We recently published a review of the 3rd generation Crye Precision AirFlex Combat Knee Pads integrated knee pads. Today we will consider common replicas on them, try to find out if there is a difference between them and the original.
Today I will not tell you what integrated knee pads are, what are their advantages, and I will not dwell on the structural features of the Crye Precision AirFlex Combat Knee Pads. All the information is already in our review, so you can reread it before moving on. But, I propose to dwell on the replicas, and consider them from the point of view of approximation to the prototype. And the best way to do this is to compare with the original, as we have already done in the cases of the active 3M Peltor Comtac III Dual Comm headset, or the Ops-Core OCC Dial Liner Kit for helmets.
As examples today we will use samples from ACM and EmersonGear - renowned manufacturers of replica military equipment, tactical equipment and components for airsoft and outdoor activities.
ACM Combat Knee Pads
Like the original, the replica from ACM is packed in an ordinary transparent plastic bag, sealed with a vacuum seal. Inside you will find two knee pads with a total size of 15 cm x 26 cm (width / height). In width, these indicators are inferior to the original by about half a centimeter. For a better comparison, put them next to the original Crye Precision AirFlex Combat Knee Pads.
Although the colors of both items are claimed as Khaki, the photo above shows a clearly visible difference between the replica (left) and the original (right). For me, the color of ACM Combat Knee Pads is closer to Coyote, but color is not the most important criterion.
You should also pay attention to the Velcro at the top of the knee pads. As you can see, in the case of ACM, their shape, size and placement are exactly the same as the original.
The ACM Combat Knee Pads have dimensions of 12 cm x 14.5 cm (width / height), and this time they are half a centimeter inferior to the original in height. The rest of the external features are pretty close to the original. Horizontal grooves are also not very different in elasticity, and allow the shells of the knee pad to adapt when bending the knee, reducing the load on the material of the trousers.
But the molds for dampers and the edge processing in ACM are not up to Crye Precision quality. As you can see in the photo above, the dampers, although they have a recess similar to the original, but the area of the hole is much smaller than that of the original knee pads. The height of the opening is 5.5 cm. It is inferior to the original by a centimeter. A smaller footprint can lead to less ventilation of the skin underneath the knee pads, resulting in discomfort with prolonged wear.
On the inside of the damper, you can also clearly see that the area of the ventilation holes is smaller. You can also notice the worse quality of the seam processing, which connects the damper and the sink to each other. Where in the original the thread is superimposed by several centimeters, in replicas it is simply cut off and, moreover, is not melted. This fact over time can lead to seam divergence, and the separation of the damper and the shell.
All visual imperfections of the damper are easily hidden inside the pockets for integrated knee pads. But the difference in color of the shell is noticeable even after installing the knee pads in the pants. Above this fact is demonstrated by the example of Army Combat Pants FR in the Multicam camouflage pattern.
ACM Combat Knee Pads sample was provided by punisher.com.ua store.
EmersonGear G3 Combat Knee Pads
Replica G3 Comabt Knee Pads from EmersonGear are also packaged in a transparent plastic bag, but instead of a vacuum seam, it closes with a Ziploc type fastener. I see no reason to compare packages, so let's move on to getting acquainted with its content.
The overall dimensions of the EmersonGear G3 Combat Knee Pads are 17 cm x 26 cm (width / height) versus 15.5 x 26 (width / height) in the original. This discrepancy can be explained by the fact that the replica from EmersonGear is flatter and has less curvature than the Crye Precision knee pad.
Unlike ACM, EmersonGear did not inherit the Velcro inside the knee pad from the original, but simply inserted rectangular Velcro strips on three sides of the sink.
The shells measure 13 cm x 14.5 cm (width / height) and prevail over the original by a centimeter in width, but are inferior to it by half a centimeter in height. Again, due to the plane of the profile of the knee pad.
In terms of density, they are inferior to both the original and the replica from AMC, which makes it easier to bend in horizontal recesses.
The EmersonGear G3 Combat Knee Pads dampers, although they prevail over the original in size, are significantly inferior to it in the quality of edge processing. In the photo above, you can compare the edges of the replica (left) and the original (right) yourself. The ventilation holes here have an even more pronounced depression and width. But the height of the opening is fully consistent with the original, and is 6.5 cm.
On the inner surface of the damper, the difference in the width of the ventilation holes is also clearly visible.
The quality of the seams, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired, as well as the processing of the edges. In the photo above, you can clearly see that the edges are sometimes not even cut along the contour, and have noticeable protruding parts that will have to be cut off yourself.
As in the previous case, all the damper shortcomings are hidden by Combat Army Pants FR, and the shells do not differ so much in color.
Sample EmersonGear G3 Combat Knee Pads was provided by punisher.com.ua store.
Finally, comparison photos of the replicas from ACM and Emerson Gear alongside the original Crye Precision AirFlex Combat Knee Pads.
Combat Knee Pads front view: ACM Combat Knee Pads (left), Crye Precision AirFlex Combat Knee Pads (center), EmersonGear G3 Combat Knee Pads (right).
Combat Knee Pads rear view: ACM Combat Knee Pads (left), Crye Precision AirFlex Combat Knee Pads (center), EmersonGear G3 Combat Knee Pads (right).
As you can see, despite the relatively similar appearance, replicas are inferior in quality of materials and workmanship, which can lead to a deterioration in performance characteristics (ventilation, durability, reliability, etc.). However, if you are mainly interested in appearance, compatibility and low cost of equipment that is constantly being washed and worn out, then replicas can be a possible alternative for you.
Source: https://secretsquirrel.com.ua/snaryazhenie/repliky-nakolinnykiv-airflex-combat-knee-pads/
Author: MAD
