In reviewing this bag it became apparent very quickly that Protecs competitors have got a mountain to climb if they are going to match their bags for design, build quality & cost.
It is a mid-sized frameless backpack constructed of tough 1200D nylon. This unique design has three zipped compartments and a notably huge amount of kit loops. To top it off it is double stitched with bound seams ensuring that its construction will provide years of rugged use.
Features:
Hydration system compatible.
Body contour shoulder straps
External side compression straps
Heavy duty carry/ drag handle
Padded torsion and stabiliser waist belt
Two sets of securing straps (ground sheet, sleeping bag, etc.)
D-rings for equipment attachments on the shoulder strap
All compartments have large No 10 zips closed by dual sliders
Molle loops on front and both sides for accessories
Velcro patch on the front for your own badge
Weight 1.4kgs
Capacity: approx 30.3ltr
Size: H 50cm x W 37cm x D 24cm (expandable)
When Protec launched its range of Police PSU rucksacks at The Police & Scientific Development Show in 2004 it revolutionised the way Police Officers think about managing their kit. The arrival of Protec's 'M' series saw the M12 hitting the streets in March 2005. By June 2005 every force in the UK had purchased or were field testing the bag. With so much feedback and being true to their policy on "Police Commitment" they assessed specific Policing needs and held back on the launch of the M19 and the M27.
Months of further development, assessment and field testing later, Protec finally introduced the next bags in the range and the demand by forces across the country and throughout Europe was incredible.
Managing Director Mike Cosgrove explained, "We are one of those companies who have been slightly pigeon holed by their own success. People now recognise that we are an established Police bag developer but I often find myself explaining to Officers that we are still one of Europe's leading Police product developers."
The Liverpool company has been turning out new and redeveloped bags ever since. Thousands of their Police bags can be found across the country and European Police services are no stranger to the Protec range.
Ever since this Police bag transformation, many bag manufacturers have jumped on the band wagon. Police Officers have never had so much choice when it comes to styles and designs. Sadly, too many of these companies have let our law enforcers down by producing poor quality holdalls. This also had the adverse effect of allowing manufacturers of quality bags to increase the price of their products. Mike Cosgrove continued, "There are a lot of poor products on the market. There are also a lot of expensive products out there. We realise that many Officers are reluctant to purchase equipment with a small price tag and that's why our products carry the guarantee we offer. Most of our custom is due to recommendation and it's something we are very proud of."
Indeed, a visit to their web site, www.police-supplies.co.uk confirms that many of their products are considerably cheaper than their competitors. This latest bag in the 'M' range was developed due to numerous requests to produce a cost effective mid sized tactical bag. As always Protec have developed a Police tactical bag that is superior to any other bag we found in the same price range.
Putting the bag to the ultimate test we compared it to a well established brand within the industry. We couldn't split them, with one exception, the price. The Protect M35 at £29.95 came in at a massive 75% saving. Granted the 'branded' bags in the industry are very expensive, perhaps over priced. Many Officers go for alternative bags. With this in mind we took the M35 and compared it to similar bags offered by Protec's competitors. This time it blew the competition away on build quality, functionality and most importantly on price. It still came in at an average 50% cheaper.
Remember what this bag is, it is a Special Operations Tactical Bag. Search for its competitor on google. Then go back to Protec Police bags and take another look.
Their description is spot on but somehow still doesn't do it justice. This bag has more kit loops than I could mention. I would defy anyone who could hang a piece of kit from every loop and still manage to carry the bag. Sounds like a 'You Tube' challenge but it isn't - please don't try this at home. The kit loops are actually a design feature that enables Officers to arrange their kit in a very personal way.
The M35 will be on show for the first time at ACPO 2008 at The Liverpool Arena. It will be joined by its predecessors the M19, M24 and M27 completing the Protec range's very own fab four. The Protec 'M' series is considered by many to be the industry standard for working Police bags and the latest edition is a credit to the company.
Gerard James is an Author and Reviewer of Police Supplies & Equipment.
This article focus's on the latest Police Bag from Protec.
As a serving Police Officer, who is never too shy to offer his opinion, he has been instrumental in assisting companies develop products such as the 'M' series range of < a href="http://www.police-supplies.co.uk/bags/cat_88.html"> Police Rucksacks .