Showing posts with label CountyComm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CountyComm. Show all posts

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Review: County Comm - Minnow Gripper

String, rope and string accessories. I like them. One such accessory that caught my eye was the Minnow Grippers offered by gear treasure source County Com.

What are they ? They are tarp clips. Clipping onto tarps to provide an anchor point where grommets don't exist. They can be used to hold onto and fasten plastic sheeting, drop cloths, tarps. canopies, awnings, pool covers, towels, BBQ covers, sails, cables and bags, netting and hunting blinds. All manner of covers you don't want flapping about.

 These clips clamp down on a surface  by means of  a two piece jaw which closes on the surface with friction locks on the back end of the scissor arms, much like those found on locking forceps. The jaws of the Minnow are cross-hatch grooved to provide "teeth" by which it holds fast  to many materials.
Made from molded fiberglass reinforced polypropylene, the Minnow is a dense and sturdy piece. The central pin has a over-hang lip and channel to feed through at full-open position, otherwise holding the clip together with little or no lateral movement. The jaws themselves open wide enough for clamping materials up to ¼" thick and the molded locking teeth have 6 positions to allow it to cinch down onto material in increments for a very secure bind.


At the back of the jaws, behind the "teeth" where cables can be secured without damage from  the teeth. This gap can also hold paracord to create a perpendicular attachment on a running cord.  Either in the locked teeth or in the gap behind the teeth in a sliding configuration.   The material is reported to crack resistant to 35° below zero (-37C). it is chemically stable and resistant to most solvents and marine conditions.

The tail end of the Gripper features a hefty hook on each arm for capturing cordage. the tips of the hooks are double wide, matching the maximum width of the Gripper. This means it is stable and flat on it's side. the base of the hook features a hole which is a perfect match for standard paracord, but will also accommodate thicker cords, especially if they compress a little. The hooks are 15mm deep and are angled, providing a depth of capture to reduce slippage of cord coming loose in vigorous flapping.

The twin tail hooks allow cordage to be looped over, one, the other or both hooks as the need arises or situation permits. Fixing one guy line or two or rigging  a single cord perpendicularly from the clamped material. The twin hooks also allow for some creative knot-free attachment, not unlike those possible with the Fishbone and Piranha knotless ties. Forces pulling back on the Minnow will act to tighten their grip , with an action not unlike squeezing on a pair of pliers.

The locking teeth of the Minnow Gripper first engage at around 9mm (4/10") at the tip which is about 6mm at the " back" of the jaws. That puts the maximum thickness of material they can close on, but each Minnow Gripper is purported to hold 175 lbs (80kg) whist only weighing 0.35oz (10g).

I haven't tried this for max weight, but the sail-cloth awnings I strapped down with it flapped a fair bit in the wind overnight without coming loose. That seems fit-for-purpose to me. Not a single Minnow came loose, in several configurations. I'm quite pleased with the utility, form factor and ruggedness of The Minnow

 
They come in two colour options: Tactical black and Coast Guard Orange. I opted for dont-loose-me orange for my 8. (two tarps worth) half od which I store clamped to my redoutable Mystery Ranch 1DAP  it's my regular day to day and Get Home Bag  so it seemed apt to keep some there too.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Apocalypse Equipped, no, really.


So, the Mayan Long Count Calendar is widely believed to clock-over today.

It's also the Solstice...

AND the last workday before my FAMILY XMAS (Que dramatic spooky music)...

Apart from having to be at work, I wanted to give you all a quick insight into my "it's all hit the fan" load-out.

When the sirens and screams start, this is the kit that I would be strapping on, and similar to what I'd be dishing out to my family to load up and be ready. Fortunately I have quite the collection at the ready.

To be fair, this is my full "there is no help or law coming" gear, not just a "house-on fire, leave for mum's" and I would strive to abide by the laws on my land wherever needed. Wearing swords and the like "without reasonable cause" is frowned on here. In fact, the whole get-up would arouse considerable consternation for LEO's.


That said .... here is a break down of my "end of the world",  kit, because I want to be Apocalypse Equipped.....

















  1.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-platatac-mac-plate-carrier.html
  2.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-strike-industries-tactical-sling.html
  3.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-platatac-meop-medic-pouch.html
  4.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-countycomm-dropline-carabiner.html
  5.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-platatac-sr25-utility-double-mag.html
  6.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/platatac-fup-pouch.html /
    http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-platatac-60-round-mk1-pouch.html
  7.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-countycomm-breacher-bar.html /
    http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/09/review-countycomm-breacher-bar-sheath.html
  8.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-zulu-nylon-gear-caos-admin-pouch.html
  9.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-gerber-strap-cutter.html on a single-shingle I use for my 2-way radio
  10.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/09/review-countycomm-premium-emt-combat.html
  11.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-platatac-headstock.html
  12.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/04/review-under-armor-shirts.html this one from Tough Mudder
  13.  http://www.pro-tec.net/classic-skate-helmet.php
  14.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-platatacgerber-branded-cap.html
  15.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-platatac-bullock-echo-daypack.html with http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-dead-on-annihilator-superhammer.html  3L Source bladder and MOLLE zipper strips to mount it to the MAC
  16.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-platatac-csi-folder.html
  17.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-sigg-1l-bottle.html
  18.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-snow-lizard-slxtreme-iphone-case.html
  19.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-platatac-half-med-pack.html
  20.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-zombie-tools-deuce.html
  21.   not yet reviewed PRR Pouch
  22.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-215-gear-sling.html
  23.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-ironclad-landscaper.html
and that's on my top half, and not even what IN those pouches and bags....

now on to my lower half ....

24. Danner Striker II boots, replacing my http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-bates-delta-8-boots.html
25. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-platatac-young-guns-belt-braces.html
26. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-lazerbrite-tactical-pouch.html
27. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-platatac-3x-40mm-pouch.html on 90 degree mounts
28. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-platatac-modular-radio-pouch.html
29. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-platatac-drop-gas-mask-bag.html on a platatac-half-leg-rig
30.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-schrade-army-10-knife.html
31. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-countycomm-micro-grappling-hook.html
32. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-black-hawk-kneepads.html
33. as yet un-reviewed prototype Platatac EDC trousers: WATCH THIS SPACE, these are ace!
34. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/09/review-511-tactical-tdu-belt-175.html
35. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-ka-bar-zombie-sword.html
36. multitool ..... because MacGuyver demands it!

So there you have it....

There are a few more things that may or may not make it into my kit, and of course, the contents of those pouches and packs, but that's my expected load-out.

EDIT: Stupid predictions ... it's1130am 21/12/12 and STILL no flaming jade jaguars ....















Monday, September 24, 2012

Review: CountyComm Premium EMT / Combat Shears



These are another part of the batch of gear that I got from CountyComm, I've had a set previously, but I passed them along to a my partner Anna, who had need of them. These are the Premium EMT Shears by Maratac. These are the full size versions, but they also make a much more compact version, but I wanted the full sized version to maximize my cutting power.

The first thing to note about these sheers are the cutting edges. The two arms have quite different features, in that one is a sheepsfoot tip (to reduce the chances of penetration) and has a predominantly flat cutting edge. The opposing arm has fine saw-like teeth in the stainless steel blade, no point at all, and a flattened lip that runs at 90 degrees to arms, giving a platform to run the shears against, when cutting clothes off a person, or the like. You can see that the shears have fullers pressed into them, giving them increased rigidity and shear strength.

The area behind the rivet also features two notches, for stripping wire, something I'd be otherwise afraid to do with the shears, as a result of the very aggressive cutting power they possess. These are some no-nonsense tools, and I have every faith that they will serve me well, for all my first aid and emergency trauma uses, they also cut zip-ties to get flex-cuffs off prisoners, open burlap bags to feed my chookens, open packing boxes, cutting tins to make BBQ-coal starters and they even cut coins, for when you get sick of capitalism and need to stick it to "the man".

The handles are an impact resistant composite, seen here in "desert brown" and are smooth edged, and the finger-recesses big enough that I can fit three fingers in a squeeze into the big ring, or two comfortably with work-gloves on. I can't recommend a set of these enough, they will cleanly, and efficiently brutalise anything you need to cut safely and with precision. I don't look forwards to having to cut someone out of their mangled boots, but I ever need to, these will be something I reach for!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Review: CountyComm Breacher Bar sheath

Here is another part of my recent haul of gear from CountyComm, a kydex sheath also made by CountyComm to fit their very rugged Breacher Bar. I have been so happy with my Breacher that I wanted to get this piece to compliment it. Up until this point, I have mounted mine on a PALS/MOLLE panel on the front of my MAC plate carrier.

The opportunity to have  a purpose built sheath was too good to miss, and these hand-made kydex sheathes by EOD/ CountyComm, which come equipped with not only a tight friction lock of the Breacher Bar, but also offers several different attachment options. The sheath is designed to fit the Blade Tech line of TekLoK systems as well as being able to accept lacing and other means of attachment. The two bottom holes, the six along the sides, two at the top and three through the middle give ample options to lash with paracord, or fit a variety of other attachment options.

I have attached a short MALICE clip to mine, which will enable me to mount mine to the MOLLE of both my chest rig, and also to any of the bags of belts that I may have in play at any given time.

The fitting hardware that came with the EOD sheath consisted of four screws and threaded eyelets as well as a spacer ring, deep enough to match up against the depth of the sheath itself from the edge holes.
A drainage hole at the bottom finishes the package.



The sheath itself is a very good fit, taking some vigorous bouncing to shake the breacher loose, and more to pull it free. I'll still be mounting it in a "upwards draw" just to be sure, but it pleases me no end to have a purpose made, and properly fitted sheath for this very useful piece of kit.






















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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Review: CountyComm Dropline carabiner spool

A shipment of goodies arrived that some friends and I all got together for, and I picked up a few cool things. This is something I'd had my eye on for a while, and wanted to add to my EDC pile. I have carried lengths of cord both on my person, and in my bag for a long time now, there is something very comforting about having a bunch of paracord on hand.

The problem however, is how to stow it, and have it ready. Previously I have bundled up my lengths in hojojuitsu style, in neither hayanawa or “fast rope”, or torinawa ("capture-rope") type bundles. These are self-contained and feeding bundles, but are only practical for kind of short lengths, 8m being the typical length I use, but for longer, more utilitarian lengths, some other method is needed. Paracord often comes in 100' lengths and even that is a lot of cord to hump around.

However, my fellow blogger, and knot-maker of high repute, Stormdrane worked with CountyComm to come up with this, a highly functional spool, on a carabiner, in the form of their Drop-Line RLD. This is purported to hold 50' of paracord, or 100' of of 3/32 Tether cord (which is a thinner, "dummy-cord", not unlike the Australian "hootchie cord" for doing tie-downs of gear and as guy-ropes.)

The spool consists of a Omega-Pacific Standard Locking D carabiner which incidentally has a 31kN rating along its major axis, (and is the same brand as the Rappel Rings, I reviewed a while back) and the internal Delrin® wheel which is a rigid, low-friction polymer which in this case has a split down one side to fit it to the carabiner, and two notches, one on the inside, to attach the internal end of the cord, and one on the outer rim to lock down the loose end.

You can see I started off with the best of intentions in looping my 50' of cord, feeding smoothly and tightly from side to side until I reached the rim of the spool, with about 6' or cord left to go. I could have trimmed this off, but i wanted to see just how much I could fit whilst still being able to open and fit the carabiner. In the end, with a messy attempt at the zig-zag spooling, I managed to get all 50' onto the spool, AND was just able to open the gate wide enough to feed it onto PALS/MOLLE webbing, as seen here, nestled between my Half Med Kit and the FUP I use as a bottle holder on my pack.

I've wanted to get one of these for a while, mostly because of their simple utility, and elegant solution to a common problem, and now that I have one, I want more... Perhaps I can give that zig-zag another go ...



Monday, January 30, 2012

Review: Platatac MAC plate carrier

I wanted to tell you all about a very special and awesome piece of kit I have, which I initially got specifically to use for my Stargate Lasertag LRP, but have come to enjoy more and more for a variety of purposes, both costume and preparedness related. This is the Platatac MAC Medium Armour Carrier set. I've pulled off some of the pouches I usually have loaded onto it, such as two of the SR-25 double magazine a FUP utility pouches and a yet-to be reviewed Modular Radio Pouch to give you a better look at it, but you can see I have left my Breacher-Bar, a hank of paracord, some zip-ties and a SR-25 Single Shingle pouch, holding my radio. The art-grenade was a piece my very talented friend Marty Whitmore painted up for me, and makes for an exciting addition to my chest. A couple of Cyalume sticks poking out the side for good measure. I after-marketed a name-tape attachment point at the front.

But lets talk some more about the MAC. The set consists of a front piece, a back and shoulders piece, a cummerbund and shoulder-pads. It's modular, like so many of the products from Platatac, and they offer a variety of options, go check them out.
The front piece has two distinct bands of MOLLE strips, the upper being a three by six flanked by hook-and-loop attachment points for the strapping of the front piece to the back. The lower band is found on top of a large flap, lifting up from the bottom, of hook-and-loop, which plays an important part in securing the cummerbund. It also features a "pocket" of hook-and-loop opening downwards, presumably for sandwiching pouches.

The back piece also has two distinct bands of MOLLE strips. The upper being the same three by six pattern as on the front, but is very securely sewn over a drag handle, which features a nametape sized strip of loop-side hook-and-loop. The lower band features a wider three by eight band of MOLLE loops, and the interesting feature here is that it is sewn over a pocket that runs the width of the back-piece, specifically for the cummerbund to run through. At the top of the back piece, running up both shoulders are bands of elastic, under which can be fed hydration system tubes, or cables for radio or other electronics to keep them out of the way and snag-free.

The cummerbund itself features bands of three by eight MOLLE loops on both sides, and is adjustable at the back by corset style lacing, and fixes to the front piece by means of two wide and tall sandwiching bands of hook-and-loop allowing either side to be opened up independently, giving the wearer left or right handed entry, as suits them. There are two sets of loops dangling from the bottom edges of both front and back, with hook-and-loop and press-stud closure at each. These are for tying into a belt system such as the Young Guns belt but could also support groin armour I suspect. I leave mine separate, giving me more modular wearing options. I have also at times used them to attach a rolled up waterproof poncho and bundled rope, but this got a bit ungainly when I added more pouches or a drop-leg rig.

  The shoulder straps that come with the back piece feature two sets of D-rings for attachment as well as Fastex clips to attach the front to the back, as well as elastic sewn into the pads to manage the excess strapping. The shoulder straps included as part of the back piece are pretty good, and extend the wicking surface and closed cell padding up and onto the wearers shoulders, but under load, as any armour wearer can attest, extra padding never goes astray, and as part of the set, twin pads are a blessing. The extra padding shoulder pads mirror the twin D-ring setup as on the back-piece's shoulders, and feature hook-and-loop closure, with enough room to also allow a hydration tube and cords to feed through. The Fastex clips of the front-to-back attachment can be slid into the shoulder pad to again reduce their propensity to bits or dig, and give a more streamlined profile. They are easily slid back to allow fast access as required if the whole rig needs to be dropped rapidly for whatever reason.

Lets take a look inside the MAC to see where it really comes into its own. As I mentioned previously, the inner surfaces are all covered in a breathable wicking mesh, over closed cell, honeycombed foam to not only give padding, but allow some airflow, a real boon in the field, especially when loaded up. In the event the cummerbund isn't worn, wide-mouthed Fastex clips are available to attach the waist levels of both front and back (although my back piece seemed to be missing its corresponding ends). The magic of the MAC however is its armour carrying capacity. A large hook-and-loop closing pocket gives access to standard CBA plates, and can facilitate both hard and soft options. The press-stud seen is part of the front panel closure.

The back piece also carries armour, with similar features, as well as extra drainage grommets. The cummerbund feed through the back, as you will recall, and from this angle you can see the side-armour pockets that give lateral protection.
Obviously, I'm not eligible for actual ballistic protection, being neither military or LEO, but for the purposes of realism for my LRP and costuming, I have included Polyethylene cutting boards, shaped to the right size. These not only give me the rigidity and bulk of plates, but I figure that they would also afford me some stabbing, cutting and blunt force trauma protection. Perhaps not as cool looking as a set of Mad Max tire armour, but far more modular, lighter and functional.

I'm really fond of this piece of kit, and am really glad I laid out for it. It's been the central piece of my LRP kit for some time. I could have gone with just a cloth tactical vest or a set of cams, but I wanted something that would really work, and I've never regretted it. When fending off invading aliens, herding zombies or facing immanent perfect storms, I highly recommend a dependable chest rig like this. I hope our troops in the field find it saving their vitals and keeping them safe!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Review: CountyComm Breacher Bar

Here's another awesome piece of steel from the good folks at CountyComm, who's keychain-tool goodies I have reviewed previously and i wanted to write about here. This is the EOD Robotics Breacher Bar. When I first saw this, I initially thought it was a solid blade with an unusual flat tip but after further investigation I discovered a much more interesting fact. It's a pry-bar, chisel and chopping tool all in one. Made from a single slab of 1045 high carbon steel and reported as being  heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of over 45, this is a very solid piece.

Because of it's hardening,  it can be hammered either along the spine, or at the base, to chisel, puncture or get good purchase for prying.
There are four holes drilled in the body of the handle, three centrally, with two at the base and two along the midline with one diagonally offset. This offers a variety of attachment points for adding code grip and lanyard loops for retention. I opted for paracord, using one of the patterns is saw on CountyComm's website.

I really like the feel of the solid utility this piece offers the hand, which very nicely corresponds to functionality in the field. I've used it to pry apart packing crates, lift the corners of heavy stacks and pry jammed doors and windows. I also wear it on my webbing as it fits nicely between the bands of MOLLE, (such as this piece of Platatac accessory strapping) and adds to my carriable tool kit when I am out at my Stargate LRP events, looking for all the world like a knife, without the edgy risks. This is great tool for all kinds of close-at-hand breaking, opening and smashing where a bigger tool is either overkill, or impractical to carry about.  Be warned, it it -not- stainless, and will require some maintenance to remain rust free.

Here is a movie that CoutyComm put out, demonstrating some of the features and uses of this awesome tool!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Review: CountyComm Micro Grappling hook


Here is part of my EDC that pushes me into the realms geekery, in that I have my very own pocket grappling hook. Ever since seeing Luke swinging over a Death Star chasm, I knew I needed one. This is the best and closest thing I've come up with so far. The CountyComm Microhook . Now, I've used a full sized grapple to scale trees, and even to cross a fast moving creek, so I know what it takes to support and carry a human in full pack, armour and weapons. (in my case bow and LRP sword, but hey ...). Let me be the first to re-iterate CountyComm's disclaimer, that -this- grapple is NOT for doing that. 
This is a tool, first and foremost, not a piece of climbing equipment (mores the pity). It was designed to clear tripwires safely.  I affixed mine to a long length of paracord, which I shortened with what I think is a series of "quick release" or "jerk knots" (please, anyone, tell me what it's called, I use it a lot to shorten up cord). [it looks a lot like a very tightened up Chain Sinnet] In addition, I have a steel bottle opener on a split ring at the "pull-away" end, making an impromptu Kusari-fundo , you know, just in case, as well as being generally awesome at parties. Six little cylindrical rare-earth magnets have found a home on the cord as well, rounding out this as an EDC item. 
However, on to the grapple.... It is machined from solid steel, and has a good weighty feel to it. The end-cap unscrews to reveal the internal cavity, where the three steel prongs live. I have added some felt padding to stop them rattling and protect the tips somewhat. The prongs screw into the recessed holes in the tip of the body and the body then screws back onto the base piece. CountyComm suggest the body can be fulled with sand or shot to give it extra mass for a further cast, which is a clever idea. Sand being in abundance in a variety of theaters where clearing IED's safely is a day-to-day job.
I have, in my day-to-day, no need to clear tripwires or mines, but i do on occasion have to snag cables and wires in ceiling cavities, and on more than one occasion, have been called on to retrieve things caught in trees, or in fact, cast a line in order to get some rigging started. My only concern is that the prongs don't seem to seat all the way into the recessed holes, and about 1mm of the threaded area pokes out, perhaps the holes need deeper drilling? That said, this tool has been of great use, is very cool, and I'm only to pleased to have it dangling off my belt. Perhaps I'll never swing over a chasm with it, Princess in tow, but I'm glad I have it, and I've won the admiration of my geeky-peers with it.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Review: keychain tools

Here's a review of the various keychain tools i keep on my primary set of keys. (Yes, I have -two- sets of keys that i carry around, one is day-to-day use, the other is for occasional, once-a-month use, no sense having a jailers fistful all the time). Ive been slowly adding and refining what goes on my primary set for some time, and even what it sits on.

Car, house and partners house keys, no brainers there. The red carabiner and tape loop were a promotional give-away from a vendor at a conference. Not climbing-rated, but great for accessories. 

SO whats on it?

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