Gear

The new Baldr Pro R from Olight is an upgraded version of the Baldr Pro released in 2019. It features an integrated green laser built into the reflector allowing for a more streamlined design, and now uses Olight’s famous magnetic charging system. Specifically designed for both short and long gun use, the Baldr Pro R is a versatile weapon-light with a mid-range price tag.

When it comes to the technology of modern warfare, most people can pick out the big game-changers. Night vision goggles, thermal imagers, radios, and of course GPS. But lost in this mix is another invaluable asset, hearing enhancement and protection.

The Axil Trackr Blu headphones provide fantastic hearing protection with an awesome audio component that offers Bluetooth compatibility for superior connectivity in the modern world. This is my first experience with Axil products and I can’t help but be impressed. They’ve since become my very favorite headphones and I look forward to seeing what else Axil has to offer.

Over the last five years, WE Knife Co. has established a solid reputation for building high quality production knives that rival, and often beat, the top USA and European manufacturers. They make outstanding knives with longstanding, reputable, factories and facilities.

Mantis expands on their dry fire training systems with the Mantis Laser Academy. The system gives instant feedback on accuracy during dry fire drills.

Tru-Spec, prior to this review, I would have called a medium brand. They aren’t Chinesium airsoft pants that will fall apart in a spin cycle, but also not Uber Gucci snobby kid tactical grade. In fact, I bought my stuff for personal use, it was never supposed to be a review. But when my package arrived, I decided I had to get the word out. 

The Baldr lineup from Olight has received mixed reviews. When they told me they were announcing a new Baldr model, I was hoping they fixed some of the shortcomings of the previous versions. A week later the new light showed up at my door. Opening the package revealed the new Baldr-S laser/light pistol light.

An odd part of this job is when we take a look at absolutely new brands. Not because we don’t like to see new things, but because of the responsibility that comes with it. If you send me a piece of junk, I am going to tell you your baby is ugly. And I’m going to tell all of our subscribers your baby is ugly. And that is never fun. But for this week’s introduction to some new toys, I had no hesitation at all.

The upside is simple and straightforward, for around $150 (MSRP), you get a mean-looking axe that will last you the rest of your life — one that in a pinch can be used for a multitude of tasks, including keeping horned-up predators away from those under your mantle of protection.