That's right...I've been the proud owner of a JSP V-Gar system for the last two years, and I'm proud of it!
For those not in the 'loop', the V-Gar system consists of a velcro belt, a Stat Pouch, and a V-Stat pouch. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It also includes the almighty MANRIKIGARROTE.
At first glance, this seemingly simple piece of equipment appears harmless. A steel cable with a fish lure looking thingamabob attached to one end? How in the hell?!? And, more importantly, what in the hell?!?
Manriki- from manrikigusari, the formidable Japanese weapon founded by Toshimitsu Masaki, leader of the Masaki-Ryu and a famous swordsman. Manrikigusari stands for "10,000 power" and "chain". For more info, read Ninja Weapons: Chain and Shuriken by Charles Gruzanski Tuttle Press
Garrote- a length of rope, cord, steel, etc. used to strangle.
YIKES!
JSP, in his creative mind, decided to combine the wonderful attributes of both the manrikigusari and the garrote, and conceal this superior tool inside a belt, a belt that looks like one of those 'rigging' belts or something like that(adding to the concealability) with a POWERFUL deployment system that is just too fast to describe.
So...
Two years ago, I purchase one these babies from James, sight unseen. When I get it in the mail, it is too damn cool. I mean, seriously, just way too f*cking cool!! Being a somewhat stupid person, I decide to whip this manrikigarrote around, to see how it feels, and how it moves. Well, this sucker moves FAST!!!! So fast, that I nailed myself almost immediately. There's a reason for that pointy teardrop shape; just look at the scar on my collarbone.
I wear my V-Gar every day. Seriously. Every damn day. It's that comfortable. With jeans...no problem. HOWEVER, if you wear button fly jeans, look into the V-Gar 2 belt. It's quieter, with less velcro to unravel when you go pee-pee or poo-poo. Other than that, no problem. I even wore a Leatherman tool on the belt for the first year with no wear or tear.
When I'm working out and/or running, I wear the belt with my sweats or shorts. Not needing belt loops makes this so convienent! The only place I haven't worn it is at the pool.
The Stat Pouch is my prefered second way of carrying the Manrikigarrote aka MG. Last week I had the honor of standing up in a wedding, and my MG was snuggled up securely in its Stat Pouch, in the waistband of my tuxedo. Very 007. At least that's what I thought. My wife and kids, however, thought that I was...well, let's just say if trouble happened, I'd be ready.
And, thank God, trouble hasn't happened to me yet. But when it does, you can bet your sweet patooty that I'll be ready as hell.
And isn't that what this whole V-Gar system is all about?? Being ready. Always. Sure, carry a knife and/or a gun, hell, carry two. But, might as well carry a V-Gar as well. Why not?
As for wear and tear on anything, my original belt is starting to show signs of fraying. I got a V-Gar 2 belt about a year ago, but I find myself using the first one more. I keep a spare car key in the hidden pocket, sometimes some cash. Heck, I don't make enough to put some in there!
The MG itself is still strong, despite some serious training sessions. The tube color has completely worn away, although it's not that noticable. The teardrop portion color has also slightly worn away, but the combo color of purple and bronze is still solid. The cable itself is now nice and supple, after being worn around my waist all these years.
So far, my initial investment of $250 two years ago has been more than worth it, considering that, along with my wallet, watch, keys, knife, etc. I wear my V-Gar system everyday.
Hope this has been of at least some interest to you.
[This message has been edited by MrG (edited 09-17-2000).]
For those not in the 'loop', the V-Gar system consists of a velcro belt, a Stat Pouch, and a V-Stat pouch. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It also includes the almighty MANRIKIGARROTE.
At first glance, this seemingly simple piece of equipment appears harmless. A steel cable with a fish lure looking thingamabob attached to one end? How in the hell?!? And, more importantly, what in the hell?!?
Manriki- from manrikigusari, the formidable Japanese weapon founded by Toshimitsu Masaki, leader of the Masaki-Ryu and a famous swordsman. Manrikigusari stands for "10,000 power" and "chain". For more info, read Ninja Weapons: Chain and Shuriken by Charles Gruzanski Tuttle Press
Garrote- a length of rope, cord, steel, etc. used to strangle.
YIKES!
JSP, in his creative mind, decided to combine the wonderful attributes of both the manrikigusari and the garrote, and conceal this superior tool inside a belt, a belt that looks like one of those 'rigging' belts or something like that(adding to the concealability) with a POWERFUL deployment system that is just too fast to describe.
So...
Two years ago, I purchase one these babies from James, sight unseen. When I get it in the mail, it is too damn cool. I mean, seriously, just way too f*cking cool!! Being a somewhat stupid person, I decide to whip this manrikigarrote around, to see how it feels, and how it moves. Well, this sucker moves FAST!!!! So fast, that I nailed myself almost immediately. There's a reason for that pointy teardrop shape; just look at the scar on my collarbone.
I wear my V-Gar every day. Seriously. Every damn day. It's that comfortable. With jeans...no problem. HOWEVER, if you wear button fly jeans, look into the V-Gar 2 belt. It's quieter, with less velcro to unravel when you go pee-pee or poo-poo. Other than that, no problem. I even wore a Leatherman tool on the belt for the first year with no wear or tear.
When I'm working out and/or running, I wear the belt with my sweats or shorts. Not needing belt loops makes this so convienent! The only place I haven't worn it is at the pool.
The Stat Pouch is my prefered second way of carrying the Manrikigarrote aka MG. Last week I had the honor of standing up in a wedding, and my MG was snuggled up securely in its Stat Pouch, in the waistband of my tuxedo. Very 007. At least that's what I thought. My wife and kids, however, thought that I was...well, let's just say if trouble happened, I'd be ready.
And, thank God, trouble hasn't happened to me yet. But when it does, you can bet your sweet patooty that I'll be ready as hell.
And isn't that what this whole V-Gar system is all about?? Being ready. Always. Sure, carry a knife and/or a gun, hell, carry two. But, might as well carry a V-Gar as well. Why not?
As for wear and tear on anything, my original belt is starting to show signs of fraying. I got a V-Gar 2 belt about a year ago, but I find myself using the first one more. I keep a spare car key in the hidden pocket, sometimes some cash. Heck, I don't make enough to put some in there!
So far, my initial investment of $250 two years ago has been more than worth it, considering that, along with my wallet, watch, keys, knife, etc. I wear my V-Gar system everyday.
Hope this has been of at least some interest to you.
[This message has been edited by MrG (edited 09-17-2000).]
