The RE Factor Tactical Operator “survival” bracelet is available on the RE Factor store now. It is billed as the band designed “to fit the mission needs of Special Operations Personnel” and allow them to have “survival essential at all time”. However, it is probably something that’s just as useful to Boy Scouts and ESAR professionals as it is SOF troops (which is meant as a compliment).
The Tactical Operator Band was developed by a Green Beret SERE Level C graduate and is made in the USA by a US Army combat veteran. It has a removable P51 can opener and flint rod (which can be used without damaging the remainder of the band); the flint can be used as a sink weight for the hook and line.
The bracelet is built of 12′ of 550 (Para-) cord and features 30′ of 80lb fishing line, a #8 fishing hook and a handcuff key.
Rumors of det cord woven in the bracelet, a blasting cap hidden underneath the P51 and a little bottle of spermicide hidden under the buckle are probably apocryphal and have nothing to do with the strange events reported near Simmons Army Airfield the night of St. Patrick’s Day.
You can purchase the Tactical Operator Bracelet from RE Factor Tactical here: https://refactortactical.com/products/survival-wristbands/operator-band/. Check them out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/REFactorTactical.Then join us on our own Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/breachbangclear.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
$50!?!? Why not just buy the items individually and put in a zip lock bag and save yourself some money?
When the advertisement hides the price, you know you’re in trouble.
It’s cool, but at $50 its a little too steep.
I like the handcuff key in the clasp/buckle. Wow. A lot of boyscouts getting arrested or would this be for their troop leader?
This is sick.
The price tag is a little high for recreational users, but with the handcuff key that is really not going to be their demographic. I assume it would be for operators and gear heads.
Perhaps they’ll come out with a more recreational version that replaces the key with an emergency whistle (or something more useful for the criminally disinclined).
Still though, great idea that looks well crafted and thought out.
You guys are right, the price point on the bracelet is pretty steep. However there are a few reasons for this. The first is that the band is made in the USA by an OIF combat veteran who is putting himself through college. We could easily have the band made from some other a cheaper third party out of China or Korea but we think it’s important to support our own and ensure a quality product. He is also generous enough to make all of our other charity bands for practically nothing to ensure that the max amount goes to the warriors that the different charities support. If you get a chance check out his store on FB https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-American-Adventure-Gear/**********87080.
The second reason the band is so expensive is because it showcases two items that have a high price point. This is the handcuff key buckle and the flint rod. Both of these items are very expensive to purchase. Selling the bracelet at such a high price point is tough but unfortunately it’s our own solution for now.
As mentioned in the article these can be used by boy scouts and operators alike. This band was specifically designed for the Operator to be able to have survival essential items on them at all times. When I was in SERE Level C we were given a poncho, a 1 quart canteen, a canteen cup, a book of matches, a knife and 550 cord to survive for 5 days with. The idea behind this bracelet is to mimic those items as close as possible as well as add a few other things to help keep you in the fight.
Thank you to everyone though for your comments and questions. We are dedicated to offering the best quality. Please continue to give us feedback so we can better meet the needs of our customers.
Finally thanks to the guys at Breach Bang Clear, the Mad Duo and Kit Up. You guys are awesome!
I can understand supporting our veterans however I myself could buy those components relatively cheaply and that is without the sort of discounts you get through buying wholesale and in bulk. There are similar products on the market for $20 (with ferrocerium rod and handcuff key), and undoubtedly they are still making a profit.
A switched on operator or SERE instructor will confiscate these sorts of items long before you have the opportunity to use them. Less “survival essential items” more gear *****.
Eric,
You are right, a switched on SERE instructor would most definitely confiscate these items. However, a private in some third world nation’s military might not which is the idea here. We didn’t design these to go through the SERE course with, we designed them to have on you when you go downrange. Nothing is the 100% solution and you are always playing the “what if” game no matter what you do. We just hope this gives the wearer a step up on the playing field. As always we appreciate your feedback and ideas!
P51 can opener??? I was first introduced to the P38 “opener” in basic training, 1969. Has it been renamed after being improved? Looks like what I carried then, in Vietnam and still carry to this day. Probably used mine more than current troops do, if they use one at all. Doubles as a screwdriver (slot or phillips), a small lever, a finger nail cleaner, or, with an edge ground on it, as a small cutting blade in addition to its original function as a can opener.
The 51 is just a bigger version of te 38, where the 38 measures approx. 38mm the 51 stands at a whole whopping 51mm. It’s easier to handle given the slightly larger size.
I have to agree. If you are thinking escape after capture…you ain’t gonna have this on you to use that key. Better to use a std buckle and include a carbon steel scraper to go with the firesteel, then adjust the price if needed.
Interesting.
I definently agree that the price is too steep. HOWEVER, it takes a lot of time to put one of these together which takes time away from other projects these guys could be doing. With that said, survival bracelets, tactical bracelets, paracord bracelets, whatever are always going to be high priced comparatively speaking.
Despite the price, this bracelet is awesome. It’s about damn time somebody thought of an innovative paracord survival bracelet. I’m sick of seeing the same old bracelets being touted as the best. This one has key components that could really save your life in a bad situation. Everyone saying that you’re not going to have this when you get captured or boy scouts don’t need a handcuff key are naive. I’ve carried a handcuff key for the better part of the last 7 years in the back of my belt. You don’t have to be a criminal to need a handcuff key. It would be a smart idea to have one and to know at least a few ways to get out of handcuffs without the key as well.
All said and done, this bracelet looks great. The only problem is that the handcuff key clasp is the only thing this bracelet really has that TRULY makes it unique. I could (and probably will) make one of these tonight for as little as 15 minutes of my time. I’ll keep the key in my belt. So, if the price comes down this would be a winner. $50 sounds like 100% profit to me.
Eh. A few problems with it:
1. As many have mentioned, $50 is a bit too steep.
2. Plastic buckle? For $50, how about a stainless shackle ala Survival Straps.
3. The site looks like it was designed by a bunch of 13-year olds. More than half of the stuff they sell is useless crap. MRE panties? While funny, it’s kinda hard to take these guys seriously.
LOL, I think it is hilarious that people are upset about the price. Really, $50 after everything a real professional special operator spends and you think two twenties and a ten are too much? I do think that it may be expensive for the poser tactical guy who wears 5.11 pants (made in China) to the mall! However, if you are actually in countries doing your job where there is no SOFA then a plastic (metal will pop on a detector and as you know they will leave your Casio g-shock but will take your metal banded TAG) handcuff key is something you may need. I spent $35 per kit on plastic lock picking kits that I sew into the seams of all my clothes I wear overseas but I guess that would be too much for the poser tactical infidel T-shirt wearing guy also. Just get the OP fund to pay for it. In E&E you will need fire and cordage so if you wanna carry it in a ziplock bag or whatever, go for it! Just be sure you pack it on your person (like in the cargo pockets) but for me I have initiators in the left pocket and flex linears in my right. I have carried a survival kit in an Altoid can for years and 550 for shoelaces but this is the first time I have seen it made so convenient. I will tell my supply guy to place an order from out of the ASO funds.
Brother, I totally get what your saying. I love this piece of kit. The utility of the whole thing is innovative and useful. However, $50 for something that would probably cost $25 to make is a little steep. Not everyone has someone else that can pay for their kit. I understand if this is something that only this company or others like it can manufacture. But anyone can go out and make one of these at home. I think that’s why there is so much fuss over the price.
Wow. I love how it’s always the same guys who claim they are so patriotic and stand behind soldiers who are the first to turn around and cry about the cost of things that are made in the USA. Sure, this band probably could be made cheaper if they farmed out the labor to some sweat shop in a developing country and bought crappy parts, but instead they are choosing to keep it local- actually supporting American business. By the way, what about all that talk of supporting a small American business just trying to actually keep quality as their highest priority? I’ve met these guys and they are definitely not about greed- they just want to stay afloat- I GUARANTEE that if you can find a way to make these bands cheaper and still done well that they’d be interested in hearing from you.
If you want to go shove all of these parts in a plastic bag and carry it around that way- go for it- that’s always been an option. I think the idea here is to make something better and to not have fish hooks stabbing you in the leg. If and when I am ever in a situation where I need to use this thing, I’m sure as **** not going to be worried about $50.
You can make your own for a lot less. The internet is full of How-to’s on making a 550 cord bracelet. So what if He is putting himself through college? I’m trying to feed my family!
There is no way to make this bracelet for $20. The fishing line used is 80lb test spiderwire, to buy a spool, its around $18.00, if you head to the surplus store, a P51 is around $2, you’ve hit $20 right there without buying hooks, wire, handcuff key buckles, 550 cord, or flint. Its funny that this bracelet is “overpriced”, and in the same thread using a steel shackle like Survival Straps does is mentioned, their bracelet with a shackle is $35.00, you don’t get fishing line, a hook, wire to use as a snare, a handcuff key, flint, or a P51, just a bracelet with a steel shackle. This is not only a well made bracelet, but one that adds far more functionality than any other survival bracelet that I’ve personally seen.
question with the buckle is it possible to use it to engage a double lock on handcuffs?
Yes it can!
ok never mind i see it now, the frame of the buckle was kind of obscuring the tooth. That in and of itself would probably make it useful for my job were it not for the fact that the powers that be apparently decided 550 bracelets look unprofessional
So..it may be a stupid question, but it seems to me like the handcuff key isn’t reusable, is it?
Yes it is. You can remove it and put it back in as many times as you like.
what about the survivor band (with the whistle in the clasp) does that one have a handcuff key as well? I noticed you’re currently sold out of them by the way. feel free to contact me when you have more in stock.
thanks in advance
It might just be me but $50 for the right piece of kit doesn’t seem so bad. If all I wanted was a 550 cord bracelet because it looks cool when i wear it at the mall then I’d probably get one of the 20 dollar versions at a surplus store. The extra goodies are worth having especially considering that the total cost of the band is still less than going out for a night of drinking.
Fail “review”. How about an article on how to make one yourself (considering how cheap it would be). Show pics on how to braid the cord (not too hard, taught myself), etc. Why are you going to waste everyone’s time with an extremely overpriced item and talk it up and think we are all too stupid to realize you have an interest of some sort to support this company.
This site really went downhill. Bunch of sell outs posting advertising and calling it a blog all to make an easy buck. Pathetic.
the point is that it isn’t just a case of setting up another 550 cord, the point is that they managed to work in a number of practical survival items into said bracelet that you can access in an emergency. You, think you can work in a fishing line, hook, and handcuff key into your home project? One word. MANCHESTER.
You got matches & a knife in Level C!!
I was in Rangely, ME, 1991, temps maxing out daily at MINUS 15F and we didn’t get matches or a knife!. Just those silly, white Mickey Mouse boots.
I have no problem with the price. I’ve ordered one. The only thing ‘negative’ I can say at the moment is that I wish it could somehow be made of all non/metallic parts. After 9/11 I had the P-38 that I had brought back with me from ‘Nam confiscated by TSA. They claimed it was a potential weapon! Lord knows what a conniption they’d have over a fish hook (weapon?) or metal wire (garrote!).
LRRP,
I just managed to get the band through two airports. That being said you never know what TSA agent you are going to get. You can cut the P51 off without ruining the integrity of the band. That way you are more likely to keep it through security. Thanks for purchasing!
Thanks for the update. I’m not going to chance it though. I’ll just put it in my checked luggage, or leave it at home if I’m not checking any!
While there are websites with instructions for making your own p-cord bracelet, it is even easier to make your own using the simple “daisy chain” style used by rock climbers for tying up webbing. It is easy and quick to construct, and, more important, can be disassembled in a second, giving instant access to the cord, rather than having to laboriously undo the more complicated version.
I’m broke as **** at the moment, but would gladly pay $50 for this to a) save me from having to track everything down, b) contribute to furthering this guy’s future. It took time, initiative, an capital to bring this to market. I’m as DIY as anyone, but don’t need to make every last little thing myself to save a few bucks. My time is worth more than that.
want this bracelet or handcliff key buckle
Who makes the clasp??