Molly Stix: A New Quick Release System for Your MOLLE Pouches

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Bryan Black

Molly Stix

I’ve been testing out Molly Stix for a few months now, ever since the first samples were available from National Molding and I’ve really grown attached to using them on my ETA Trauma Kit Pouches because of the ability to quick release the pouch if necessary. They’re also much easier to thread then other attachment methods.

Molly Stix represent a departure from normal MOLLE/PALS interface attachment systems, like integrated and reinforced nylon strips that are weaved through a pouch’s PALS webbing and a chest rig’s PALS webbing to create a secure attachment. Other products exist on the market for pouches that don’t feature integrated strips, such as Malice Clips like we include with our ETA Trauma Kit Pouches and also Blackhawk Speed Clips.

While Malice Clips can be a pain to install, they’re very secure once locked in. So much so that removing them can equally be a pain. The Blackhawk Speed Clips are interesting, but have their limitations as well. They’re quick to install with their rigid design, but I’ve had them work loose on me before.

Enter the Molly Stix. With a rigid design and locking top latch, a pair of these will not only add a solid locking design to your MOLLE gear, but by tying a pair of these together with the included cordage, a quick release can be implemented to create the fastest one-handed cut away I’ve ever seen.

Molly Stix

Made from what appears to be polymer, these made in the USA and Berry Compliant Molly Stix measure 5″ long. A pair also weighs roughly the same as a pair of equal length MALICE Clips (Long) which is a little over an ounce. 1.1 oz. on the MALICE Clips and 1.5 oz. on the Molly Stix to be exact.

Molly Stix

Molly Stix

As mentioned, each Molly Stix (they really need to work on the plural vs. singular naming convention) can be tied together using the included cordage. Each one comes with a tied 8″ piece of cordage. This cordage resembles Type 1 Paracord, but lacks an inner strand like true type 1 has.

Tying them together facilitates them releasing in unison when a single cord is pulled and also turns them into makeshift nunchucks. This can be done by either tying both strands into one with two Double Fisherman’s Knots or with a single strand and two Bowlines. Check out the included links for how to ties these knots and see examples in the video below.

Molly Stix

Molly Stix

After threading the linked Molly Stix through your PALS webbing and locking the tops down, a simple pull forward is all you need to release the tops. Once released, a tug upwards will drop the pouch so you can toss it to a buddy, etc. As I mentioned I use these on my ETA Trauma Kit Pouch for the situation where I might need to get my medical kit off to work in front of me or give to someone else who needs lifesaving equipment.

Another benefit to the Molly Stix over other tear away options like velcro panels, is that there’s no increased bulk by requiring an attachment system on both the panel and the pouch.

We’re offering these as a pair in our ITS Store starting today as an option for our ETA Trauma Kit Pouches and depending how the feedback and adoption is, we may start including them instead of MALICE Clips. We had to scrounge for what we have in the store now, as these aren’t common yet with National Molding distributors and National Molding themselves hasn’t even put them up on their Website yet, or at least I can’t see them on there.

I feel that not only are these Molly Stix a game changer in the industry, but that we’ll start to see more and more of these offered as a quick release option on pouches that need this feature, like medical kits.

So what do you think? Do the Molly Stix seem like something you’d use as a quick release on your pouches?

Posted in Load Bearing | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Two Blades, One Knife: The Spyderco Dyad Jr.

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Mark Greenman

Spyderco Dyad Jr. Knife

The Spyderco Dyad Jr. was a small two-bladed folding knife that was introduced for a short period in 1999. Spyderco occasionally produces what they call Sprint Runs; limited productions of previously discontinued knives. When I learned that Spyderco planned to do a Sprint Run of the Dyad Jr. in 2011, it quickly became one of the knives I was most excited for.

I had never handled a Dyad Jr. before, but it looked like it would be a really handy, practical knife, and since there would only be 1,200 made I figured I could always sell it if I didn’t like it. Well, I’ve been using mine every day for the last month, and I can already tell this little gem will be one of my favorites.

What makes this such a great knife is the efficiency of it. In terms of cutting edge per inch of handle, or cutting edge per ounce of knife, the Dyad Jr. cannot be beat. It’s a 1. ounce knife with 4.25” of cutting edge (not just blade length), all in a handle barely over 3”. That’s a hell of lot of cutting power in a very compact, lightweight package.

Dual Blades

The Dyad Jr. achieves this with its unique, two blade system. There is an extremely fine, full flat ground plain-edge VG10 steel blade, and a sturdy, hollow ground serrated sheepsfoot blade, all tucked into a blue-grey fiberglass reinforced nylon handle with a volcano grip.

Spyderco Dyad Jr. Knife

The plain-edge blade is the finest I have seen from any production knife; the tip is like a heavy gauge needle, and the 2mm blade is ground so thin that it looks like it’s been sent to Tom Krein for a regrind. Let me repeat: this is an extraordinarily fine blade. Its great for detailed cutting or zipping through cardboard, which will please an experienced knife aficionado; the average clumsy user will rapidly snap the tip off. Never, ever, lend the plain-edge blade for someone to use.

For rough use, simply depress the bypass lock, flip the plain-edge blade closed, then thumb open the serrated-edge sheepsfoot blade. This blade is a full 2mm thick all the way to the tip and hollow ground for durability, so its will survive anything short of full on prying. There are 6 sets of scallops on the blade. They are nice and shallow, to cut smoothly without snagging, which is essential for a reliable high performance; overly steep serrations tend to snag in fibrous material. What I like about this blade is that there is no tip to snap off, which makes it great for loaning to a friend who needs a knife. It would also be handy if I were cutting something in a confined space where I might accidently jab something hard with the tip of my knife.

Spyderco Dyad Jr. Knife

Spyderco Dyad Jr. Knife

Both of these blades are great in their own right, but it’s having them both within the same lightweight handle that makes the Dyad Jr. exceptional.

Applications

For one thing, it’s a great travel knife. The small size and blue grey handle makes the knife universally friendly, even in non-knife cultures. Obviously there will be exceptions, but by and large this is not the type of knife that’s going to make people uncomfortable or worse, land your ass in a foreign jail. It’s just an eminently reasonable pocketknife, and people I’ve shown it too seem to like it.

But the real advantage for travel is the dual blades, which allow you to use one blade until it gets dull, then simply switch over and use the other, fresh blade. If you’re traveling for an extended period of time with one knife and no sharpener, the extended cutting endurance of the Dyad Jr. is a very valuable feature to have. The small size and dual blades also make it a great knife for an emergency survival tin, if that’s the sort of thing your interested in.

Redundant EDC

This extended cutting performance also makes the Dyad Jr. the ideal second knife for your every day carry. I’m a sucker for redundancy, with the cliché wisdom that “two is one, one is none” being very dear to my heart. So in general, I like to carry one large primary folder, and a smaller backup knife. The backup is primarily for using in public so as to not alarm the knife averse, but it’s also there in case I loose or destroy my primary — which is extremely unlikely, but that’s the way my brain works. So having my backup knife have two blades creates a nice, triple redundancy safety blanket that I find very reassuring.

Spyderco Dyad Jr. Knife

The way I have it integrated into my EDC is to have my large primary knife (usually the C60 Ayoob) IWB, as my big task/ private use knife, while the Dyad Jr. rides in the front pocket with my Maratac AAA light. If I have a small cutting chore or need to do something in public, I use the plain-edge blade. I do not use the serrated-edge blade unless totally necessary, so that I always have one factory fresh edge with me at all times in case of emergency (seatbelts, rope, clothing.) The result is triple redundancy cutting tools, with only two knives.

Considerations

My biggest concern when looking at pictures of the knife was that it would be uncomfortable to hold, due to the spine of the folded knife digging into the hand. I am pleased to say this is not the case. Spyderco’s “design in the dark” adherence to ergonomics makes the Dyad Jr. surprisingly comfortable to hold. The spines of the knives, especially the serrated-edge sheepsfoot, are curved in such a way that they are comfortable to hold. Not the ergonomic bliss of most Spyderco knives, but more comfortable that many other pocketknives I’ve used, and certainly fine for a few minutes of use. If you expect to be whittling for hours at a time, however, I’d go with a more comfortable single blade knife like the Dragonfly.

One critique of the Dyad Jr. is that it needs either a pocket clip or a lanyard hole. Pocket clips have spoiled me, and it took a total re-arrangement of my EDC load out to allow me to carry the Dyad Jr. loose in my pocket. Obviously, this was a 1,200 piece run of a 1999 era design, so I am totally satisfied in that regard. But if this knife were ever re-introduced, it really should have a pocket clip or lanyard hole for ease and security of carry.

I would also like to see another sprint of this knife, with either a polished micarta handle, or, ideally, with the beautiful, woven glass fiber handle featured on the CF Lum. Equipped with a pocket clip, that would be a truly wonderful knife.

In conclusion, I am an especially happy Spyderco customer this year, and the Dyad Jr. is a big part of that. This is one of the rare small knives that I would feel comfortable with as a primary, because there is so much cutting edge on hand that it is unlikely that I would ever “not have enough knife.” But where the Dyad Jr. really shines is in the roll of the secondary knife, where its two useful blades offer a reassuring backup to a primary folder. That’s how I’m using mine, and I look forward to carrying my Dyad Jr. for years to come.

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: Mark Greenman is an ITS contributor and creator of good-kit.com

Posted in Knives | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Do Flaps on Rifle Magazine Pouches Really Get in the Way During a Reload?

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Bryan Black

Mag PouchesThere are many different flavors of rifle mag pouches out there, flapped, non-flapped, polymer, kydex and even reverse flapped. Before we answer the question of whether the lids from mag pouches get in the way on a reload, let’s talk a bit about retention. It’s impossible to talk about the reason for magazine flaps without mentioning retention.

Retention on mag pouches is either managed by elastic webbing or shock cord in traditional nylon mag pouches that either have no lid, like a shingle, or in pouches with a removable lid taken off. This can be sufficient for most activities that the average shooter finds themselves in while at the range, but when you throw running, climbing or other athletic activities into the mix, magazines can work themselves free and no one wants to loose valuable ammo. Valuable both in terms of cost and especially its value in a real world scenario where each round counts.

The possibility of having mags fall out can be increased when a single mag is absent from a double rifle mag pouch too. In this case, unless you’re running a flapped pouch or doubled up polymer/kydex pouch specifically designed to still retain that other mag, there’s almost no retention still on that mag left in the pouch. A flap on a pouch like this can be re-secured over that single mag to retain it. This may all seem like common sense, but I wanted to go over it for those that may not be familiar with all the options out there for mag pouches and retention.

Magazine Flaps

That being said, lets get back to the initial question of magazine flaps getting in the way. One thing’s for sure, it takes time to open any kind of flap, adding more time to already valuable seconds during a reload. Not only does it take more time, but as you’ll see in the video below, they can actually get in the way during a reload. If you haven’t experienced this issue, then good on you, but I’m writing this article because it happens to me as the video further down will show.

Medical Training

I’ve also had the retention issues mentioned above after a single mag was removed from a mag pouch that I wasn’t running a lid on and watched it fall to the ground during certain drills and activities. My predicament has always been that I don’t like flapped lids, but understand they’re necessary in certain situations. I’ve always looked for options on the market that would not only allow me to run a mag pouch open without a lid, but still provide a lid at the ready to re-secure a loose magazine if needed.

There are some great options out there in terms of kydex and especially the ITW FastMag Pouch, which can even be double stacked. I’ve found the FastMag pouches to be more bulky than traditional nylon mag pouches, but I can’t deny that they hold a mag in very securely, despite having an open top design. If you don’t mind the polymer option for mag pouches, definitely check out the FastMag pouches.

Zulu Nylon Gear M4 Double

In nylon, I’ve found a product that not only provides the security of a flapped pouch, but also the quick access without worrying about a flap falling back in the way on a reload. What’s great about the Zulu Nylon Gear M4 Double I’m referring to, is that its design lends itself better to the natural fluid motion that your hand makes when pulling down the reverse flap design and coming back up to draw a mag. Rather than continue to describe my issue which was solved by the M4 Double, here’s a video I put together illustrating the comparison of the draw from a standard flapped nylon double rifle mag pouch and the Zulu M4 Double.

I didn’t create this video and write this article to simply tout the M4 Double, but to illustrate the common problem that I’ve had with flapped mag pouches and what the Zulu M4 Double has solved for me. Your mileage may certainly vary and perhaps you haven’t had any issues at all with traditional flapped mag pouches. I feel that the design of the Zulu M4 Double and its reverse flap is a big leap forward in the innovation that continues to drive this industry. If you’re interested in learning more about the M4 Double, we put out a detailed review a few weeks back that you might want to reference, as well as Zulu’s Website where you can order these.

Zulu Nylon Gear M4 Double Mag Pouch

I’m curious to hear your thoughts and what you’ve experienced with mag pouches; let me know in the comments. If anything, I hope this article has at the least helped you see the different options out there for mag pouches.

Posted in Load Bearing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Back to School with Stanford University’s Free Online Cryptography Course

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Bryan Black

I wanted to bring everyone’s attention to something I’ve just signed up for. The prestigious Stanford University has recently released a free online cryptography course taught by Professor Dan Boneh of the Stanford Computer Science Department.

This cryptography course is part of Stanford’s new and completely free online Coursera courses. I first heard about the Cryptography course when it was announced back in November of last year and after a few delays, it’s finally available for registration. Actually it was available back on March 6th, but for some reason an email letting me know this was delayed reaching me until today. They state on the registration page that registration closed yesterday, but I was just able to sign up and wanted to pass this info along to anyone who might want to still get enrolled.

Here’s Stanford’s description of the Introduction to Cryptography course: Continue reading →

Posted in Privacy | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Follow Rule #1 at the Range and Always Look Cool with Tactical Distributors Shooter Shirt

Posted on March 15, 2012 by The ITS Crew

Here’s a quick review of Tactical Distributors Shooter Shirt with velcro real estate for displaying your morale patches, you can pick one of these up from TD  here.

Posted in Apparel | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012 Enters the Senate

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Bryan Black

We don’t follow the political game much here on ITS, but I feel that the Senate bill, S.2188, is an important one to many of our readers like it is to me.

Essentially, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012 is the Senate companion to H.R. 822, which was introduced to the U.S. House last November and passed by a vote of 272-154. There’s been some healthy debate on the merits of such an act, which would allow anyone with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry concealed in any state that issues a concealed firearm permit, or that doesn’t prohibit carrying concealed for lawful purposes.

Much like a driver’s license from one state is valid in another, the Right-to-Carry reciprocity would allow traveling concealed-carry permit holders the same rights to self defense as they have in their home state. Continue reading →

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , , , | 48 Comments

Black Powder Red Earth Graphic Novel V2 is Now Available

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Bryan Black

I’ve been waiting with bated breath for volume two of the Black Powder Red Earth series to drop from my friend Jon Chang and the Echelon crew. It’s now available thru Amazon in both hard copy and Kindle edition.

I really enjoyed the authenticity of the first issue in the BPRE storyline, which follows PMCs (Private Military Contractors) in their efforts to wage a war of ruthless intrigue and clandestine violence in the post-Iraq state using American special operations contractors.

If you enjoy graphic novels like I do, you should definitely give Black Powder Red Earth a look. If the dark and gritty hard-crime feel to the novel doesn’t keep you wanting more, the fantastic illustrations should do the trick.

Posted in Reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Practical Guide to Everyday Carry Gear: Defensive Light Use

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Rob Robideau

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: I’m excited to announce a new book from my good friend Rob Robideau of the Personal Armament Network. Rob has been a contributor here at ITS for some time and recently released The Practical Guide To Everyday Carry Gear, which includes information from an interview I did with him on emergency medical gear.

What he’s included in this article today is a conversation he had with Dave Spaulding regarding Defensive light use. I’d encourage everyone to check out The Practical Guide to Everyday Carry Gear for an incredible collection of interviews from the likes of Michael Janich, Massad Ayoob and even our friends Doc and Cruz from RSKTKR Consulting. Another great thing about this book is that 50% of all profits are donated to charities, including Knife Rights. Continue reading →

Posted in EDC, Lighting | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

FHF Gear Molle-Muff Tactical Hand Warmer

Posted on March 9, 2012 by The ITS Crew

[FHF Gear Molle-Muff]

Posted in Apparel | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Parabellum Armament ADO Ambi Charging Handle Initial Impressions

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Bryan Black

Description from Parabellum Armament:

“Our “Ambidextrous-Dual Oversize’ Model Charging Handle operates exactly like the ADF Model Charging Handle. The difference is in the size of the Latch. The dual activation levers feature true balanced-force activation such that activation of either lever by the Operator results in a smooth, light and easy, opening of the retaining latch with no drag or hesitation. With this ambidextrous design, each activation lever moves independently of the other, smoothly and effortlessly biased only by a unique ultra-light spring force and not interconnected to the other lever or latches itself. Other designs mechanically interconnect the separate lever which causes undue drag, excessive opening force and wear to the components. The angle on the ADO is designed for blading techniques used in reflexive fire shooting. In the resting position it sits perpendicular to the rifle. When latch is applied force, the angle allows the latch to hug the exterior of the charging handle. With this design, the user gets the benefits of an oversized latch with the sleek dynamics of a normal sized latch.”

Posted in Firearms | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments