An Cosantóir

36 | gear review 5.11 Tactical Recon Series Trainer Colour: Dark Coyote price: €99.95 The manufacturer says... Engineered to be the best crossfit shoe on the planet, the new 5.11 RECON Trainer combines agility and comfort with unbeatable performance. A stretch mesh upper provides enhanced ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry, while HELCOR® leather bindings ensure flexibility and strength. The full-length CMEVA midsole adds structure and support, a broadened forefoot promotes toe splaying to maximize engagement and improve balance, and the integrated Rope Ready™ Zone provides assistance when climbing. An 8mm forward angle drop from heel to toe creates a lower profile that increases acceleration and manoeuvrability while remaining lightweight. The authentic OrthoLite® insoles provide cushioned comfort in any environment. For peace of mind, the RECON Trainer includes a 5.11 Blood Type Patch Kit for quick attention in emergency situations. Other features include: Full-length CMEVA midsole, stable rubber outsole and toughened toe reinforcement. Our reviewer Capt Bernard Behan (MONUSCO) says... The 5.11 Tactical Recon cross trainer is an excellent version of a hybrid runner/shoe for casual wear while in an operational environment. These cross trainer's can be best described as a lightweight, breathable and extremely tough set of footwear. I have been testing these cross trainers on my current overseas mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), during my out of uniform duty hours. The standard of manufacturing quality is visibly very high and has also performed as described in this hot climate. They have been used for various tasks and I have found that they offered me excellent comfort while keeping my feet cool in this temperate and very humid climate. I can safely say that I have been impressed with this product and could easily recommend them to others who may be looking for a comfortable, strong and versatile piece of footwear for all environments. I believe that the price listed is reasonable for the quality offered. Comfort 9 - Breathability 9 - Durability 8 - Value 8 An Cosantóir Dec 2013/Jan 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie PT A-Bravo Bump Helmet Colour: OD Green price: €70.00 The manufacturer says... A lightweight 4 pt suspension helmet with Bungee Molle fastener. Comes with nape pad and multi chin strap for stable NVG platform. Black zinc phillips bolts for complete field strip. Dynamic porting and removable EVA foam for maximum comfort and breathability. Only helmet that Decontaminates. HAHO/HALO Jump Tested 20,000 +. Weight: 1lb. Designed for comm system support. Drill pattern includes MICH/PASGT/Norotos mount types (rectangular and triangular). Waterproof, Shockproof, MIL Grade. In addition this helmet would be ideal for outdoor adventure sports. Our reviewer Sgt Fran Whelan (No 5 Sp Wing & DFAM) says... I tested this helmet from an outdoor sports perspective and not from a military one. As a climber I compared it to a climbing helmet which conforms to standards from UIAA. The vents are on top which would allow falling snow and small rock debris to enter. It is quite bulky and the strapping system didn't feel of the high quality material I expected. I found when wearing gloves it was not easy to adjust the buckles and straps. For these reasons I would not recommend it for climbing. Tested on a mountain bike the helmet feels snug and warm and it vents well. I found the helmet has a tendency to move back on the head and the chin strap seems uncomfortable for me. The padding is held in place by Velcro, which can be easily removed for cleaning and replacing. The padding must remain in place and cared for at all times as there are a few small interior nuts on the inside of the helmet which may be an issue on impact. I would recommend it for mountain biking and kayaking. Comfort 7 - Breathability 8 - Durability 8 Shockproof 8 - Waterproof 9

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