MULTICAM BLACK GEAR UP WITH US AS WE TAKE TO THE SKIRMISH FIELD - PAINTED BLACK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH MULTICAM: BACK IN BLACK BACK MULTICAM:

FEATURING JASON GREEN DESIGNED FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT WORLD, MULTICAM BLACK IS A MODIFIED VERSION OF THE EVER POPULAR MULTICAM PATTERN AND THE NEWEST ADDITION TO CRYE PRECISION RANGE. Crye Precision informs us that MultiCam Black meets the particular demands of law enforcement officers, providing them with efficient urban concealment during combat operations and professional appearances afterwards. The pattern is composed of large black and dark green blotches, and smaller brown splotches spread throughout the dark grey background. With such a palette of colours, MultiCam Black compliments the existing equipment utilised by special operations units and civilian law enforcement agencies across the world. Right now also Airsoft and paintball enthusiasts may enjoy the qualities of the MultiCam Black camouflage featured in a wide range of tactical clothing, which includes, plate carriers, chest rigs and backpacks.

040 WWW.TAIWANGUN.COM 041 BACK IN BLACK GEAR UP WITH US AS WE TAKE TO THE SKIRMISH FIELD - PAINTED BLACK

TO SWAT OR NOT? hardware and trained to deploy against While the public image of SWAT first became MULTICAM The National Tactical Officers threats of terrorism, for crowd control and known through the LAPD, perhaps because As if it needs any sort of explanitory introduction, MultiCam is a pattern well known the world over, Association definition of SWAT is: hostage situations or for that matter any of its proximity to the mass media and the IN BLACK BACK MULTICAM: but just in case you didn't knopw; MultiCam is the result of extensive development and testing "SWAT: A designated law enforcement team "high-risk" deployments. size and professionalism of the Department by both Crye and the Army. Designed to work in multiple environments (hence the name) – which whose members are recruited, selected, The Philadelphia Police Department was itself, the first actual SWAT-type operations include desert, woodland and urban. Although coming out as the top contender in the Army tests, trained, equipped and assigned to resolve the first PD to roll out a SWAT team in 1964, were conducted north of Los Angeles in the the Army decided to go with the now obsolete ACU pattern, an ever-contentious choice. critical incidents involving a threat to public which was a direct response to an alarming farming community of Delano, California. MultiCam is comprised of six colours – a dark chocolate brown, flat earth brown, Khaki, a medium safety which would otherwise exceed the increase in bank robberies. Known then as The Delano Police Department responded green, desert pink and a light grey. What makes MultiCam difficult to both describe and see is that capabilities of traditional law enforcement "Special Weapons Attack Team" the sole by forming ad-hoc SWAT-type units involving some of these colours fade into each other in certain places. Another brilliant feature of MultiCam is first responders and/or investigative units." purpose of this unit was to react quickly and crowd and riot control, sniper skills and that it does not consist of a uniformly tight pattern that is reproduced repetitively, with the medium SWAT or Special Weapons and Tactics decisively to bank robberies while they were surveillance. Television news stations and shades of a colour alternating in a larger pattern, with areas changing colour throughout the teams were first seen on the streets of in progress, by utilising a large number of print media carried live and delayed reports pattern, for example one area may be full of grey and brown blotches but be completely absent in America in the 1960s to handle riot control. specially trained officers who had at their of these events across the United States. others. This combination of sections of tight pattern and larger colour changes enables MultiCam to Since then the number of SWAT deployments disposal a significant amount of firepower. Personnel from the LAPD, having seen these work both close up and from a distance. steadily increased in the 1980s and 1990s It wasn't until a few years later with the broadcasts, contacted Delano and inquired during the War on Drugs and later in the creation of LAPD's SWAT teams that the about the program. One officer then obtained aftermath of the September 11 attacks name was changed to Special Weapons and permission to observe the Delano Police to a staggering 50,000 times a year. Of Tactics. After the LAPD's establishment of Department's special weapons and tactics these almost 80% of these were in the its own SWAT team, many law enforcement units in action, and afterwards, he took what JUST FOR LOOKS THEN? execution of high threat narcotic search agencies across the United States he had learned back to Los Angeles, where We get that Crye Precision want to spread their MultiCam wings and warrants. Today SWAT team across the US established their own specialised units his knowledge was used and expanded on to launch many different takes on the ever popular original pattern but some are increasingly equipped with military-type under various names. form the LAPD's own first SWAT unit. make more sense than others. Multicam Black is one of those camouflage patterns that makes little to no sense at all, other than looking "Cool." Wearing black as camouflage to stay hidden is actually a terrible idea. MULTICAM PATTERNS You may think that in the still of night that black is the ideal concealment, As we mentioned earlier, Crye’s family of but you would be wrong as solid black is an unnatural colour and will patterns use the tried and tested geometry stand out - even in the darkest of surroundings. of MultiCam (that’s the shapes and gradients However you may be thinking at this point that types used to make up the pattern), and recolour are well documented to wearing dark clothing and you would be right, them appropriately to the environments but the key word here is 'Dark.' they are tailored towards. These patterns Black will actually show up more than say a dark green, blue are specifically Arid, Tropic, Alpine and on or even grey, which is even more amplified in the darkness. topic here, Black. These patterns are not only There are two parts to a good camouflage system: effective in their specific environments but the first is to try and match the colour palette of also undoubtedly very cool looking! your surroundings and the second is to try and disrupt your silhouette. The trick to disrupting your ■ silhouette is to fool who may be looking for you. ARID Arid is intended to blend better in rocky, Although the observer may see you, they may not dry areas with little green vegetation. As reconise your outline shape as another Human. such much of the green toning has been Black camouflage is exceptionally bad at this replaced with sand and tan colours. BEST because of the shadow a black piece of clothing casts upon itself. For example, you have a man-shaped black shadow, but by adding some ■ TROPIC disruption and irregular spots of a different colour Tropic is intended to blend better in the entire shape slips into the background. Solid verdant, green areas. The level of tan or black it is not an effective form of camouflage for the brown colours has been greatly reduced battlefield, hence why Black Camo has never really been and the overall balance is heavily towards adopted by any military forces. the green end of the colour spectrum. BETTER CRYE PRECISION HAVE BEEN SMART ■ ALPINE WITH THEIR TAKE ON WHAT ESSENTIALLY IS Alpine is obviously intended to work in snowy, icy conditions. This pattern is A BLACK CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN AND MOVED predominantly white with a small amount IT AWAY FROM THE MILITARY WORLD PLACING of light grey tones sparsely intermingled. EFFECTIVENESS GOOD IT FIRMLY AT THE FEET OF THE US TACTICAL LAW ■ BLACK Black is intended to work in low light ENFORCEMENT WORLD, WHERE CAMOUFLAGE situations and to compliment uniformed officers. The basic colouration is black TUNDRA DESERT TEMPERATE WOODLAND JUNGLE ISN'T REALLY REQUIRED, BUT IS STILL USED with some tan/green accents. MULTICAM MULTICAM MULTICAM MULTICAM MULTICAM WITHIN UNITS SUCH AS SWAT AND HRT. In a way Multicam Black has somewhat demilitarised what MULTICAM MUTICAM TROPIC MULTICAM ARID MULTICAM ALPINE are essentially police officers and for the first time ever given their tactical teams their very own camouflage, but for ‘psychological’ reasons more than anything else, Because let's face it, guys dressed in black are terrifyingly scary and above all, in our world, look very cool.

042 WWW.TAIWANGUN.COM WWW.TAIWANGUN.COM 043 BACK IN BLACK GEAR UP WITH US AS WE TAKE TO THE SKIRMISH FIELD - PAINTED BLACK

EMERSON GEAR DESIGNED FOR LOW- EMERSON GEAR £85.28 £33.00 IN BLACK BACK MULTICAM: ADVANCED COMBAT UNIFORM LIGHT OR UNIFORM FAST HELMET We have already seen Emerson Gear in full effect in the previous Emerson Gear produce several styles of helmet, issue and can testify to the quality of their gear both in the studio USE, THE PATTERN IS that come in several different thicknesses and more importantly out on the skirmish field. Having been sent STRIKING TO SAY THE and weights. This is the Fast PJ version, which several Camouflage patterns and solid colours we soon realised the at £33.00 and a weight of 585g is the most benefit to having many sets of clothing for the skirmish field, which LEAST. IT'S INTENDED expensive in the range, but to be fair, there are is very achievable for everyone at the affordable price points that TO WORK IN LOW only very slight differences across the range. this manufacturer is able to offer us. For instance the Fast MH version is an enclosed There is not much we can add to this review that we have not LIGHT SITUATIONS version, which is slightly heavier and cheaper, but published in the past other than to say this Gen 3 Advanced Combat virtually the same helmet, which can also be said Uniform is manufactured in a cotton polyester mix and features AND TO COMPLIMENT about the third helmet in the range - the oddly ripstop material and coated with Teflon which protects against UNIFORMED OFFICERS. named BJ Helmet, which is the lightest and most water and moisture increasing water resistance of the garment. affordable of the range and is seen as their entry The Combat shirt is fashioned in that ever popular Gen 3 style THE BASIC COLOURATION level helmet. of clothing that inhabits so many Safe Zones across the country The most important feature of any helmet is and is explicitly designed to be worn under your tactical gear/ IS BLACK WITH SOME not how it looks or what accessories it comes plate carrier and made of a light and breathable textile. TAN/GREEN ACCENTS. with but the comfort and protection it offers you. The shirt has moisture and heat wicking properties There are two different sizes of internal pads keeping you much dryer and cooler than with the PJ version, which attach to the inside conventional BDU's. of the helmet in a predetermined position, that The pants have a lot of pockets, which allow you to somewhat customise the fit, and it quite frankly is an understatement, but can be tightened or loosened with the OCC dial never the less a good description. As and chin strap. It really is a delicate balancing act you would expect from any Gen 3 to get this helmet to feel comfortable, we found clothing, the pants have multiple ourselves removing some of the internal pads for adjustment points, in all of the usual the best fit results, but that also diminished the places including waist, calf and ankle, helmets ability to do its job. It's not the perfect plus spandex flex areas to the back of situation, but this does depend on the size and the waist and around the knees. shape of your head. The one thing to remember The one thing you have to be careful with all replica helmets is that they have no of when ordering from Asian clothing certification for any form of impact protection, manufacturers is the sizing. A good rule but having some kind of head protection is better of thumb to follow is to simply upsize. than having none at all, even if its simply to protect from BB strikes. Both the PJ and BJ versions of the helmet have ventilation slots for breathability. However, the COMBAT SHIRT solid NH version will offer you better protection ■ Torso blend of 20% polyester and 80% from the elements and keep your head dry. cotton with a Teflon coating. ■ The sleeves and collar polycotton ripstop blend fabric (35% polyester, 65% cotton) ■ YKK zipper. BASICS IN BLACK Small: 32-36" You can’t build a load out without a uniform and we are very pleased with Medium: 34-38" our choice from the vast selection available at www.taiwangun.com. Large: 36-40" The Emerson Combat Uniform set, clearly based on the Crye Precision XL: 38-42" Gen.3 style of uniform design really is great value for money. It's worth XXL: 40-44" noting that you can choose from a number of patterns and block colours in this cut and design, but obviously our choice was MultiCam Black.

COMBAT PANTS ■ Mixed Cotton/blended fabric with Teflon AT £85, THIS UNIFORM IS AN AMAZINGLY AFFORDABLE ■ Made from Ripstop Material PRICE AND THE QUALITY OF SUCH “CLONE” ITEMS HAS ■ YKK Zipper ■ Includes removable knee pads (protectors) REALLY BEEN ELEVATED SINCE WE LAST CHECKED ■ Height of knee pads are adjustable THEM OUT, EVEN TO THE DEGREE OF USING TEFLON ■ 8x pockets with Velcro, 2x hand pockets ■ Padded waistband COATED MATERIALS TO PROVIDE WEATHER AND STAIN Small: 29-31” RESISTANCE SO YOUR KIT WILL STAY LOOKING SHARP Medium: 32-35” Large: 36-39” EVEN AFTER HARD USE. XL: 40-43” The main materials used are of good quality with neat, solid stitching and IN ASSOCIATION WITH very few of those tell-tale loose threads. Even the stretch panels are thick and robust feeling and the velcro tabs are hardwearing and will last. This is mirrored on both the pants and the combat shirt, both of which come supplied with colour co-ordinated pads, knee and elbow respectively.

044 WWW.TAIWANGUN.COM 045 BACK IN BLACK GEAR UP WITH US AS WE TAKE TO THE SKIRMISH FIELD - PAINTED BLACK

8FIELDS 8FIELDS 8FIELDS As quality improves and prices stabilise, brands that were very much £14.73 £29.01 IN BLACK BACK MULTICAM: left of centre are becoming very much in demand in our cost-conscious BUCKLE UP CHEST RIG BUCKLE UP PLATE CARRIER community. One brand which we have watched develop over the years The 8Fields "Buckle up Chest rig" features a three mag pouch design, A low profile plate carrier is 8Fields. Pretty much a mass market entry level manufacture, who with a selection of utility pouches. This chest rig has a surprising amount that comes supplied have "upped their game" to become a firm favourite here at AI HQ, but of uses for such a low profile piece of kit, it's clear to see where the with mock ballistic plate have retained their entry-level price point. inspiration came from in its build and similarity to a very well known and inserts! Awesome, now There was a time in high street fashion where you simply didn't do expensive 'real-world' brand. Produced in 1000 D Polyester this rig will all you really need is a "double denim", but according to the more style conscious here at AIHQ withstand the punishment of a skirmish field and bounce back asking great price to entice you its now perfectible acceptable, which can also be said about camo for "More." Adjustable padded shoulder straps and an adjustable H-back and that's what 8Fields choices you'll find on the skirmish field. harness allows this highly-adaptable rig to fit any sized frame and is deliver with their take on The first example of "Doubling up" is this great selection of compatible with all Buckle Up platforms in the 8Fields range. this popular design. kit from 8fields. The interior of the plate pocket is manufactured from a breathable MULTICAM BLACK USES THE SAME material which helps with wicking heat and SHAPES AND PATTERN AS moisture from your body. The main panel can IT’S PREDECESSOR, BUT also be used as a single REPLACES THE COLOURS MOLLE platform, or swapped out to host WITH A MUCH several interchangeable DARKER PALETTE. "Buckle up" compatible chest rigs by 8fields. THE GREENS THAT SHOW THROUGH GIVE IT AN ALMOST £28.03 8FIELDS £30.71 EMERSON GEAR OILY LOOK. JUMPABLE PLATE CARRIER MODULAR TACTICAL BELT The Jumpable Plate carrier is another example of a very affordable bit Wearing the MTB as it was intended to be worn (running the inner belt SIMPLE, SLEEK, of kit that will finish any project your working on and not reflect the through the loops of your trousers) gives the platform great stability over EFFECTIVE price you have paid, which is quite frankly ridiculously cheap. your hips. You can, if you chose to, wear the MTB as a standard battle belt, Fitted with mock ballistic plates that provide rigidity and support that which gives you the option of wearing the belt over multiple layers. The AND A LITTLE this plate carrier needs for protection from bb strikes. MOLLE rows help spread the weight, and you get the feeling of a much The internal magazine pouches are secured by elastic bungees, bigger belt than what is essentially a high-speed low-drag platform. BIT DIFFERENT. keeping them where you need them to be. Covered with MOLLE, you can The MTB is in our opinion more comfortable than many padded belts we MULTICAM BLACK attach several external mission critical pouches and back panels. have tried and a much needed upgrade to a standard riggers belt. It sits The cummerbund elasticated sides make this rig very easy to fit proudly in-between both, but it's not a minimalist belt by any stretch of the STANDS OUT BUT and pull tight by yourself, and thanks to the low profile nature of the imagination. In fact, there's more than enough MOLLE to overload yourself. platform your arms have much more freedom of movement than some The one thing to consider above all is the type of holster that you are SHOULD STILL LET YOU other rigs. The shoulders are fully adjustable, meaning you will be running, more importantly how you are going to fix it to the belt. MOLLE MELT INTO THE SHADOWS able to get the rig to sit comfortably regardless of your shape or size. attachments work, but you may struggle with duty belt loops. The shoulders also have velcro retention loops that would be ideal for There are so many different options on how to dress your belt order, routing wires, hoses, or hydration lines. At the top front of the rig, there we could fill an entire magazine with suggestions! We'll leave this part are several velcro fronted MOLLE loops that will allow you to attach blank and let you choose your ultimate set up, just remember it's got to be THE KIT patches or name slides etc. or attach more pouches if you need them. functional, with no clutter and easy to use. Taiwangun.com is a one-stop-shop for all things airsoft and you can buy absolutely everything you need for your load out in one go. We picked up this entire load out in one fell swoop! Since they are based in Krakow, shipping to the UK is reasonable in both cost and timing and there’s no additional import tax applied. Orders have reached us within a week of placing them and the email update system keeps you abreast of the status of your shipment. You even get a tracking number as standard. We highly recommend that you take a look at their range of tactical kit on offer.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH GET YOUR MULTICAM BLACK KIT FROM

046 WWW.TAIWANGUN.COM WWW.TAIWANGUN.COM 047