[b]HISTORY[/b]
I first saw these guys at the Shot Show 2010. After speaking with Ben and the rest of the guys at the show. It seemed they were really interested in doing business with us and possibly exploring the airsoft side of the market as well. After a few months of back and forth e-mails, we finally worked out an agreement to become a dealer for their products. We also found out that they were going to make the T3C version of the G3C (Soft Armor).
[b]THE PACKAGE[/b]
Arrived today from Fed-Ex and I could not wait to dig into it. Once I signed for the package, I immediately went in and opened the package. I was stunned by the quality of both units (DEMO). I was told that these things were heavily used by the Marines. There was not a scratch on them and there were no rips or tears. These things looked brand spanking new.
[img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0170.jpg[/img][b]VERSA RAILS[/b]
Many people have asked why not use the newer MSA Rail system instead of their rails. The answer to that is....well, I guess I do not have an answer for you. What I do know is the Versa Rails work with not just the ACH, but pretty much every helmet that has been derived from the PASGT, including the PASGT, LWH, TC-2000, TC-2002, etc, etc. And the SM/MED/LRG/XLG of all those sizes. I'm not sure if the ARC rails work with PASGT helmets, I could be wrong. Below is an image of the ACC Versa Rail modification that MTEK will be selling shortly. Price point has yet to be determined. But I have been told that it will be rather inexpensive compared to the MSA system.
[b]4 HOLES ON THE VERSA RAILS - MASK[/b]
These are for future upgrades....Maybe for an additional rail system similar to the one below.
[img]
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs521.snc3/29677_425526910990_208267590990_5911887_5492106_n.jpg[/img][b]MOUNTING THE VERSA RAILS[/b]
The Rails Mount right onto the helmet with 4 screws. The same 4 screws that hold the helmet suspension system onto the helmet. If the original screws are not long enough, do not worry. MTEK send 6 new screws of various lengths so the end user will not have to worry. Once the rails are mounted, your helmet is ready to accept the mask.
[img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0174.jpg[/img][img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0175.jpg[/img][b]THE MASK - G3A[/b]
The G3A is extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. I honestly thought it would require a rear weight, but it does not. You are able to adjust the height of the mask by adjusting it on the VERSA RAIL system. I was able to adjust my mask to work with my Profile NVG's with no issues.
Now some of you might be asking, "How hot is it going to be?". Well, I am sure that it will be warm in the hot/muggy summer air. There are no holes drilled into the mask for ventilation. But honestly, I am not too worried about it. This is meant to save lives and if I am a little uncomfortable, so be it. Airflow through the bottom of the mask is very good. There is enough space for me to breath with no worries. Remember, I have a larger head. Smaller heads and faces will have even more room for air flow.
The G3A has an MSRP of $599.99 and is available in Black, Coyote Tan, and Foliage. Mine was foliage upon arrival.
[img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0176.jpg[/img][b]THE MASK - G3C[/b]
The G3C is also extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. The G3C is also adjustable for height and goggle placement. The one thing I noticed right off the bat was the G3C was sitting pretty close to my face. In some of the images on the net and even here, you can see the mask sitting farther away from the face. So far, that is my only complaint.
The G3C has a retail value of $399.99 and is available in: Black, Coyote Tan, ACU, Foliage, Ranger Green, Olive Drab, Multicam, MARPAT (Wood), MARPAT (Desert), Navy, Royal, and a few more.
[img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0171.jpg[/img][img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0172.jpg[/img][b]SIZING[/b]
Right now their is one size fits most (everything but the small ACH) so the A's & C's will work with the MED, LRG, XLG. In the future they will probably dial in the sizes a little more, but the mount has enough adjustment in it right now that they haven't heard of any complaints so far.
[b]BALLISTICS[/b]
I am not going to get into all of the test data here. But all you need to do is You Tube "MTEK Mask" and watch the videos. These things really do work. While the solider/officer wearing this will still be seriously injured, they will survive without being penetrated by a bullet. I know of at least one officer that might have benefited from this product.
I will mention that the G3C Armor is rated at Level 3A and is similar to the soft armor found in Tactical/Concealment Vests.
[b]COMMUNICATIONS GEAR[/b]
[i]Peltor Headset[/i]
This is a tough question. Because everyone's head is different, and there's a seemingly infinite types of headsets out there. I know the Peltor's will work with the G3C's, but not so well with the G3A's (although they do make a G3A "MOD1", that does, we just don't advertise it...so if someone "has to have" we can accommodate). A good rule of thumb is if the headset has a battery box sticking out the side of it to go underneath the helmet, it will probably have issues with the G3A.
[i]MSA Sordin Headset[/i]
I haven't personally tried the MSA SORDIN, but looking at a couple pictures of it, it looks like it will work perfectly (no "crazy" battery compartment sticking out!). However, I do know for sure that the BOSE headsets work well (even though they have a crazy battery compartment), but those aren't something you'll find alot in the civilian world. Really it varies on the person and how they like to wear their com gear.
[b]AIRSOFT VERSIONS[/b]
MTEK is very interested in the Airsoft Market. They have in production a non-ballistic version of the G3C. Known as the T3C, the only difference will be a large RED tag on the inside of the unit to show the user that they are not wearing ballistic protection. The cost of the T3C will be $89.99 and will include a set of Versa Rails.
[img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0177.jpg[/img][b]OVERALL[/b]
So far I am very pleased with this product. The next step is to get onto a range an actually test this unit with a rifle and handgun. While MTEK states the G3A is not meant to be worn as a "rifleman". It can be and several SWAT teams are using it. If you have a EoTech or any other weapon sights, you should have no problem. If you need to cheek your weapon, then the G3c is the one for you.
[img]
https://2img.net/h/i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/SPFDRum2991/IMG_0178.jpg[/img]
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