Category: Equipment Reviews

  • Nitecore NU25 & NU25UL Gen 2 Review

    Nitecore NU25 & NU25UL Gen 2 Review

    The Nitecore NU25 Gen1 (review here) is a well-liked ultralight hiking headlamp. The Gen 2 version bumps up the specs, build quality, and goes USB-C. NU25 vs NU25UL The difference between the two is a few grams saved in exchange for a more comfortable front strap and quick release buckle. 9 grams saved, which is…

  • Cross Mags Gen 2 Review

    Cross Mags Gen 2 Review

    Cross Mags are coupled 10/10 pistol LAR mags that fit STANAG-compliant firearms. As the law currently stands in Canada, mags are limited based on what they’re designed for not what they’re used in. Since these mags are designed for the LAR15 pistol AR, they’re pistol mags and can be 10 rounds each even if you…

  • Magazine Basepads in Canada

    Magazine Basepads in Canada

    Magazine base pads add length and a bit of weight to magazines. Here in Canada, pistol magazine base pads are most commonly used to: Add required length to use a pistol magazine with a magwell Add a bit of extra length for loading magazines more reliably during competitions Replace fragile plastic basepads with metal ones…

  • Caldwell eMax Pro

    Caldwell eMax Pro

    The Caldwell E-Max Pro are updated electronic muffs from Caldwell. I’ve owned a set of their old standby eMax low profile emuffs (review here) for quite a while and couldn’t resist when I saw this set on sale at Cabela’s. Pros: Cost: $35 on sale is incredibly cheap. Auto-shutoff: Should be mandatory in 2022 but…

  • Nitecore NB10000 Review

    I recently started up an article comparing different USB battery banks and use cases and asked Nitecore to send me a few of theirs to include. This is one of them. Note: there’s now an NB1000 Gen 2 that’s a bit stiffer between the connectors and pack, the indicator/design has changed a bit, and output…

  • Magpul Zhukov Stock Review

    Magpul Zhukov Stock Review

    The Magpul Zhukov stock is an AK replacement stock. It folds, extends, you can buy inexpensive cheek risers, and it has a couple QD and sling loops. Why does a Canadian care about an AK replacement stock if AK’s are prohibited in Canada? Because this Yugo version is what many 180-clone makers are choosing as…

  • Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review

    The Vortex Viper HD 20-60×80 is a $1300-ish spotting scope. Written reviews of optics is a bit weird, so I have my notes in the video below:

  • USB Power Banks for Hunting and at the Range

    USB power banks have been around for a while but technology on them is advancing fairly rapidly. I’ve got a mittfull of power banks and I’ll use them to show a few different use cases where they shine. If you don’t want to read a 2000 word article, here’s the summary first: 20,000 mAh battery…

  • Primary Arms SLx Cyclops Gen 2 – 1X MicroPrism Optic

    Primary Arms SLx Cyclops Gen 2 – 1X MicroPrism Optic

    The Primary Arms Cyclops Gen 2 is a compact, microprism optic with 1X magnification. While the Gen 1 unit was similar in size to the Vortex Spitfire AR 1X (review here), the Gen 2 unit is much more compact and lighter. At around $300 CDN ($250 USD), it’s a very affordable option for up-close action.…

  • Nitecore NU05 Review

    Nitecore NU05 Review

    The Nitecore NU05 is a new, super lightweight headlamp from Nitecore. They sent one over to me to review along with their popular hiking headlamp NU25. The NU05 is pretty purpose-built: it’s made to be extremely lightweight, small, and simple to use. It comes with a headstrap, it can be stuck to the back of…