GearExpert

Trijicon TriPower Backs up the Back Up!

Mar 7 • News, Videos • 9605

Red dot sights are an absolutely fantastic way to improve your target acquisition speed, but one drawback is that they require a power source. Many top manufacturers have added backups to their illuminated reticles so that they don’t fail when you need to take a shot. Whether you’re a hunter, law enforcement or military professional or an avid shooting enthusiast, you have to have a top performing sight at all times. Enter Trijicon.

We love Trijicon. Their ACOG rifle scope is one of the most innovative and consistent performers on the market today. The Bindon Aiming Concept it employs enables the shooter to take shots both near and far quickly and easily, but just because they’ve made waves with the ACOG doesn’t mean Trijicon is done making improvements. The Trijicon TriPower Reflex Tube Sight takes red dot sights to a whole new level of performance.

Exclusive Chevron Reticle with Trijicon TriPower!

They started with an absolutely fantastic red dot sight that is both super easy to use and extremely durable and added their exclusive red chevron-shaped reticle. The picture above is what you’ll see through the TriPower. Red dot sights are, by nature, easy to use and speed target acquisition quite a bit. The chevron reticle makes it even easier to find your target, as the inverted ‘V’ is very natural for the eye to follow.

Combined with this awesome reticle is a very durable design. The one-piece aluminum body would be tough to break if you wanted to. It’ll hold up against a whole lot of abuse without problem. The Trijicon ACOG has become the standard of toughness and consistent performance that other scopes are measured by, and the TriPower stands alongside it as an incredibly reliable scope for many situations.

But what really sets the Trijicon TriPower apart from other reflex sights is the power system. As the name implies, there are three different power sources for the illuminated reticle. My favorite, and I’d argue the best to use, is the fiber optics. What makes fiber optics so great is that the brightness of the reticle is based on ambient light. In almost complete darkness you don’t need a super bright reticle. In fact, you should be careful not to have your reticle too bright, as focusing on a bright object in the dark will limit your eyes’ natural night vision. With fiber optics you’ll almost always have a perfectly lit reticle.

But there are times where fiber optics can’t light up the reticle. If you’re in total darkness and there’s virtually no ambient light for the scope to gather you’ll have a dark reticle. To combat this, Trijicon added Tritium power. Tritium will glow even in total darkness, and it lasts for years. It’s a great backup in the event there’s no light.

If somehow both of your power sources fail (not likely, but possible), Trijicon wants you to still be covered, so they also included a battery that you can switch on anytime. A quick adjustment with the buttons on top of the sight gives you the proper brightness.

That’s three different power sources for a single red dot sight! Trijicon has yet again raised the bar with their fantastic and innovative TriPower Reflex Sight. You can get yours for a great price from OpticsPlanet!

OpticsPlanet • 4 Comments on Trijicon TriPower Backs up the Back Up!
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OPMOD TAC PACK Put Through Its Paces On Dog Sledding Trip!

Feb 29 • News, Videos • 22698

We’re really proud of the latest addition to our OPMOD family of products: the OPMOD TAC PACK. This tactical backpack is perfect for a wide variety of uses, and it has a ton of great features to let you store or attach your gear. Our OPMOD team of experts (led by Steve Ledin, who is featured in the video above) looked at all the best bags and decided what was best for the TAC PACK. Our team knows that if you ask any hunter, soldier or outdoors man what the #1 thing they look for in a backpack they’re going to say “durability.” With that in mind we put extra effort into selecting the best materials and construction.

When we recently received our first shipment of the TAC PACK, we wanted to test it out in a real world situation. Sure, we could run around and bang it against things to see how it holds up, but it’s in those unforeseen moments when a bag has the opportunity to really succeed or fail. Fortunately, we had a great chance to try out our new OPMOD bag when our resident Video Specialist Devin went on a dog sledding trip in Minnesota. Devin borrowed some of our favorite gear to try out during his journey, and I got to talk to him when he came back.

The trip was a birthday present from Devin’s wife Martha, and it was run by the Wintergreen Dog Sled Lodge in Ely, MN. Devin and Martha left on February 15. Their drive took about 10 hours, but the greeting they received upon arrival helped them quickly forget the long hours on the road. 16 pure-bred Canadian Eskimo Dogs began howling and barking as soon as their car approached. As Devin learned from the guides, the dogs know that when a car approaches they’ll get to go for a long run, and they love running.

As Devin and Martha are also big-time dog lovers, the thought of working this team of well trained sled dogs only made them more anxious to get going.

After dinner at the lodge Devin and the other campers listened to their guides explain how the next few days would go and what to expect. After that Devin started going through the gear he packed to eliminate the non-essentials. The great thing about sledding rather than hiking (at least so far as packing the TAC PACK is concerned) is that weight wasn’t really an issue. No matter how awesome your bag is, no one wants to haul extra weight. But as the bag would be strapped to the sled, Devin could put more or less as much as he wanted in it. His gear included a Digital Camera in a padded case, which he put in the main compartment, and there was plenty of room for more, so he tossed in a roll of duct tape, a few granola bars, extra pairs of socks and gloves, a hat, waterproof matches, and a fleece neck warmer. Inside the bag there’s also a a really convenient internal zippered compartment where he stored a small first aid kit, lip balm and sunblock.

Devin thought it would be fun to bring along some night vision to try out on the trip so he borrowed the ATN Viper Night Vision Goggles with Head Gear, which fit really well in a rear compartment. With all the beautiful scenery and wildlife surrounding them in the Boundary Waters of Northern MN, a good pair of binoculars were absolutely essential, so for that Devin also brought along a pair of Brunton Binoculars.

Devin also brought along a Bushnell Backtrack GPS unit to field test. This GPS unit can store several different locations, and with the press of a button an arrow will tell you which direction to go to get back. Devin marked the main cabin and each of their camp sites. Fortunately there was never any real chance to get lost in the woods since this was a guided trip, but it was still a smart safety tool to bring along, so why not have them?

Devin and Martha along with four fellow campers and their two guides started out early on the 16th with three sleds: two smaller sleds packed with light gear bags of clothes and other light gear, and one larger camp sled for hauling the majority gear. After the sleds were packed Devin found the side straps on the OPMOD bag that are normally tightened to compress the bag and its contents were perfect for attaching to the sled. Because of the great placement of the OPMOD backpack on top of the sled everything Devin needed during the day was easily accessible.

Perfect Placement for the OPMOD Bag!

Most of the first day was very easygoing, with smooth rides over frozen water through the Boundary Water system. The dogs performed wonderfully, and had virtually no problem navigating the sleds event as they traveled through rough portages full of rocks, thick tree branches and massive stumps. Their strength really impressed Devin as they climbed steep hills. The sled dogs relished the chance to bound over the snow. They were bred for these challenges, and they love it.

On the second day the OPMOD TAC Pack was really put through its paces. While traveling down a hill on a particularly difficult portage, the right runner of the sled went over a tree stump, causing the sled to tip over. They weren’t able to regain control of the sled or dogs until they reached the bottom of the hill, and during this time the TAC bag was underneath the weight of the sled being dragged over rocks, branches and small trees. One tree branch actually got caught in the side straps attaching the bag to the sled. The branch broke. The straps didn’t.

A Difficult Portage

In fact, outside of a single zipper pull, you wouldn’t be able to tell the bag was put through the wringer at all. The straps all held firm, and the clips didn’t even unclasp. Now THAT is some impressive durability.

When they made camp every night, Devin kept the OPMOD bag close by at all times. While he had a larger bag for clothes and his sleeping bag, the TAC PACK was perfect for carrying all the other equipment he needed. As the material is water resistant, when Devin woke up in the morning to find the bag covered in frost he just brushed it off and all of his electronic gear was safe and dry.

OPMOD Close by At all Times!

It even survived an attempted claiming by one of the dogs, as “Frank the Tank” marked the bag during one stop. Devin can confirm: the OPMOD TAC PACK is pee-proof.

"You don't think I'll pee on it? Never underestimate how bad I want an OPMOD TAC PACK."

Though most of the trip was spent on the sleds, Devin did some light hiking with the TAC backpack, and he was impressed by its comfort and versatility. He didn’t think he’d need the chest and waist straps because he was only hiking for a short while, but he tried them out and they made a difference by helping distribute the weight more evenly than with the shoulder straps alone. The ability to attach his Nalgene bottle to the outside of the pack was also nice, as it was easily accessible, yet also secure.

When on the sleds, if Devin got overheated he was able to shed the warm layer under his shell and toss it in the TAC bag for him to toss an extra layer of clothing, and in these moments he could also reach for his lip balm or a granola bar, so it was super convenient.

“Over the course of the last ten years or so I have used several different kinds of backpacks for camping. Most of the time I pick a bag that sold for a few hundred dollars because it was waterproof, durable and had a fair number of compartments. I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen the OPMOD Backpack as it was designed for tactical applications but it performed exactly as I needed it to on this trip. And when you consider the price difference, it gets even better. There’s no reason to break the bank on anything else. Plus you can spend the extra money on beer!”

High scores across the board!

Devin really loved his dog sledding excursion in Minnesota, and he is not only an avid camper but also the guy behind the camera in our coverage from SHOT Show and he has traveled with Steve to shooting ranges and hunting grounds to try out new gear.

“The trip overall was an unbelievable experience and one I will carry with me all my life. I’m planning on making it back to Ely if not this summer for canoe camping then definitely again for another dog sled adventure.”

You can see Devin and Steve talk a bit about the trip and the OPMOD TAC PACK in the video above, and you can get one for yourself from OpticsPlanetright NOW!!!

OPMOD Bags Available Now!

OpticsPlanet • 1 Comment on OPMOD TAC PACK Put Through Its Paces On Dog Sledding Trip!
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OPMOD Battle Mug – Excellence Needs No Justification

Feb 28 • News, Videos • 5241

There are some people who look at mankind’s finest achievements and find the need to ask why.

Why build Mount Rushmore?

Why send a man to the moon?

Why make a beer mug with picatinny rails that can stop a .45 ACP bullet at 10 yards and withstand a point blank 1lb tannerite explosion?

Because we can, dammit. And because the world would be a slightly less awesome place without it.

This is an OPMOD Battle Mug with $5000 in Weapon Accessories attached to it. Yes, that's an OPMOD Gen III Night Vision Monocular.

If you regularly peruse the interwebs, you may have come across one of the 50+ websites who have featured the OPMOD Battle Mug video over the past week. 77,000 views and counting. Clearly the OPMOD Battle Mug is striking a chord in the hearts and minds of Americans who ask, “Why shouldn’t I enjoy a frosty beverage from a mug machined out of a 13.5 pound solid block of aluminum?”

On the other hand, you have those who decry the $250 price tag. Certainly there are other ways to spend your money. If you are behind on child support payments, we cannot, in good conscience, recommend that you purchase an OPMOD Battle Mug. It’s not for everyone.

The OPMOD Battle Mug is for those who believe in the reckless pursuit of excellence. For those who don’t stop to calculate the R.O.I. on living their dreams.

That being said, we predict that the OPMOD Battle Mug will only appreciate in value. And besides, your investment in precious metals may be fiscally wise, but can you use gold Krugerrand to imbibe the tears of your vanquished foes? I think not.

Go in peace. Speak softly, and carry an OPMOD Battle Mug. Excellence needs no justification.

OpticsPlanet • 1 Comment on OPMOD Battle Mug – Excellence Needs No Justification
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Baseball Spring Training Begins – Improve Your Pitching with a Radar Gun!

Feb 23 • News, Videos • 4436

Those of you who are like me are no doubt excited for the start of Spring Training. Baseball teaches us to swing for the fences. Though home run hitters get a lot of attention, the real stars of every game are the pitchers. The pitcher and catcher are in every play. You can play right field and not have a ball hit your way all day. I should know. I started off watching the dandelions grow before I got into pitching. I was never very good, but I loved hurling the ball right down the plate and seeing the batter swing and miss.

One of my favorite memories from Little League comes back to me this time every year. I was 10 years old, and at the beginning of the season when teams were still being decided the League brought in a baseball training camp for a day to give us some pointers and identify the standout players. The pitching machines for batting practice and fielding drills were cool, but the highlight of the day was no doubt the radar gun. Every kid, regardless if he had ever pitched before, had to try his luck and see if he could get the highest reading on the speed gun. There was a long line, and my older brother Mike was in front of me. He was a pretty good pitcher, and as he was two years older, he was also bigger and stronger. I figured he had a good chance to throw the fastest pitch of the day, as 12 was the cutoff age for that day’s training camp, and he was one of the oldest kids.

One kid stood in his way though. His name was Jimmy. He was big. Most of us thought he was 12 going on 30. And he went to private camps to play all year long. He was the favorite, and when he got on the mound he didn’t disappoint. I’m pretty sure (it’s been 17 years so my memory is a bit hazy) Jimmy threw his fastest pitch at 72 miles per hour. The next closest was 49. His form was good, but he threw a little high. I think every kid in line groaned a little when we heard his speed.

Other kids tried their luck, and no one came even close. Then my big brother’s turn came. You got to throw a few pitches to warm up your arm and try to throw your hardest. Mike got on the mound and his first throw came in at 53 miles per hour. That put him at second for the day, but still way behind Jimmy. His next few pitches crept further up until he had one throw left. He hadn’t hit 60 yet, but he’d come close at 59. Mike wound up and hurled the ball as hard as he could, but like my dad taught him, he kept his form correct and made sure the ball was right over the plate. He threw a perfect strike, and his speed was at his highest yet: 63 miles per hour.

9 miles per hour under Jimmy. Nuts. It was a better pitch though, because it was right through the strike zone. Jimmy’s 72 mile per hour throw would’ve been a ball on pretty much every kid in the league.

Then came my turn. I knew I didn’t stand a chance, but I hoped I would be one of the best 10 year olds and get to pitch during the season a bit. I didn’t want to go back to watching the dandelions grow in right field. My first pitch didn’t break 40. That was kinda embarrassing. Some of the older kids were standing behind the backstop, and while they weren’t allowed to outright mock me, I could hear them snicker. My second pitch was about 42. Not bad. Better than some of the other kids. Unfortunately, my next few pitches were slower and slower. I’d given it my all to hit 42, and my arm was getting tired. My control was pretty bad, but I was generally near the strike zone, which was good considering how hard I was throwing.

My last attempt came. I was feeling really nervous. But the one thing about baseball, and what sets it apart from any other sport, is magic. You never know when something amazing is going to happen. From Babe Ruth calling his shot to Willie Mays catching a deep fly without looking, there’s always the chance that the bat will hit the ball just right, or your arm will unleash power in a way it never has before. Every time you step out on the field there’s a chance you can be magical.

I was up on the mount, looking at how my feet were placed on the pitcher’s plate. I’d been taught that you can’t control the outcome of a pitch so you shouldn’t worry about it. Just control the things you can. Make sure your stance is good, your grip is sure, and you throw when you’re ready. I did everything right. My foot came up to a perfect 90 degrees and my arm came back just right. My left arm pointed at the catcher’s mitt. I pushed off with my back foot and threw with all my might.

I came within three feet of hitting a car in the parking lot. My throw must’ve been a good thirty feet over the plate. It was so far off the radar gun didn’t even get a reading.

Not every pitch is going to go where you intend, but that’s okay. We practice so as many of them are as possible are good. With spring training starting and opening day of baseball coming up on April 4, you need to get started on your training now. Whether you’re in Little League hoping to compete with the big kids or the starting pitcher for the Cubs (GO CUBS!!!) this year, you need to practice. A radar gun is a great tool for helping you improve your velocity. One of our favorites is the Stalker Radar Sport 2 Speed Gun. It is one of the most accurate and reliable speed radar guns on the market today, and it’s perfect for baseball and softball. If you stand behind the pitcher or home plate you can get a direct reading on the ball for unparalleled accuracy.

Another thing that’s really great about the Stalker Sport 2 is its range. Unlike many radar guns, you don’t have to be right behind home to get a reading. You can get the speed on a baseball up to 300 feet away! This is great for everyone from baseball scouts, who tend to be in the stands rather than right behind home plate, to little league coaches. It’s tripod mountable too, which is really helpful for pitching coaches who need to be working with the pitcher rather than holding a radar gun. The Stalker 2 Radar Gun also keeps track of the last five pitches, so you can set it, see a few pitches and give tips on form and control, then go back and check the speeds.

If you put in the time to practice, I have no doubt you’ll find a little magic on the diamond this year. Enjoy the upcoming baseball season. No doubt it’ll be one to remember!

OpticsPlanet • 1 Comment on Baseball Spring Training Begins – Improve Your Pitching with a Radar Gun!
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Limited Time Nikon Boats & Binoculars Promotion! Waterproof Binoculars ON SALE!

Feb 22 • News • 4932

I know it’s late February, but we’ve been having a string of absolutely beautiful days here in Illinois, and it feels like Spring. I love gearing up for Summer when Spring starts, because just as the flowers bloom and the grass begins to grow my spirit of adventure is reawakened. And many of my adventures are on the water. Whether I’m water skiing, fishing or just enjoying a beautiful day on the lake, I like to have a great pair of binoculars along for the ride. One of my favorite binocular brands is Nikon. The quality of their glass provides a very clear image, and they know what features you need for the most success whether you’re boating, hunting, stargazing or just getting a better look at a favorite bird or animal in nature.

To help you get ready for the prime boating months this summer, we’re running a fantastic Nikon Boats and Binoculars Promotion with INSTANT rebates on a few of their best waterproof binoculars.

$100 Off Nikon 7×50 OceanPro Binoculars!

The first pair of binoculars in Nikon’s new promotion is the 7×50 OceanPro Binoc ular. As the name implies, these binos were made for the water. In addition to being waterproof and fogproof, the 7×50 OceanPros are lightweight and have a fantastic ergonomic design that makes them easy to use for extended periods of time. This comfort level is even greater because of the long eye relief. If you’re out on the boat with your kids they’ll like the long eye relief on these Nikon Binoculars because it makes them super easy to use. And the shockproof polycarbonate body is tough, so you don’t have to worry about little bumps as you use them.

The quality of the glass is outstanding, and the Nikon OceanPro has Bak4 Prisms, which are the best of the best. These binoculars won a Brilliance Award in 2009 because of their outstanding quality and value. Every year they just keep getting better, since they’re now available at a more affordable price than ever! We have two options available: one with and one without a compass. They’re both $100 off through March 3, so be sure to pick yours up today!

$50 Off Nikon 7×50 Action Extreme Waterproof Binoculars

Much like the OceanPro Binoculars, the Nikon 7×50 Action Extreme Binoculars (top photo) are waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. The tough body has awesome materials (polycarbonate body!) and the expert construction of Nikon. I really like the close focus distance of 7 meters. This means that if you see some cool that isn’t at an extreme distance you can still focus on it and get a great view. When a majestic bald eagle glides overhead you’ll be able to take in every detail. The 50mm objective lens is nice and big, which means it will collect a lot of light and give you a nice, bright image. The already affordable price of the Action Extreme Binoculars is $50 cheaper through March 3, so don’t wait to get yours!

You don’t want to miss this chance to partake in the limited time offers on these great marine binoculars from Nikon. When you’re out on the water this summer you’ll be glad you have them.

OpticsPlanet • 1 Comment on Limited Time Nikon Boats & Binoculars Promotion! Waterproof Binoculars ON SALE!
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