A Kydex TQ holster
Eleven 10 gear has created open top Kydex cases for all Combat Casualty Care Working Group (CCCWG) and Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) approved personal tourniquets which include Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT), Special Operations Force Tactical Tourniquet (SOFTT) and Special Operations Force Tactical Tourniquet – Wide(SOFTT-W).
Why Kydex?
Kydex sheet, a non-porous acrylic-polyvinyl chloride
composite, combines the qualities of acrylic and polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). From acrylic, it gets rigidity and mold-ability. From PVC, it
gets its ruggedness and chemical resistance. Kydex is a strong
thermoplastic with a hardness of 90 on the Rockwell R scale. This hardness,
combined with a grained surface, make it very abrasive resistance . Kydex
is easily molded into shape by heating, forming, and cooling the material. Typically
it is supplied in sheets of varying thickness, which can be cut into shape and
formed. Kydex has the following advantages over conventional textiles for
tactical gear:
- waterproof;
- scratch resistant with a Rockwell "R" scale hardness of 90;
- retains formed shape;
- and low friction.
SOFTT-W Case with Blade Tech Teklok Belt Attachment |
There are three mounting system available to the operator: belt, MOLLE, and holster shroud. The belt mounted case can be mounted to your duty or pistol belt either vertically or horizontally. Eleven 10 gear makes use of the Blade Tech Teklok Belt Attachment for their belt mount cases. This supports belt mounting up to 57mm (2.25”). There is a MOLLE compatible version to allow attachment to MOLLE platforms. Eleven 10 gear makes use of the Blade Tech MolleLok Gen 2 Attachment. On the front of each case is a 25mm by 25mm (1”x1”) Red Cross velcro patch to distinguish it as medical gear. The patch can be easily removed and the 25mm by 25mm (1”x1”) pile velcro can be used to attach a IR reflecting square of the equal size for IFF. For those that choose to, the case can be attached to the Safariland Drop Leg Shroud using the existing holes in both the shroud and the TQ case. This is not a preference of mine as it makes the TQ access almost unilateral or, at least, problematic for the support side.
CAT Case with Blade Tech MolleLok Gen 2 Attachment |
While your mileage may vary, there are some definite pro and cons to this system. Current task and operational environment will be the major deciding factors for your application of this case.
Pros
- Robust, formed protection of TQ
- Multiple mounting options
- Very rapid access
- TQ can only be stored in uniform fold
- MOLLE mount is very solid
Cons
- Topmost portion of TQ open to UV and environment
- MOLLE mount not quick to change position
- Storing of TQ takes some practice
To get more purchase on the BladeTech MOLLE Lok, use a small piece of 550 or para cord through the hole in the pull tab... |
I do like this system. It seems to take abuse very well. The only real
drawback is the open top, which speeds TQ application, but exposes the TQ to
degradation by UV and grime. Over the period of a long deployment, the
materials of the TQ could degrade to a point of failure. For the military
professional, use will depend on exposure time to the elements and risk versus
benefit. But, only you can make that decision. For a LEO Emergency Response
Team (ERT) or Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Operators, this may be just the ticket, due
to the reduced exposure to environmental conditions compared to military types. For the
LEO patrol officer or PSO, it is a simple, robust and effective method of
mounting a lifesaving TQ to the duty belts.
t |
An Eleven 10 C-A-T Tourniquet case/holster all krylon'd up. The Red Cross patch replaced by a 25mm by 25mm IR patch. |
The cases come in Scorched Earth, Mud Hut and Orginal Drab. They can be purchased in Canada through their Canadian distributor: CTOMS. They carry both the SOFTT-W and CAT models.
Side note: At
Whiskey Delta Gulf, we are proponents of proven doctrine. However, we are open
minded to new concepts. Realizing not every situation will require full battle
order, we are starting a trial on belt mounted tourniquet placement.
We are doing this to explore the viability of tourniquet storage, application times, and to develop techniques and tips for primary TQs mounted on belt kit and patrol belts.
Standby, MTF....
Indexing Tourniquet using holster as index reference. |
Indexing tourniquet using center line sweep. |
Standby, MTF....
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