www.extremeoutfitters.us/search.aspx?manufacturer=169
We first told you about the Prodigy Pulley at last year’s SOMA Conference. Back then CTOMS only had prototypes and called it by its development name, the Piccolo. The name was changed to reflect its impressive capabilities for such an unassuming, tiny device. Note the size comparison to a quarter in the picture, then consider the robust performance in the specs. This little guy is a game changer for micro-hauling systems, and while it is the standard pulley in CTOMS TRACE Systems kits, it will work with any rope up to 9mm. Ideal for crevasse rescue systems and ski guides.
The Prodigy was designed to accommodate three DMM Phantom Screw Gate carabiners in the eye, thus allowing it to be used as a carriage on a guiding line or high line using TRACE Systems. It uses a sealed bearing as opposed to a bushing that is typical in pulleys of similar size. What that does is create an efficiency of about 95% compared to about 75% in similar sized pulleys. Weighing in at only 1.5 oz. (43g) it has a strength rating of 24kN, or 5395 lbs of Force.
During the pull testing to determine its strength rating, the failure points were the small ball bearings pushing through the sheave and cutting the rope at high forces (all above 27kN or 6070 lbs. or Force – the 24kN is a 3 Sigma rating). It was theorized that with lighter loads, it may decrease the pulley’s efficiency due to the small bearings indenting the inside of the sheave. So it was tested to determine strength deterioration after loads were applied. A peak load of 8.7kN was applied to the pulley and efficiency tested without any efficiency loss at all.
Detailed performance specs include:
High Angle Solutions is a weekly feature by DMM and CTOMS.
Aridus Industries’ Detachable Carrier is a retention device which holds six 12-gauge shotshells. It features an aluminum back plate, and stainless steel springs for shell retention. The Detachable Carrier is sized to fit within many AR-15 magazine pouches.
The Detachable Carrier is part of a two-component system, the second component being the Quick Detach Carrier. The Quick Detach Carrier is a mounting interface which allows the user to attach the Detachable Carrier to their shotgun of choice, then quickly pop off a spent carrier and mount a fresh one as required. It is currently available for Remington and Mossberg shotguns, with a universal mount planned for release next year.
LA Police Gear’s Day 3 Special is the # 1 selling Bailout Gear Bag for only $16.99 each! Ends tonight 12/9/15 at 11:59 PM PST.
www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbag
Late last month, we put up a sneak peak of the SureFire Sidekick ‘Ultra-Compact Triple-Output Keychain Light’. Now that they’re available for purchase, we got one for ourselves, and decided to give it an overview.
The packaging for the Sidekick is pretty standard for a SureFire-brand light: red background blister pack with all the technical information right on the front, while the back displays the general features. Included within the packaging is the Sidekick light, a 6″ USB cable for charging the light, and a key clip.
The Sidekick is a triple-output light, with settings for 5, 60, and 300 lumens. It produces a wide MaxVision beam with a maximum range of 66 meters, and has an onboard rechargeable li-ion battery, and a mini-USB port to charge the battery. The Sidekick has a maximum runtime of 45 hours at 5 lumens, 4 hours at 60 lumens, and 1.25 hours at 300 lumens. It is marketed primarily as a keychain light, and as such comes with a key clip for attaching to a keychain or carabiner.
As the Sidekick is designed as a Keychain light, its closest analogue within SureFire’s own product line is the Titan. The Titan is an ultra-compact dual-output flashlight, marketed on the packaging as “an ideal keychain light”. The model we have in our possession is the Titan-A, which has a dual output of 15 and 125 lumens; the Titan-B or Titan Plus is the triple-output model with an output of 15, 75, and 300 lumens.
Comparing the two, you’ll quickly find that the Sidekick is arguably superior in almost every aspect. The Sidekick’s max runtime is 45 hours at its lowest setting, versus the Titan-A with a runtime of 8.5 hours and the Titan-B with a runtime of 6 hours. If you find that comparison a bit questionable given the different lumen outputs between the low settings, then it’s also worth reminding that the Sidekick has a 1.25 hour runtime at 300 lumens, versus the Titan-A’s runtime of 50 minutes at 125 lumens, and the Titan-B’s runtime of 1 hour at 300 lumens.
The Sidekick comes with a rechargeable li-ion battery and a complimentary USB charge cord. The Titan models are powered by a single AAA battery, and do come with a rechargeable AAA battery, but no method provided to recharge it. Also, while the Sidekick is roughly twice as wide as either Titan model, it also is .5″ less lengthy than the Titan-A, and .875″ less lengthy than the Titan-B. Not to mention the Sidekick has an MSRP that is comparable to the Titan-A, and costs less than the Titan-B.
The Sidekick is a powerful light for its relatively-diminutive size, however it’s also roughly the size of a key fob. While that doesn’t take away from how small it is for its capability, it will definitely take up some real estate on your keychain, if you choose to carry it as intended. Still, with three output modes, a max output of 300 lumens with a range of 66 meters, and a rechargeable li-ion battery, the Sidekick is a good choice for an EDC light, and since you’re likely to have it with your keys, you’re also more likely to always have it on you.
We do have to note that the Sidekick is an Amazon-exclusive product. On one hand, this does potentially open up SureFire to a wider customer base. On the other hand, through this deal SureFire has locked out their established distributors and retailers from carrying what is honestly a solid product.
You can get the Sidekick at the following link: www.amazon.com/SureFire-Sidekick-Compact-Keychain-Flashlight/dp/B0177H4S5Q
Although they are run seperately, I look at Cub Cubs as “Prometheus Design Werx for Kids.” For over a year now, Cub Cubs has offered some cool, kid-size versions of popular tacticool clothing and accessories.
The Bastalt (Grey) Hoodie is a 50/50 Nylon/Cotton blend from American Apparel featuring a full front zip and Black loop (5″ x 4″) on the left sleeve. Additionally, the Cub Cubs acorn label is stitched inside the collar.
Pre-order now. Ships week of December 15th.
Looking for a version for mini-me? They’ve got an Obsidian Black version as well.
Kitanica is going a bit more casual with the release of their latest product, Kitanica Jeans. Kitanica Jeans are constructed of 100% cotton selvage denim. They feature 5 pockets with pocket bags made of 50/50 NyCo ripstop fabric, 7 nylon webbing beltloops, and bartacked stress points.