New stuff from Black Hawk S.T.R.I.K.

[R.A.T.M._JLD]

BlackHawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Cutaway Tactical Armor Vest

The BlackHawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Cut Away Tactical Armor Vest System is LIGHTER, STRONGER, FASTER, and BETTER than any other system on the market!

• LIGHT WEIGHT: Ultra Light Weight: 3.75 lbs.

• FAST: Fast and easy to put on and take off. Release strap has a round release handle that is secured
inside a protective band of nylon on the front panel shoulder.

• CUT AWAY: Cut Away Pull handle is small, easy, ambidextrous and hidden out of the way
location. Will not interfere with shooting and moving.

• SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION: Super Simple System. Very Easy to put back together after cut
away training.

• ADJUSTABLE: Fully Adjustable Waist and Shoulder System. Standard Sizing and fit.

• FULL VEST AREA: Full outer vest area usage for S.T.R.I.K.E. Molle Pouch configurations.

• COMFORT: Lined with incredibly cool and comfortable soft 3-D
mesh. 3-D Mesh moves air around your body as you move.

• AMBIDEXTROUS: Fully ambidextrous for High Performance.

• SOFT ARMOR: Cutaway ballistic vest shell designed to hold soft
Level 3 as well as Level 4 armor plates (8x10, 10x12).

• PLATES: Accommodates Tri-Curve plates up to 11x14.

• SIDE PLATES: Custom Side Plate pouch system up to 6x8.

• ARMOR ACCESSORIES: Accommodates Level 3
Accessories, Collar, Yoke, Groin and Shoulder.

Price tag $379.99

[R.A.T.M._JLD]

BlackHawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Cutaway Vest-OTV

No info yet.

Price tag $379.99.

[Vince]

That's another nice product made by Blackhawk!
Looks like a competitor to Ciras and RAV vest. I like the simplicity of those fastex buckle for easier put on. Not to mention the side plate for added protection is weight isn't an issue of course. Curious to see some reviews in the near future too.

[FOX_111]

I don't know much about this, but it does not look any faster than a CIRAS.
BHI make me laugh sometime. They should be doing kid fashion stuff and it would be selling really well.

[lt_poncho]

Have you ever used BHI stuff? Obviously not. Who cares if their marketing themes are a little too patriotic. I don't see how you come to the conclusion that it's not as fast as a CIRAS.

[FOX_111]

Yes I'v used some BHI stuff. They do make some good gear, but I found that some of their vest are not very confortable.

Not as fast as a CIRAS, well, that's based purely on the look of it. Since I did not tried the curent vest advertised here. But from the look of it: buckles... look like a little complicated compared to a jump in velcro closure systeme.

Anyway, to each their own.

As for their advertisement style, yes it's patriotic, that's not what anoye me.
It's the fact that they sound like a fashion company, not a serious tactical gear co.

[firemachine69]

They cater as much to the airsoft world as they do to operators, and know it (hence the fashion-ad thing).

The other names, know it, but don't really condone it.

[lt_poncho]

No one seems to mind where the dollars come from.

• FAST: Fast and easy to put on and take off. Release strap has a round release handle that is secured
inside a protective band of nylon on the front panel shoulder.

The buckles are just the same as the FSBE - but that isn't what they are advertising when it comes to quick release. The FSBE release handle is center mass bottom, the CIRAS is center mass middle. Is a shoulder mounted release faster? Depends on what side it is I would guess, and what arm got shot off.

I've never had an issue with any of the BHI gear i've owned. And I was oblivious to their fashion statements too.

[Tex]

It looks like they have the release "ring" on both shoulders so it wouldn't matter wich arm.

I've never had any issues with BHI equipment either. I will say however that this vest won't be going into my collection - the Velcro on the CIRAS might be a pain in the ass, but you have an undisturbed line of PALS as opposed to what appears to be 3 useable channels down the front.

I'd have to try it out to know for sure, but it looks like a big waste of space sticking those buckles there.

[vondnik]

The only issue I've had with the BHI stuff that I owned is that it felt like I was wearing plywood. The rest of my problem came from the fact that the plate carrier i was using was to small for me...beside that they did the deed

[firemachine69]

Originally Posted by vondnik

The only issue I've had with the BHI stuff that I owned is that it felt like I was wearing plywood. The rest of my problem came from the fact that the plate carrier i was using was to small for me...beside that they did the deed

Agreed. Their "Nynateon 1100D" sure feels a shit-load stiffer then my Tactical Tailor 1000D cordura items.

[Farmboy]

I have owned quite a bit of Blackhawk and put it through it's paces with no problems. Never deployed though.


This new vest though is in no way faster than the CIRAS or the TAG RBAV. Both of them are very easy to put on and quickly do up with a velcro flap.

Doing up three fastex buckles just doesn't work for me. Not to mention a small loss of real estate.

Good on them though for adding the option of add ons (shoulder, groin etc.).