Army – Navy – Air Force – Marine Corps – Coast Guard

If you’re not familiar with “The Monkey,” this well-known gear reviewer has made a name for himself by giving in-depth critiques of tactical belts to boots to electronics and everything in between. With a knowledge base in art and design, he not only reviews but sells his own creations. From designing his own logo for T-shirts and patches to teaming up with Maxpedition on a combat pouch, The Monkey is always on top of the latest and greatest in the gear world.

What’s the best thing about running MSM?

Although there are many fun small perks, I’d say the best thing is being my own boss. Even when you have a “cool” job such as in the game or movie biz, the fun can really be sucked away when management gets crazy. As bossman, I’m directly rewarded for good decisions and only have myself to blame for bad ones.

The Monkey Logo

Tell us the one quality you look for in all the gear you review.

Quality comes in many forms. However, the first thing I look for is functionality. I want to make sure the gear accomplishes its design goals or if not, perhaps see if it is good at something else. Close behind come: durability, ease-of-use and finally looks/visual appeal.

Your moniker comes from your past as a DJ. With that said, do you think you’ll ever return to spinning records?

The DJ skill luckily is like riding a bike, so I do the occasional house party on request. I don’t think I’ll go into full DJ mode again as it is a lot more work than it looks. You have to travel a lot and keep a steady flow of self promotion. Party quality can vastly vary, and if you jam out every single weekend, the parties start to lose their appeal.

Despite never having set foot on a battlefield (instead serving as a DoD contractor for the U.S. Army), you have become one of the most prominent tactical gear reviewers online. What do you have to say to your critics?

It is a tricky subject, as true battle experience is certainly desired for gear applications, but many of those who have it are too busy or perhaps are not that great at writing reviews. That said, I realize my own writing is typically raw and unrefined, however using my design background I am able to communicate if items work in real-life situations, why they work and how to improve them when possible.

2007 Collaboration with Maxpedition

I make sure and list smaller details not noted in company product descriptions. Despite not serving in a full-military branch, I have made an effort to educate myself on tactical subjects enough to what I think could be described as “helpful to others.” A part of the gear battle is just knowing what exists and the pros and cons of all the different variants. Since such knowledge is my specialty at the moment, this allows others to keep their minds on more important tasks, and they can come to me for quick gear advice or problem solving.

I only ask people look at my reviews for actual content and not write them off based on what I have done or how much of a dork I look like .

What do you do when you’re not trying out the latest Maxpedition bags or Surefire holster kits?

When not gear queering it up, I like to play video games, rock some digital art designs, chasin’ girls and sometimes get my full slack on watching some good ol’ TV. Most days I’m usually keeping busy with MSM in general making sure orders are being filled and keeping fresh designs coming.

Vintage Monkey: Watch him present his design collaboration with Maxpedition, which was released back in 2007.

This week Safariland, law enforcement and security product manufacturer, unveiled a new website for its Protech Tactical product line.

Featuring a full line of products including ballistic shields, helmets, hard armor rifle plates and tactical body armor, the innovative site also has an updated look and feel.

In addition to the cosmetic changes, fresh content gives visitors the option to peruse a body armor selection guide, a threat identification guide, product use and care instructions along with other interesting offerings. Moreover, 360-degree views of tactical vests and shields provide a 3-D image of products made to protect police and soldiers in the line of duty.

“The re-launch of our Protech Tactical Web site reinforces our commitment to being a total armor solutions provider,” said Dan McNeil, category marketing director, in a prepared statement.

Not familiar with all the latest tactical gear terms? The new site also incorporates a glossary that defines terms such as Modular Molle System (MOLLE®) and ACH Warrior.