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Introducing the Apollo™ Ultra Lite from RTG

RedMan*

Founding Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 11, 2002
336
28
Wa. State....dry side
Introducing the Apollo™ Ultra Lite - patent pending.

All Intellectual Property Rights Reserved

Red Tac Gear™ is proud to introduce its new LBE style belt/suspender system.
The Apollo™ has been in the making for over two years. Over the past 3 months I've worked every spare minute to finish up this project. This was required due to constant modifications proven during field testing. There was also a list of requirements many shooters wanted to see, and a list of features shooters wanted removed.
Outside_A_U_L_.jpg


Inside_A_U_L_.jpg


As you can see in the photo's this is a competition, running and gunning style rig.
Clean shoulder straps were requested. The drag loop was removed so the back panel would NOT ride the shooters neck when shooting (positional or prone).
No Skid was added to the shoulder straps with the option to put No Skid on each shoulder for right or left handed shooters. The shoulder straps have a 1" strip of Loop Velcro on the inside to not only hold the No Skid in place but add as a cushion.
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The mesh back panel is something that to my knowledge has not been done before.
The edge binding is not the normal weak stuff. I use actual 1.5" webbing and 2.0" webbing for my edge binding which is considerably stronger than the industry standard.
You can add your favorite Hydration Pouch, butt pack or whatever you would like on the back panel.
However if you leave the back panel "naked" you can put a ruck or back pack on and not even know the Apollo™ is on.

The Waist belt portion is something that I personally wanted to see.
I chose NOT to put the belt size adjustment in the front, at the belt buckle. My thinking is; this is usable real estate that can/could be used, and should be up to the shooter to determine if placing pouches in the front is needed.
Apollo_3WM.jpg


IMG_1387_WM.jpg

Because the front 2" buckle is non-adjustable, I went with Shock Cord & Cord Locks for my adjustment system, so the user can acquire correct fit. The great feature of this is once you size it to your summer field clothing, you're good to go. When winter hits and you're wearing additional outerwear, you can pull the belt and stretch the Shock Cord to fit you, or you can loosen up the Cord Lock to allow the necessary adjustment needed for the extra clothing.

The 1" rows of molle webbing on the belt have been sewn onto 3" webbing.
The actual channels are hard sewn every other row to the belt portion allowing for the use of a Drop Leg panel/holster if needed.
The belt portion has 7/16" padding inside of it for comfort when tightened up.

belt_panels_2_WM.jpg


The inside of the belt is covered with a strip of 3" loop velcro.
I am working on getting some pouchs converted to have velcro on the outside of the pouch so you can put a single mag pouch inside the belt like pictured below.

IMG_1391_WM.jpg


Being called the Ultra Lite is an understatement. The entire set up weighs just 17 oz.

These will be available in Small, Med., Large, & Extra Large.
Back panels are available with 4 channels (small), 5 channels (med. & large) or 6 channels ( X. large)
Belt portions are available with 7, 8, 9, & 10 channels.

Please remember that the channel spacing spec. for molle is 1.5" and this is how the sizing runs.

A 4 channel back and a 7 channel belt is about 26" (my wife's size (pictured below) or Small).
IMG_1381_WM.jpg


I have a 34" waist and run a 5 channel back with a 8 channel belt.

Price will be $148.50 + delivery in the CONUS Only.

Colors: O.D. & Khaki only at this time (Foliage possible soon ).....by the time you put on the G.P. pouchs you can't see color anyways.

Thanks for looking,
Stu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Here are some photo's from field testing.

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4-IMG_5391_1_WM.jpg


Credits:
Rifle - APA .308 - board member: JJoplin
Tripod - Precision Rifle Solutions - board member: Platypus
Optic Rings - Liberty Optics - board member
Shooting mat - TAB Gear - board member: TBurkes
Tactical pillow, rear bag, Ammo Cards and Apollo™ Ultra Lite LBE - Red Tac Gear™

And a big thanks to the two board members for all their work on this project................THANKS.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

More in the field pics..................

5-IMG_5358_1_WM.jpg


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Credits...........again:
Rifle - APA .308 - board member: JJoplin
Tripod - Precision Rifle Solutions - board member: Platypus
Optic Rings - Liberty Optics - board member
Shooting mat - TAB Gear - board member: TBurkes
Tactical pillow, rear bag, Ammo Cards and Apollo™ Ultra Lite LBE - Red Tac Gear™

And a big thanks to the two board members (you know who you are) for all their work on this project................THANKS AGAIN.

 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Looks good. Nice idea of having the different length sides so us chubby guys aren't wasting space with empty webbing.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Great piece of gaming KIT stu great work dude!!

May have to add one to my xmas list!!
smile.gif
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stu-

Can the back panel be set-up to hold a 100 oz hydration bladder? </div></div>

There are several outfits that make a Molle compatible pouch for hydration bladders . I have one made by Condor that is made for 100 oz. bladders . I think you can pick them up for 25 bucks with the bladder included .
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Yes.
You can add your Hydration Pouch, butt pack or whatever you would like on the back panel, and I'll update the first thread stating so.....thankyou.

However if you leave the back panel "naked" you can put a ruck/back pack on and not even know the Apollo™ is on.

Thanks guys,
Stu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RedMan*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes.
You can add your Hydration Pouch, butt pack or whatever you would like on the back panel, and I'll update the first thread stating so.....thankyou.

However if you leave the back panel "naked" you can put a ruck/back pack on and not even know the Apollo™ is on.

Thanks guys,
Stu </div></div>

Very cool. I'd like to see a pic with a pack mounted over the Apollo.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

OK So Stu calls me tonight to increase max pic postingsize per message on WestCoastTactical.com- now I see why.

That his shit hot!!!

Stu if you have any slip-ups in construction of one I'll take it.....
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks good. Nice idea of having the different length sides so us chubby guys aren't wasting space with empty webbing. </div></div>

yep, and us scrawny guys can actually get gear that doesn't move all over because it doesn't tighten down enough.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Stu,
Great piece of kit. Something you can setup for the fly with your specific go gear. I really like the velcro inside with the pouch or ???? anything else idea.

Great job!!

Stay Safe...
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

It still looks too heavy! work on it haha.

Great looking rig lads.

Have you considered binding both edges of the shoulder straps also? That's something we do to take the edge off them a bit, might help yours especially under load.
wink.gif
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Quick update:

My G.P. pouch guy -- Esstac -- says he will make double wedge mag pouchs for the inside of my belts.

The 7.62 mag pouch will look like these here: http://www.skdtac.com/Esstac_762_Double_Wedge_Mag_Pouch_p/ess.110.htm
I am sending Esstac a DPMS 19 round mag for final fit.

The 556 mag pouch will look like these here: http://www.skdtac.com/Esstac_M4_Double_Wedge_Mag_Pouch_p/ess.101.htm

They will be modified to fit on the inside of my belt system.
One side will have velco for attachment and the other side will be just material.

These will only be available in O.D. & Coyote.

Esstac is also the guy that makes my TBC, Kestrel G.P. & the Leica/Swaro G.P.

Once I have proto types in hand I will post some pictures up.

Thanks for the interest guys,
Stu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Stu,

That looks like a great piece of gear. I just got fitted for new tac armor and was trying to figure out what I wanted to try and come up with in the way of a war belt as my old 782 gear was too bulky and moved around too much. This set up looks like it will fit the bill and serve as my belt under my lighter raid vest and then I can use it at competitions as well.

My only question is do the panels allow for a interanl "belt" type strap attached to the panel so I can attach my drop holster and my support side leg panel? Okay I have another question how about a pocket inside the panels to allow 4"x6" soft trauma plates to be inserted, generating a little more ballistic protection of the blood rich pelvic area, just a thought.

I will be getting with you on an OD set up once I have saved some more pennies.

Take care,

Danel
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

platypus: below is what I was trying to describe in my first post but without pictures it's hard to follow so my apologies if other folks got sidetracked.

IMG_1413_WM.jpg


The Khaki webbing is attached to an actual drop leg I made just messing around.
The Foliage(grey)webbing goes through the places that a drop leg can mount to it.
The black webbing is where the molle goes for the customer to mount up G.P. pouchs.

Basically the 1" webbing is sewn onto 3" webbing @ every 1.5" spacing.
Then the 3" webbing is hard sewn onto the belt panel every other 1.5" molle spacing making a 3" space to put _______________?___________.

Clear as mud right ?

Stu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

As promissed I received these proto type mag pouchs from Esstac.
FWIW, the 762 pouch fits both the AI mags & the AR 10/DPMS 308 mags. The pouch is identical for both.
Left to Right: AI 10 round mags, AR 15 mags, DPMS-AR 10 .308 Mags
IMG_1434_WM.jpg


Below is the back side that shows the locking strap that goes around to the front chanel & locks it in.
IMG_1435_WM.jpg



IMG_1431_WM.jpg


IMG_1430_WM.jpg


IMG_1433_WM.jpg


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These will be available shortly in Coyote & O.D. only.

Prices are $25.00 each.

Thanks for looking,
Stu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

dont take this the wrong way but in all my days i never, ever thought i would live to see a tactical pants retaining system.

no really, its well thought out and looks well made. if i were into that type of shooting it looks like a must have.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

As I stated earlier I would be getting all material necessary to make these in Foliage (Military Grey)
This is the very first one done in this color and will be going out tomorrow (12-1) to board member Vu.

IMG_1451_WM.jpg


IMG_1452_WM.jpg


Thanks guys,
Stu

 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RedMan*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As I stated earlier I would be getting all material necessary to make these in Foliage (Military Grey)
This it the very first one done in this color and will be going out tomorrow (12-1) to board member Vu.

</div></div>

WTF... VU!!

I want one!
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RedMan*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As I stated earlier I would be getting all material necessary to make these in Foliage (Military Grey)</div></div>
I'll take one in Military Grey.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RedMan*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As I stated earlier I would be getting all material necessary to make these in Foliage (Military Grey)
This it the very first one done in this color and will be going out tomorrow (12-1) to board member Vu.

</div></div>

WTF... VU!!

I want one! </div></div>


LOL.. I had to be the first cool kid on the block to get one in Foilage. It matches all my Kifaru kit.

Will post review after I get it all put together.

Thank you Stu for getting this out to me so quickly.

Vu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

I received my kit after Stu made mine and got it to me setting some kind of land speed record!
I will say it's like I was fitted by a Tailor, perfect.
The craftsmanship is very apparent in Stu's work. There isn't one single loose or fringe thread on the rig.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Lightweight, strong and now I also have the option of wearing whatever I need on the AUL and have my Camelback or Gunslinger on over it.
I have some ESSTAC pouches inbound by Thursday so I will have everything out on the range by Friday and hopefully post up some pics.
Thanks again Stu, you rock bro.
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Bam! Shit gets done!

Got my rig from Stu today as promised.

First impressions:

1. Very well built as expected with any of RTG kit. The craftsmanship is excellent.

2. When Stu said this thing was going to be light weight and compact he was not joking. Don’t let the weight and size fool you though. The harness is very solid. Stu took the time and effort to re-enforce what is needed and didn’t just throw on a bunch of webbing and stitching to make something look and feel robust.

3. Personally I REALLY hate shooting with a LBE or Vest setup. I have been looking a long time for something made specifically for competition. Since I am not a secret hamster of any sorts I do not need kit that is “jumpable” or will haul a full combat load. I just need to carry what will get me through a full day of competition. Stu really had the competition shooter in mind when designing this rig.

4. Shoulder straps…PERFECT. I hate a bunch of padding on my straps. I like to make solid contact with the butt of my rifle when shooting. The non-slip shoulder pad is great…would have been better if Stu put it on the left side though. LOL

5. Bungee cord adjustment in the back…VERY well thought out. A lot of LBEs or Vests have nylon webbing or 550 cord for adjustment. This would mean a user would have to adjust the girth of the rig depending on if they are taking off layers of clothing or adding on. The nylon and 550 cord systems might be stronger but is not offer much on the fly adjustment as the bungee cord. The bungee naturally gives so it is very comfortable and user friendly. This is especially nice when running and gunning due to heavier breathing (more heavy for us rounder folks).
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

Cheese & Vu,
thanks guys.
Taken from a song..........."I'm just trying to make a living watching everybody else having fun". T.T.

JT505th,
yours will be going out tomorrow (12-7)

Please advise when received.

Thanks,
Stu
 
Re: R.T.G. new product release of A.U.L. 11-15-09

I made this Apollo rig for a friend.
He is heading to the desert so I decided I would try to reinforce the back molle attachment points.

Pic below is of the back side, looks almost the same as before.
reinforcement_2.jpg


Pic below is of the inside / back pannel.
You can see that I stitched in 3/4" webbing on the back verticle stitchs.
reinforcement_1.jpg


Thanks,
Stu