minimalists. It’s 2 inches long, flatter than a pancake, about the width of a finger, and just a third of an ounce (seven grams) — making it a barely there holder of your hard-earned bucks. Plus, it’s made of titanium, which has one of the best strength-to-weight ratios of any metal. This is most ideal for those who need to save weight while out on the trail or just on a quick convenience store run.

money clip vargo money clip

Pros:

  • Slim, light, and classy
  • Titanium is crazy strong, so this clip will hold tight to your stash.
  • Sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing in its simplicity

Cons:

  • Nitpicking here — because it does its job beautifully — but, aside from holding your bread, it doesn’t have any other function.

More Pocket Preps

The Fenris Chest Rig – Moving Beyond Average

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If you don't look at the Fenris and see the 2021 version of the rig used in the film Heat, you lack imagination.

Chest rigs come in all shapes and sizes, well, almost. Until now, most chest rigs oriented your magazines vertically across your chest. The Fenris from Nightfighter does things differently. Instead of running them across your chest with the magazines oriented vertically, the Fenris holds them horizontally, positioning them under the shooter's arms. brn-180 fenrish chest rig

Minimalism describes the Fenris perfectly. It gives you nothing more than magazine slots. No fancy MOLLE webbing, zero room for admin pockets, and no, you don't get a map pocket. Users get six AR 15 sized magazine pouches and a series of straps to make it fit. That's it.

Breaking Down The Fenrir

Six magazine pouches break down to three on each side. Are they strictly designed for AR 15 magazines? No, as elastic magazine pouches, they can fit a surprising variety of magazines into the pouches from the Mini 14 to the Steyr AUG; you get room for everything.

Admittedly shooters can fit a variety of gear into an elastic pouch designed for 5.56 sized magazines. Feel free to pop in a CAT tourniquet, a radio, a smoke grenade, or whatever else your mission may dictate. The pouches cling tight to whatever you squeeze in, and they won't let your gear go without a fight. The magazines are held tighter than a KAC castle nut. fenris chest rig

Nightfighter produces a 308 variant for FAL/G3/AR 10 shooters and a PCC variant perfectly paired with an MP5 or CZ Scorpion.

The setup provides a supportive series of straps with one that goes around the neck, one in front of the stomach, and two crisscrossed back straps that provide a minimalist setup that secures the magazines under your arms with ease.

What's the purpose of packing that much lead under your arms instead of across your chest? Well, concealment mostly. Users can strap 180 rounds of 5.56 under their arms, toss on a windbreaker or a good flannel, and they disappear. brn-180

An open jacket or overshirt will show the stomach strap, but most people won't pay enough attention to ever see it. You add some bulk to your frame and may feel like you suffer from invisible lat syndrome, but again, it takes a dedicated eye to notice such things. Pop in 20 round magazines to reduce bulk if you feel it's too much.

Getting Fitted With The Fenrir

Anything secured by good elastic takes some force to remove, and due to this, the fit must be tight. The Fenris offers plenty of room for adjustment, but a buckle extender for the stomach strap was necessary to accommodate my six-foot-five-inch, 270-pound frame.

Once fitted properly and loaded down, you'll feel the weight in your neck. A combination of the weight and thin neck strap delivers a pressure point on your upper neck. Minimalist designs rarely excel in the comfort department, but that being said, the pinch never got unbearable.

Even when worn for hours at a time, the discomfort never moved beyond a feeling of pressure. A pad could help, and modifying gear for comfort is a time-honored tradition.

Fitted properly means the magazines are pushed up and underarms. When the magazine sits under the arms high and tight, you maximize your ability to conceal the magazines.

The rig will rub your arms a bit, but long sleeves quickly take care of that. It's one of the tradeoffs of using minimalist, concealable gear. They don't have the room to stretch and build for comfort. Rigs like the Fenris fulfill a specific niche, and that does create a challenge to balance concealment and comfort.

Getting Frisky With the Fenrir

Experimentation guided magazine orientation. On the dominant side, the projectiles face downwards; on the nondominant side, projectiles face upwards. When speed is of the essence, this orientation allows for rapid and intuitive reloads. It's easier to grip magazines on the nondominant side with a thumbs-up grip and on the dominant side a thumbs-down grip. Shooting gloves helped grip the magazines, but barehanded wasn't difficult either. fenris chest rig

Regardless of how a chest rig orients the magazine, it must be accessible at all times and in all positions. A proper test included magazine changes in the prone, the kneeling, standing, behind cover, moving, and even in a vehicle. The majority of the testing utilized a BRN 180 rifle with a rifle-length barrel. Inside the vehicle called for a shorter AR pistol for maneuverability's sake.

Putting the Fenris through a wide variety of situations will show any weaknesses or flaws we might not have imagined when stuck on a square range. A shot timer provides objective data for the testing. Time without context means nothing, so to provide context, the Fenris faced off with a normal chest rig. Specifically a Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 chest rig. chest rig

The Square Range

On the square range, in the standing, rifle reloads could be accomplished in under 3.5 seconds, with the fastest being 3.10 and the slowest being 3.43 seconds. Reloads required an accurate shot fired on a 25% IPSC target to end the drill. Times with the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 Chest Rig were close to identical. The fastest reload with the BFG chest rig occurred in 3.17 seconds, and the slowest was 3.38 seconds. side by side chest rigs

Faster and more talented shooters will drive that number down. Nothing in the Fenrir's design makes drawing a magazine and reloading your rifle difficult. brn-180 reload

Switching to a kneeling position showed a similar result, with all reloads taking less than 3.5 seconds with both rigs. brn-180 reload kneeling

The prone position resulted in a slightly more dramatic difference. Reloads in the prone were more intuitive with the Fenris rig and allowed more efficient movements to retrieve the magazines. Since they sit on the side of the body, they do not require the user to rise slightly to retrieve magazines. brn-180 reload prone

A greater gap in time appeared between the two chest rigs with an average time of 3.23 seconds with the Fenris and 3.45 with the Blue Force Gear rig.

All in all, none of the standard square range shooting positions compromised access to magazines in the Fenris chest rig.

Beyond the Square Range

Moving into more dynamic shooting showed the Fenris remained capable. A PTS Barricade challenged the Fenris to dynamic shooting positions at awkward angles, and it never tapped out. Reloading on the fly in such awkward angles remained intuitive and ergonomic.

Again when pressed against a traditional chest rig, the times were nearly identical with reload times well below 3.5 seconds, and the Fenris broke the 3 second par time with the traditional chest rig lagging behind by fractions of a second. On average, both the Fenris and Blue Force Gear rigs averaged around 3.2 seconds on the reload. fenris chest rig reload cover

When moving quickly, the Fenris will move if it's not appropriately tightened down. The Fenris needs to be tight to ensure there is no rocking motion. Beyond that, there was no major difference between the chest rig and the Fenris rig. The Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 rig proved to be the slightly faster option on the move.

Presenting the magazines up front meant arm movement never got in the way of retrieving magazines. The Blue Force Gear rig averaged right around 3.46 seconds, and the Fenris lagged behind at an average of 3.54 seconds.

Inside, a vehicle challenged the Fenrir. Retrieving the magazines requires you to drive your arm rearward. Driving your arm rearward against the chair created a challenge and required less efficient movements. The Ten-Speed chest rig forces your arms to move forward, resulting in no additional challenges. brn-180

The Fenrir's average reload time was 3.48 seconds, and the Blue Force Gear M4 chest rig offered an average reload time of 3.32 seconds.

The End of All

The times between the two chest rigs were minimal outside of reloads in the prone position. The Fenris isn't a revolution of providing more accessible and faster reloads. Instead, the Fenris allows you to reload just as fast as a traditional chest rig with the ability to conceal the rig on demand.

Additionally, the ability to carry a larger fighting load than most chest rigs should not be underestimated. Most chest rigs offer four to five magazine pouches, and most minimalist designs offer even less. The Fenris gives you six slots for magazines and additional gear. fenris chest rig front

Concealment comes at the cost of comfort. A traditional chest rig provides you more comfort but is a good bit harder to conceal. The Fenris offers you concealment and access. The rig remains concealed even when your jacket or shirt remains opened. Mission drives gear selection, and the Fenris chest rig fits a niche use.

Where to Find The Fenrir

One man shops pop up every now and then, making outstanding gear. Nightfighter is no different. If the Fenris fits your mission needs or your want for a modern Heat style rig, you can find Nightfighter on Instagram at Nightfighter848. Send a direct message to order your own Fenris rig and let us know below what you think about the Fenris rig, minimalist chest rigs, and concealable load-bearing gear.

How to Set Up Your Rifle for Low-Light (or No-Light) Conditions

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Every day, most of us have approximately 12 to 16 hours of sunlight to work with. That means we also have approximately 8 to 12 hours of darkness. If your rifle, handgun, or shotgun aren’t setup for working in the dark, you potentially have a limited-use item — a 12- to 16-hour gun for a 24-hour world. If you’re one of these folks, we’re going to help you out. I personally strive to have a 24-hour gun. So, no matter the occasion, I have a working firearm that can do more than just shoot in well-lit, controlled environments. I want a reliable, dependable system with the equipment that’s better than just “good enough.” The phrase “good enough” tells me that you know there’s better, and you’re not willing to achieve it — don’t fall for that trap.

jon dufresne main rifle

Above: Battle Arms Development Workhorse Rail with a Rosco MFG Bloodline barrel and a SureFire RC2. On the rail is a Cloud Defensive REIN and B.E. Meyers MAWL.

Let us start our journey with a base rifle. Like I stated above, I want something reliable and dependable. There are plenty of fantastic manufacturers out there, but I personally choose Battle Arms Development for my base rifle. At the heart of the rifle is a Rosco Manufacturing barrel — I’ve tested it in so many conditions in the last few years that I don’t want to use anything else at this point. Once you make your choice, or if you already have a base ready to go, we need to pick the appropriate accessories to add. Options are almost endless, so we’ll touch on some of the most important. 

Optic Choices (Red Dot vs. Holographic vs. LPVO) 

Optics are going to be the primary way we aim our rifles, so choose wisely. We have some things to figure out if we want to fight in the dark. Red dots are standard nowadays, and they’re usually the easiest to learn with and use night or day. Red dots come in two distinct offerings: diode or holographic. 

Scalarworks leap mounts for vortex razor and aimpoint t1 night vision height mounts

Above: Scalar-works LEAP 1.93 mounts for the Vortex Gen 2 Razor 1-6 (Left) and Aimpoint T-1 (Right).

Diode-based optics project light from an LED, which the front lens reflects it back toward your eye. Very simple and robust. The downside is that this projected light can appear distorted for those of us with imperfect vision (especially astigmatism). If that’s not an issue, then the hard part comes in with choosing a specific optic. This is one of the more personal choices that you’ll have to make. I use the Aimpoint Micro series most of the time, unless I’m testing something for another company, because they have a long battery life, low weight, small size, and a sturdy housing with easy adjustments. No frills, they just work. If you plan to use night vision, make sure to get a model that features low-brightness settings designed for this purpose.

Battle Arms Development Aimpoint T-1 Unity Tactical Fast Mount

Above: Battle Arms Development Workhorse with an Aimpoint T-1 on a Unity Tactical Fast mount.

Another option you have is a holographic sight like one of the EOTech models or the Vortex UH-1. These have much shorter battery life than red dots, but work well with magnifiers and night vision. Depending on your eyes, you may see a sparkly reticle or a solid one. I’ve been told by a significant amount of people that their astigmatism is lessened by holographic sights, as well. When it comes to holographic sights, I’ve been gravitating toward the Vortex UH-1 Gen 2, but that is once again a personal choice. You must make your own.

Vortex Razor Gen 3 low light rifle setup

Above: The Vortex Razor Gen 3 1-10 in a Geissele 1.5 height mount with a Holosun 508T on a Reptilia Corp ROF-90 mount.

The third option for optic selection is a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO), typically with magnification range around 1-6x. LPVOs have an advantage over the other two types of optic: an etched reticle. Depending on the brand and optic you choose, there are some awesome choices out there from Vortex, Leupold, and Nightforce. These optics have magnification when you want it, and models with an illuminated reticle can be used like a red dot with practice. The main downsides are that they’re significantly heavier and more expensive than red dots. Illuminated LPVOs have similar battery life to a holographic sight. When it comes to LPVOs, you’re now working with a more precise optic that you can use to dive deeper into the pool of precision. 

Mount Height 

With optic selection comes mount selection. Mounts typically range from 1.3 inches all the way to 2.33. So, let’s go through them to see what may fit your needs.

t-1 micro mount heights

Above: From left to right, an ADM 1/3 co-witness mount, Scalar-works LEAP 1.93, and Unity Tactical Fast 2.26.

1.3 to 1.5 are great for magnified scopes, or for when you need a consistent cheekweld for precision shooting. Just be aware some scopes won’t fit in a 1.3 depending on the objective lens size. I also don’t recommend the 1.3 and 1.5 (absolute co-witness) for red dots on most weapons. It’s unnecessarily low for the needs that a red dot fits, but like everything, it’s your choice.

The next step up is a 1.7, also known as a 1/3 (or “lower third”) co-witness height. This is a popular place to mount LVPOs and red dots for iron sight co-witness, if you still use iron sights. It’s still a little low for those of you trying to use it for night vision, and depending on head size, you may end up craning your neck.

Unity Tactical Fast Mount T-1 Micro night vision rifle setup night vision optics

1.93 is the next height — this is at the limits of comfort for any prone shooting with night vision, but it’s a great height for those who plan to be upright or standing more than prone. I enjoy the 1.93 or 2.05 for my LPVOs that I’ll be using as a primary optic. This height also works well for red dots.

Next up are the 2.26 and 2.33 heights. I don’t suggest these for an LPVO. It ends up being difficult to consistently avoid parallax — not that it cannot be trained, but it’ll take more work and is very straining on the neck for anything prone. My suggestion for any mount that you choose is to figure out the purpose of the rifle and the optic you’re using to make a choice. 

two carbines night vision optics low-light no-light carbine setups

Above Top: Battle Arms Development Workhorse — my main jam. Below: Rosco MFG 12.5 URG — my do-it-all rifle.

Another style of mount selection is blending the traditional mounts above with an offset mount. There are a lot of combination mounts that you can put micro red dots on the top or side (45-degree) of your scope. This adds a level of redundancy and options to enhance your capabilities. Top-mounted red dots on scopes are one of my favorite styles, as it gives me ambidextrous use of my rifle in a scope or red dot capacity. I still enjoy using side-mounted dots when I use a higher magnified optic or am trying to keep the height profile of my rifle down. Either one needs some personal consideration depending on your setup and needs.

Weapon-Mounted Lights (White vs. IR) 

Weapon-mounted lights are an absolute must for a rifle. The only exception is something used exclusively for daytime competitions. As for a dedicated low-light rifle, you’ll need a good light. By good light, I’m not just talking about any light that says “tactical” and comes with a rail mount. I’m talking about the output on multiple levels. Your light should have high candela, lumen, and lux stats. Candela is the intensity of the beam emitted from the light. Lumens is the overall brightness rating of the light. Lux is the intensity of the light in a given area or distance. Personally, I stick to two companies that I believe have surpassed the others in performance capability. Modlite and Cloud Defensive have made lights that are modular and offer outstanding performance in these key areas. Modlite offers lights that are compatible with industry-standard mounts, tailcaps, switches, and other components. Cloud has attacked the market in another way, starting from the ground up to develop two different-style lights, the OWL and REIN. Both companies make great products that someone can adapt to their needs. 

weapon mounted lights cloud defensive rain, modlite okw, surefire m600v

Above: From left to right, the Cloud Defensive REIN, Modlite OKW, and SureFire M600V.

If you’re operating under night vision, you may want either a dedicated infrared (IR) or dual-output white/IR light. These are very specific use items. Depending on your laser setup, you can supplement it with a dual spectrum light like the SureFire M300V/M600V “Vampire” series. Just remember most dual-spectrum lights provide both IR and white light, but usually do both jobs sub-optimally. Most use these lights to add more IR illumination to the area they’re targeting for passive night vision use, or as a searching tool. The only dual-spectrum light I use is on my helmet. More on that in the future.

Top down B.E. Meyers MAWL Cloud rein surefire suppressor

Above: A top view of button controls for the Cloud Defensive REIN and B.E. Meyers MAWL.

Muzzle Devices (Muzzle Brakes, Flash Hiders, and Suppressors)

Muzzle devices vary in many ways, and each will have pros and cons. The most common muzzle devices are muzzle brakes and flash hiders. Beyond those, there are also suppressors, which are my favorite option. I can be seen in the wild most of the time using one. Let’s get into some of the details.

Surefire Warcomp, Dead Air KeyMo, Surefire Warcome closed Tine muzzle devices for low light carbineAbove: From top to bottom, a SureFire Warcomp flash hider, Dead Air Keymount brake, SureFire Warcomp closed-tine flash hider. 

Muzzle brakes, also known as compensators, are usually the best at recoil mitigation because of the way they redirect gases to force the muzzle lower or reduce muzzle climb. That benefit also has some downsides. I’ve found that if I shoot with a brake/compensator for long enough, I start to relax my shooting position. I relax so much to the point that shooting with anything else is harder to manage. Also, if you’re shooting next to others — teammates and/or classmates — you’ll be hated by all. That redirection of gases and concussive force is very harsh to your neighbors. I suggest that you don’t shoot a muzzle brake indoors, since it’ll be unpleasant even with the best ear protection.

night vision carbine muzzle setup

Above: Battle Arms Development Rail with a Rosco MFG Bloodline barrel, SureFire RC2, and Rail­-scales EXO panels.

Flash hiders conceal the muzzle flash by using slots or holes in the muzzle device. Flash hiders are also misinterpreted: They don’t hide all the muzzle flash; they mitigate or minimize it. Flash hiders were originally meant to help the shooter’s eyesight by not overwhelming the photo receptors in their eyes. Some flash hiders also help with recoil, giving you a blend of a brake and hider. Just remember, most devices that do both usually aren’t ideal at either one. 

SureFire RC2, Dead Air Sandman S, and OSS 556K

Above: Left to right is a SureFire RC2, Dead Air Sandman S, and OSS 556K.

Both kinds of muzzle devices can also include a mount for a suppressor. Suppressors, also known as silencers, use a series of baffles or chambers to limit the expansion of gases. This limits the noise coming from the rifle and can also potentially limit the amount of flash, depending on the length of rifle and suppressor. Suppressors add weight to the front of the rifle, and that takes some getting used to if you don’t do enough pushups. For some, a suppressor is cost-prohibitive, but I highly recommend you save your pennies for one. Suppressors are the ultimate muzzle device for a low-light rifle and can also help protect your hearing. The only other downside is that they get extremely hot with use, so don’t burn yourself.

Laser Devices

Laser devices come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Lasers are also very specific tools and must be cared for, so they take a dedicated user. They’re not plug-and-play like some believe them to be. They must be carefully positioned and zeroed, much like an optic. I don’t recommend just grabbing any laser off the internet. Choose the laser that’ll fit your needs. Visible lasers are great for certain uses, like gas mask work and practicing for IR laser use. Be aware that they have limitations due to lighting in the environment you’re working in. IR laser devices are meant for use under night vision, so they won’t be visible to the naked eye. As a result, IR lasers are often paired with a visible laser, so that if one is zeroed you know the other should be, too. Since I use a lot of night vision and teach it, I use a B.E. Meyers MAWL, which has a visible laser, IR laser, and an IR illuminator. I suggest those going into night vision get something with all three tools. 

night vision optics lasers

Above: Both my setups have some similarities. To the left is a B.E. Meyers MAWL and a Modlite OKW. On the right is B.E. Meyers MAWL and a Cloud Defensive REIN.

Conclusion

Setting up a rifle is very dependent on your needs and wants. I don’t like to skimp on my equipment and don’t suggest it to anyone. Save up and buy the good stuff, instead of buying inexpensive gear that you may have to replace when it breaks or malfunctions. With the myriad of accessories and tools on the market, setting up a low-light rifle can be overwhelming, but I hope that this article helps guide you. Build a list, save your money, and get practicing.

low-light no-light rifle carbine setup

To see Jon Dufresne's Training Calender or to Check out Kinetic Consulting: kinetic-consulting.net
Follow him on Instagram: @mochabear_actual

[Editor's note: Photography by Jon Dufresne and Real Dirty Media.]

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Book Review: Violence of Mind by Varg Freeborn

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One part criticism, one part methodology, Violence of Mind pokes at the soft tissue of how we think of self-defense in order to build a foundation that combines the irreverence of a street fight, with the analytical benefit of systematizing one’s mindset. In this, the book offers two benefits: first and foremost as a cheque to one’s own ego, and second, as an attempt to build not only a roadmap of training progression, but heuristics to protect one’s self from the self-sabotage of misguided intentions. Varg Freeborn announces from the beginning that this work is written to construct the mental foundation needed to support and inform one’s survival, by evaluating one’s actual versus perceived goals, and holding rigorously to them.

In essence, then, this book functions as philosophical, in its true form. In a world of “gotcha” criticisms heavily driven by ego, Violence of Mind begins with asking what is the goal of self-defense, and allows no wiggle room for weak answers. Jabbing at trendy phrases like “I’d rather be judged by twelve, than carried by six” and injecting the physical, mental, legal, and moral aspects of something like self-defense, he balances the criticism with constructive experience and direction.

Varg Freeborn then brings a violent breath of fresh air on how we think about situational awareness, and offers some perspective from the mind of a predator. A recognizable shift from the oft-quoted and long-sterile examples bad SA, he ushers in a different paradigm of broadening one’s range of perception: a sharp contrast to the hyper-vigilance model.  In a world of pseudo-intellectuals who attempt to look smart by noticing a single feature, or simply reverting to the criticize-people-for-being-in-their-phones approach, he addresses how we oscillate between attention to detail and wide-band observation intentionally and how to train it in.

violence of mind toor jank shank

Above: Varg Freeborn is strongly opinionated about the use of knives, from what type of knife is carried, to appearances, to legalities, to what the court might think. The Toor Knives Jank Shank may fit well, but it's you're choice. 

Some of the most valuable aspects of Violence of Mind are diving into Marc MacYoung's hierarchy of escalation, and the author’s structured ideal training pathway. By identifying the distinction between “advanced” and “specialized” training, he draws a line that separates CQB from advanced self-defense. In this, he argues that certain forms of training, while having been marketed as advanced, are really only specializations, and need to be recognized as such, especially by the student.

This book belongs on the shelf of both those who are pursuing their own capacity for self-reliance through self-defense, and is a must-read for any who wishes to instruct. As the book cuts apart the poor arguments we have used to justify bad habits or mental laziness in the past, a path to redemption is paved in within the pages that balance the critique of current and past trends, with the methodological approach to how we think of training itself. Instead of asking what to train or why we train, this work addresses how we think about training and self-defense, and in doing so, represents academic rigor without the ivory tower.

Criticisms

The title is correct in describing the objective of the book. While the term Mindset is certainly trending at the time of writing, the opening chapters of the book are instrumental in self-reflection. That being the case, as the chapters carry on, some arguments fall into the pattern that has been seen before with the elite special operator types, sounding something like “you don't know because you're not a hardened criminal like me.” It can be offputting, but we're talking about violence here.

This, however, works to the advantage of the reader, for just as the Varg identifies, ego can quickly become self-destructive when violence occurs. His argument from authority challenges the reader's ego, and highlights the value of the book as a tool of self-evaluation. For those who take seriously the reality of violence, their disagreements with the author will also be taken into consideration knowing they have skin in the game, rather than responding emotionally. Violence of Mind is ultimately a tool of introspection with deadly consequences.

Violence of Mind and Its Author

Author: Varg Freeborn
Pages: 223 pages
MSRP: $17 on Amazon (Buy Here)
URL: violenceofmind.com

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VirTra Training: Total Immersion Gun Simulation

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Summer 2020 in Arizona wasn’t conducive to live-fire training, given the perfect storm of 115-degree temperatures, wildfire-related shooting restrictions on public land, COVID-induced range closures, and extremely high ammo prices. Rather than rely solely on dry-fire practice at home, I decided this was the ideal time to try out the state-of-the-art VirTra firearms simulator at the Haley Strategic headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Haley’s D7 Disruptive Performance course is a two-day program that’s limited to just five students, and it takes place without a single live round fired. I attended a D7 Carbine class, but Handgun and Handgun Lowlight versions are also available.

The VirTra system is no oversized arcade game — it’s a sophisticated simulator with an impressive degree of realism. Students use real BCM AR-15s retrofitted with VirTra internals that produce CO2-powered recoil and a laser flash with each trigger press. An array of sensors detect where the laser impacts on a projector screen, a computer calculates ballistic trajectory in the virtual environment, and the shooter receives real-time audio and visual feedback.

The D7 Carbine course began with a classroom portion that introduced Haley’s “thinkers before shooters” ethos, thoroughly analyzing the mental and physical aspects involved in firearms training. After discussing zeros and hold-overs for various distances, we stepped up to the VirTra 100 single-screen simulator, firing our ARs from a prone position at virtual targets from 50 to 500 yards. Our instructors, Josh and Robert, were able to instantly enlarge our targets and provide guidance based on our shot groups.

virtra carbine

Next was a detailed discussion of shooting fundamentals, such as stance, trigger control, sight picture, and eye movement — the latter becomes especially important when dealing with multiple targets in a dynamic setting. Back on the single-screen sim, we ran various drills from low ready and high ready, maintaining an even cadence between shots and receiving one-on-one evaluation from instructors. We finished our first day in the flagship VirTra 300 simulator, testing our ability to pivot and transition between simulated clay targets across the 300-degree screen. On day two, we warmed up with the same transition drill, then returned to the single-screen sim for box drills that tested our footwork and ability to move forward, backward, and laterally between shots. The final classroom portion of the D7 class was taught by Travis Haley. It covered the powerful effects of a life-and-death scenario, such as the body alarm response (BAR) that dumps hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. Rather than attempt to resist this inevitable process, we must learn to anticipate and manage it.

Since firsthand experience is a powerful teacher, the D7 class culminated by testing each student’s performance inside the panoramic simulator. One by one, students were called into the darkroom and fitted with a belt-mounted Threat-Fire pack, which delivered a 10,000-volt shock any time we were hit by a virtual incoming round. The consequences of failure would be painful, and this elevated the sense of tension. Haley’s VirTra system includes dozens of scenarios, and each features branching paths and outcomes that can be controlled by the instructor in real-time. This made it feel like interacting with live opponents, rather than pre-programmed AI.

We experienced two scenarios, a mugging at an outdoor ATM and an active shooter situation inside a courthouse. These scenarios included multiple assailants, innocent bystanders, and ally first responders, as well as complications such as armored foes and hostage-takers — in the latter case, I was able to negotiate a surrender after an agonizing 90-second standoff. However, I didn’t walk away unscathed from the ATM mugging. Seconds after stopping the first threat, I was blindsided by an accomplice I had failed to notice. I returned fire, but got zapped and received a wake-up call about the dangers of tunnel vision.

This Haley Strategic D7 Carbine class was an incredible experience, and a powerful reminder that real defensive scenarios are far more complex than drills on a 180-degree shooting range.

For more information on future Haley Strategic classes, visit haleystrategic.com/train.
For more information on VirTra: virtra.com

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