Hatch Knee Pads Style Comparrison

Features:
-XTAC
Thermal plastic urethane (TPU)
High-density foam for shock absorption
Lightweight TPU and Cordura® nylon construction
Cool Max™ inner surface for moisture wicking
Non-slip inner surface to keep pads in place
Adjustable straps w/velcro closure
Hatch Rapid Deployment clips for quick on and off

-Centurion
Thermal plastic urethane (TPU)
High-density foam for shock absorption
Lightweight TPU and Cordura® nylon construction
Adjustable straps w/velcro closure
Hatch Rapid Deployment clips for quick on and off


Cost:
-XTAC
$25.99 at US Cav
-Centurion
$19.99 at US Cav

Positives:
-XTAC
I really liked the non-slip coating these knee pads had, it really seemed to help hold them in place throughout a variety of maneuvers. This feature seems to let you back off a little on tightening the straps to hold them in place. I love the rapid deployment fasteners.

-Centurion
The feature I most liked about the centurion pad was the standard size. I felt like my knee was better protected and felt less tension against my knee cap while having my leg in the straight position. These seem to be a better fit for larger knees. I love the rapid deployment fasteners.


Negatives:
-XTAC
As you may notice in the picture my knee appears slightly bent while wearing the XTAC pads and that is due to the fact the pad seems to made in a way that makes it more difficult to straighten your leg out. I didn't really care for this as well as the non-traditional look of these pads.

-Centurion
I really wish the centurion pads had the same non-slip coating on the inside that the XTAC pads have. This feature would have really completed this knee pad.

Overall:
-XTAC
Great pads just wish they were the traditional size.
8 out of 10
-Centurion
Hatch's best pads I just wish they had the non-slip coating.
9 out of 10

Magpul MOE M16/M4 AEG Grip

Features:
Beavertail design
Anti-slip texture
One-piece construction
MIAD A1 style size
Fits M16/M4 style AEG

Cost:
$35.00 (www.airsoftgi.com)
$32.99 Parafrog (in store)

Positives:
The main feature I really like about this grip is the beavertail design. Initially I did not think it would really make any difference in comfort, I assumed a grip is a grip is a grip. I can really feel the difference it makes as soon as I pick it up. Secondly the anti-slip coating is great as well even though it is not something that is immediately noticeable.

Negatives:
The main complaint I have with this grip is specifically with the breather holes which it has on the bottom. The holes are really large which lets in dirt and debris that could cause problems down the road. Additionally I have some concerns about these holes and the role moisture plays on the motor.

Overall:
I really like this grip however after weighing the negatives with the price and the fact that it is more expensive than its real steel counterpart this grip is not a must have in my book.
6 out of 10

PCU Level 5 by ORC Industries

Features:
100% Nylon
Light weight
Windproof
Water repellent
Hood stows in collar
Velcro wrist closures
Two zippered internal mesh pockets
Arm pockets w/velcro closure
Bottom hem equipped w/cinch cord
Hood equipped w/cinch cords

Cost:
$96.99 (www.orcind.com)

Positives:
The thing I like the most about this jacket is the fact that it is light weight. This allows it to be worn even in warmer conditions for rain protection or just in those situations where you need your arms covered w/running the risk of over heating as often happens in airsoft games. I typically do not use the internal mesh pockets to stow gear and usually keep them unzipped in warmer conditions to accommodate for additional air flow.

Negatives:
The stitching which secures the velcro the flap on my left pocket closure is coming out and needs to be resown but this issue is not too severe given that the jacket is almost two years old. Anything more than light rain will soak through this jacket.

Overall:
Overall I really love this jacket and I wear it frequently.
I would give this jacket an 8 out of 10.

Oakley Hot Weather Assault Boot 8"

Features
Made in U.S.A.
Brushed Leather & Canvas
Moisture wicking liner
Lightweight vulcanized rubber cup sole
High G-Last, Roomy box toe
651 grams

Cost:
$185.00 (www.oakley.com)
$135.00 (www.usstandardissue.com) (govt. discount rate)

Positives:
Very comfortable boot which feels more like a tennis shoe on the foot than a combat boot. These boots keep my feet from getting sweaty but don't let in a lot of moisture if you're in a wet environment. I have had these boots for almost two years now and I have had zero problems out of them. I wore them when I deployed to Iraq and I am extremely glad that I had them.

Negatives:
The Oakley logo on my pair is a subdued logo which appears to just be stamped into the leather on the outer heel, this logo quickly fades from view as the boots are broken in. This could be viewed as a positive or a negative, and I believe this has changed in the latest model.

Overall:
These boots lose marks on price despite the fact I think the quality makes up for it.
I give these boots a 9 out of 10.

Tru-Spec Combat Shirt

Features:
The Tru-Spec Combat Shirt features 50/50 Nyco rip-stop sleeves with a soft 60/40 cotton/nylon body. The body of the shirt is lightweight, moisture wicking and pretty thin to maximize breathability. The 50/50 nyco material extends into the shoulders and across the upper back to increase durability and to eliminate the need for any seems in critical areas that could cause chaffing. This shirt has anti-abrasion elbow patches and zipper sleeve pockets. Gusseted sleeves increase the combat shirts range of motion as well as its comfort in various positions.

Cost:
$64.99 (www.airsoftatlanta.com)

Positives:
I found this shirt to be very comfortable and soft throughout the entire inside. The higher collar helps protect your neck from chaffing due to rubbing caused by a sling or vest. I like the fact that the arms, shoulders and back are 50/50 nyco rip-stop rather than tru-spec's usual 65/35 material that they do most of their other multicam items in.

Negatives:
I found the sleeve pockets to be somewhat of an annoyance since they zip from the top which makes them more of a hassle to deal with, if the zip closures would have been located on the front of the pockets it would have been better. The anti-abrasion elbow patches seemed to be oddly positioned as well because too much bending of the elbow reveals that your elbow tends to fall outside the patched area. Additionally the velcro loop areas on the right sleeve are broken up into 3 sections for different items and I would find it more useful if this had just been one solid sheet of loop material across the entire pocket.

Overall:
This shirt is very comfortable and a great fit, I was very satisfied with this purchase. I picked this one up from Parafrog in Knoxville, TN for around $65.
8 out of 10

Cyma AK-47 Refinishing

I got a my Cyma CM042 AK47 for Christmas. I love the gun and it shoots pretty good stock, but the color of the real wood was way too red for me. Being in multicam, my friends always commented that the way they found me in the woods was to look for the red on my gun.



So I decided to work on that.

The finished job.



Comparison with another stock CM042



Here is how I did it.

I started by going to Lowes and digging through stain colors. I ended up getting "Dark Walnut" and a satin polyurethane. Even being satin I figured it would be a bit too reflective so I made sure I had some steel wool to dull the finish when I was done.

Click on the pictures to view them full size.


I used a fine sanding block to take the original finish off.



Here is the gun in pieces, half sanded.




It took quite a while to sand down everything, my arm was seriously hurting by the time it was done.




I stuck the gun back together to see what it looks like, reminds me of the Cyma tactical AK.




Next I used a screwdriver handle and some other instruments to beat up on the wood and enhance some existing scratches. Then I mixed black acrylic paint and water to make a wash. If you do this make sure to wipe it off quickly, it doesn't take long at all. It really brought out the nicks and cuts and the wood grain.



I sanded a bit more after it dried fully.




I applied a nice solid coat of Dark Walnut stain, making sure to fully cover the wood. I ended up touching some up after it dried a few hours to make sure I didn't miss spots too badly.




I had thought about just using linseed oil after the stain, but knowing the wood is not that great quality, I used two coats of polyurethane to protect it, sanding lightly between.

1st coat:


2nd coat:



Next I reassembled the gun. With the polyurethane it fit a little bit tighter in most places, which is nice. It gave the gun a more solid feel. I did learn just how bad the wood can be when I was reattaching the pistol grip. It had been slightly loose, but when I tightened it down the wood was crushed beneath the screw, leaving a hole completely through. For now I used a washer to hold it on, and it is actually tighter than before. I will have to countersink it slightly when I have some time and can get the right size bit.

I also used some steel wool to weather the metal in some places. It isn't too obvious, but I didn't like the super clean look the metal had before. It took the weathering well, and I don't think you can really tell unless you look closely.

I had ordered a real steel flash hider from Cheaper Than Dirt for $10 with some other random stuff I needed and it happened to get in today, when the gun was ready to be re-assembled. I had to use a dremel to cut a notch out for the cleaning rod on the lower part of the front sight, and the thing is held on by tape right now, but it doesn't seem to move much, and should work until I figure out a more permanent mounting solution since the pins on the sight are fake on the airsoft gun.

Overall I am pretty happy with how it turned out. Here are some pics of the finished product. Don't forget to click them to see the full size pictures.

Tactical Tech

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