Sunday, October 27, 2013

Condor Exo Plate Carrier (XPC) Review


The rise in body armor among the civilian population has been trending upward the last several years due to a variety of factors--economic fears, lower cost of armor (especially soft panels and steel plates), and a better understanding of the capabilities of these systems have all helped in the proliferation of civilian owned/used body armor.

Most plate carriers or body armor systems on the market are marketed toward the military/LE community however; the features and prices reflect it as well.    One offering out now on the lower end of the cost spectrum is the Condor XPC.   It comes to market around $60-90 and claims to offer some of the features of the top notch offerings out there so I snatched one up to see if it's true.

Pros:
-Cost.  It's probably going to be the driving factor for most folks looking at this rig.
-It can be used with just soft armor, plates, or a combination of the two.
-Available in black, tan, OD green, and multicam.
-Hook and loop sections on the front and back for nametapes, patches, ect...  These sections can still be used with MOLLE compatible accessories.
-Fully adjustable cumberbun.
-Did much better in my drag test that I expected honestly.
-Adjustable shoulder straps.
-Shoulder strap padding is better than some of Condor's previous offerings that I've seen.
-Comes in S/M (takes 10x12.5'' plates) and L/XL (takes 10.5x14.5'' plates)

Cons:
-I'm not a fan of the mesh interior lining.  They say it's for cooling but I'd prefer some normal cordura for increased durability.
-The hydration tube loops seem like they don't integrate well into the design.  I'd like to see them redesigned.
-There is a map pouch in the front.  It doesn't fold down like many other carriers though.  That's probably just a personal preference thing however.
-I have a bunch of plate carriers; the stitching on this isn't as heavy as some of my high end carriers--no doubt about it.  But, for most non-military folks it'll likely hold up just fine.   Time will tell I suppose.


Here's a review/overview video with some shooting, a drag test, a discussion of the features of the carrier, and just my thoughts on it overall:









Saturday, October 19, 2013

Ameriglo I.C.E. EMS Claw Rear Sight For Glocks


The CLAW rear sight was designed to aid in one handed manipulations and it does just that.   I've had it on my Glock 19 for a while and here's what I've found.

Pros:
-It really grabs onto hard surfaces to aid in one handed racking of the slide
-Standard heights for Glock (large and small frame), and M&P pistols
-Black nitrided finish for durability and hardness
-Cost.  It's only $24 for the rear sight.   Tough to beat that.


Cons:
-I'd like to see serrations on the rear of the sight but that would likely add cost.   It's a trade off I suppose.

Here's a video with some shooting, close up shots of the sight on the gun, and my overall thoughts one the sight: