Category Archives: Product Reviews

Gadget, gear, and technology

Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

Quick-Fill Speed Loader

QuickFill are speed loading ammo tubes made for tube-fed semi-auto rifles, like a Marlin 60.  These will hold 22LR, 22 short cartridges. Quick-Fill also makes a version for 22 magnums and 17HMR cartridges. And a Big-Boy version that fit .38 special, 357, 44 magnum, 45 long-colt, and 41 magnum centerfire lever-action carbines. Cheaper per tube than doing it yourself (I tried and it ended up costing me like $6 per tube and about 20min of construction time), so it’s worth it to me to just buy these.

PRODUCT LINK
22LR: https://amzn.to/3igcjGf
22mag/17HMR: https://amzn.to/2M7k3hV
BigBoy: https://amzn.to/3aHD9n7

How it works is very simple. You open up the stopper end and load in 15 rounds of 22LR ammo. You load them in with the bullet end first. This is so when you empty them into your rifle’s mag-tube, they slide out, rim end first, and are oriented in the correct position in the tube. It fits into your mag-tube like your brass follower tube. You insert, tilt it and the rounds slide it.

Starting from an empty mag-tube with the inner follower tube removed. We’ll pop off the end and load it. About 5 seconds. Compare that with loading a round at a time. About 2-3 seconds per round. 45 seconds may not seem like a long time. But if you’re at a range that charges by the hour, time is money. And I’d rather use those saved minutes shooting rather than loading. But that’s me. 

One downside some have with these tubes is is that they are too long to fit into an ammo can. So don’t. Because they’re roughly the same dimensions as your mag-tube, they’ll fit comfortably nestled next to your rifle in your rifle case or bag. As long as it’s legal in your area to transport ammo in the same container as your firearm. It’s not a magazine, it’s a storage tube.

Another criticism folks have is that the tube is very light and thin to fit inside your mag-tube, so it’s not very strong. A single tube could easily bend or break. But there’s strength in numbers. Bundle a couple together with a rubber band or even tape and suddenly a fragile tube becomes a robust bundle.

Airsoft, Product Reviews, Shooting Sports

OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie

There’s a lot to like about this mini tac light. It’s as bright or brighter than some full-sized weapon lights but don’t stick out awkwardly post the muzzle. Speaking of full-sized lights, I found out that the magnetic charger is not compatible with the Olight PL-PRO. So don’t lose the charger or you’re going to have to order another one from Olight. That’s the one main downside with this light, I kinda wish it was USB-C instead.

Overall there’s a lot I like about this light: it’s bright, weighs next to nothing on my pistol, and is easy to manipulate and activate. It’s a lot better than my XC-1. Its closest competitor is the Klarus GL-1 which is about as small, has an adjustable length mounting system, is also 600 lumens but also has a strobe mode. I know some real-life Operators hate strobe (for valid reasons), so if you want a non-strobe compact weapon light go with Valkerie Mini. 

Product Link
Amazon https://amzn.to/3q3GwLl

Specification

  • Output: 600 LM~60 LM
  • Max Runtime: 1hr 50min  
  • Light Source: CW LED
  • Body Material: AL6061-T6 aluminum alloy
  • Dimensions:
  • Length: 2.07 in /52.5 mm
  • Width: 1.26 in / 32 mm
  • Height: 1.28 in / 32.5 mm
  • Weight: 2.57 oz/ 73g
  • Battery Source: Built-in LiPoly Battery
  • Waterproof: IPX6
  • Impact Resistance(m):1 meters
Product Reviews

Bomaker 100″ Portable Projector Screen

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The pandemic isolation has forced us to get creative with our entertainment. This giant 100-inch portable projection screen turns any living room or backyard into a movie theatre. If you own a projector, a good quality projector screen versus a plain white wall is a night and day improvement in color intensity, brightness, and clarity.

PRODUCT LINKS
Screen https://amzn.to/3bdkocF
Projector https://amzn.to/3qf1yGG

Gadgets, Product Reviews, Social

Sokani Tiny Wireless Mic Fail

I bought this Sokani UHF Wireless Lavalier transmitter set after reading a number of positive reviews presenting it as a cheaper alternative to the similar Rode Wireless Go. I am experiencing intermittent and random sound glitches. I’m sharing my experiences in hopes to find out if other owners have experienced similar issues.

I contacted Amazon and they send me another unit and it too has the same sound drop-off glitch. With two identical units, I proceeded to rule out the cables and mic as the causes through a process of elimination. But in the end, I believe that BOTH units sent are defective. Asll the more reason to stay away from this brand.

PRODUCT LINK https://amzn.to/3nT3nYu

ATTEMPTS TO TROUBLESHOOT

• I fully charged both units before using them.

• I used the default Gain that was set on the units the first time I used them.

• The transmitter and the receiver were never more than 4m away from each-other while recording.

• I used the lav mics included in the set and also tried another brand of lav mic.

• I tested the lav mics directly connected to my camera but did not experience any drop out.

• I tried yelling directly into the mics but the sound did not cut off so the drop-out is not Peak triggered.

Airsoft, Product Reviews

Are Matrix Goggles really shatter-proof?

Features

  • Shatter-proof, ANSI Z87.1 rated lenses in three shades: Yellow, Tinted, and Clear
  • Single pane lens with anti-fog coating
  • Foam dust seal to keep dust out and air flowing
  • Comfortable rubber eye surround provides full-seal protection
  • Wide, adjustable elastic strap
  • Meets and exceeds ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 impact requirements
  • Package includes a soft carrying case

These Matrix Tactical Systems Airsoft Goggles were sent to me by Evike.com and today I’m going to shoot them with a full-auto burst from 1ft away with an AEG firing 0.25g BBs at 340fps (1.34 Joules). But before we destroy them, we’ll take a closer look. I review it’s build quality and eye-glass compatibility. 

So here’s what you get, inside the box, we find the goggles inside a carrying case/pouch. 2 replacement lenses (clear and amber tint). And a protective cloth sock/sleeve attached to the straps reminiscent of military-issued ESS goggles. The strap is easily adjustable and is detachable from the frame but with a proprietary clipping system.

The frame lacks a foam lining which can leave some gaps depending on your face shape. This is the main shortfall in the product. They should have included a small roll or strip of foam tape. I recomend using insulating weather stripping tape to both fill in gaps and improve comfort. 

The lenses have an anti-fog coating. But in my testing, they did not perform remarkably better than any other single-pain goggle I’ve used. It fogs up and quickly if you are wearing any type of cloth mouth covering. Not worse, just average. Meh.

For our BB impact the test I used .25g Matrix BioBBs fired at 340fps from an AEG. I set up a firing position with slightly less than 1ft distance between the muzzle and the goggles. On the first semi-auto shot to lense face, I thought the lens had shattered because there was some particles spraying from it. It turns out that it was just spray from left-over soapy water trapped in the frame under the lens.

I next proceeded with a full-auto burst which I was sure would crack the lens. I was frankly surprised that it survived with just a few scuff marks on the lens. I was able to wipe off the white marks but small BB shaped distortions were permanent. But the goggles were still usable and clear enough to play. 

Overall I would recommend these goggles for their durability. If they would have included foam insulating trim in the frame these would be 100%. If you’re interested in picking up a pair, they are available in a variety of camo colors at Evike.com

PRODUCT LINK
Evike