But how can we quantify if they are actual improvements when there is no data?
The only reason they have gotten any traction is the price and amazon reviews by people who say they have a clue but don't. The majority of the reviews can be summed up by
"I compared this to my CAT and this feels so much nicer"
"I'm "in law enforcement" and my shift carries these and they seem to be well made"
"I'm a retired paramedic and I know good stuff when I see it".
Yeah. Ok
They're the same people that would leave a glowing review of an Alien Gear Shapeshift Holster, and say their PSA Freedom is better than a Colt. The reviews are littered with the same "yOuRe jUsT pAyInG FoR teH nAmE" bullshit
I'm not saying they are bad, again I have used them in training, but why risk them being your primary when there are plenty of known quantities?
This should really say something though. Why field something unproven or at the very least, untested?
The reason people seem to think they are in "improvement" is the metal windlass. Yeah, it feels nice. Does that translate to real world reliability? In my opinion, no.
Quantifiable data should drive the equipment we trust our lives to. The manufacturer says they have 12 confirmed saves. Fantastic. The CAT has thousands, so does a cravat and a stick.
Worry less, Train more.
...and even if they were tested, have they been certified?the reasons for them not being approved seem mostly to lack of testing.
No different than Safe Life Defense armor.. "NIJ Rated" is not "NIJ Certified".
"I am a Soldier. I fight where I'm told and I win where I fight." GEN George S. Patton, Jr.
Two of the better tactical medical trainers are Caleb Causey of Lone Star Medics and Kerry Davis of Dark Angel Medical. I have trained with both, and Caleb is a friend. Most of the people in this thread either know them or have trained with them.
Neither recommends the Recon TQ or the RATS. In fact, it's pretty entertaining to listen to them discuss both items.
When you have 18D's, Ranger Medics and SAR Corpsmen saying "avoid", I tend to do exactly that. I have SOFTT-W tourniquets in my bags, along with a couple of CATS. I prefer the SOF model based on extensive practice sessions under a stopwatch, and used one on someone that ND'd into their leg at a CHL course.
He failed to qualify, by the way.... I knew someone would ask.
As a flight paramedic, I used a lot of TQ's "back in the day". I'm no longer current, so I respect people like TCCC.
Add to the fact that the folks at Recon blatantly ripped off other people's work, and I see no reason to reward that.
The advice to avoid shopping for TQ's on Amazon and eBay is good. As warned, there are tons of Chinese counterfeits in both venues.
If people want to use a bootlace and a stick; well, good for them. But it's NOT a good idea to pass them off as a recommended course of action. I've used a dishtowel to try and staunch a shotgun wound. But "possible" is not the same as "preferred".
Edit to add: If you want to go shopping, some vendors that I personally use are Tactical Medical Solutions, Rescue Essentials and Austere Provisions.
Last edited by SeriousStudent; 04-16-20 at 19:40. Reason: added vendors
Doublepost
Worry less, Train more.
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