HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab Review

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve spent years in the field, from instructing tactical medicine to advising on gear selection for various teams. I’ve always stressed the importance of immediate access to life-saving equipment. That’s why the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab immediately caught my eye; it promised a streamlined, rapid-deployment solution for tourniquets.

After years of using nylon pouches, which often sagged or required two hands to access, I was searching for a more robust and readily accessible option. The market is saturated with tourniquet holders, but many felt bulky or overly complex. I was looking for a minimalist design that prioritized speed and reliability. The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab seemed to offer exactly that.

My first impression was one of solid construction. The Kydex felt incredibly durable, and the olive drab color was exactly what I needed to blend with my existing kit. The design was simple, yet effective, inspiring confidence that I could deploy a tourniquet quickly under stress.

Compared to some nylon pouches I’ve used from Condor and some bulkier hard-sided options from Blackhawk, the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab stood out for its streamlined profile. I chose this over others because High Speed Gear (HSGI) has a reputation for quality and durability, and the “TACO” design promised adjustable retention. I was cautiously optimistic; the price was higher than some nylon options, but I was willing to pay for reliability and speed.

Real-World Testing: Putting HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab during a force-on-force training exercise. The exercise simulated real-world scenarios, including low-light conditions and high-stress situations. The ability to rapidly access and deploy a tourniquet is crucial in such circumstances.

The HSGI mount performed flawlessly, allowing me to draw the tourniquet with one hand smoothly, every time. Even in wet conditions, the Kydex provided a secure grip without hindering deployment. I didn’t need any significant time to adjust to its use, which is paramount in high-stress situations.

After the initial use, I noticed that the shock cord retention system allowed for a snug fit without over-compressing the tourniquet. This ensured easy deployment, even with gloved hands. There were no unexpected issues or snags during the extraction process.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use in various training scenarios, the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab has proven to be incredibly reliable. It has endured exposure to mud, rain, and extreme temperatures without any degradation in performance. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the Kydex body.

Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. The design prevents debris from accumulating, unlike some nylon pouches that can trap dirt and moisture. Compared to other tourniquet holders I’ve used, the HSGI mount significantly outperforms them in terms of durability and ease of access.

Breaking Down the Features of HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab

Specifications

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab is constructed from 100% aircraft-grade Kydex. This material offers exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. It’s designed to accommodate most windlass-style tourniquets, including C-A-T, SOF-TT, SOF-TT Wide, and SAM XT.

The unique shock cord design allows for adjustable retention, accommodating different tourniquet sizes. It also features HSGI Universal Clips for mounting to belts up to 2″ wide or MOLLE webbing. The inclusion of a red adhesive decal for easy identification is a thoughtful touch. These specifications matter because they directly influence the pouch’s versatility, durability, and ease of use in critical situations.

Performance & Functionality

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab excels at its primary job: providing rapid and reliable access to a tourniquet. The smooth Kydex body ensures a snag-free draw, even under duress. The adjustable retention system allows users to customize the fit based on their preference and the specific tourniquet being used.

The only potential weakness is the single point of retention (the shock cord). While secure, some might prefer a dual retention system for added redundancy. Overall, it exceeds expectations by providing a simple, effective, and durable solution for tourniquet carry.

Design & Ergonomics

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab boasts a minimalist design, prioritizing function over aesthetics. The Kydex construction provides a rigid and durable platform, while remaining relatively lightweight. The smooth edges and streamlined profile prevent snagging on other gear or the environment.

The mount is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no complicated adjustments or learning curve. The ability to mount it on either a belt or MOLLE webbing adds to its versatility. The design is inherently ergonomic, allowing for a natural and intuitive draw stroke.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kydex construction ensures that the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab is built to last. It can withstand significant abuse without cracking, breaking, or losing its shape. The material is resistant to solvents, sweat, and water, further enhancing its longevity.

Maintenance is minimal; simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. There are no moving parts that require lubrication or special care. The durability and ease of maintenance make it an ideal choice for demanding environments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab comes with a red adhesive decal for easy identification. While there aren’t extensive customization options, the adjustable retention system allows users to fine-tune the fit. The HSGI Universal Clips are compatible with a wide range of mounting platforms, providing flexibility in how it is carried.

It’s compatible with most MOLLE-compatible pouches and platforms from various brands. The lack of extensive customization options is a minor drawback, but the inherent versatility of the design largely compensates for this.

Pros and Cons of HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab

Who Should Buy HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab?

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, EMTs, and anyone who prioritizes immediate access to life-saving medical equipment. It is also a valuable addition to the kit of responsible armed citizens who prioritize tactical readiness. Those who prefer multiple layers of redundancy in retention or require highly specialized mounting solutions might consider other options. A high quality tourniquet is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab

The HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab offers exceptional value. It’s a simple, effective, and durable solution for carrying a tourniquet. The price is justified by its quality construction and ability to facilitate rapid deployment in critical situations.

I wholeheartedly recommend the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab to anyone seeking a reliable and streamlined tourniquet carrying solution. Don’t compromise on your life-saving equipment; invest in the HSGI: Slick Tourniquet TACO U-Mount-Olive Drab and ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected.