An Cosantóir

| 35 gear review Princeton Tec Fred Headlamp Sponsored by Team Alpha.ie 5.11 Alpha Scout Knife Colour: Black with Red LED Price: €24.70 Includes: Batteries and Head-strap The manufacturer says... With an increased demand for red lighting to preserve night vision, the Fred was born. Utilising the exact same ergonomic and lightweight styling of the Fuel, the Fred enables you to preserve night vision with the substitution of a Red LED for one of the white. The Fred will always turn on in the low mode of the Red LED, so you never have to accidently blind yourself or any other people. To enable the three white LEDs, just hold the button down for 1.5 seconds. WaterproofLevel 1 is assigned to lights that offer a degree of water protection equivalent to IPX4 in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Lights rated at Level 1 are designed for water resistance to splashing and quick dunkings. Specifications: Power: 45 Lumens, Lamp: 3 Ultrabright LED, Red LED, Burn Time: 180 Hours, Batteries: 3 AAA, Weight: 78 Grams. Our reviewer Cpl Valerie McGuinness (2 BTC) says... The headlamp is very light, compact, well built and comfortable, compared to similar products. Light direction is fully adjustable. The battery compartment is easy to open with a tool included on the band buckle you could also use a screwdriver or coin. The red light and white light are dim or bright enough for most tasks. It takes a little practice to learn how to choose a specific setting (red/white/dim/bright), but it is really easy to turn on red dim, white dim and power off with one push. The longest recommended time of continuous use on red dim (with one battery) is for about 8 days - hopefully you won't find such a need. The light is rated as waterproof. I do not know for how long the headband will last with aging, that was my only concern. Waterproof to Level One 7 - Burn Time 9 Lumens/Brightness 9 Head-Strap durability 8 ASP Training Belt The manufacturer says... At 6.75" in length when fully open, or 3.75" when closed, the Alpha is a slightly smaller version of 5.11's Spearpoint Scout knife. Designed to be easier to use for those with slightly smaller hands. The Alpha Scout Spearpoint is a conventional tactical knife with a standard blade size. What really makes this knife stand out are its user control features which include a handle shape, finger choil and top spine jimping (or added grip). With four unique carry options and an additional lanyard hole – this is one of the most versatile tactical knives on the market. The heat treated 3.5mm AUS8 stainless steel blade is both strong and durable, and the Scout's blade also features a black oxide coating to reduce visibility and glinting keeping you concealed and safer in duty environments. The Scout Spearpoint is built to last and its Liner Lock construction featuring nested 420-J2 heat-treated stainless steel liners will ensure it doesn't seize up or jam when you need performance most. Additionally, the Scout Spearpoint is fitted with heavy-duty pivot posts and screw with Torx fasteners for extra strength. The manufacturer says... The ASP Eagle Logo Belt's innovative design and high-quality nylon materials provide the size and strength needed to fully support a public safety professional's tactical equipment, such as batons, flashlights, radios and guns. The belt is heavy and stiff, never floppy, which is critical for police officers who are carrying a number of tools and weapons on their belts. Available in either 1.5 and 1.75 inch width models. The belt has a custom nylon weave design that is full-bodied and rigid with a distinctive stitch line accenting the top and bottom edges. The tip of the belt is also uniquely reinforced for added durability. In addition, the Logo Belt has a hidden, leather handcuff key pocket located on the inside of the belt. ASP's standard key, the ASP Pentagon Handcuff Key will fit in the pocket. Colour: Black Price: €34.95 - €5.00 Off! Colour: Black Price: €15.00 Our reviewer Cpl Daren Murphy (2 BTC) says... The knife is lightweight but durable and tough. The spear point design is great and the blade shape is efficient for everyday cutting chores. The black oxide coating holds very well and doesn't chip. Maintenance is easy; just a few strokes with a ceramic sharpener and the edge can be used again like a scalpel. The pivot point is easy to lubricate with just a drop of your preferred formula. This blade is a great urban environment tool as well as an outdoor tool. There is a slicing and piercing tool. I highly recommend this knife. It's a very comfortable knife to hold, the blade is extremely sturdy and the lockup sounds secure. Our reviewer Cpl Louise Woods (MP Group, DFTC) says... The belt is suitable for daily use of members of the Investigation Platoon, Military Police as it is tough enough to hold the ASP Baton, handcuffs and Pencil Flashlight, and is comfortable and discreet under civilian clothing. The hidden handcuff key on the belt is easily accessed and definitely a plus feature. The belt may not be suitable for members of the MP Provost Platoon, due to the quantity of equipment carried on a daily basis, but could be used during other Police Duties as required. The belt design is for a limited capacity of equipment with easy access to the user. I would highly recommend the ASP 1.5" Training Belt. Durability of the blade 9 - Anti-glare (black oxide) 9 - Lock Mechanism 8 – Sharpness Durability 8 - Support (accessories/ pouches/weapons) 8 - Easy Access (hidden handcuff key) 9 – Fit 9 This month Team-Alpha are offering a €100 Voucher to be used on their website www.team-alpha.ie. For a chance to win this month's prize answer the following question: How much is a 5.11 Alpha Scout Knife on the team-alpha website? Answers on a postcard to An Cosantóir's regular address or by email to subs@ military.ie, closing date 19 August 2013. Winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Last month's winner of a €100 voucher for Team-Alpha.ie was Gerard Morrissey, Co Wexford www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

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