13 minute read
GEAR: VIPER UPDATE
Viper’s Nest
revisited!
HOW MANY OF US WILL ADMIT TO BEING GEAR SNOBS, EH? WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE LIKE AND A GOOD FEW YEARS OF RUNNING AROUND ON AIRSOFT FIELDS AND TRAINING AREAS HAVE SET EVERYONE AT AIRSOFT ACTION ON A COURSE WITH OUR GEAR, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WHICH HAS BEEN TRIED AND TESTED EXTENSIVELY. INCREASINGLY THERE’S ONE BRAND WE ALL TURN TO - AND THAT’S VIPER!
If you head to any, and I mean ANY, airsoft game around the UK you’ll always find the guys with the absolute maximum of branded clothing and gear literally dripping from them, but you’ll also find the hard core of regular players who just want good, solid gear that’s dependable. Let’s face it, simple, straightforward army surplus gear was designed for our environment, is eminently affordable, and works very well for most situations.
One well-priced brand name continues to evolve, improve and consistently stand out from the crowd in the “works extremely well” category of tactical gear, clothing and footwear market, and that is VIPER. I’m sure, like me, at some point in your airsoft “life” you’ve owned a least one piece of gear from VIPER, even if it is just a simple sling or pouch, but these days it’s very likely that it will be more than just one piece, as the guys at VIPER have upped their game considerably, and some of their kit is now very much our first choice, and is indeed worn by all the members of Red Cell and the core AA crew (Elite Trousers Gen2 Woodland, Mesh-Tech T-Shirt Black, Mesh-Tech Armour Top Black, and Fleece Hoodie Black)!
In the many years that the brand has been trading they have become renowned for an unsurpassed level of personalised service to the trade. They have friendly, knowledgeable staff always on hand to help get any order out quickly and efficiently. Although in the last year they have streamlined the sheer number of “units” they have in their line (and the line is the better for that!), they hold huge stocks to keep availability to a maximum; I know, I’ve been in their warehouse! Generally orders placed before 12 noon are dispatched the same day to their trade customers. They are constantly developing and researching new products to expand their ranges and enhance their brand, and their “Ambassador” program around the world shows that we in the UK are not the only ones that appreciate their designs. The VIPER brand has have been involved in the military and airsoft market for over a LONG time now, so they have the experience, the knowledge, and the resources to offer all of us players fantastic equipment manufactured to the highest standards using quality materials at affordable prices.
But the team at VIPER have upped their game considerably again, offering a completely new range of seriously upgraded products in their line up, and I have to say that the products look very good indeed in the new versions which are absolutely ideal for those who need good gear and don’t want to pay the earth. It would have been an easy and cheap “out” for them to produce this new range based on existing products and designs, but instead they have gone for something completely new and taken their time about it too, concentrating not only on what works, but what continues to work over time!
The range is pretty tightly focussed on what the VIPER brand has done well historically, but has been honed to include new load gear, tactical gear, clothing, and footwear. We’ve worn and abused a number of the latest models extensively already, and have a number of the new pieces in for testing right now, so you can expect to see these fully and thoroughly covered in the coming months either in the magazine or via our website updates.
CONSIDERED PROGRESSION
When it comes to launching newly developed gear though, that’s no easy thing to do. Luckily the VIPER lineup has gone through a long period of design, development, and testing before they have even thought of bringing it to market. I first saw the new models some time ago in design concept stage, and as always I’ve been speaking to them ever since and therefore know they have held back certain of the latest designs for some time to ensure that in these current “shipment difficult” times that that the quality of construction is as good as it possibly can be, and that they can deliver on time, and in full.
I’ve worked in the performance manufacturing sector myself in the dim past and know the implications of this to any business; once you’ve gone through the design process and actually had the models mocked up as samples to show to the trade you’ve already racked up some pretty major costs, and it’s very tempting to get those products out and for sale as swiftly as possible to recoup that initial investment. Luckily for us they have not fallen into that trap with the newer VIPER gear. Instead they have taken their time, not only tweaking the original sample designs, but actually adding further models to the pack range, whilst branching out further to add to their already impressive tactical gear, clothing, footwear and accessory offerings.
What process has led them to this point you may ask? All I can tell you is that the last couple of years have, in my opinion, seen VIPER products just get better and better with more quality in the fabrics chosen and more attention to detail in terms of how things are put together than ever before. To illustrate what I mean I’m going to highlight a few of the existing products that will go forward to form part of the new, wider range that I’ll be looking at in detail over the coming months as our testing procedure comes to fruition.
MOVING FORWARD
Let’s take a look at some of the recent additions to the VIPER range starting with their VX Buckle Up Carrier Gen2 again; a while back we looked to addressing the question of whether you actually NEED “gucci” kit where in fact something designed, built and priced with airsoft in mind is actually what will do the job nicely. Sure enough, “real” kit will have you covered, but these days the quality of “for airsoft” gear has moved up to offer equipment that is more than fit for our purposes!
What do we mean by “designed for airsoft”? Well, a great example is the Viper Tactical Buckle Up Plate Carrier Gen2! A few of us on the team have been using this great rig from Viper for a while now
on range days, and Jon looked at it in some detail, concluding that “in my opinion, (this) is a great price for a whole lot of kit and quality kit at that! Will you be deploying to downtown Basra with it? No, of course you won’t. Will it be any good on the airsoft field? HELL YES and you’ll look good in it too!”
It’s available in multiple colours so it will work with most loadouts out there, and the VX Buckle Up Carrier Gen2 is a modular design that will host a variety of VX System and MOLLE compatible accessories. With quick release buckles throughout as well as multiple hook and loop panels, you can create a unique set up that fits your needs. Fully adjustable mesh vented sides with quick release clips and removable shoulder pads make this vest comfortable and easy to adjust. The shoulder pads also feature bladder / comms retention. On the inside they have added padded front and back panels to extend the comfort of the vest, and on the front of the Gen2 features a zipped admin pouch and hook and loop ID panel. Additionally you can customise the front using removable lazer cut MOLLE panel included with the product. On the back you will find a MOLLE panel allowing you to attach any MOLLE compatible hydration pack or the Viper VX Charger Pack. The carrier comes with two removable EVA dummy plates, and is fully VX buckle up system compatible.
And as much as the Gen2 IS fully compatible with all the VIPER pouch and accessory range, they’ve made it even easier now for you to get an entire set of “good to go kit” in one hit with three complete sets on offer! The VX SETS (SMG, RIFLEMAN, and DMR) consist of a VX BUCKLE UP loadout configuration tailored towards the user’s choice of primary. With the inclusion of the VX QUAD SMG MAG SLEEVE (SMG), VX TRIPLE RIFLE MAG SLEEVE (Rifleman), or VX DOUBLE RIFLE MAG SLEEVE XL (DMR) and VX DOUBLE PISTOL MAG SLEEVE you really shouldn’t need any additional pouches to use this gear immediately. The diverse VX system will allow you to easily customise and adjust for varied roles from game to game. All VX SETS offer a comprehensive and versatile loadout which is also cost effective by saving 26% on cost of the components when bough individually!
If you need more loadspace then VIPER have you covered with the VX Buckle Up Sling Pack, which is perfect for use both on and off the airsoft field. In tactical use, the sling style allows you to wear it over one shoulder, completely out of the way, whilst allowing quick and easy access to your gear. With an approximate 5L capacity it has a surprisingly spacious main compartment allowing you to store small belongings and a 13inch tablet or notebook, whilst maintaining a discreet profile when on the move. The second compartment is a hook and loop slot thoughtfully placed at the back of the bag allowing the use of any combination of the Viper VX mag / pistol sleeves. On the front VIPER have added two zipped general purpose pouches, and inside each of them there is an internal mesh pocket ideal to separate your valuables. The right pouch also includes a short lanyard providing extra safety. On the back of the bag you will find a large mesh pocket providing further storage. On both sides of the Sling Pack you will find MOLLE panels allowing for further customisation. The adjustable back strap with a removable sternum strap prevents excess movement whilst an adjustable MOLLE shoulder pad completes the bag giving you the ultimate in comfort. Whether you need an everyday pack or a dedicated go-bag, the Viper VX Buckle up Sling Pack is a perfect cross between a pack and a bag designed for all-day comfort.
Footwear is always something that VIPER have been good at, and their side-zip SPECIAL OPS BOOT was a bit of a classic! But fabrics, components and footwear trends move on apace (sorry!) and the new VENOM boots are really a step forward (my bad, sorry again!) from where they were. The new VENOM boots are bang-on with all the latest performance and comfort technology, starting with the soles which are aggressively styled and have 7mm deep, multi directional treads; these are durable yet flexible, so you can move around with confidence even when carrying a load. The heel of the boot has a moulded TPU heel stabiliser and internal nylon stabiliser shank which actually work well to support your ankle and the combination doesn’t hinder movement one bit.
On the foot they are SUPER comfortable thanks
to the EVA foam midsole. The upper is 1000D Cordura and the sole comes up over the toe so you can be confident that they’ll take a fair battering traversing through all kinds of terrain. Internally there’s a moisture wicking lining and a waterproof
and breathable hydroguard membrane. That means you can be confident that you’ll have cool, dry feet in those soggy winter months. Another thing that we really like is the laces; I know they’re not usually a feature but the VENOM boots come with a really good, heavy-duty set of lace which after all helps to keep the boots on your feet, now doesn’t it?
On the clothing front we are loving the FRONTIER JACKET, a model that again has been chosen by Red Cell (in plain Black) for those chilly range days! This versatile jacket acts as an effective quick-draw defence against the elements with rapid deployment from its stuff sack; it acts as a windproof and water repellent shield. The Viperlite lining lends its lightweight, breathable and thermal qualities to operate in mid to low temperatures. The jacket features two zipped side pockets, one zipped chest pocket and one zipped internal chest pocket to store your valuables. This jacket is a great choice for airsofters who need something light and with a small pack-size that they can carry with them at all times for when the temperature dips, or for when things go from more active “overt” to slower-moving “covert” ops. Once again Jon took a long look at this and concluded “available in Tan, Black, and V-CAM (pictured) overall this is a well-designed, well-cut, comfortable and practical addition to your kit. If worn correctly and in conjunction with other items of a layer system, this jacket could well save your skin on a cold day.”
And to round out the latest additions to the line is the VIPER TACTICAL ROLLNECK TOP which is just landing in their warehouse as I write (three of the six colours are already here, and the remainder should be soon!). This simple yet effective shirt has been designed to be worn as a next-to-skin base layer and therefore features long sleeves, and is made from lightweight, 100% Polyester Mesh-tech wicking/ quick dry material. This will work technically to keep you comfortable in conjunction with a layered clothing system, and it’s stretch fit for even more comfort. It’s also a roll-neck design which I personally love as the neck can be pulled up and worn over the lower face; not only is this ideal for helping to keep off BB strikes, but of course in “C-World” it also works as an emergency face-covering!
I have to say that VIPER, who I already hold in high regard, have gone to some serious lengths to ensure that their new range of gear is fit for purpose in every way, whilst keeping prices sensible. As we roll into 2022 rest assured that you as players are going to have great new kit with which to continue your airsoft adventures, as I’m certain that the new models will be a huge success. All of the new items, along with even more superb looking additions to the clothing line have already been requested for testing, and as always you’ll see our test results in the future.
To keep up to date with the new VIPER TACTICAL products as they become available please visit www.viperkit.co.uk. You’ll also be able to find full stockist details there too. You can also follow VIPER TACTICAL via their very own social media pages (Facebook Viper Tactical @VIPERTACTICALUK, and IG viper_tactical #VIPERTACTICAL). AA
