I hope everyone is doing well in these trying time. I myself am enjoying time at home with my family.
I will be trying to get more reviews up on here and on YouTube of my weapons and gear setups.
In the meantime, here is a review of Highcom Armor’s Ultra Lightweight ACH Helmet that took me awhile to get done. It is up on their blog site:
By: Fifty Shades of FDE
I stopped by the ASP Booth at SHOT 2020 to check out what was new. I met with Michael Hess who went over the many new products that ASP is introducing.
The Talon Infinity Expandable Batons were my favorite of all the awesome products that I saw. I use the ASP friction lock baton for work and they work great. The Talon Infinity series improves upon the classic friction lock in many ways. The most noticeable is not having to use combat close method to break the friction lock to close it after deployment. They close using a push button system and collapses easily. The other great feature is being able to expand the baton manually, quietly if necessary. You don’t need to swing it up or down to deploy, you can if you want. Either way it’s a win-win.
There were the traditional sized batons for duty use as well as the Agent series which are thinner and more low-profile for plainclothes or off-duty use. The Talon Infinity series are made with better and newer materials, making them lighter and durable. They’re also guaranteed for life.
Their Transport Plus Restraint System is a kit that very well thought out and intuitive that is easy to use that is tamper resistant. This keeps officers safe as well as inmates during transport, when it is the highest risk for inmates to escape.
Something new to me from ASP is their illumination tools. The Spectrum Dual Fuel LED flashlight runs on either two CR123 or one 18650 rechargeable batteries. What’s unique is the ability to change the LED color of the light that works best for your current situation or environment.
Here is a press release from ASP-USA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Hess — [email protected]
Armament Systems Unveils New Law Enforcement Products at SHOT Show
Show introductions include new batons, restraint systems, tactical flashlights and accessories
Appleton, WI, January 27, 2020— Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), a leading manufacturer of law enforcement products, bowed more than a dozen new additions to its product lines at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas last week. ASP is expanding all its key categories—expandable batons, restraints and tactical flashlights—with new products, including:
Talon Infinity Expandable Batons—advanced design, unprecedented performance
ASP calls its new Infinity series “the most advanced tactical batons ever developed.” These pushbutton-closing impact weapons incorporate fewer moving parts for more precise, reliable operation. Exclusive materials and construction ensure faster, smoother deployment and retraction and eliminate the need for routine lubrication. Available in black chrome-plated steel, Airweight aluminum and steel, or electroless nickel-plated steel, with two different grip and activation options. The new Talon batons are backed by ASP’s unprecedented Infinity Warranty—guaranteeing repair or replacement if the product fails for any reason, at any time, forever.
Transport Plus—modular, four-limb restraint system with emphasis on officer safety and efficiency
The Transport Plus is the latest addition to ASP’s growing line of restraints designed for corrections, transport and courtroom use. Like the original Transport Kit, the “Plus” has at its hub the company’s unique Rigid Ultra Cuff wrist restraints, which provide a central connecting point for other system elements, and keep the subject secured while components are added, removed or adjusted, for officer safety. The Transport Plus includes the rigid cuffs, a set of ankle cuffs, an extra-long chain to secure around the waist and connect the upper and lower elements, high-security auto-locking blocks and keys, all in a custom-made, molded carrying case.
Spectrum DF Tactical Flashlight—four-LED-color, feature-packed light at a compelling price point
The Spectrum is the company’s first-ever multi beam-color tactical flashlight. In addition to its primary white light, it offers red, green and blue beams, as well as a low level and strobe, for a total of six total modes. The high white mode is always the default, while any of the others can be user-programmed as a secondary level, activated with a double-tap of the tail switch. The all-aluminum light is built to demanding law enforcement duty standards, can be upgraded from its included CR123A battery power to Dual Fuel rechargeable, and carries a value-driven suggested retail of $79.
For more information on ASP products and training, visit www.asp-usa.com.
About ASP: “Protecting Those Who Protect”
ASP is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Batons, Restraints, LED Lighting, OC and Training products to the law enforcement industry. The company has stood for innovative designs, flawless function and an unmatched standard of service since Kevin Parsons, PhD, founded the company in 1976. ASP holds more than 150 product patents and provides almost $2 million in free training each year to law enforcement professionals. ASP is ISO 9001:2015 Certified, ANSI FL1 compliant and is a founding member of the Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO). All products are designed in the United States.
I am doing an awesome Giveaway only on my Instagram page @fiftyshadesoffde
Go enter there!
It took a while but nevertheless #fiftyshadesofFDE is at 85K followers!
I decided to do another GAW to show my appreciation!
One winner will win it all:
1. Cloud Defensive FDE OWL
2. Safariland 6365 Level III Holster for P320C or M18/X300U/TLR1. This is my personal holster that was specially made for me a few years ago. (Will retain pistol without WML)
3. Rifle Supply Multicam Hat
4. Tactilian Magnetic Flags
5. Fifty Shades of FDE Patch
Here are the rules:
1. Follow @fiftyshadesoffde @clouddefensive @safarilandgroup @riflesupply @tactilian.us
2. Must sign up for email list at www.clouddefensive.com
3. Tag one friend in the comments on this (original) post. No limit on entries!
4. Must reside in the USA
Winner will be chosen at random on Sunday evening 2/10/20. Once I have verified all the rules were followed, I’ll announce the winner.
I will ship ALL products except the OWL, that will come direct from Cloud Defensive.
Prizes will be shipped via USPS Priority mail and tracked.
*not responsible for lost items in the mail*
Thank you all for the support and good luck! *this Giveaway DOES NOT include any firearms nor is sponsored by Instagram or Facebook*
By: Fifty Shades of FDE
5.11 has always been about their motto: Always Be Ready. This year they want to make sure that includes everyone from all walks of life and not just the first responders in the tactical industry. There are more tools, knives, illumination tools and nylon goods that cover different price ranges.
The Atlas Shoe System was designed around making sure someone’s actual work weight is covered, not just their normal weight. For an example, a police officer weighing in at 200 pounds normal weight is about give or take 230 pounds actual work weight when they go 10-8 with vest, duty belt and everything on it. If they’re on SWAT and get activated, they could be gaining an additional 10 to 30 pounds depending on their loadout. The Atlas features a Ecofoam proprietary sole that is lightweight that has a higher compression and return rate. This will carry the work weight with more comfort on your feet.
The Atlas is available in trainers, mid height and full boot. The duty boot has a side zipper and improved airflow built in.
The Rush 100 pack is a fully adjustable load bearing backpack. It features a large main compartment that has a divider if you so choose to use it that will create a separate lower compartment that is accessible from the outside towards the bottom. It features a frame for torsion control that could be molded to your back.
There’s plenty more coming from 5.11 this year so be on the lookout!
By: Fifty Shades of FDE
The tactical weapon light forecast shows a high chance of REIN. Cloud Defensive showed up to SHOT Show 2020 with their version of the traditional WML: the REIN (Rail mounted Environmental IllumiNator), not the best acronym but it goes with the whole Cloud theme.
The REIN comes in two sizes. The full size REIN will take a 18650 battery and the Micro will take a 13650 battery. They take traditional mounting options and will ship with a picatinny rail mount.
Tentative performance is very potent. The REIN will have 1300+ lumens and over 58K candela. The light temperature will stay warm at 4K. Runtime for the full size REIN is 85-120 minutes, depending on the battery and the Micro will have understandably less.
The tailcap will feature a push button and a remote switch that comes out of the side. The button and remote switch are independent of each other should on fail, you still have one that does. The remote switch will go into a new generation LCS mount.
Patented Battery Jack. Since there isn’t a standardized size for 18650s, the guys at Cloud Defensive came out with the battery jack which keeps the battery from bouncing back and forth during recoil.
The REIN forecast according to Cloud Defensive will be coming in around April.
If you’re at SHOT, visit their booth at N351 in the Next Level section.
To watch my interview with Sean McCauley, click here:
Check www.clouddefensive.com for updates.
Don’t forget to use code: 50shades at checkout for a discount on your entire order!
By Fifty Shades of FDE
Adams Arms introduced their custom Glock slides in the past and now they are offering a complete firearm, the AA19.
Their custom slide will have OEM parts, optic cut out, a polymer frame with the Vickers Tactical Carry Trigger by Tango Down. It comes with a cover plate for the cut out. Optic specific plates will be an available option.
The AA19 is a Compact size, similar to the Glock 19 platform. For the time being, the included barrel will be a threaded one with a thread protector. This is a serialized firearm and will require shipment to a FFL. MSRP is at $999.99 and should be available soon.
New also this year is their rail. It has been redesigned, lightened with a extended barrel nut to increase strength and rigidity. The rail will accommodate both 5.56 and 7.62 systems instead of being separate offerings.
For more information, please visit www.adamsarms.net
By: Fifty Shades of FDE
I am back in Vegas for SHOT Show 2020. Today was the Industry Day at the Range. If you’ve never been, it’s like a test drive of the latest products in the Industry where ammo is provided and you don’t worry about cleaning any weapons afterwards.
I stopped by the Eotech booth to check out their new magnified optics.
The G43 is a micro version of their proven G33 3X. It is one of the most compact and light weight magnifiers. It features adjustments without the use of tools. The glass is clean and crisp just as the G33 and it makes shooting the targets at the end of the berm an easy task with greater accuracy.
Need more magnification? No problem! The G45 gives you 5x the magnification in a similar sized package of the G33. That extra 2x magnification allowed me to see the targets closer to get more precision on my shots.
On the LPVO or Low Power Variable Optics side, the Vudu 1-8×24 SFP (Second Focal Plane) scope has 2x more magnification over their 1-6×24 FFP with a simpler reticle that stays the same no matter the magnification level. Getting zoomed in at 8x made hitting the steel targets a piece of cake and the throw lever is probably the best on any LPVO that I’ve used.
I also took a look at the Vudu 5-25×50 FFP with the Horus H59 reticle. This was released a little over a year ago and I shot it on top of a 5.56×45 bolt gun that was suppressed with a GSL Technology suppressor. The whole setup was a great matchup. I was hitting the hostage target with ease and the suppressor took out a lot of the noise and recoil.
The Eotech HWS is a very fast system for CQB and when you need to reach out further or get more information for PID, the flip on magnifiers are very versatile and the Vudu line gives you a more traditional scope with even more magnification. Eotech seems to have you cover from short to longer ranges with their high quality optics.
By: Fifty Shades of FDE
I met with Wild Things team last year for the first time. This time around I visited them at their booth, #146.
Wild Things Gear are known for their high quality cold weather apparel. They added the White Out Overwhite Jacket and Pant. This system also has in it’s lineup, a cover for their knuckle roaster, pack as well as for helmets.
The Overwhite Jacket and Pant are more than a cover to help blend in with the Multicam Alpine pattern; they are an extra layer that adds resistance to the wind, water as well as IR signature.
Everything Wild Things Gear manufactures is done by Americans with materials sourced here in the United States in order to have the highest level of quality control and performance.
There will be more products coming down the line.
Please visit www.wildthingsgear.com for more information.
Wilsonville, Oregon based Crimson Trace (@crimsontrace) has announced the addition of Remington Arms 870 shotgun compatible models of Lasersaddle laser sights to their Lasersaddle line. Wel, they sorta announced it.
The new shotgun laser will be available in two models: the LS-870 red shotgun laser sight and the LS-870G green shotgun laser sight. Either will make an excellent counterpart to any of their red dot sights.
According to what’s been described on social media freqs and in the cursory descriptions online, the LS-870 will provide multiple ambidextrous laser activation pad points for instant targeting with a powerful 5mW red laser. As with all Crimson Trace laser sights, the LS-870 is user-adjustable for windage and elevation. The LS-870 features a Master On/Off Switch for completely powering down the system. This model provides 3 Hours of battery life with two provided CR2032 batteries.
The new Lasersaddle will fit the Remington 870 and Remington Tac-14 in 12 Gauge only. It does not fit the Tac-13.
Product Platform Lasersaddle™
Material Polymer
Color Black
Master On/Off Switch Yes
Battery Type Two #2032 Batteries
Installation User Installed
Laser Battery Life 3 Hours
Activation Mode Pressure Activated
Sighting Factory Sighted at 50′
User Adjustable Windage and Elevation
Warranty Three Year Full Warranty
Dot Size Approx. 0.50″ at 50′
Take 10% off site-wide at www.clouddefensive.com!
Use code: 50shades
At checkout!
