They look nice.....but cost 50% more. That's a tough sale.
I'm not a first responder, but honestly--why? Fiddly, hard to decontaminate, and what seems like pretty cheap construction. Why not a regular MT and then the cheap trauma shears that if you get blood all over them you can just toss them. But then again, Leatherman has had a hit on their hands with the Raptor. I see them in use by EMS everywhere.
Can't seem to find them on the SOG website but boker.de has them listedSOG ParaShearscompetition for the LM Raptor maybe? They seem to fold a lot more compact than the Raptor...
Competing with the raptor.... I have my doubts about the strengh of this tool, but maybe they can change my mind. The stamped steel shears vs. the forged ones from the Raptor...Goood Luck.
Well, I have doubts about both of them .I see no benefit in the Raptor's folding ability, as it is still quite bulky, so you gain nothing but get heavy (Raptor is easily 50% heavier than regular trauma shears) fiddly shears that are a lot harder to clean and are not autoclavable. The additional tools are also not required:- oxygen wrench requires oxygen tank, it's more sensible to have the oxygen wrench with the tank.- what's the point of a rescue hook if you have the shears? Also, you can't use the hook if you don't want to yank on the belt.The tools on the SOG ParaShears are worse.Personally, I feel both are more targeted at the prepper community that puts them into an over-sized first aid kit (usually with a Swiss Flag on it, instead of the First Aid Sign), never to be used. Gets some quality Trauma Shears (e.g. XShears) with no bells and whistles and you are good to go.
Ive asked about this and the reason they are so popular is the ability to be stored in a variety of pockets without a sheath and with a clip giving quick access. The ring cutter, glass breaker and seatbelt cutter were all used by the individuals I talked too.
I guess, different countries, different needs...Around here, I could not find anyone who carries a raptor (or similar product).Vic Rescue is not too uncommon, but most carry dedicated tools. I know in at least one hospital they need to have their shears autoclaved, which would rule out the Raptor (probably the Vic Rescue too).Also, I would not want to carry the raptor (or Vic Rescue, or anything with a protruding spike) in my pockets without a sheath. Don't like the pokey glass breaker to rip my pockets and stab me.