I’ve personally been a huge fan of Kickstarter for some time now and have backed a handful of projects to help fellow entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. For instance, I can’t wait to receive my Fellhoelter TiBolt Pen!

A project I’ve recently backed is from Tarik Lazri, called Tough Hook. This hanger was designed by Lazri to support heavy equipment like body armor and Scuba gear. You may find the design of the Tough Hook to be similar to the World’s Strongest Coat Hanger that I reviewed here on ITS last year.

While the design may seem similar, the Tough Hook has a few unique features that I really like. For instance, the main feature is the ability for the hanger to “flip over” and turn into a carrying device for your body armor. I think this is a great feature if you need to quickly go from hanging your body armor/plate carrier to transporting it. Lazri states that the handle opening is large enough to get a gloved hand inside of too.

The other feature I like are the opposing hooks on either side of the hanger to keep the straps on your plate carrier from sliding off. This is great for things like plate carriers and body armor and much needed for those, but it also doesn’t completely take the place of the World’s Strongest Coat Hanger’s for other applications. I’m certainly going to be replacing a few of my current hangers with the Tough Hooks, but not all of them.

I mention this just to drive home the point that both of these type of hangers serve different purposes and there’s certainly a need for both. The Tough Hook is a product I’m excited to see getting developed, as one of the things on my wishlist for the WSCH was to have something integrated that would secure shoulder straps better than the small cut-outs they feature.

Check out Lazri’s video I’ve embedded below and head over and help back his Tough Hook Kickstarter Project if you can. Even if you don’t want one for yourself, he’s got a backer level for $20 where he’ll send one to a deployed soldier. I know plenty of deployed guys that could really use these.

Photo and Video via the Tough Hook Kickstarter Project page.

Touting their coat hanger as the “world’s strongest” isn’t much different from world’s best burger, but in this case, the World’s Strongest Coat Hanger from VK Plastics has certainly lived up to all my expectations.

These hangers were designed and manufactured in the USA (by American workers) for first responders, Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, hunters and all outdoor enthusiasts who require a strong hanger to protect their investments. I’ve found them to be perfect for hanging plate carriers with body armor and for heavy scuba diving wetsuits or anything with substantial weight.

The World’s Strongest Coat Hanger

As mentioned in the video below, I’ve been using these coat hangers for may years and have recently found out where to source more of them. The Website theworldsstrongestcoathanger.com is what I stumbled onto after calling the phone number printed on one of the hangers. It’s very hard to spot if you’re not looking for it.

I’ve seen other “strong” coat hangers on the market, but I’m partial to these because of the features. Primarily my favorite feature other than the overall mass and strength are the strap notches on each shoulder. These are great for locking in the straps on a plate carrier and not allowing them to slide off. I also have utilized the “J” hooks many times for anything from backpacks to accessories.

One caveat to mention is that body armor manufacturers typically state to store their soft armor flat and to never hang it. I very much understand these instructions and am certainly not telling you to ignore their directions. Personally, if I know I won’t be using my soft armor for a long period of time, I’ll store it flat in a cool, dry area. Their are certainly times when you’ll just be wearing it again quickly and it’s not necessary to remove it from a carrier. That’s where a strong hanger comes in handy.

Features

• Hanger Width: 18 1/2″ Across
• Extra Large 3 1/4″ Strap Notches
• A Large 1 1/2″ Hanger Hook
• Interior 3 1/2″ Slot for Blankets or Pants
• Double “J” Hook for Backpacks or Accessories
• “I” Beam Technology
• Holds over 112 lbs.

The World’s Strongest Coat Hanger is available in Coyote, OD, Black and even Red, White and Blue (along with many other colors). Check them out here and tell them ITS sent you!

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: ITS contributor Chris Sajnog is a former Navy SEAL and current Director of Training at Center Mass Group. 

A few months back my good friends and Fellow Former Frogmen (F3?) over at T3 Gear were kind enough let me try out some of their gear. The gear was free, but I was asked to give them honest feedback on what I liked, and what I didn’t.

It took a few months to put their gear through the paces; gear evaluation takes longer outside of a combat zone. The first piece that I can provide an honest assessment of is the centerpiece of your warrior-wear: the plate carrier.

T3 calls this model the Geronimo Plate Carrier. I’m guessing they named it this as tribute to Operation Geronimo (later changed to Operation Neptune Spear), in which a few of my SEAL brothers paid a little visit to Osama bin Laden.

What T3 Says

Let’s start out with the basic info from the T3 Gear website.

[The] only fully scalable plate carrier in the world: can be changed to 7.62 version including different cummerbunds in less than 2 minutes.

• Geronimo plate carrier size is based on your hard armor plate size, not body size
• Fully adjustable shoulder strap
• Fully adjustable cummerbund adjusts with Velcro® to fit almost anyone
• Will work with SAPI, ESAPI, XSAPI and Swimmer Cut armor plates
• Cummerbund designed to carry 6″ x 6″ side plates internally
• Removable shoulder pads
• Removable side buckle kit
• Comes with triple 5.56 magazine front flap (removable)
• Removable front flap can be replaced with a triple 7.62 front flap (sold separately)
• Cummerbund comes with a 5″ x 10″ pocket to accommodate optional soft armor inserts (sold separately)

Price: $299.99
Made in the USA
Lifetime Warranty

After Two Months

I’ve got to say, T3 didn’t disappoint with the Geronimo Plate Carrier. It’s easily the lightest, most comfortable plate carrier I’ve used. The thing that I like most is that there is plenty of room for me to mount my rifle deep in my shoulder. It covers the vital parts without a lot of extra material to get in the way.

With the last carrier that I used, I had a special technique to mount the rifle by wedging it in-between the side of the carrier and my shoulder. It was stable if I got it right, but if I missed, the buttstock was either too high, too far out, or on my plates. This isn’t an issue with the Geronimo and I can quickly mount the gun right where I want.

I’m not a fan of the cummerbund so it was nice that I could just take it off. I know a lot of guys like it, but it just annoys me and normally I cut it off.

The mag pouches that came with it were pretty good and they should work for you unless you only like a certain type or brand of pouch. They’re low-profile and keep your ammo in place until you want it out. They use small bungee cords instead of Velcro closures, which I like better, but might just be a personal preference. All the adjustments are extremely easy and intuitive. If you’ve ever adjusted the shoulder straps on some plate carriers, you know they can be a real pain in the ass. It’s nice to just open it, adjust and close.

I noticed that I didn’t seem to get as hot wearing this plate carrier compared to others. I’m not sure if it’s because of the design, mesh lining or just that it’s a smaller cut. Whatever the reason, it’s nice. I guess this is to be expected from a group of SEALs with a store on the same base as BUD/S and all the West Coast SEAL Teams. I’m guessing they get a steady stream of Team-guys coming back from deployment and letting them know how to make their kit better.

Final Assessment

I would definitely recommend this plate carrier to anyone going into harm’s way. The only negative I see is the higher price compared to other manufacturers, but, like anything else, you get what you pay for. You need to ask how much your life is worth. Luckily I didn’t have to pay for this, thanks to T3.

This is the first time I was given gear from a company to T&E (while not in the Navy) and I’ve always wondered just how honest reviewers of free gear have been. I can’t speak for them, but if anyone thinks this may be a paid advertisement, wait for my next review of T3 Gear. You’ll learn why my favorite sling is still made by Magpul!

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: ITS contributor Chris Sajnog is a former Navy SEAL and the Director of Training for Center Mass Group, started by two retired Navy SEAL Instructors. Giving people the experience of being trained by the most elite combat unit in the world, Chris is currently a Maritime-Counter-Terrorism and advanced marksmanship Instructor who has trained DOD, DHS, FBI, CIA and multiple foreign allies in all aspects of combat weapons handling, marksmanship and Maritime Operations.

Despite the article title, US Palm certainly makes more than just gear and parts for the AK platform, but our primary focus in this article will be showcasing a few of their AK specifics.

We’ll also be taking a look at two different plate carriers, the Defender MOLLE and the ASP-C (Air Save Plate Carrier) to see how they stack up. Our testing has encompassed the better part of a year and this comprehensive review is the result. There’s a couple of video overviews embedded into this article as well as detailed photos to go along with it.

US PALM

Primary Armament Logistical Manufacturing (US PALM) has been around for the better part of two years now and is focused on making US made products and accessories for the shooting and tactical industry.

Their innovative and much needed improvements to the AK platform are what originally drew us to them. This coupled with their craftsmanship (see below,) is why we have no hesitation in highly recommending their products.

AK Battle Grip

The US PALM AK Battle Grip is huge upgrade to the AK platform and one that was sorely needed. If you’re the owner of an AK, then you’ll know what you’re up against when it comes to the stock plastic or wood grips that stock AKs feature. Personally, my issue was the angle of the grip and the general lack of contouring that contributed to fighting with the stock grip all the time during reloads.

When my weak side had would come off the firearm to grab for another magazine I’d constantly fight to keep it where I wanted it. Not to say it was impossible to control, but I didn’t know what I was missing until I tried out the AK Battle Grip for the first time. It was drastically easier to manipulate the AK one-handed and led to not only being able to stabilize it easier, but ensure it stayed in the direction I wanted it to during mag changes.

The contour of the AK Battle Grip does exactly what US PALM says it does, it drives your hand up to ensure a positive grip. I’d also add that the increased circumference of the Battle Grip aids in stability.

A few of the US Palm accessories like this AK Battle Grip and their AR Grip are manufactured by Tango Down utilizing TD’s aerospace polymer. I say this also because if you’re familiar with Tango Down, you’ll notice their signature Dry-Lok plug in the bottom of the grip. This will enable you to store ear pro, batteries, etc. in the bottom without worry of it getting wet in a downpour.

Another winner with the AK Battle Grip is that it’s designed to fit nearly every AK variant out there, from 47s, 74s, AKMs and RPKs. They’re available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Brown, Red Bakelite and weigh 5.8 ounces soaking wet.

AK30 Magazine

US Palm’s AK30 represents a significant improvement from other polymer AK mags on the market today. Produced by Tango Down from the same great aerospace polymer, the AK30 certainly gives traditional metal mags some steep competition.

While the AK30 still features a stainless steel internal cage to support the front and rear lugs, the use of polymer is now a proven material by Tango Down with their ARC magazines and by Magpul with their PMAGs. Like we were, you’re probably curious how the feed lips will hold up over repeated abuse.

So far we’ve put around two hundred rounds through the few we have and even dropped full mags repeatedly on their feed lips with no damage reported other than scratching. While further torture testing is certainly in order and coming, we’re very impressed with how they’re built.

The AK30 features a five sided box configuration with a bonded two piece body and one piece endcap that are molecularly bonded. While no disassembly is possible, US PALM states that it’s not necessary. The chrome silicone spring is heat treated, stress relieved and US Mil Spec corrosion resistant coated. Life expectancy for the spring is 100,000+ cycles.

The holes in the follower also allow the gunk and water to easily flow out during cleaning. We haven’t tested this feature, but it appears to function as described. I particularly like that the waffle-pattern body coupled with the ridged spines creates a positive grip during mag changes. More so than the metal mags, hands down.

The AK30 comes in 7.62 x 39 only and available in Black, Brown and Flat Dark Earth; each weighing approx. 7 ounces. Another great option for your existing metal mags is that US PALM is now offering an AK30 rebuild kit to replace the followers and springs with an upgrade to the same follower and spring used in the AK30.

Defender MOLLE and AK Mag Pouches

The Defender MOLLE plate carrier from US PALM is advertised as a complete system that can be easily donned in the middle of the night when you hear that noise that none of us are hoping to hear. We found this to be very accurate, as with the easy to secure straps and many configurations the Defender is available in, it’s certainly fast.

That’s not to say that other plate carriers aren’t also easy to don quickly, just to confirm that it is easy to put the Defender on in a hurry. This is thanks to the large 2″ wide webbing/velcro straps that overlap each other in the lower front of the carrier. Even if you get the straps twisted while you’re putting it on in a hurry they’ll still secure to the velcro enough to allow you to move out quickly.

The only potential that I see with storing this rig next to the bed ready to roll is that you’d have to leave the straps undone and hope that when you grabbed at it in a hurry they didn’t stick to one another and add to the confusion of the moment.

Shoulder strap adjustment is handled though 2″ wide webbing shoulder straps with full length velcro for adjusting to different sizes and shapes. Obviously if you’re tossing this on in the middle of the night, you’d already want to have these properly configured.

The Defender comes standard with a single front IIIa armor panel in the front and a second can be added for the back for a modest price. As prices change you’ll have to check the Website for current pricing, but this is a very cost effective way to have your own body armor at the ready. It will also accommodate plates if necessary, so it’s definitely versatile in that regard. Another thing that gives the Defender versatility is the MOLLE option on the particular Defender we’re reviewing.

As you’ll see in the photos we have this configured with a Triple Cell AK47 Pouch, but the possibilities for configuration on a MOLLE carrier are certainly endless. As mentioned earlier, US PALM also manufactures different versions of the Defender to allow you to have many choices in finding what’s right for you.

The Defender Handgun makes the most sense to me for most home defense use in the case of a home invasion, but if clearing the house with an AR like I would, the Defender AR-15 might make more sense. One last thing to note is the Defender MOLLE features a small 1″ loop strip on the front for attaching a name tape or the last word you want an intruder to read. I know I can think of some choice words for an embroidered name tag!

You can get the Defender MOLLE in 500D Cordura colorways of Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and Multicam with many different size configurations.

ASP-C Air Save Plate Carrier

While we don’t normally publish pricing in articles, I’m going to break our rules by saying that at $399.99 for a US made plate carrier and two Level IV stand-alone plates (US PALM rates at withstanding .308 AP rounds,) the Air Save Plate Carrier is a fantastic deal!

It may be a rectangular design and not contoured as traditional SAPI plates are, but I had no problem getting a good stock-shoulder weld wearing it. The complete package with plates is fairly heavy as far as plates go, weighing 17 lbs. but certainly not unmanageable.

A few features I really like about the ASP-C is the fact that the steel-ceramic composite plates have a rubber grommet around the exterior edge. While adding bulk and bringing them to 3/4″ thick, it’s nice if you set them down on a hard surface.

The 500D Cordura carrier is very nicely made with spacer mesh on the backside of the front, back and removable shoulder pads. The spacer mesh is padded as well which adds to the comfort of wearing 17 lbs. around. Shoulder straps adjust similar to the Defender, but are sewn in versus moving through a looploc like on that rig.

There’s a single row of PALS webbing sewn on each shoulder strap for attaching various accoutrements or pieces of flair if you work at Chachki’s. Plates get inserted though a velcro closure flap at the bottom of each panel, which features a webbing pull tab. The velcro is too strong to be able to use the pull tab as a stand-alone opening method and is more to aid in opening once you get your hand in there to break the hook.

The top two rows of PALS on each side of the carrier are loop covered for attaching identifiers, morale patches or even more flair! There is only one size that the ASP-C comes in, but it adjusts to all the body types we’ve tried the rig on. Lastly on adjustment the sides are secured with sewn webbing and an adjustable ITW Nexus SRB (slide release buckle) for quick release. There’s also a small elastic keeper to secure the loose webbing after adjustment.

The ASP-C is available in one size in either Black, Coyote, Ranger Green or Multicam. Again, we feel this is an incredible deal for Level IV rated plates and a carrier!

Here’s an additional video of US PALM firing different calibers at the ASP-C with Level IV plates:

In the past few years I’ve noticed a big surge in the popularity of hard plate carriers. Not only for the military (those have been around for a while) but for law enforcement and even civilian use.

Trying to navigate through all the companies that are now producing plate carriers can be quite a feat these days. Just Google armor plate carries and you get blasted with acronyms like IOTV, CIRAS, PIG, LVAC, BOAR, RBAV, and PICO among a bunch of others.

Since we’re reviewing the Shellback Tactical BANSHEE Plate Carrier today, we’ll stick with stand alone designs in this article. You might think looking for a stand alone carrier is easy, but there are so many choices in companies, designs, and options. Trying to work through all this can be a real nightmare if you’re a new buyer.

So what do you with your old ballistic vest panels? If you have been in law enforcement or other occupation where you get a new vest roughly every 5 years, you probably have a couple of sets sitting around.

A few years ago I figured there had to be a way to use the panels I’d accumulated, as mine were sitting in the closet collecting dust.

Around that time I came across a video and photos of a Schertz Texas Police cruiser that had taken a bunch of rounds to the front from a AK-47.  The article showed forensics photos of the trajectory the rounds took and had the officer been in the front seat he would have been killed.

While attempting to defeat rifle rounds would only be accomplished by an armored vehicle, it doesn’t take much to send pistol rounds through the windshield, windows and doors.  I came up with a simple solution that got my vest panels out of the closet and into my cruiser. We’ll also talk about other ways you could use this concept in the civilian world. The photos presented here are older, but the concept remains the same and I still carry this system with me today.

About “old” Vests

Let’s talk about “used” vest panels before we go any further. What were talking about here are your vest panels that you have cared for, cleaned properly, and maintained like you’re life depended on it (because well, your life did depend on it). I’m not advocating running out to the nearest surplus store and buying panels out of a pile of Vietnam web gear. If that is the route you want to go because you don’t have your own panels then you do so at your own risk.

Properly cared for ballistic panels will last for years if maintained correctly. I’ll give two examples: A few years ago one of our firearms instructors took his old issued vest (from the mid 80s’) to the range and it stopped everything it was rated against. Our training section also had an old vest they used during knife defense classes that they tried to sick a ice pick through. The old vest stopped it every time.

The Concept

All we’re doing is making a bag to hold the ballistic panels. That’s it. It doesn’t have to be fancy or made out of 10,000 Denier Cordura with quadruple stitching. It should at the very least have handles to make it easy to carry and stitched well enough that it wont fall apart if you need to use it.  As you can see in the photos of the bag I have, there isn’t much to it.

This bag was made by a local Sailmaker. I took my ballistic panels in and gave them a basic idea of what I wanted done. I lucked out as they did a fantastic job with a heavy Cordura type material and heavy stitching. I had two sets of handles made; one set for the top and one set to hold like a shield. The top is secured with heavy Velcro to keep it closed. As you can see in the photos I have both my panels in the bag. Two panels might be an overkill but in this case more might be better because having to deploy it means the crap has hit the fan.

Uses

This idea is pretty simple and can be used in multiple ways.  From throwing it up on the dashboard, holding it against a door, or tossing it to someone pinned down. I keep mine on the passenger seat in my cruiser or take it with me when doing surveillance.

You could keep it at the office or classroom (if you’re a teacher). During the Virginia Tech shooting, students and teachers attempted to hold the doors shut with their bodies. Cho shot through the doors because he knew victims’ were behind them. If I were to design one for a school setting I wound have two separate panels that folded out to give you extra height protection. In effect a soft shield.

There is no reason you couldn’t apply those same ideas at home. Also look at the news footage of the recent tornadoes. You could use this as added protection against flying debris for you or your family while your in your safe room. Think outside the box.

Make one with adjustable handles and you could hang it behind the seat of your cruiser for extra protection.  Yes, officers miss guns on prisoners and yes prisoners can slip their cuffs to the front.

You could also keep it in your TFDV (tactical family deployment vehicle) to help protect your family if the need ever arises. Everyone else has a swagger wagon right? Looking at the recent article on SSG Peoples who confronted the bank robber in Sarasota Florida, he surely could have used something like this.

Bad things tend to happen quickly and without warning. You may not have time to deploy this concept in certain circumstances, but having something like this at your disposal could come in handy. It surely beats having your ballistic panels siting in your closet or garage doing nothing for you.

Please leave us your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. Stay safe out there!