View Full Version : Professional Operator's Kit --- A review
Smokin Joe
08-07-2006, 20:23
I recently received the Professional Operators Kit from Blue Line Gear. My purpose for this piece of equipment is for Search and Rescue Missions. SAR missions are one of my primary responsibilities; because of this I wanted a light weight, wearable bag, that could conceal/carry a full size pistol, an extra magazine, a radio, a flash light, pens / pencils, pad of paper, my favorite Blade the Harsey T-3, and other miscellaneous items.
I looked around the internet for several months before I settled on the POK. I read rave reviews about it on badlands so I figured I would give it a try.
I ordered the POK from Ryan at www.bluelinegear.com . Ryan was awesome, I ordered the POK on a Saturday, Ryan called me on Monday and advised me of a delay, but by Friday I had the POK on my door step.
It is approximately 10 X 10 inches in size it features 7 channels and 5 rows of MOLLE attachment points on the front. I added a DBT admin pouch and DBT small radio pouch to fit my needs. On the back it gives you the ability of attaching it to a pack or other MOLLE compatible platform via MOLLE attachments that are included or you can wear it like a radio chest rig.
Inside on the top contains a flat area of loop Velcro with an adjustable universal holster, an adjustable double magazine pouch. On the bottom it contains several elastic loops, a clear ID panel and 2 zippered pockets for various items. Construction is top notch, with taped and double stitched seams this thing is one tough piece of gear.
Zippered up this bag is very unobtrusive and it fits my needs very well, on a SAR mission now all I do is ditch my duty belt, grab my POK, garb my camelback, and I hit the wood line. I would highly recommend the POK and Blue Line Gear to anyone!
More info on the POK from there website.
http://www.professionaloperatorskit.com/pok.php
Hope this was helpful to some.
Smokin Joe
08-07-2006, 20:32
More Photo's
NousDefionsDoc
08-07-2006, 20:45
Great review Joe, thanks.
I've got a bag coming from POK. I was thinking about one of these for one of our range weeks.
You might want to consider tying that radio antenna down before it pokes your eye out.
Smokin Joe
08-07-2006, 20:56
You might want to consider tying that radio antenna down before it pokes your eye out.
Thanks!
Ah good idea.....doing it now.
looks like you took some of the pics in the bathroom mirror...you could have used a timer, you know...:D
Smokin Joe
08-07-2006, 21:14
looks like you took some of the pics in the bathroom mirror...you could have used a timer, you know...:D
I was free handing it (no tripod) so using the timer would have screwed me up even more. As it was I got lucky.:cool: :munchin
NousDefionsDoc
08-07-2006, 21:23
looks like you took some of the pics in the bathroom mirror...you could have used a timer, you know...:D
Oh, like you don't dress up in new kit and prance around in the bathroom looking at yourself in the mirror...
Great review Joe, thanks.
Ditto Joe.
I have been looking for something like this for a while now. I have tried several different setups ( SPEC-OPS,BLACKHAWK, etc,) but nothing that will do the trick. I do'nt do a lot of SAR, just occasionally. I mostly want to keep certian items centrally located for quick access when I am off duty or switching vehicles. This looks like it will fit the bill.
Have you field tested it yet?
How did it ride running & or moving through rough terrian?
Noticed mike cord looped around outside pockets, was it attached somehow?
Will be interested to hear how it functions for you. Great pics! Thanks for sharing the info.
NSDQ
Oh, like you don't dress up in new kit and prance around in the bathroom looking at yourself in the mirror...LOL...busted...but i would have never taken a close up of my blood type tag where assholes like me wouldn't have to work to see it...:D
Joe,
that is what I am looking for in order to wear while jogging. Do you think it would be comfortable to wear while jogging and loaded say with a G34, extra mags, handcuffs, and cell phone? For some crazy reason St Bernards are not my friend and my neighborhood has a few of them along with just the typical mutt out to make a scar for himself.:)
Smokin Joe
08-09-2006, 01:30
NSDQ and MAB32,
As far as running goes, I guess it depends on how far you plan on running with it. But I think it would be okay. Just think of a chest mounted radio pouch but a little heavier...
Joe,
that is what I am looking for in order to wear while jogging. Do you think it would be comfortable to wear while jogging and loaded say with a G34, extra mags, handcuffs, and cell phone? For some crazy reason St Bernards are not my friend and my neighborhood has a few of them along with just the typical mutt out to make a scar for himself.:)
Ah St. Bernards are great dogs. I grew up with them, just don't let them intimidate you. :D If while jogging one comes after you, keep this in the back of your mind. In college I could run a 4.3 sec 40 yard sprint. We had a 250lb male St. Bernard that trotted faster than I could sprint. :eek:
My friend, these are defenately not the Bugs Bunny, Road Runner Hour types. And they hurt when they bite!:eek:
Also, telling them that they are not suppose to be out rescuing people while you are running away, doesn't work either! And he didn't even have on a small keg of "liquid courage!"
Team Sergeant
08-09-2006, 08:33
I thought you were a COP!:rolleyes: Why the need to carry (a boat anchor) concealed?
You're doing SAR? I didn't see a compass, signal mirror, pen flare, spare battery, first aid equipment etc. in your kit....
Pen and pencil? You going to write someone a ticket?:rolleyes:
Team Sergeant
Former "CSAR" member.....
funnyman
08-09-2006, 08:50
May not be a good idea to store it with the hammer cocked. If you need it in an emergency, you're going to have to unzip the case to get to it anyway. Maybe it's safe - I haven't used those; I use a Sig in which case it's safe to carry it in the "de-cocked" position.
OTOH, if I needed to carry a pistol on a SAR mission, I'd rather have it exposed so I can get to it faster.
Just my $.02 :)
TS,
I was looking for something to wear around my chest so that I could carry "off duty" while running. I haven't been able to find something like that yet. I will admit though I haven't really looked hard enough. Jogging with a G34 on the waist is uncomfortable to say the least! And... a G34 is not as big a "Boat Anchor" as an H&K! :rolleyes:
May not be a good idea to store it with the hammer cocked. If you need it in an emergency, you're going to have to unzip the case to get to it anyway. Maybe it's safe - I haven't used those; I use a Sig in which case it's safe to carry it in the "de-cocked" position.
OTOH, if I needed to carry a pistol on a SAR mission, I'd rather have it exposed so I can get to it faster.
Just my $.02 :)
FYI, there is no "decocked" position on a 1911. He either has to carry it in Condition 1 or without a round in the chamber. ;)
Team Sergeant
08-09-2006, 10:48
TS,
I was looking for something to wear around my chest so that I could carry "off duty" while running. I haven't been able to find something like that yet. I will admit though I haven't really looked hard enough. Jogging with a G34 on the waist is uncomfortable to say the least! And... a G34 is not as big a "Boat Anchor" as an H&K! :rolleyes:
Size is not the issue. My point with all 1911, clones, is that they are single action, cocked and locked only. And that they were "State of the Art" in the year 1911. In a world of "choices", (double & single action, ambidexterious safeties, mag catch, slide catch, etc etc etc) the 1911 would be second to last on my list of combat pistols, only the Glock is worse in my opinion.
When you find something to wear while running let me know. I think I'm scaring the neighbors when I wear my M-4 slung over my shoulder while running.;)
Roguish Lawyer
08-09-2006, 11:00
I think I'm scaring the neighbors when I wear my M-4 slung over my shoulder while running.;)
I don't think you need the M-4 to scare the neighbors. ;) :D
Hey, when you are given the choice of a S&W or a Glock, it was a no brainer for me.:D When Smith's were the only handgun allowed to be carried, we were to carry the S&W 4506. That is about as big and ugly as one could get IMHO.;) I had no resonable way to carry it off duty so I elected to carry it in the "posterior, lower inguinal, horizontal positioning, slide fastener with quick opening module and in the reinforced nylon package" in tactical black. Now I have a "real" handgun and was wanting something, well, fashionable yet uncomplicated and that doesn't scream out "He's gotta gun, he's gotta a gun!":eek:
mumbleypeg
08-09-2006, 11:44
The Team Sergeant Biathalon. I like it!
I remember seeing a small chest harness for carrying a kahr while running. I will look and see if I can find a link...http://www.survivalsheath.com/holsters/index.htm
This isn't intended to distract from the POK.
Yeh, I don't want to hijack Joe's thread either.
I think I'm scaring the neighbors when I wear my M-4 slung over my shoulder while running.;)
LOL - Sounds like the whole "getting along with civilians" thing is going splendidly!:D
Great review Joe, thanks. Dayum - 4.3 - is that where "Smokin" comes from?
Smokin Joe
08-09-2006, 23:48
I thought you were a COP!:rolleyes: Why the need to carry (a boat anchor) concealed?
You're doing SAR? I didn't see a compass, signal mirror, pen flare, spare battery, first aid equipment etc. in your kit....
Pen and pencil? You going to write someone a ticket?:rolleyes:
Team Sergeant
Former "CSAR" member.....
Too bad in AZ the "Sheriff shall coordinate and conduct any and all Search and Resuce's in there county"
The Camelback has the GPS, Compass, Spare batteries, and a very light first aid kit.
Pen, pencil, and pad of paper are for general to various notes. Such as time, mileage, etc. etc. yes we have to account for that because SAR'S come out of different budgets then regular patrol work.
And Fortunately we don't have to conduct CSAR missions. :cool:
Smokin Joe
08-09-2006, 23:50
LOL - Sounds like the whole "getting along with civilians" thing is going splendidly!:D
Great review Joe, thanks. Dayum - 4.3 - is that where "Smokin" comes from?
Kinda its a hold over from Smokin Joe Frazier and when I used to Comp fight.
Team Sergeant
08-10-2006, 08:59
The Camelback has the GPS, Compass, Spare batteries, and a very light first aid kit.
You sure you've got enough water?:rolleyes:
And Fortunately we don't have to conduct CSAR missions.
Then why the hand cannon?:rolleyes:
If I were conducting SAR in your neck of the woods I'd rather be toting an M-4, one mag no extras. (It would stop any bad ass mountain lions that wanted a piece of you.) Then I'd want water, water and more water. A GPS, compass, topo maps, radio, spare batteries, more water, first aid kit, pen flares and a signal mirror. OK, maybe some food...... I'd also want all of this on my back, in a little pack, not on my front.
my .02
Smokin Joe
08-10-2006, 12:49
Then why the hand cannon?:rolleyes:
Policy...while on duty we have to be armed.
If I were conducting SAR in your neck of the woods I'd rather be toting an M-4, one mag no extras. (It would stop any bad ass mountain lions that wanted a piece of you.) Then I'd want water, water and more water. A GPS, compass, topo maps, radio, spare batteries, more water, first aid kit, pen flares and a signal mirror. OK, maybe some food...... I'd also want all of this on my back, in a little pack, not on my front.
my .02
Good points, but admin freaks out if we walk around with our rifles and there isn't a "good reason" (good reason= potential bad guy with a weapon :rolleyes: ) Also for us Patrol guys we are only on searches for 4-10 hours then the SAR Coordinator and his volunteers get rotated in, we go back to normal duty.
Methinks I need to look into one of these for my offroad exploration trips up here in alaska. Wearing a hip holster with a 4 point harness isn't exactly comfortable...
It'd work for me because I could pack a motorola in a radio pouch, various other BS, and my HK to slow a bear down enough to get to my blazer where the carbine and slug gun reside.
I recently received the Professional Operators Kit from Blue Line Gear. My purpose for this piece of equipment is for Search and Rescue Missions. SAR missions are one of my primary responsibilities; because of this I wanted a light weight, wearable bag, that could conceal/carry a full size pistol, an extra magazine, a radio, a flash light, pens / pencils, pad of paper, my favorite Blade the Harsey T-3, and other miscellaneous items.
I looked around the internet for several months before I settled on the POK. I read rave reviews about it on badlands so I figured I would give it a try.
More info on the POK from there website.
http://www.professionaloperatorskit.com/pok.php
Hope this was helpful to some.
I dont want to detract from a review of a useful item but dont you think the pack is a bit small for sars? Climbing rope? Food? Water? You could use this in tandem with a backpack I reackon but I have seen event manager's using this for the raid gauloises and southern traverse, but not military as yet..Its more of a pouch to have which you can reach into for small items instead of reaching back into your backpack for small items you will need.
But then again, I am sure this pack has its good uses non the less..
NDD.....Where the heck are ours??????
NousDefionsDoc
11-27-2006, 17:07
NDD.....Where the heck are ours??????
I sent him a note, he says they are being built. Should be any month now.
Smokin Joe
11-27-2006, 22:28
I dont want to detract from a review of a useful item but dont you think the pack is a bit small for sars? Climbing rope? Food? Water? You could use this in tandem with a backpack I reackon but I have seen event manager's using this for the raid gauloises and southern traverse, but not military as yet..Its more of a pouch to have which you can reach into for small items instead of reaching back into your backpack for small items you will need.
But then again, I am sure this pack has its good uses non the less..
When we conduct SAR's we ride in Helicopters, on ATV's, Drive SUV's, ride a horse, our least favorite means of transportation is hiking. Not because we are lazy but because you can't cover as much ground. Espeically this time of year; when looking for lost people in the woods time is not on our side.
When we conduct SAR's we ride in Helicopters, on ATV's, Drive SUV's, ride a horse, our least favorite means of transportation is hiking. Not because we are lazy but because you can't cover as much ground. Espeically this time of year; when looking for lost people in the woods time is not on our side.
Fair enough..we have to do any sars on foot out here..as you can imagine, the terrain in North Borneo on my side at least is all bush whacking, jungles and very very steep mountain range and hills....not suitable for ATV's. Nobody really uses Horses here and helicopter rescue's are almost non-existent.
So, its on foot for emergency extractions on foot (yea..that means some poor buggers need to carry out the injuried party on a stretcher for god knows how far/how long) or you die where you fall.
No alternatives for us. Our fire and rescue services have apparently got a budget now for helicopters but they are expensive to operate and they wont use the helo's as often as you see them being used in the states for emergency or trauma evacuations...
Weather is also another concern for us out here. When we go in bush whacking, we take EVERYTHING as we dont know how long we will be in for or what we have to deal with as far as injuries are concerned.
Smokin Joe
12-01-2006, 15:14
I have no experience in a jungle. So I won't comment on if this would be suitable or not. For Northern Arizona it seems to work and fit my needs.
YMMV.
We also use helicopters for damn near everything especially when you get around the Grand Canyon (yes, that is in my County).
I have no experience in a jungle. So I won't comment on if this would be suitable or not. For Northern Arizona it seems to work and fit my needs.
YMMV.
We also use helicopters for damn near everything especially when you get around the Grand Canyon (yes, that is in my County).
The Park Svc. has a badass helo unit at the grand canyon. One of my USFS helicopter crewmwmber instructors had been on that ship and said it was the heat. I think they use MD explorers with the NOTAR tail. From the sound of it, they work really well for what they do.
Good times,
Blake