Matt Jin

Matt Jin Matt Jin is a writer for The Loadout Room and a former U.S. Army infantryman who has served as a radio telephone operator, automatic rifleman, and fire team leader. Matt is a graduate student pursuing his M.A. in communication studies at California State University, Fullerton where he also earned his B.A. in American studies. In his spare time, he practices photography and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He also enjoys traveling, watch collecting, and shooting guns. You can follow his work on Instagram (@U.S.Matt ).

Is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M the next James Bond watch?

Omega Watches recently unveiled a new photo on their website featuring Daniel Craig in his Bond-esque tuxedo showcasing their new Seamaster Diver 300M. For those unaware, Omega has exclusively taken the spotlight on James Bond’s wrist since 1995’s GoldenEye, which then featured Pierce Brosnan as the British spy. Every wristwatch worn by Bond since then has been a model from Omega’s Seamaster line, replacing the classic Rolex Submariner worn by previous Bond actors.

The Seamaster Diver 300M debuted in 1993 so this year marks its 25^th anniversary and what better way to increase marketing appeal than to revamp an already iconic watch with some new bells and whistles to celebrate its anniversary. Interestingly, the upcoming Bond film slated for release next year is being colloquially referred to as Bond 25, referring to itself as the 25^thinstallment in the series by Eon Productions. This photoshoot and collection of events have led to some speculation that the new Seamaster 300M will be next watch for the next Bond film.

Though it remains to be seen, the new Seamaster 300M would be a worthy successor to Bond’s collection of luxury wristwatches. Along with some technical upgrades, the new model also features a new ceramic bezel and ceramic dial with a laser-engraved wave pattern that is sure to garner a lot of gazing eyes. Starting MSRP for the new Seamaster is currently $4,750.

All photos courtesy of Omega Watches

Streamlight PolyTac X Flashlight: Worth going in your go-bag

If you were to ask me what brand I recommend for tactical flashlights, I would tell you without hesitation, Streamlight. Streamlight offers a wide range of practical products at a reasonable price. They do their job, and they do it well. My trusted flashlight for my EDC bag is my Streamlight ProTac HL-X (you can read my review for that here). In this review, I will be covering their PolyTac X Flashlight.

Specifications

High Lumens: 600
Run Time on High: 3.50 hours
Run Time on Low: 36.00 hours
Beam Distance: 205 m
Max Candela: 11,485
Battery Type: 18650 lithium ion battery or two CR123A lithium battery
Length: 5.46 in (13.87 cm)
Body Diameter: 1.00 in. (2.54 cm)
Head Diameter: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
Major Diameter: 1.35 in. (3.43 cm)
Weight: 4.90 ounces (138.91 g)
Colors: Coyote, yellow, or black
Features

TEN-TAP^® Programming allows the choice of three programs:
1.) high/strobe/low
2.) high only
3.) low/medium/high
Removable, multi-position pocket clip
High-impact, super-tough nylon polymer with “Rocky Stipple” texture for a sure grip
IPX7; waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes; 3m impact resistance tested
C4® LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime
Limited lifetime warranty

Photo and specifications courtesy of Streamlight

My thoughts and review

I have certain expectations when it comes to tactical flashlights, and you should too. I’m glad to say that the PolyTac X meets my requirements. This is a flashlight that I can trust to put in another bag or carry on the go despite it being bulkier than what is ideal. I have yet to have any serious issues with Streamlight’s products. All of my flashlights have been dropped and beat up from frequent use and they still run great. Like I said, Streamlight gets my nod of approval when it comes to tactical lights.

Output settings and Streamlight’s TEN-TAP Programming

600 lumens is an appreciable amount of brightness and covers a good enough distance. I run my Streamlight flashlights exclusively with the high/strobe/low programming. The highest light output is the most important output because it illuminates the most square feet in a room and the widest area when outdoors. When you need to use a light source, you need it immediately. After all, what is the point of having a high lumen flashlight if it isn’t being used to your advantage? The low output is a convenient amount of light if you happen to be working on something close-up so that you don’t blind yourself.

Momentary on/off switch

The momentary on/off feature is something I require of a tactical flashlight. Like other Streamlight flashlights, the momentary on/off switch activates with slight pressure on the on/off switch and doesn’t have an audible click. When you want your light off, you take your thumb off the switch and it will immediately turn off.

Size

The size of the flashlight is my only complaint. The PolyTac X is roughly the same size as the ProTac HL-X and only about an ounce lighter. The PolyTac X is listed at 600 lumens while the ProTac HL-X is listed at 1,000 lumens. Seeing as the PolyTac X doesn’t offer a significant advantage over the ProTac HL-X, if any at all, I would prefer to have the latter, but it is roughly double the cost. Ultimately, your budget will be the deciding factor on whether or not the PolyTac X is the flashlight for you. With that being said, the PolyTac X is an ideal size for maintaining a solid grip. I noticed that the texturing on the flashlight helps out as well, better than their other models.

Pocket clip

My only gripe about the PolyTac X is that it has a short pocket clip that doesn’t cover the entire length of the flashlight. The flashlight is already a little bulky for EDC, but the short pocket clip makes the flashlight more inconvenient to carry in your pants pocket.

The verdict

The good
-High lumen flashlight
-Sturdy product
-TEN-TAP programming allows for customization
-Momentary on/off feature

The bad
–PolyTac X is a little bulky and users might as well just grab the ProTac HL-X
-Short pocket clip

The Streamlight PolyTac X is fairly priced flashlight and comfortable for any budget. There are better lights out there from Streamlight, but the PolyTac X will suit most users just fine. At the time of writing this article, the PolyTac X is available for $40 on Amazon. Whether you need a flashlight for your go-bag or EDC, the PolyTac X would be worth considering.

We enjoy hearing back from our readers. If you have any experience with Streamlight products, let us know what you think!

Pat McNamara: A gun does not mean that you are armed, Learn to fight

Like many of you do, I was mindlessly scrolling through my social media newsfeed the other day and came across a short and comical video posted by Pat McNamara. Though it was brief, it echoed an important sentiment that isn’t discussed as much as it probably should be in conversations about everyday carry (EDC), concealed carry and “sheepdog” culture. In the video, Pat is seen holding punch mitts for his wife as she executes some combinations. The caption is the very message itself, it reads, “learn some fight. Doesn’t matter what style.”

As the agent of your own executive protection detail, you must realize that just because that you have a gun, does not mean that you are armed. A confrontation, more than likely, is going to go physical way before it goes lethal. So… learn some basic fight. Even if that means learning how to throw a proper one-two with a lateral move. Make it–habitual.
-Pat McNamara

To be prepared and tactically efficient means more than just owning the best gear to flaunt at the range, or even practicing sending thousands of rounds down range. First and foremost, it begins with a mindset: After all, your mind is the most powerful weapon. Knowing when to draw your concealed carry gun in an encounter as well as knowing when to go from physical to lethal in a situation is paramount. Sometimes you will need to create space between yourself and the threat before you can safely draw your pistol; in some situations, it would be ill-advised or even reckless to go lethal. Lest you also forget, you can’t and won’t always have a firearm concealed on your person. Be prepared for anything.

When it comes to confrontation, escalation of force must be considered: Avoid at all costs; if it goes to physical, strike without hesitation and purpose to achieve separation; if it goes to lethal, well… I’m being lethal.
-Pat McNamara

I agree with and pass along McNamara’s sentiment: Learn some basic fight, doesn’t matter what style. I myself like training in boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Don’t just carry a gun, be armed. As one of the old infantry adages goes, you are the weapon, your rifle is just one of your tools.

Featured photo courtesy of Pat Mac YouTube Channel

Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots

Vasque Footwear has been a footwear manufacturer in the outdoors industry since 1964. They are a reputable brand that generally puts forth products that are well-received by its consumers. Some of their footwear eventually make their way onto a few “best product” compilations by various organizations. One of these footwear is the Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots, which currently sell for $199 (at the time of writing this article). However, despite some outlets praising the St. Elias GTX, you will find that those same boots are met with mixed reviews on their official website. This came as a surprise to me as I happen to be a fan of the St. Elias GTX, which are currently my dedicated hiking boots. I have been using these boots for one and a half years and have yet to be displeased with them. For those of you looking for a new pair of hiking boots, or on the fence about Vasque’s St. Elias GTX Boots, this article may help clear the air and aid your decision.

Important Reminder: You can perform the utmost extensive research regarding which boots are best suited to your wants and needs. Unfortunately, footwear happens to be one of the most subjective pieces of gear available; in addition, all feet are different (I assume you all have seen someone with real-life-sasquatch-feet before). Just a friendly reminder to provide yourself with an opportunity to try on the boots you’re interested in before you find yourself unable to return them.

Technical Specifications (Vasque Footwear)

Weight: 3 lbs. 1 oz. (1378g)
Upper: 2.3mm Waterproof Nubuck Leather
Midsole: TPU Shank, Midsole with EVA Cushioning Pods
Outsole: Vibram® Frontier with XSTrek Compound
GORE-TEX®
Available in Men’s and Women’s Sizes
Imported

The Good…

During my winter block leave from the Army, my friend (a former Marine) and I decided to take an impromptu trip to Utah. Since this was a spontaneous trip, I did not have a pair of hiking boots for the trip. My friend spoke highly of the St. Elias GTX, so I made the decision to pick up a brand-new pair for the trails we planned to hike. Although I was initially concerned about wearing a fresh pair of boots out-of-the-box without a proper break-in period, these boots performed well, especially given the weather conditions.

Arriving at the campgrounds, there were only a handful of people present throughout our stay (just as we hoped for during the holidays). Our stay was also accompanied by an enduring storm; this entailed icy paths and nature’s generous cocktails of snow, rain, and hail. My St. Elias GTX paired with my Kahtoola MICROspikes performed surprisingly well out-of-the-box. Having hiked in a few highly reviewed boots from different manufacturers, I can indubitably say the St. Elias GTX were the most comfortable boots without any break-in period. They performed well during this trip just as they did on my most recent excursion this month to the mountains and desert. My feet felt light, secure, well-supported, cushioned, and were never wet from any water or snow.

The testing grounds. One of the few opportunities presented to take clear(er) photos.

The Bad…

The bulk of negative reviews for the boots are regarding poor lace quality or sizing. The latter can be avoided by properly sizing your boots before purchase or wearing them during a trial period if at all possible from a retailer. For example, while REI may not offer the best discounts on products, they have arguably one of the best return policies; a product can be returned within one year of its original purchase to any REI location or by mail (it should go without saying to not abuse it).

Regarding the boot laces, several users claimed the laces ripped within a limited amount of uses. I myself never had a problem with these boot laces after owning them for some time, but I’m also never one to be caught without any paracord (550 cord) in my pack, just in case. If you find yourself enamored with these boots, but concerned with the quality of laces, I recommend replacing them with paracord. Another option would be replacing the original laces with a superior boot lace such as the nearly indestructible Rhino Laces that were featured here on The Loadout Room, twice.

It is worth mentioning that a few users have reported eyelets or lace hooks breaking off of the boots. While there are only few of these reported incidents, it can be red flag while shopping for a new pair of boots. As an owner of these boots I personally don’t have a lack of faith regarding the quality of the boot as they have lasted me this long with a fair amount of use. A majority of hiking boots will always have their small share of poor reviews from online retailers.

The Verdict

The boots can be expensive at $199 a pair, but some online retailers like Amazon sell it for considerably less. If the Vasque St. Elias GTX fits your budget, and more importantly your feet, then these may be the next pair of boots for you; they’re comfortable, offer great support, and the Gore-Tex does its job well. Let me reiterate again that what may fit “best” for one person might be considered intolerable by another.

Do you own a pair of the Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots? Let us know what you think!

Outdoor Edge Divide: An affordable no-frills everyday carry folding knife

Outdoor Edge is a small but growing knife manufacturer that offers a variety of knives suited for the outdoors and everyday carry (EDC). The Outdoor Edge Divide folding knife reviewed here is a fun knife that is currently available in two different sizes: a 3” blade or a 3.5” blade in either a plain or half-serrated edge. The Divide doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it takes pride in being a simple but practical folding knife. It is a worthy knife to have that is also a low-cost alternative in a market dominated by big name manufacturers.

Specifications

3.0” Divide

Blade: 3.0” / 7.6cm
Overall: 6.9” / 17.5cm
Weight: 3.0oz / 85g
MSRP: $46.95

3.5” Divide

Blade: 3.5” / 8.9cm
Overall: 8.2” / 20.8cm
Weight: 4.2oz / 119g
MSRP: $49.95

Features

Steel: 8Cr13MoV Stainless with Blackstone™ coating
18 Ball-bearing pivot system
Opener: Flipper plus double-sided thumb stud
Handle: Black/Red G10 and titanium coated 420J2 stainless
Pocket-Clip: 420 Stainless with Blackstone™ coating
Lock: Integral Frame-Lock

Specifications courtesy of Outdoor Edge

As I mentioned in previous knife reviews, 8Cr13MoV is a budget-quality steel. It isn’t necessarily a bad steel since steel quality ultimately comes down to the heat treatment used (which is exclusive to the manufacturer and undisclosed), but it won’t hold an edge as well as more premium-grade steels. However, 8Cr13MoV is pretty easy to sharpen; this is often the type of tradeoff you can expect from inexpensive knives. It doesn’t mean it’s a cheap knife, it’s just a compromise for being offered at a low price.

The actual design of the knife itself is practical for everyday use. On one side of the handle you have G-10, which offers a little texture to the handle, and the other side is made of titanium-coated stainless steel. The decision to go with a half steel handle was to implement the frame lock system. The frame lock system functions the same way as the common liner lock but is much more reliable because the frame is often a much thicker steel without extra components. The only real issue with the frame lock, aside from personal preference, is that it is not ambidextrous. However, the deployment of the knife is ambidextrous, so this isn’t necessarily a con.

What I like most about the Divide is the ball-bearing pivot system. This makes deployment of the blade is as quick as is smooth and is comparable to the quality of Kershaw’s SpeedSafe® assisted opening. If you aren’t familiar with the technology or these terms, it means the blade is mechanically secured in place when closed and applying manual pressure on the flipper (see photo) will release the blade, which springs open and locks in the open position.

The Outdoor Edge Divide is a simple, no-frills EDC folder that I would recommend to someone who isn’t looking to spend very much or wants an extra knife as a backup. Aside from aesthetics and steel quality, there isn’t anything to really dislike about the Divide, especially since its available for about $30-$35 from online retailers.

*All photos courtesy of the author, Matt Jin

Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL: The best ferro-rod available

Being able to start a fire is one of the most important aspects of survival as it allows one to keep warm, purify water, and signal for help. Therefore, a fire-starter is arguably the most important tool in your survival kit. I personally carry a butane lighter, stormproof matches, and ferro-rod in mine (always have a PACE plan). My ferro-rod of choice is the Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL which offers several advantages over other manufacturers. The nanoSTRIKER XL has been reviewed here on The Loadout Room before and if you would like to read that review as well, check it out here.

Specifications

Diameter: 0.43″
Length: 3.65″
Weight: 0.95oz
Rod Size: 1/4″

-Lightweight anodized aluminum body
-Ultra-sharp tungsten carbide striking tool
-More than 3000 fire-starting strikes per rod
-Replaceable ferrocerium rod
-Made in the USA

Specifications courtesy of Exotac

My thoughts and review

What makes the ferro-rod an effective fire-starting tool is its ability to start fires despite inclement weather, something that is very difficult to do with a standard butane lighter. A ferro-rod can also be struck thousands of times whereas you only have as many matches as you decided to bring. For these reasons, the ferro-rod deserves a permanent spot in any bag or kit you take out with you.

The biggest appeal of the nanoSTRIKER XL is its minimalist design. The rod itself can be unscrewed and stored within an anodized aluminum body which gives it a length of just over 3.5 inches. It weighs just shy of one ounce and has a diameter of 0.43 inches. For this size and weight, you can store the nanoSTRIKER XL anywhere in your bag or carry on your person. You can even attach it to a keychain and never notice that it’s there. Being able to conveniently carry a ferro-rod with you is great just in case you were to ever become separated from your pack and its contents in the wilderness. Keep in mind though that a smaller ferro-rod is going to produce fewer sparks to ignite your tinder.

The verdict

The good
-One of the most compact and minimal ferro-rods available
-Great size for packing or carrying whenever you go
-Replaceable parts
The bad
-Smaller ferro-rods create fewer sparks

The Exotac nanoSTRIKER XL currently has an MSRP of $29.95. This is a bit more expensive than ferro-rods from other manufacturers, but it is superior in its durability, minimalism, and ergonomic design. The nanoSTRIKER XL has no real flaws or cons and is a great emergency ferro-rod to carry with you or pack for minimalist backpacking. Just remember that quality tinder is important for starting a fire in adverse weather.

All photos courtesy of the author, Matt Jin