An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/91149
GEAR REVIEW 5.11 TACTICAL TRAINER RETAIL PRICE €119.99 5.11's Tactical Trainer 2.0 is a lightweight, breathable training shoe meant for the range, trail or general fitness. Its design is based on feedback from End-Users who requested a tactical boot that can be worn covertly, that also features the function, comfort, and innovation they have come to expect from 5.11 Tactical products. The Tactical Trainer 2.0 is disguised as a light hiker and ability, support and protection, the Tactical Trainer 2.0 also features an added another layer of abrasion resistance at the toe and heel for the high wear areas. The entire trainer in engineered on a new com- fort platform which uses an Ortholite insole combined with the 5.11 EVA Strike Platform and compression molded EVA midsole provide lightweight, flexible, and supportive all day comfort. The Tactical Trainer is built on a hiking boot last that offers ad- pants and train on the range. You can also wear these trainers to the gym or use them as hiking shoes. The Tactical Trainer 2.0 has the styling of a lightweight hiker built with from the mindset of a duty boot to meet the training needs for public safety professionals. Made of a combination of suede and open air mesh for breath- when worn with jeans can help you disap- pear into a crowd or pair it with our Taclite Pro equate volume in the forefoot and a secure fit around the midfoot and ankle. The outsole has been redesigned with a new lug pattern and multiple flex grooves for great traction, flexibility and support. There is also TPU external heel counter for additional lateral sup- port. The "stay tied sausage laces" and combination of lace ghillies and traditional anchored eyelets will secure all foot types. Our tester, Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald (PR Section) says... These tactical trainers went on the feet straight out of the box; they were as comfortable as a pair of woollen mittens on a cold day. I've used them loads of times, out walking the curragh plains, scout- ing with cubs, gardening and going out casually. I found them to be tough wearing, comfortable; especially around the ankle, easily cleaned with a soft cloth. They have a good grip on smooth wet surfaces which is hard to find in a runner/trainer. They are a bit more expensive but they have matched up to other leading brands and will probably out last any of them. I would certainly recommend them. Comfort 10 - Fit (True to Size) 10 - Durability 10 - Value for money 8 | 33 Sponsored by Team Alpha.ie 5.11 ATAC L1 TACTICAL FLASH- LIGHT WITH CLIP HOLSTER RETAIL PRICE €83.95 The ATAC™ L1 Tactical Flashlight is a powerful com- pact product with industry leading performance for a single Lithium battery power source. Powered by one CR123A battery the ATAC™ L1 Tactical Flash- light throws a brilliant 173 ANSI FL1 Lumens of light in a smooth tactical beam pattern while providing 2shrs of runtime on (HIGH) and 46hrs of runtime on (LOW). The tactical Intelligent Switch is designed to silently cycle through all 3 light modes (High/Low/Strobe) using only the Momentary-On function to prevent the "Click" sound from poten- tially giving up your location. The rotary Dial Lock-Out Switch allows you to instantly lock or unlock the light with just one hand using your thumb to prevent inadvertent activation. Another tactical feature developed by pro- fessionals for professionals is the Break-Away Lanyard designed to free your arm from the flashlight in the event of an emergency. Our tester, Cpl Tony Doyle (McKee Bks Coy) says... I tested the 5.11 ATAC L1 Tactical Flashlight on the recent All Arms Std NCO Cse, I was instantly impressed with it's small size and it's lightweight, which means it was compact enough to carry everywhere i.e. pants, smock or battle vest. Brightness from the flashlight was very impressive, as it gave out a light you would normally expect to see from a much bigger device. Battery life was not so great on full beam, about 2hrs, but much better on low beam, around 46hrs. Operating the ATAC L1 could not be easier, by just pushing the tactical intelligent switch located on the base of the unit to cycle through all 3 different modes. One of the modes is strobe mode, which can be used in any possible "real life" rescue scenario. In terms of value for money, I found it reasonable enough for what it delivered. I would possibly only really use the light for my own personal use, as the light did not come with any coloured filters which would have to be used in any military exercise scenario. Overall I would highly recommend this piece of kit. Brightness 10 - Battery Life 9 - Ease of Operation 9 - Value for money 6 This month Team-Alpha is offering a pair of 5.11 Coyote Trainers (reviewed above). For a chance to win this month's prize answer the following question: What price is the Redfield Raider™ 550 Laser Rangefinder on www.team-alpha.ie? COMPETITION ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD TO AN COSANTÓIR'S REGULAR ADDRESS OR BY EMAIL TO SUBS@MILITARY.IE BY THE 22ND NOV 2012. WINNER WILL BE THE FIRST CORRECT ENTRY DRAWN. Last Months winner of a €120 Team-Alpha Voucher is Andy O'Neill, Co. Offally. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE