Condor Tactical Summit Softshell Jacket Review

Today we take a look at the Condor Summit Softshell Jacket.  You can find it HERE over at Airsplat, and they also have a variety of other Condor jackets, as well as a ton of Condor gear.   

Before we get into the jacket, let's talk Condor.  If you know airsoft gear, you know Condor.  They have been a name that a lot of airsofters go to when they are looking for a vest, a chest rig, pouches, gloves and really - whatever other gear you want, they probably make it.  They are actually a real-steel (i.e. for real operators) company, but they know that airsofters are willing to invest a lot of cash into their kit, so they are happy to make gear that reaches out to the airsoft world as well.  Check them out HERE - Condor Outdoor.

Ok back to the jacket.  Cost is $79.99 and you can find this one in Tan, OD, and Black, though the Black does have a tinge of gray in it.  These jackets are made for colder weather so this is not a spring or early fall jacket.  Check out some of the specs below this lovely pic of the jacket.

Condor Tactical Summit Soft Shell Jacket
- Lined "Stand up" collar
- Hood inside collar - easily stored
- 2 shoulder pockets, 2 chest pockets, 2 internal pockets
- 4x4 inch patch panels - one on each upper arm
- Forearm pocket
- Double-zipper (dual-access) rear pocket in lower back
- Under-arm zip vents
- Double-layer reinforces forearm
- Drawstring on waist and hood
- Hook-and-loop (i.e. velcro) on wrists
- Double front zipper for comfort adjustment

Some of the literature that comes with the jacket.

Looking at the neck here, you can see that it covers your neck very nicely, and while that little piece of fleece that covers the zipper may seem like no big deal, when the wind kicks up and the weather is cold, it actually does help significantly in keeping the cold out and your body heat (around your neck) in.

In the back you can see the zipper to unleash the hood and also the drawstring to cinch down the neck (again - to keep out the elements).

In general, this forearm pocket is one of my favorites on any clothing.  It's great to toss an ID, some money, a debit card, or other small items into this pocket that is so easily accessible.  And the extra pull on the zipper makes it easier to get into when you have gloves on.

Space for a patch on the upper arm.  One thing I like about this is that they kept the patch location color close enough to the color of the rest of the jacket that if you don't have a patch on it, it doesn't stand out. Also in this shot you can see three of the pockets - chest, upper arm/shoulder, forearm.

These front pockets are called Napoleon pockets.  The reason - well, when you put your hands in them it make you look like Napoleon and how he held his hand inside his coat.  However, the REASON for these pockets being higher is that you can now keep you hands in your coat AND at the same time still wear a battle belt or snap a waist strap on a backpack, which - with normal side pockets that are lower - you cannot do.

The back pocket - use it to keep you hands warm or to store some slightly larger items inside of it.

Inside - some info on the coat and - yes, another pocket.  As I mentioned earlier this coat is warm.  Notice the fleece and in the winter, appreciate the fleece.

Pocket on the other (right) inside.

Drawstrings to snug up the lower portion of the coat around the waist.

Now with all this warmth, you may start to get TOO hot if you are really active in this bad boy.  No need to be concerned - just unzip the pit zips and let some cool air roll on in.

Like the Napoleon pockets, the fact that the double-zipper can open the bottom of the front zipper gives you the ability to have more kit around your waist without too much restriction.  This feature is also helpful if you are having to climb up a hill or, if you are into rock climbing, this feature is a great one.  As you raise you legs with the jacket slightly unzipped at the bottom of the front zip, you don't have the jacket riding up.

Condor Tactical Summit Softshell - love it.  My wife keeps asking me to see if I can score her one in OD.  What do you say, Airsplat?  Then we can walk around town together and look like the tacti-coolest couple out there.  Anyhow, on a serious note - it's warm, it's rain-resistant, it's comfortable, it's got a TON of great features, and I'm glad to own it.  You need a jacket and want one that works for both airsofting and just wearing around?  This might just be it, my friend.  Check it out at Airsplat, and big thank you to them for sending this along for review.

- Carp

Condor Rigger's Belt

Today we are talking rigger's belts.  Before we get into the specs on this one (from Condor and available at Evike HERE for $25), let's talk about rigger's belts in general.  Rigger's belts are a high-duty, heavy-use belt that a variety of tactical manufacturers make.  These are not just a belt made out of webbing - these things are beastly.  The webbing used is durable and usually thicker that rock climbing webbing, and the buckles are usually highly durable as well.  The harness is forged steel and has an 8,000 pound tensile strength.

Rigger's belts are all about carrying and bearing weight.  You can put a ton of gear (holster, pistol, mags, pouches, etc.) on a rigger's belt and, if it's well made, it will hold and and not sag under the weight.

Let's talk a look at this one from Condor. You can get it over at Evike in Tan, Black, Foliage, and OD.  The sizes run from Small to Extra Large.  This one is tan and (as you'll see) is Medium/Large.  I actually had to send the Large back because it was too big for me (I'm was a 38 when I got the Large and it was way too big).

Here's a look at the belt straight on.

A look at the belt from the top.

And the size is located on outside of the belt under the Condor logo.

Putting on the belt - well, it's not rocket science.  You run the belt through your belt loops on your pants and then back between the moving metal slide on the front.  It's got velcro on it and a lot of it, so if you do it right, this thing will stay ON.

A look at the hardware - all metal.

Take a look at the stitching on the back.  This thing is made to be USED.

Here's what it looks like on.  The smaller piece of webbing on the right of this photo is for you to make any final, minor adjustments.  Also, note that it'll take some time to 'break in'.  If the belt seems very stiff, that's good - that means it's made well and it should be (for the first few times using) a little hard to get on and set up.

You can loop the velcro back UNDER your pants belt look, but the velcro grabs so much that I find that a serious pain.  If I was using this to bear some serious weight, I would do so, but in general I don't find it necessary.

So who is this for?   First off, it's a good investment for $25.  You can wear this day-in and day-out and it'll hold up for a long time.  So I'd say if you just want a hearty belt that'll last - this is a good option.  Secondly, in relation to airsoft, if you prefer to go high-speed/low-drag, this might be something to pick up.  Let's say you don't want to run a vest or chest rig.  No problem.  Toss a few mag pouches on here, maybe a dump pouch, and a small utility pouch, and you're good to go.  Can you do that on a lower-cost belt?  Well, you CAN, but you can also walk to Boston from Maine, but I think driving makes more sense.  This belt will hold up and it won't sag, thereby keeping your gear in place and your pants...well...on.

Thanks to Evike for their sponsorship of this review.

- Carp

New Folding Knife from Condor

OK, let's talk knives and airsoft.  Of course, some people use fake knives for airsoft, but what place does a real knife have in airsoft?  Good question, and a fair one.  First off, I'd say for many airsofters, they don't have a place, so don't bother getting one (not to be too blunt here). But for those of us who know how to handle a blade - and by that I mean to use it as a tool, not as a fighting weapon - a nice pocket knife can be helpful.

When I get a new item and I want to take off tags, labels, or other things that are hanging on, say, a mag pouch - well, a knife can come in handy.  When it's a lunch break and I need to bust open a bag of something to cook over my camping stove back in the prep area - a knife would be handy.  So for those kinds of needs (AND NOT ON THE FIELD), I think this Condor Barracuda could be useful.

Check it out HERE from Airsplat.

Let's start with some specs:
Blade Material - Sand-blasted AUS8 blade steel
Length: 8 inches overall, 3.3 inch blade, 4.5 inches folded
Handle: G10
Pocket clip: adjustable 4 ways
Opening: Thumb stud and slipper
Weight: 4.3 oz.

We all know Condor makes some very popular tactical gear that airsofters use, but now they have broken into the tactical/folding knife market.  This one comes in a plan edge and one with a serrated edge as well.  I prefer a plain edge, but that's just my taste.

This blade fits comfortably in my hand and I'm 6 foot 2, so if you have smaller hands, it'll be plenty big.

Again, it's made of AUS8 steel - good, pretty easy to sharpen up.

As you can see it has a liner lock.  No issues here - just a heads up on how it locks open.

 To give you a little size comparison, I compared it to an AK and M4 mag.  As you can see, it's not too big, and it's about 1/2 this size when it's all folded up.

Overall, a nice blade.  It'll hold an edge for you and when you are prepping for an op, it might be just what you needed in the parking lot or staging area.  Again, I would NOT recommend having this on the field - it's just asking to be lost or for an accident.  Play safe, leave the knife in the car, and as always - keep on firin'.

Big thanks to AIRSPLAT for supporting CQB Radio.

- Carp