PDT - Practical Defense Training Technologies

Hey CQB Radio peeps,

Today we look at some products from Practical Defense Training Technologies (click on the name for more information and their website).  What do they do?  Simple enough - they offer reality-based training in what they call their 'mico-emersive trainer' using, among other things, airsoft as a training tool.  They offer other services as well as selling some tac gear, so for the purposes of our post today, we are giving an overview of the PDT protective gear that is used during their airsoft-centered training.

First thing to note - you can purchase the protective gear in a full-set or in individual pieces.  So if you're an airsofter - particularly a CQB player - this is some kit you might want to consider.  

Here's the insert you get when your order the protective gear from PDT

And the bag that the gear comes in.  Nice bag, solidly-made, and it holds all the gear in the set.

Here's a look at the face mask.  Features include ear protection that still gives you the ability to still hear, an anti-fog lens that offers a maximum of peripheral vision.  On that note, PDT says that their dual-lens goggles are the only true no-fog lens on the market.  Want comfort in a mask - this one offers some nice soft gaskets to keep you safe and at the same time keep it comfortable.

Gloves - I love me some nice tac gloves. Protection is literally built-in to this glove - it's not on the outside, it's stitched into the glove.  Hook-and-loop closures on the wrists, cow-hide palms, and stretch material make the gloves safe and also comfortable to wear.

Neck protection.  Ever get shot in the neck?  Yeah, I know - THAT hurt.  Here's your neck protection.  Again light-weight and comfortable (you'll see that as a theme), and the BEST feature of this is the neck skirt.  That means this neck protection won't a.) move around and leave your skin exposed, and b.) it's not so small that it really doesn't cover your neck.  I'm telling you - the little things make  huge difference.

Groin protection....yeaaaaah.  Awkward to talk about, nice to have.  Made of Cordura, easy to put on and take off, and yeaaaah...keeps everything safe.

If you look at the picture, the chest protector kind of speaks for itself, but here are a few details worth noting - made of Cordura, hook-and-loop on the shoulders and sides so it fits pretty much anyone, built to function and feel like a real duty vest, light-weight, and complete with a foam core for protection.

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Lastly, the marking knife.  If you are an airsofter, you know a 'knife kill' can be intense and invigorating.
 Well, here's your chance.  This knife comes with the marking compound so you know when you actually get someone.  It's one piece of plastic with a sheath that you can attach to your person.  

Today's post is just an overview so take it in and think about it.  Next post - you'll see the kit on and I'll talk about how it feels and works.  Stay tuned!
- Carp

Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M65 Jacket

Well, here's the dealy-yo.  I posted a review of some Rothco pants a while back and Rothco caught wind of that review.  So they contacted me and we talked about another review.  We landed - as you can see - on this bad boy - the M65 Soft Shell Jacket.  Let's start off with some specs:
- The color for this one: sage
- Cost: MSRP $98.99
- What I see it being sold for: low $50s into the higher $70s
- Water-resistant
- 4 pockets
- Shell: polyester
- Lining: fleece
- Concealed hood
- Zip-up front with 'storm flap'
- Drawstring waist

Now let's talk about my experience with this one.

First thing I'll note is that this style is (as they note on their website HERE) a classic old-school style jacket with new-school technology.  These soft shells are easier to find these days so the price to get one is getting more reasonable.

Collar - With the hood kept inside (which is how I usually roll) it's 'filled' and thus is insulated from the cold. There is also a hook-and-loop tag on the left-hand side of the collar that can be pulled across to the right side to really seal up the collar for extra warmth and to keep the wind out.  

As is often the case, expect the hood is easier to get out than to put back in.  

Pockets - large and in charge. There should be plenty of storage space for you when you add all 4 of these pockets together.  They close with a very (and I mean VERY) secure snap in the middle.

There are no slit pockets in the front, and while I like the storage space, I like the slit pockets more, so if I had my way, I would add some, but that's just me.  Still, plenty of space for your stuff and your hands.

Zip-up front with a storm flap.  "Storm flap?  Are you serious?"  Totally.  I get the skepticism, but it really does make a difference, and if you disagree, talk to all the outdoor companies who include them in their winter jackets.  It does keep the breeze and chill out.  Well-played, Rothco.

On the shoulder, you've got these...things.  Officially they are called epaulets and they were for military officials and such as a sign of rank or power, but they've kept them on many jackets.  They look kind of cool in my opinion, and you also can cram something under them if you'd like to (a hat, glove, etc.).

The sleeves can be cuffed and controlled with the hook-and-loop included, and it says on Rothco's website the hook-and-loop is for attaching gloves.  Not totally sure how, so I'll check in and get some more details on that, but I can say that they will easily cover your gloves and thus keep the snow and rain from getting up your sleeve.

Inside you've got some fleece to keep you warm.  That combined with the soft shell outside does a nice job at keeping the elements out.  Additionally, there is a drawstring included so you can tighten it up even more.

Here's a look at the back.

So concluding thoughts...
1. Cool looking - old-and-new school all in one
2. Like most soft shells, this one is built for winter and colder weather use.  Don't rock this if you want to go out in late spring or summer.
3. The sage is a cool color.  Supposedly they have it in OD, Tan, and Black, but mine is sage for sure.  Look around for the color you like best.
4. For the price, this one is pretty unique.  There are other soft shells out there but in my research this is the only one with this look.

Now go and rock it like a champ.
- Carp

Cast Gear Combat T-Shirt

More cool kit from Cast Gear, and I got this shirt for review from my friends over at Airsplat (click HERE to check it out).  Today, we are looking at the Cast Gear Combat T-Shirt.  It comes in a variety of different colors (woodland, urban, and C-Cam - all digital style), and it runs from size Small to Double Extra Large).  Here's a look at it.

As you can tell, it's got a base color on the torso, camo on the sleeves, and then black on the wrists and neck.  It's made of 100% cotton so it will definitely be comfortable.

First cool feature - pockets on the left sleeve, and it can hold whatever you want - a memo pad, a battery - even an iPhone.  Wait - what's that?  You'd like to put a memo pad in there but then you wonder where you'd put your pens?  Ah - no need to worry my friend - just scroll down...

And BAM!  There you have it - a spot to hold pens on the sleeves.  Well-played, Cast...well-played indeed.

Here's a look at the back and as you can probably tell, the idea behind the shirt is two-fold: eliminate the BDU blouse AND yet keep the camouflage.  And this does just that.  Put a plate carrier or a vest on and you keep your arms camouflaged but without all the weight of a full BDU blouse (and yes - they are called 'blouses').

Comfortable - yes indeed.  Dry-wick - nope.  But it's also pretty light-weight so while making it from some sort of 'sweat-wicking' material would have been nice, it's still a quality shirt, and to me - the overall features make it a win.  Check out all the different styles of these shirts HERE over at Airsplat.

 

Keep on firin',

Carp

NcSTAR Tactical Molle Backpack from Airsoft Atlanta

Today on the CQB Radio blog, we are looking at this - the NcSTAR Tactical MOLLE Backpack. You can find it over at Airsoft Atlanta HERE for only $24.99.  As you can tell, I got mine in OD Green, but it also comes in Black, Tan, and ACU.  And, as noted below, this is from their VISM line of gear.

 

Let's start with some of the specs:
- Main Pocket = 18x12x6
- Side Pockets = 5x5x1.5
- Front Top Pocket = 8x4.5x2
- Front Bottom Pocket = 9.5x9.5x3
- MOLLE webbing = EVERYWHERE!

If you are looking for a low-cost but very versatile pack, this one should be checked-out for sure.  Here you can see the two side pockets - one up top, one down below, and you've also go a solidly-constructed handle in the middle, so it's easy to grab the bag no matter what angle it's jammed into your car or in a closet.

Another shot of the handle on the side of the bag.

As you can see from pretty much all of the photos, this thing has MOLLE webbing all over, so if you've got a few other MOLLE pouches, you can certain strap them onto this bad boy.  Basically, other than my AEG, this thing can hold everything I need to take to a day-long airsoft op.  Here's a list of some items you can pack in here:
- BDU
- Boots
- Socks
- Goggles
- BBs
- Mags
- Tac vest
- Gloves
- Knee pads
- Belt
- Pouches
- Goggle spray
- Dead rag

Basically, it'll fit it all, and you can just keep your AEG and sidearm in a gun bag.

Looking at it here, you can see the the set-up for pockets is as follows: two on the left side, two on the right side, one main compartment, and then two more compartments (one up, one down) on the front side facing you.

Up top - you guessed it - another handle to grab the bag.  And below the handle you can see a little window where you can put your info so we all know whose bag it is.  (Side-note: the photo colors change a little depending on how close I got the camera to the bag.  The bag is all the same color - OD Green).

One the sides, you can see that compression straps are also included.  You can certainly add more gear/pouches on these straps, but they are intended to compress the bag down to make it as stream-lined as possible.  Two on the left, and two on the right = total of four compression straps.

Let's talk about your carrying straps.  You get adjustable shoulder straps with D-rings included to attach whatever items you might want easily accessible.  You can also see there is a sternum strap included so that will give you more stability and control of the pack as you hike/move/crawl with it.

Down below, you have a waist strap that is fully adjustable.

Here's a view of the bag from the side.  You can see the compression straps in use here, as well as the handle up top.

The main compartment is, well, huge.  For a backpack of this size, I was pretty shocked at how large this main section. was.  And a plus - the zippers go all the way around and all the way down so you can fold the front down like so.

Inside the main compartment...another compartment.  This is about half the size of the panel, and can hold whatever your little heart desires.

Peeking finger = opening to run your hose for a hydration bladder.

Missing hand = storage for hydration bladder or other items inside the main compartment.

Overall, for $25, I'd call this a steal.  A smaller bag from some of the big name companies out there will run you over $100 EASY, so think that you could get one of these, use it, have it wear out, get ANOTHER ONE, use it, have it wear out, get ANOTHER ONE, use it, have it wear out, and then get ANOTHER ONE, and use it and you'd be even for what you spend on the super-high-end tactical bags.  BUT WAIT...
NcSTAR has one of the best warranty's in the U.S.  Check out the specifics HERE, but basically they told our friend Thumpy that if it breaks, no matter what, they will fix it.  Nice eh?

Find this pack and many others over at Airsoft Atlanta - CLICK HERE!

Keep on firin',
Carp