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GoPro – HD Hero Camera

Manufacturer: GoPro (USA)
Type: POV Camera


GoPro – HD Hero Camera

The GoPro – HD Hero Camera is a POV (Point of View) camera system that shoots digital video up to 1080p HD. We’ve reviewed a few Gun Cameras here in the past, but they do not come close to the quality that can be shot with the HD Hero system.

The other problem with gun mounted cameras, is there tends to be lots of shots of the camera pointing down or up in the air and tons of "shakey" shots (i.e. when running, moving, etc). The gun is not always pointed at the action, so the gun camera will follow suit.

Helmet mounted cameras take much more stable shots. More like a Video Game, First Person Shooter POV. The GoPro HD specifically, takes very nice High Definition digital video, but it does have a "fish eyed" lens. The lens effect reminds me of Virtual Reality from the movie Brainstorm.

The GoPro HD is easy to operate. There are only 2 buttons which control the camera and set options. It has no internal memory, so you will need an SD Card for video storage. The largest SD card it takes is a 32GB which will store 4+ hours at 1080p, 30/fps.


GoPro – HD Hero Camera with NVG Helmet Mount

The following video was shot by our friend Spice at a large airsoft event called Operation Lion Claws X on May 27-29 at George Airforce Base, CA.

Tech Specs:

Camera Optics

  • Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m ? ∞), glass
  • Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
  • Angle of View: 170? ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
  • Angle of View: 127? wide angle in 1080p mode

Video

  • HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release)
    • 1080p = 1920?1080 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
    • 960p = 1280?960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
    • 720p = 1280?720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
    • 720p = 1280?720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
    • WVGA = 848?480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
  • Sensor Type: 1/2.5″ HD CMOS, 2.2?m-sized pixels
  • Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)
  • Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.mp4) file
  • Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
  • White Balance: Auto

?Audio

  • Microphone: Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
  • Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression

Photo

  • Resolution: 5 megapixel
  • Capture Modes: Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

Storage

  • Memory: SD card (SDHC), up to 32GB capacity (not included)
  • Average recording times (using 32GB SD card):
    • 1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
    • 960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
    • 720p (60 fps): 4h 21
    • 720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
    • WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

Camera Connectors & Cables

  • PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
  • HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
  • Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
  • PC Compatibility: Windows? Vista or Windows? 7; Mac OS? X 10.4.11 and later

Power & Battery

  • Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
  • Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hrs
  • Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
  • Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer’s USB port

Waterproof Camera Housing

  • Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
  • Construction: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
  • Hardware: Stainless steel

Size & Weight

  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6” x 2.4” x 1.2” (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
  • Weight: 3.3oz (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz (167g) incl. housing
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Original SOE – 12ga Pull-Out Pouch

Manufacturer: Original S.O.E. Gear (USA)
Type: Tactical Gear


Original SOE – 12ga Pull-Out Pouch

Another Original SOE item I bought specifically for use on my MWRL. The OSOE 12ga Pull-Out Pouch lets you carry 12 rounds in the horizontal space of 6.


Original SOE – 12ga Pull-Out Pouch

It’s an ingenious design. When you are done with the first 6 rounds, you simply tear the front card off, lift the 6 rounds out of the pouch and let gravity secure the next 6 rounds to the Velcro loop face. This can all be done with 1 hand.

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Original SOE – Compact Tear-Off Med Pouch

Manufacturer: Original S.O.E. Gear (USA)
Type: Tactical Gear


Original SOE – Compact Tear-Off Med Pouch

I purchased the Original SOE – Compact Tear-Off Med Pouch for use on my MWRL since it’s takes up less space then the OSOE Tear-Off IFAK pouches. The CTOMP will work with 2 columns of PALs.


Original SOE – Compact Tear-Off Med Pouch

This pouch system is comprised of 2 items. The Med Pouch itself and PALs attachment with loop Velcro and Buckle System. This secures the Med Pouch with Velcro, webbing and a buckle, so no need to worry about it tearing off w/o knowingly releasing the buckle.


Original SOE – Compact Tear-Off Med Pouch

When pouch is needed, it’s easy to open and access. It can carry most major components used in a traditional IFAK.

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Original SOE – Combat Cocks

Manufacturer: Original S.O.E. Gear (USA)
Type: Tactical Gear


Original SOE – Combat Cock

What are Combat Cocks? Think of them as tactical plush mascots you attach to your gear. With Velcro sides panels, they make any morale patches, that much more awesome. You can also add ammo card to the Velcro, making these ammo valets.


Original SOE – Combat Cock

I’ve taken all the stuffing out of mine and carry a micro fiber towel inside. easily accessible by the Velcro closer on the bottom of the cock.


Original SOE – Combat Cock – Guess where they’re made 😉

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US Grunt Gear – Infidel/Cobra War Belt System

Manufacturer: U.S. Grunt Gear (USA)
Type: Belt System


US Grunt Gear – Infidel/Cobra War Belt System – Outside View

The US Grunt Gear Belt System is a combination of a few separate belt systems. When combined, it makes a very mission capable belt system. This system includes:

  • USGG – Infidel Inner Velcro Belt
  • USGG – Cobra Outer Belt
  • USGG – Infidel Padded MOLLE Belt
  • USGG – Infidel PAL’s Sleeve


US Grunt Gear – Infidel/Cobra War Belt System Inside View

The 3 components used together makes this an almost infinitely adjustable belt system. The Infidel Inner Velcro Belt is part of the Infidel Padded MOLLE Belt system. It is a stiff 2" wide belt like most quality gun belts and is covered in hook and loop Velcro.


US Grunt Gear – Cobra Buckle

The Cobra Belt is a flexible 2" wide nylon. I also has Velcro. to insure a positive connection to the Padded MOLLE Belt.


US Grunt Gear – The Belts

The USGG – Infidel Padded MOLLE Belt connects all the componenets and adds a bunch of functionality to the belt system. The belt has .5" padding and is setup to accept drop leg type rigs. These can be either attached to the padded belt directly or there are gaps in the padded belt to allow attachment to the inner belt. It as lo includes suspender attachment points.


US Grunt Gear – Infidel PALs Sleeve

The US Grunt Gear – Infidel PALs Sleeve is typically attached to opposite side of the belt form the holster. This adds multiple standard MOLLE/PALs attachment points for modular pouches.


US Grunt Gear

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Black Bear Airsoft – Mesh Masks

Manufacturer: Black Bear Airsoft
Type: Protection


Black Bear Airsoft – Mesh Masks. TMC Masks for quality comparison.

Black Bear Airsoft is offering a line of high quality Mesh Masks for airsoft use. Our friend Booligan on AirsoftRetreat supplied us with the 3 masks pictured above on the right.


Black Bear Airsoft vs TMC Masks for metal mesh quality comparison

I happened to have a few TMC Masks here so I could do a 1:1 comparison between the 2. The BBA masks use a high grade, low carbon steel mesh that’s powder coated. The mesh gauge is beefier them the TMC’s and doesn’t flex as much. The BBA masks also have a much nicer finish of the stitched parts of the mask.

While I only have 3 examples of the BBA masks, they offer 44 variants of mesh mask products, differing in color and style.


Black Bear Airsoft – Shadow Mask

The BBA Shadow Mask is the lowest profile mask they offer. As you can see it only covers the nose, mouth and partial cheeks. Works well with goggles, but you may want to bend the mesh out to suit your face.


Black Bear Airsoft – Reaper Mask

The BBA Reaper Mask is a full frontal face protection mask. You wear goggles over the mask for eye protection. It only covers the front of your face and is not head wear compatible. I like the fact they added a bunch of loop Velcro for morale patches. When working with goggles, take a little getting used to. There’s pressure from the masks strap systems and the added goggle strap adds more. You may want to bend the mesh out to suit your face as above.


Black Bear Airsoft – Razor Mask

The BBA Razor Mask is a full face protection mask. Is compatible with most eye glasses to wear under the mask. You may want to bend the mesh out to suit your face as above.

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Thunder B – Flash Bang Package – Orange

Manufacturer: Thunder B (China)
Type: Sound Distraction Grenade


Thunder B – Flash Bang Package – Orange

The Thunder B – “Flash Bang” Grenade is distraction device that’s sole purpose is to create a loud bang.

The grenade uses a 12 gram CO2 caplet to fill and burst a hard plastic shell. This results in a very loud bang. The shells and CO2 caplets are 1 time use, but the rest of the device (CO2 housing, trigger spoon, pin mechanism) is reusable. Spare plastic shells run about $1.00 per and CO2 caplets $.75, so it’s not too expensive per grenade.

There’s about a 2-5 second delay from the time you release the spoon and the grenade bursts. I threw 1 on my lawn to test. It blew a small divot in through the lawn to the dirt. I wouldn’t want to be holding 1 in hand when they fired.

These are louder then AI Tornado Distraction Device Grenades.

The latest addition that Thunder B added are the Orange (or Grey) Cover Rings. These reinforce the grenade shells and force them to burst more loudly down the sides of the shell body.


Thunder B – Flash Bang Package – Orange

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AABB – T1 Red Green Dot Sight ( Sand )

Manufacturer: EB Airsoft (China)
Type: Red/Green Dot Sight


AABB – T1 Red Green Dot Sight ( Sand )

The AABB (aka X-Factor) T1 Red Green Dot Sight ( Sand ) is a clone of the Aimpoint Micro T-1. This version is a Red and Green dot version and each color has 5 intensity settings.

This nice part is this sight retails for around $55.00 and if you have a load out where you want a tan colored sight, this is a budget friendly solution.

The negatives of this sight are the power levels of the dots are low compared to other T-1 Clone sights. You will have a problem seeing the dot in direct sunlight in either color. The boy is painted sand, and the coating used isn’t the best, but as mentioned before, weigh this against the low price.


AABB T1 Red Green Dot Sight ( Sand )

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Ops-Core FAST Base Jump Military Helmet

Manufacturer: Ops-Core (USA)
Type: Helmet


FAST Base Jump Military Helmet

The Ops-Core FAST Base Jump Military Helmet is a non ballistic protection, tactical helmet system. The Base Jump Military series weigh around 1.5 lbs and includes the following features:

  • Integrated military style Head-Loc chinstrap
  • Lightweight, multi-impact, ventilated liner with repositionable EPP impact pads and LDV closed-cell comfort foam that is not affected by temperature, altitude, or moisture
  • 1/2″ and 3/4″ EPP pads come with the helmet
  • Occ-Dial adjustable fitband with replaceable leather front, nape, and side pads quickly detaches to allow convenient donning and doffing of COMMs headsets with internal top headbands
  • FAST-ARCs – 4 Position Accessory Rail Connectors: non-snag attachment points for quick yet secure donning or doffing of headborne accessories, including lights, cameras, goggles, COMMs, mandibles, etc
  • Molded-in front mount to attach lights, cameras and NVG brackets
  • Bungees for NVG stability
  • Side Velcro loop for patches and illuminators
  • Includes a Picatinny Adapter and Wing-Loc Adapter for the side rail and Universal Adapter for the front mount


FAST Base Jump Military Helmet

The NVG Mount is molded into the plastic shell and will accept US Army, Notoros AKA2 and Wilcox G24 NVG Arms. It will also accommodate Go Pro Helmet Cams, Princeton Remix Lights and other upcoming products. The Head-loc chinstrap system is easy to adjust and once adjusted, stays in place. This combined with the Occ-Dial Fitband which lets you dial in the head band pressure for a custom fit.

3/4″ and 1″ Internal pads are included and held in the helmet by specifically placed hook Velcro. Notice the channel between the pads at the crown of the head. This is to accommodate headsets.

The side rails will accommodate Ops-Core adapters. The helmet ships with 1 Picatinny and 1 Wing-Loc adapter. I have an additional Picatinny adapter and 1 set of Goggle Swivel Clamps. These adapters are all plastic. The Picatinny adapters need some adjustments to work with “slide on” type mounts (i.e. M3 Weapon Lights, Plastic Light Mounts, etc). They Picatinny adapters are not easily adjusted or removable after install, but the Wing-Lok adapters are made for gloved use and are much easier to operate when helmet is worn.


FAST Base Jump Military Helmet Loaded Up


FAST Base Jump Military Helmet Loaded Up w/ Headset

Tan ESS Goggle arrived and you have to cut the strap to use with the Goggle Clip system. The goggles buckles are reusable and I just used a lighter to melt the cut ends to prevent fraying. . If you have ARC style side rails on your helmet, these goggle clips are the way to go. With a little practice, you can don/remove the goggles with 1 hand.


FAST Base Jump Military Helmet with Goggle Clips

For airsoft play requiring a full face mask, I modified a Hakkotsu Iron Face lower and mounted it directly on a set of ESS Goggles. I used a combination of plastic rivets and zip ties. This enables me to still us the helmet’s chinstrap normally and allows me to remove the goggles and face mask without having to remove the helmet. It is much more comfortable this way. This setup doesn’t work well with Peltor or Sordin style headsets, but works fine with swimmers/frogman/bowman style single ear setups.


FAST Base Jump Military Helmet with Goggle Clips and Modified Hakkotsu Iron Face Mask

Just received the Crye Precision – Airframe Helmet Cover. Click picture for more details.


Crye Precision – Airframe Helmet Cover

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CVC Helmet Conversions

CVC Helmet Conversions

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From Left to Right. DH-132 Fiberglass Bump Helmet, DH132B, DH-132A

I’ve owned a CVC (Combat Vehicle Crewman) helmets for a long time. Recently I’ve been seeing CVC Helmet conversions being sold on eBay, but with questionable claims and titles on how their history.

These are simply the outer shells of CVC helmet, with a new suspension and chinstrap system installed. Night vision goggle mounts, Velcro and goggle retention straps are optional, but easy enough to add-on if you wish. When shopping on CVC helmets, there are a few types to look out for:

  • DH-132 – Fiberglass only shell.
  • DH-132A – Kevlar rated 1400 fps ballistic resistance.
  • DH-132B – Kevlar rated 2150 fps ballistic resistance. Identifiable due to thickness of Kevlar and double bolts over each temple area.

The helmets can easily accommodate headsets and hearing protection (i.e. Peltors, Sordins, etc) due to the high ear openings.

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DH-132B Conversion with 2011 Ops-Core ACH Head-Loc? Retention System H-Nape System

I usually use a set of USGI 4 point chin straps which come in either black or ACU green. On the above helmet, I used the 2011 Ops-Core ACH Head-Loc? Retention System H-Nape. It costs 3-4 times more then a USGI setup, but it is worth it if you plan on wearing the helmet for periods of time. The Ops-Core strap system is very easy to adjust and made for use with things like NVG’s or other devices which may unbalance the helmet.


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Star Wars Inspired DH132A Conversions

Created a few “Themed” Conversions of DH-132A Helmets. The Black Imperial Helmet, uses the Skydex Ballistic Helmet pad/Suspension Kit and Ops-Core VAS Shroud. The Tan Rebel Helmet uses USGI ACH Suspension/Pads and anodized NVG Mount.