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ReadyUpGear: Does it Again!

It’s not always a new caliber with magical ballistics in the firearms industry that impresses me the most. Sometimes it can be the little things that just make life simple. For this, it was a piece of gear I didn’t know I needed until I used it for the first time; ReadyUpGear did this with their EarClip and 16340 USB rechargeable batteries. 

Company Information:

ReadyUpGear (RUG) is a small business located in Sheridan, Colorado. They focus on providing quality yet affordable products to the market. Being a small business, they test every product they sell with one goal in mind: “Would we use it, and would we count on it to save the lives of our loved one?” (RUG). 

Website: https://readyupgear.com/

The Numbers

Manufacturer: ReadyUpGear

Model: EarClip

Dimensions:

3 1/3” Height

Just under 2 ½” Length

½” wide

Features: 

Fits belt up to 2 ¼” Wide

Headbands up to 2” Wide

Strong yet flexible polymer construction

Neodymium magnetic closure

MSRP: $9.99

Function:

At first glance, the EarClip by RUG looks just like another piece of plastic. But once I started to mess with it (even before scheduling a range day) I wondered why it had not been invented before. Such a simple idea expertly executed by RUG. The polymer feels strong. It feels like it should be stiff and difficult to use however, it is extremely flexible. This flexibility allows you to clip headsets with wider bands easily, with minimal effort. At first, I was afraid to stretch the clip a part as it doesn’t feel like your typical flexible material. I was being cautious with placing the headband into the clip which was unnecessary. The EarClip opens easily, and plenty far to clip your headset into it without looking, or worrying about the clip snapping. Having the ability to clip and secure my headset to my belt while on the range without having to carry them, flip them on top of my head or setting them down, ultimately saves from forgetting them on the range and hoping they haven’t grown legs and walked off. If you only do bench shooting and never leave your spot, you might not gain much from the EarClip. But, if it saves you from replacing just one headset it has more than paid for itself. If your headsets are anything like mine, losing just one will set you back well over $10. Not only is it a solid investment for you, but they also make great gifts for your range buddies or fellow instructors. 

Model: 16340 USB Rechargeable Batteries

Dimensions: 

Under ¾” diameter

1 1/3” tall

CR123A size battery

Features: 

650mAH Lithium-ion

800-100 charge cycles

Three different types of heat protection

Overcharge, discharge, short circuit, and heat protection

Charging and charged indicator lights

MSRP: $19.99 (2 pack)

Function:

RUG’s 16340 USB rechargeable batteries outperform traditional CR123A batteries. I dropped a pair of RUG’s 16340s into a SureFire 6P LED flashlight, and the increased output was amazing. With them being rechargeable by either a Micro USB or traditional battery charger, I am not worried about the amount of usage they get. Remove them, pop them on the charger if using a USB, and the light will be red and turn green indicating they have been charged. RUG included three different types of overheat protection within their batteries, ensuring they are safe to use with pressure relief valve, separate microporous, and PTC cathodal block protection. The batteries also have overcharge, discharge, and short circuit protection. With their ability to go through 800-1000 charge cycles and maintaining 75% charging capability after 800 charges, you can be assured these batteries will last for a long time. RUG batteries will replace your traditional CR123A batteries with their higher voltage output of 3.7v you will need to ensure your equipment can handle the additional voltage without causing damage. Most modern flashlights can handle the extra voltage without damaging effects; additionally, the increased voltage can maximize the brightness output. A charger and cable are not included for me; this is a welcomed relief. I have more chargers and cables than any single person should have. RUG offers a Micro USB charging cable on their website as well, just in case you don’t have one.

Final Thoughts:

ReadyUpGear is bringing some unique designs and innovations to the firearms accessory market. They have impressed me with their quality, and maintained affordable price points with their products. Bringing ideas to the market with equipment I didn’t even know I needed until it was in my hands. The EarClip has already found its way into my range bag as a permanent accessory. The 16340 USB rechargeable batteries are in daily use with my SureFire scanning the yard for moose, and lynx every morning before letting the dogs out…well at least until summer and the sun never goes away! Small pieces of gear that do not break the bank and make my life just a little bit easier are always a welcomed addition to my range bag.