Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags Review

Let’s Dive into Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve handled everything from high-end night vision to the most basic survival tools. You might be thinking, “Poly bags? What’s so special?”. But trust me, when it comes to crime scene investigation, evidence integrity is paramount, and the Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags are a crucial component in maintaining that integrity. These aren’t your average grocery store bags; they’re designed for a specific, demanding purpose.

I found myself needing these bags during a volunteer assignment with a local search and rescue team. We needed a reliable way to collect and preserve delicate evidence in outdoor environments. I’d previously relied on generic bags, but they were often too flimsy and susceptible to tearing.

My first impression upon receiving the Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags was positive. The material felt significantly thicker and more durable than other poly bags I’ve used. They seemed well-made and ready to handle demanding situations.

I considered several alternatives, including heavier-duty ziplock bags and evidence pouches. However, the flat design and larger size of these bags offered greater versatility for containing oddly shaped or bulky items. These bags from Forensics Source seemed ideal for preserving items in their original condition.

My initial reaction was excitement; I felt confident that these bags would provide the necessary protection and security for evidence collection. The price point seemed reasonable considering the quality and intended purpose.


Real-World Testing: Putting Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test involved a mock crime scene setup during a training exercise with the search and rescue team. We simulated collecting various pieces of evidence, including clothing fibers, small metallic objects, and trace amounts of potential biological material. The Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags performed admirably.

We experienced light rain during the exercise, and the bags effectively shielded the contents from moisture. The thicker mil (.004) provided a noticeable barrier against external elements. I found the bags easy to use; the flat design allowed for easy insertion of items without distorting them.

One minor issue was static cling, especially in drier conditions. This made it slightly challenging to insert very small items without them sticking to the inside of the bag. However, this was easily overcome by grounding myself before handling the bags.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of sporadic use in various training scenarios, the Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags have proven to be surprisingly durable. I have yet to experience any rips or tears, even when handling items with sharp edges. The bags appear to be holding up exceptionally well.

There’s been no significant wear and tear. The bags remain pliable and easy to manipulate. Maintenance is minimal; they simply need to be stored in a clean, dry environment.

These bags significantly outperform the thinner, generic poly bags I’ve used in the past. The added thickness provides a much greater sense of security and reliability. I’m thoroughly impressed with their performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 12 inches x 18 inches. This generous size allows for the containment of a wide variety of evidence items.
  • Thickness: .004 Mil. This is thicker than standard poly bags, providing enhanced puncture and tear resistance.
  • Material: Polyethylene. Polyethylene offers good chemical resistance and is relatively inert.
  • Design: Flat. The flat design allows for easy insertion and removal of evidence without distorting the contents.
  • Intended Use: Crime Scene Investigation, Evidence Collection. The bags are specifically designed for forensic applications.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the integrity of evidence. The thickness, material, and design all contribute to protecting samples from contamination, damage, and loss. The size ensures larger items can be accommodated without compromising the bag’s integrity.

Performance & Functionality

The Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags perform their primary function of containing and protecting evidence exceptionally well. Their durability and resistance to tearing are outstanding. The bags instill confidence in their ability to maintain the integrity of the samples contained within.

The bags’ strength is their robust construction. They may lack some features of custom evidence bags (tamper-evident seals), but can easily be closed securely with tape or heat sealing. The lack of a seal might be a drawback for some users who require immediate, tamper-proof security.

These bags more than meet expectations. They’re simple, reliable, and cost-effective for a range of evidence collection needs. They provide a superior level of protection compared to standard poly bags.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent for a poly bag. The polyethylene is consistent in thickness, and the seams are well-sealed. The weight is negligible, which is essential when carrying multiple bags in the field.

They are incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve; they function exactly as expected. The flat design contributes to their ease of use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their intended use and material, these bags should last for an extended period with proper storage. Their inherent durability prevents tearing and puncturing during normal handling. They should withstand the rigors of crime scene investigation and evidence transport.

Maintenance is minimal; simply store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They are not designed to be repaired, but their robust construction minimizes the need for repair. Replace if torn or punctured.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags are fairly basic, with no additional accessories included. Customization options are limited to labeling the bags with markers or affixing evidence tags. While there are no direct customizations, the bags are universally compatible with standard evidence seals and tapes.

While Forensics Source might offer bags with pre-printed evidence labels, these bags themselves are a blank canvas for labeling. The lack of specific included accessories is not a significant drawback considering the bags’ primary function. These bags allow the user to customize the labeling and identification process according to specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags

Pros

  • Exceptional Durability: The .004 mil thickness provides superior tear and puncture resistance.
  • Versatile Size: The 12×18 inch dimensions accommodate a wide range of evidence items.
  • Cost-Effective: These bags provide excellent value for their performance.
  • Simple and Reliable: The flat design ensures ease of use and reliable containment.
  • Inert Material: Polyethylene offers good chemical resistance, minimizing potential contamination of evidence.

Cons

  • No Tamper-Evident Seal: Requires external sealing methods (tape, heat seal) for secure closure.
  • Static Cling: Can be an issue in dry environments, making it challenging to insert small items.


Who Should Buy Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags?

These bags are perfect for crime scene investigators, forensic technicians, search and rescue teams, and law enforcement personnel. They are ideal for anyone who needs a reliable and durable way to collect and preserve evidence. These Forensics Source bags are essential for anyone working in environments where maintaining evidence integrity is paramount.

Anyone requiring immediate, tamper-proof sealing of evidence should skip this product in favor of bags with integrated seals. Also, they are overkill for basic storage needs.

Essential accessories include evidence tape, permanent markers for labeling, and disposable gloves to prevent contamination. Heat sealers can provide a tamper-evident closure.

Conclusion on Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags

In summary, the Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags are a reliable and cost-effective solution for evidence collection. Their exceptional durability and versatile size make them a valuable tool for anyone working in forensic or investigative fields. The bags deliver excellent value for the money, given their quality and performance.

I would absolutely recommend these bags to anyone needing a dependable way to contain and protect evidence. They provide a crucial layer of security and protection that ensures the integrity of collected samples. Add the Forensics Source 12X18 .004 Mil Flat Poly Bags to your toolkit today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your evidence is well-protected.

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