Post by Downtown on Jul 27, 2010 13:37:47 GMT -5
HISTORY
I first saw these guys at the Shot Show 2010. After speaking with Ben and the rest of the guys at the show. It seemed they were really interested in doing business with us and possibly exploring the airsoft side of the market as well. After a few months of back and forth e-mails, we finally worked out an agreement to become a dealer/ US Distributor for their products. We also found out that they were going to make the T3C version of the G3C (Soft Armor).
THE PACKAGE
Arrived today from Fed-Ex and I could not wait to dig into it. Once I signed for the package, I immediately went in and opened the package. I was stunned by the quality of both units (DEMO). I was told that these things were heavily used by the Marines. There was not a scratch on them and there were no rips or tears. These things looked brand spanking new.
VERSA RAILS
Many people have asked why not use the newer MSA Rail system instead of their rails. The answer to that is....well, I guess I do not have an answer for you. What I do know is the Versa Rails will work with every helmet that has been derived from the PASGT, including the PASGT, LWH, TC-2000, TC-2002, etc, etc. And the SM/MED/LRG/XLG of all those sizes. Below is an image of the ACC Versa Rail modification that MTEK will be selling shortly. Price point has yet to be determined. But I have been told that it will be rather inexpensive compared to the MSA system.
4 HOLES ON THE VERSA RAILS - MASK
These are for future upgrades....Maybe for an additional rail system similar to the one below.
MOUNTING THE VERSA RAILS
The Rails Mount right onto the helmet with 4 screws. The same 4 screws that hold the helmet suspension system onto the helmet. If the original screws are not long enough, do not worry. MTEK send 6 new screws of various lengths so the end user will not have to worry. Once the rails are mounted, your helmet is ready to accept the mask.
THE MASK - G3A
The G3A is extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. I honestly thought it would require a rear weight, but it does not. You are able to adjust the height of the mask by adjusting it on the VERSA RAIL system. I was able to adjust my mask to work with my Profile NVG's with no issues.
Now some of you might be asking, "How hot is it going to be?". Well, I am sure that it will be warm in the hot/muggy summer air. There are no holes drilled into the mask for ventilation. But honestly, I am not too worried about it. This is meant to save lives and if I am a little uncomfortable, so be it. Airflow through the bottom of the mask is very good. There is enough space for me to breath with no worries. Remember, I have a larger head. Smaller heads and faces will have even more room for air flow.
The G3A has an MSRP of $599.99 and is available in Black, Coyote Tan, and Foliage. Mine was foliage upon arrival.
THE MASK - G3C
The G3C is also extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. The G3C is also adjustable for height and goggle placement. The one thing I noticed right off the bat was the G3C was sitting pretty close to my face. In some of the images on the net and even here, you can see that the masks are sitting way to far away from the users face. This has been recently fixed with the addition of 2 additional sizes for the G3C.
The G3C has a retail value of $399.99 and is available in: Black, Coyote Tan, ACU, Foliage, Ranger Green, Olive Drab, Multicam, MARPAT (Wood), MARPAT (Desert), Navy, Royal, and a few more.
SIZING
MTEK and Downtown Tactical recently worked together to come up with 3 sizes of the MTEK FAST G3C/T3C. Based on the users helmet size, the new sizes are:
Small/Medium
Medium/Large (Old Standard Size)
Large/X-Large
The new sizes allow the user to wear a larger size or one that is closer to the face.
Medium ACH with Medium/Large G3C
Medium ACH with Small/Medium T3C
BALLISTICS
I am not going to get into all of the test data here. But all you need to do is You Tube "MTEK Mask" and watch the videos. These things really do work. While the solider/officer wearing this will still be seriously injured, they will survive without being penetrated by a bullet. I know of at least one officer that might have benefited from this product.
I will mention that the G3C Armor is rated at Level 3A and is similar to the soft armor found in Tactical/Concealment Vests. The T3C, has NO BALLISTIC Rating and is meant for Airsoft Gaming or Simunitions Trainings.
COMMUNICATIONS GEAR
Peltor Headset
This is a tough question. Because everyone's head is different, and there's a seemingly infinite types of headsets out there. I know the Peltor's will work with the G3C's, but not so well with the G3A's (although they do make a G3A "MOD1", that does, MTEK just does not advertise it...so if someone "has to have" they can accommodate). A good rule of thumb is if the headset has a battery box sticking out the side of it to go underneath the helmet, it will probably have issues with the G3A.
MSA Sordin Headset
I haven't personally tried the MSA SORDIN, but looking at a couple pictures of it, it looks like it will work perfectly (no "crazy" battery compartment sticking out!). However, I do know for sure that the BOSE headsets work well (even though they have a crazy battery compartment), but those aren't something you'll find a lot in the civilian world. Really it varies on the person and how they like to wear their com gear.
AIRSOFT/TRAINING VERSIONS
MTEK is very interested in the Airsoft Market. Known as the T3C, the only difference between the T3C and G3C is a large RED tag on the inside of the unit to show the user that they are not wearing ballistic protection. The cost of the T3C is $89.99 and includes a set of Versa Rails.
OVERALL
So far I am very pleased with this product. The next step is to get onto a range an actually test this unit with a rifle and handgun. While MTEK states the G3A is not meant to be worn as a "rifleman", It can be. MTEK has sold several units to SWAT teams all over the United States and they are raving about them. If you have a EoTech or any other weapon sights, you should have no problem. If you need to cheek your weapon, then the G3c is the one for you.
I first saw these guys at the Shot Show 2010. After speaking with Ben and the rest of the guys at the show. It seemed they were really interested in doing business with us and possibly exploring the airsoft side of the market as well. After a few months of back and forth e-mails, we finally worked out an agreement to become a dealer/ US Distributor for their products. We also found out that they were going to make the T3C version of the G3C (Soft Armor).
THE PACKAGE
Arrived today from Fed-Ex and I could not wait to dig into it. Once I signed for the package, I immediately went in and opened the package. I was stunned by the quality of both units (DEMO). I was told that these things were heavily used by the Marines. There was not a scratch on them and there were no rips or tears. These things looked brand spanking new.
VERSA RAILS
Many people have asked why not use the newer MSA Rail system instead of their rails. The answer to that is....well, I guess I do not have an answer for you. What I do know is the Versa Rails will work with every helmet that has been derived from the PASGT, including the PASGT, LWH, TC-2000, TC-2002, etc, etc. And the SM/MED/LRG/XLG of all those sizes. Below is an image of the ACC Versa Rail modification that MTEK will be selling shortly. Price point has yet to be determined. But I have been told that it will be rather inexpensive compared to the MSA system.
4 HOLES ON THE VERSA RAILS - MASK
These are for future upgrades....Maybe for an additional rail system similar to the one below.
MOUNTING THE VERSA RAILS
The Rails Mount right onto the helmet with 4 screws. The same 4 screws that hold the helmet suspension system onto the helmet. If the original screws are not long enough, do not worry. MTEK send 6 new screws of various lengths so the end user will not have to worry. Once the rails are mounted, your helmet is ready to accept the mask.
THE MASK - G3A
The G3A is extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. I honestly thought it would require a rear weight, but it does not. You are able to adjust the height of the mask by adjusting it on the VERSA RAIL system. I was able to adjust my mask to work with my Profile NVG's with no issues.
Now some of you might be asking, "How hot is it going to be?". Well, I am sure that it will be warm in the hot/muggy summer air. There are no holes drilled into the mask for ventilation. But honestly, I am not too worried about it. This is meant to save lives and if I am a little uncomfortable, so be it. Airflow through the bottom of the mask is very good. There is enough space for me to breath with no worries. Remember, I have a larger head. Smaller heads and faces will have even more room for air flow.
The G3A has an MSRP of $599.99 and is available in Black, Coyote Tan, and Foliage. Mine was foliage upon arrival.
THE MASK - G3C
The G3C is also extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. The G3C is also adjustable for height and goggle placement. The one thing I noticed right off the bat was the G3C was sitting pretty close to my face. In some of the images on the net and even here, you can see that the masks are sitting way to far away from the users face. This has been recently fixed with the addition of 2 additional sizes for the G3C.
The G3C has a retail value of $399.99 and is available in: Black, Coyote Tan, ACU, Foliage, Ranger Green, Olive Drab, Multicam, MARPAT (Wood), MARPAT (Desert), Navy, Royal, and a few more.
SIZING
MTEK and Downtown Tactical recently worked together to come up with 3 sizes of the MTEK FAST G3C/T3C. Based on the users helmet size, the new sizes are:
Small/Medium
Medium/Large (Old Standard Size)
Large/X-Large
The new sizes allow the user to wear a larger size or one that is closer to the face.
Medium ACH with Medium/Large G3C
Medium ACH with Small/Medium T3C
BALLISTICS
I am not going to get into all of the test data here. But all you need to do is You Tube "MTEK Mask" and watch the videos. These things really do work. While the solider/officer wearing this will still be seriously injured, they will survive without being penetrated by a bullet. I know of at least one officer that might have benefited from this product.
I will mention that the G3C Armor is rated at Level 3A and is similar to the soft armor found in Tactical/Concealment Vests. The T3C, has NO BALLISTIC Rating and is meant for Airsoft Gaming or Simunitions Trainings.
COMMUNICATIONS GEAR
Peltor Headset
This is a tough question. Because everyone's head is different, and there's a seemingly infinite types of headsets out there. I know the Peltor's will work with the G3C's, but not so well with the G3A's (although they do make a G3A "MOD1", that does, MTEK just does not advertise it...so if someone "has to have" they can accommodate). A good rule of thumb is if the headset has a battery box sticking out the side of it to go underneath the helmet, it will probably have issues with the G3A.
MSA Sordin Headset
I haven't personally tried the MSA SORDIN, but looking at a couple pictures of it, it looks like it will work perfectly (no "crazy" battery compartment sticking out!). However, I do know for sure that the BOSE headsets work well (even though they have a crazy battery compartment), but those aren't something you'll find a lot in the civilian world. Really it varies on the person and how they like to wear their com gear.
AIRSOFT/TRAINING VERSIONS
MTEK is very interested in the Airsoft Market. Known as the T3C, the only difference between the T3C and G3C is a large RED tag on the inside of the unit to show the user that they are not wearing ballistic protection. The cost of the T3C is $89.99 and includes a set of Versa Rails.
OVERALL
So far I am very pleased with this product. The next step is to get onto a range an actually test this unit with a rifle and handgun. While MTEK states the G3A is not meant to be worn as a "rifleman", It can be. MTEK has sold several units to SWAT teams all over the United States and they are raving about them. If you have a EoTech or any other weapon sights, you should have no problem. If you need to cheek your weapon, then the G3c is the one for you.