gear bag

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Full Forge Gear

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Full Forge Gear Review

  Full Forge Gear sent me some of their items to try out. They are their: Torrent double rifle case, Hurricane backpack, and Storm Tool Bag. I will write a little bit about all of them, so you can skip ahead to the section that interests you. All of these products are an exceptional value for the money and can be used for a variety of range tasks.

  All of these Full Forge Gear products have similar construction. They are made from 600 denier fabric so they are pretty durable. Full Forge Gear lines them with a smoother 210 denier polyester. They all are running 10-gauge zippers. Plus they are all water resistant. Now if you like a little color in your life, you might be disappointed that they only come in black or tan colors. No Olive Drab for Chad.

Now a little review on the goods:

Hurricane Backpack:

  The Hurricane Pack is packed with features and pockets. I’ll try to explain them all, but I will probably miss something. It starts with vented padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap. Straps are very comfortable. There is also a waist strap on the Hurricane pack, I proceeded to take it off because I am not carrying enough stuff for it to matter. There is also a carry strap at the top of the pack in case you just need to grab it and go. Of course the pack has a ton of pockets, both inside and out. The pack's dimensions are 18 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches. So it is not huge and not tiny. I do like this size pack as it can be used as a personal item on flights, since it will fit “under the seat in front of you”.

  The back portion of the Hurricane pack has some additional features. It is padded with a harder style padding. This is not a bad thing as there are spaces between the padding to allow for air flow to keep it cooler on your back. It is also more comfortable than you think it would be. Toward the bottom of the back is also a clear “name tag” holder so you can distinguish between your pack and your friend who has the same one. Lastly, on the back of the pack is a large pocket for a hydration bag. It is between the padding and the rest of the bag and has a hook and loop closer at the top. If you don’t want to put a hydration bladder in it, it could be used for backpack armor. 

  Backpacks usually have one main compartment, the Hurricane essentially has two. The largest one completely unzips and can fold down. Inside this compartment is a large open mesh pocket on one side, and a smaller zippered one on the other side. These are useful for whatever kind of stuff you want to put in it. Then there is the slightly smaller large compartment. This sits in front of the largest one, more toward the out part of the pack. This one unzips about two thirds of the way. Inside it is one open small mesh pouch with two smaller pouches on it. These two main compartments give you a lot of room to fill up.

  Lastly there are two pockets on the front of the Hurricane backpack. The top one is smallish and fits a pair of glasses nicely, which is probably what it was made for. The exterior of this pocket has MOLLE and hook, so you can attach your favorite stuff or patches. The other exterior pouch is what I would call the admin pouch. It is about twice the size of the glasses pouch. Inside are open pockets for pens and such. The exterior of the admin pocket has some more MOLLE for attaching extra stuff. There are also plenty of extra straps to help keep pockets and pouches closed.

  The Hurricane Backpack is so useful that my wife is stealing it from me. She saw it and said, “That will make a great bug out bag for the dogs”. So the pack that I really liked, because it has so many pockets, is now a Labrador pack. I just need to figure out how to get him to wear it. The pack is also very comfortable for a human and a great size. I might just have to buy myself one. At under 60 dollars, they really are a great pack for the price. 

Torrent Double Rifle Case:

  Now, the Torrent Double rifle case. As one would expect, this is soft padded and can hold 2 rifles. It is really more of a carbine case since it is only 37 inches x 14 inches x 12.5 inches. Inside the main rifle storage compartment is a padded separator to keep the 2 carbines from bashing into each other. Each side of the rifle compartment has an angled piece of fabric at the front and rear. These are to help keep the muzzle of the firearm protected. It also helps keep the rifle from flopping around inside. To secure the rifle on each side, there are two wide hook and loop straps. All of this is pretty standard as far as rifle cases go.

  Full Forge also supplies a shoulder strap that hooks to the outside. The shoulder strap itself is fine, I just didn't like how it hooks across the bag at each end. It seems to get in the way of opening the case up. Luckily it has quick connect clips to take it on and off. Then of course, there are two fabric carrying handles at the top center. These carry handles can also be hooked together, with the hook and loop strap that is sewed onto one of the carry handles. 

  On the exterior of the Torrent rifle case are three pockets. These pockets are on the outside of another large side pocket. The large outer pocket can be used for pistols, ammo, or something like a SBR. The three smaller outer pockets can be used for magazines, ammo, or tools. These outer pockets have flaps that hook and loop shut. They also have a strap and clip to make sure they don't accidentally come open. 

 I like the Torrent Double Rifle case. These types of soft rifle cases are my go to. The Torrent has not let me down yet. Typically I put two carbines in the main compartment and something with a folding stock in the outer one. This lets me only have to take one case to the range. I would like the case to be a little longer, or for Full Forge to make an XL version. But really, the length is the only thing that could be improved. Everything else just works like a soft rifle case should. 

Storm Tool Bag:

  My son asked for the Storm Tool Bag to use at matches, so I put him to work. Here is what he has to say:

Recently, the Firearmsinsider.tv received some Full Forge Gear to review. Part of that was one of their tool bags. With little use for it, they gave the bag to me as I was in need of something like it. I have been needing a range bag for a while. Most of my time at the range is short and usually consists of shooting a competition, or trying out a gun or two. This makes the need for large, bulky range bags obsolete for me. That’s where this bag shines.

The Full Forge Gear Tool bag is not designed to be a range style bag, kind of. Though it still worked great for holding all the ammo I needed for a day trip, along with enough room for extras such as an extra pistol, my ear and eye pro, and pockets on the side for your smaller items. Like I previously said, this bag is a tool bag, not a range bag. This makes storing some items in the bag a struggle since all the pockets on the inside are made for things like screwdrivers, wire cutters, and other various tools. I find myself only using these interior side pockets for things like my gun oil and magazine loaders. The pockets are extremely tight and don’t even fit a Glock mag, which is a gripe of mine. Overall the construction of the bag feels extremely durable. The large zipper is nice and very easy to open. The bag has a couple exterior pockets to hold other various items (or tools) but I didn’t find myself using them. The bag opens extremely wide which makes searching for things in the bag extremely easy. This large opening also works well for pulling out larger items such as boxes of ammo. Overall, as a range bag for short, lightweight trips, this thing works great. My only complaints lie with the interior and exterior pockets, as they are too small for most of the equipment you bring to the range with you. I hope to try Full Forge Gear’s actual range bag line to see if these problems are solved.

  Full Forge Gear makes some good soft items. The prices on these are reasonable and they should give you a long service life. I was pleased with all of them. The Hurricane Backpack holds a ton of stuff, yet is not super large. The Torrent rifle case does what I need it to, and then a little more. The Storm Tool Bag is used as a range bag, for when you only need to carry ammo and magazines. But it is built nice and would also work as it is intended. If you are looking for some reasonably priced gear for the range, go check out the Full Forge Gear line of products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Affordably priced gear

Target Market:

Anyone wanting cases, gear, bags, or other affordable gear

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Torrent Double rifle case

    • 600 denier polyester fabric

    • 210 denier polyester lining

    • Nylon monofilament thread stitching

    • 10-gauge nylon zipper

    • Polyester EVA 10mm thick foam

    • Water-resistant

    • MOLLE webbing exterior

    • 3 exterior accessory pouches

    • Additional exterior pocket

    • Interior padded divider

    • Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads

    • Padded shoulder strap

    • Weight: 7.5 lbs

    • Dimensions: 37" x 14" x 12.5"

  • Hurricane backpack

    • 600 denier polyester fabric

    • 210 denier polyester lining

    • Nylon monofilament thread stitching

    • Polyester EVA 10mm thick foam

    • 10-gauge nylon zipper

    • Large internal hydration pocket

    • Water-resistant

    • Reinforced nylon straps

    • Customizable velcro patch

    • 2 exterior pouches with interior organizational pockets

    • 2 large interior pockets with interior organizational options

    • Hydration reservoir

    • Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads

    • Padded shoulder straps

    • Buckled waste band

    • Additional MOLLE webbing coverage

    • Lockable zippers

    • Weight: 3 lbs

    • Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 11"

    • Approximate Capacity: 1,870cu in

  • Storm Tool Bag

    • 600 denier polyester fabric

    • 210 denier polyester lining

    • Nylon monofilament thread stitching

    • 10-gauge nylon zipper

    • Water-resistant

    • Reinforced hard base

    • 10 exterior pouches

    • 14 interior pockets

    • Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads

    • Weight: 1.80 lbs

    • Dimensions: 9" x 12" x 9.5"

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black and Tan in most products

What others are saying?:

Nothing much found

Link to other reviews:

Pro Gunfighter

RangeHot

Price point:

MSRP:

Retail:

I need it now! Availability:

Full Forge Gear,  Amazon,  or Shootammo.com

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Quality for the price you pay

  • Lots of pockets

  • Good padding

Cons:

  • Small inner pockets in Tool Bag

  • Rifle case can be a little short for some AR’s

Score: All - 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Hi-Point 995P Review 

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Gritr Tactical Range Bag

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Gritr Gear

Tactical Range Bag

Review

  Everyone needs a good range bag. Some people want smaller ones, and some people want larger ones. Gritr Gear has their Tactical Range Bag that falls somewhere in between the two sizes. So you get a medium sized range bag, with features that can turn it into a larger or smaller range bag.

  The Gritr Tactical Range Bag is really a do all bag. In general, it starts as a 18 inch x 12 inch x 10 inch exterior size. Inside the main compartment is a removable tote, a removable mat, and a medical pouch. On each side are large zipper compartments. On one end is another zipper compartment. On the other end is an open pouch. The main compartment is then covered by a highly velcroed dual zipper flap. Gritr offers the bag in a multitude of colors and patterns. I chose the Green Topo pattern, even though I was torn between it and Splatter.

 I will explain the main compartment of the Tactical Range Bag first. Especially since it is where you end up throwing everything into. The size of the main compartment is approximately 14 x 9 x 9 inches. It sounds small, but you can fit a lot of stuff in there. On the bottom of the main compartment is a hard floor mat. This mat gives the bag a hard bottom but is also removable. Once removed, the floor mat can then be unfolded to a 28 x 14.25 inch size. Because it unfolds, you now have a nice place to set pistols and gear on a shooting bench. You could also use it as an interim cleaning mat. I like it for taking pictures of pistols and gear that I am doing reviews on. The mat has the same topo pattern as the exterior of the range bag. The dual zippered flap that covers the main compartment has hook and loop all over it, for your patches of course. This feature gives you quick access to whatever is in the main compartment. The dual zippers are also tied together with a handle strap, making opening and closing it fairly easy with one hand. This main compartment is very useful for anything you want to throw in it.

  Inside that main compartment is something even more useful. That item is a removable Tote bag. It is made to just rest inside the main compartment. Yes, it does take up most of the main compartment, but you won’t care because it is so useful. It measures 12 x 7 x 8 inches and has some decent, soft style, carry handles. The tote is open top with a hard floor. Built into the sides of the tote bag are 2 padded pistol bags. Just unzip either of them and you can drop a full size pistol into them. Throw some ammo boxes inside the tote and you are ready to go. Because of the tote, you can just grab it instead of the whole range bag. So if you are at a match, or anywhere else, and don’t want to carry the whole bag, you can just grab the tote and go. Put the pistol on one side, and mags in the other, and your ammo resting on the bottom. The only down side to the tote is that it does take up space in the main compartment. I usually just put the tote in the main compartment and nothing else. Having the built in pistol bags is super useful.

  Gritr throws in a medical pouch with the Tactical range bag. It is a fairly decent med pouch having pockets and straps where you need them. The dual zippers unzip to let you open the pouch up flat and quickly. I do wish that Gritr had an option to have the med pouch filled with a trauma kit. Even without it being stocked, I think including a med pouch is pretty cool, especially since any range trip should be accompanied with a good med kit. On a basic level, you could always fill it with something like THIS. I do wish the med pouch had some MOLLE to attach it to the outside of the range bag. But hey, good on Gritr for including it and getting people thinking.

  Back to the outside of the Tactical Range Bag. On each side of the range bag are 2 large zippered compartments, both can fold down flat when open. Inside one of these pockets, there is hook and loop MOLLE up against the bag side. I like that you can attach extra stuff with multiple attachment methods. On the fold down side of this compartment are 2 zippered mesh pockets. I have my stapler in this compartment, with staples in one of the mesh pockets and target tape in the other pocket. The other compartment has one large zippered mesh pocket on the fold down flap side. Then on the side against the bag, there are 3 little pockets. 2 of these have a hook and loop cover flap. The other one is open. I usually put miscellaneous tools, a timer, and rifle mags in this compartment. These side compartments are large enough to fit a ton of extra stuff.

  The Gritr Range Bag has end pockets also. Okay, one is a compartment and one is a literal pouch. The pouch is just an open top pocket with an elastic pull string. I would prefer some way of closing it completely, but maybe I am wrong here. Either way, I use it for my over the ear hearing protection. It does give me easy access to just grab the shooting muffs and slip them on quickly. On the other end is an actual zippered compartment. On the outside of this end compartment is more MOLLE in the bag's color pattern. Inside it is just a compartment, no pockets or anything. I usually have extra hearing protection and eye protection in this compartment. 

  I have been very pleased with the overall size of the Gritr Tactical Range Bag. It has been working out great for me. It is smaller than my old super large one, but big enough that I can fit all my stuff in it. So far the stitching on the seams has held up and looks as good as new. I tend to overload my bags, so this says a lot about the quality of the Gritr bag. The carry handles on the bag work nice, even if they flop into the main compartment when closing it up, but most bags tend to do this. The bag also comes with a removable wide, padded, carry strap. This carry strap is 3.5 inches wide. So it really disperses the weight on your shoulder. Especially if you load the range bag up like I tend to do. Yes, it is adjustable for length too. The Gritr Range bag seems to be the perfect size. If you need only a small bag, just use the Tote by itself. If you need something larger, just attach some stuff to the MOLLE. 

  So, you are looking for a range bag. You don’t want to spend a ton but want a good bag. Go give the Gritr Tactical Range Bag a look. The bag is a great size for range trips, or anything else. The quality is nice. Plus it has all the features you need or want in a range bag. You can even get it on Amazon. Go check it out over at Gritr Gear, who knows, you might find some other good range stuff while you’re there.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Range bag that can used for various other things

Target Market:

Shooters, hunters, or anyone needing a decent shoulder bag

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Material - 500D Nylon

  • Volume - 35.4 liters

  • Dimensions - 18" x 12" x 10"

  • Weight - 6 lbs

  • Removable Inner Tote (12" x 7" x 8")

  • Removable Mat (28" x 14.25")

  • First Aid Kit Pouch

  • Top Patch panel

  • Laser cut molle

  • Heavy-duty zippers

  • Padded carry strap

  • Lifetime warranty 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Lots of different designs and colors

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars on Amazon 

Love it, could use a few tweaks

Overall I think this would be a five-star bag with a few tiny tweaks just to make it easier to fit things.

I love the bag overall.

Pros:

- good fabric

- great layout

- wish more manufacturers/importers opted for more interesting fabric colors

Cons:

- no pocket/opening fits ear pro well, they all crush ear pro except if you want it bouncing around inside the bag

- internal pockets really flat when empty so they're getting strained when you put anything inside, limiting what you can put in the bag. They are only single stitched, I bet this will be a problem too. Common design problem I see. Would be much better if they just added a half inch of fabric to make all the pockets a little loose when empty.

- wish either the gap for the inner bag were larger or oriented the other way

- eye pro pockets are a very tight fit

- wish the top zipper were lockable 

Link to other reviews:

The Gear Bunker

Price point:

MSRP = $114.95

Retail = $100

I need it now! Availability:

Gritr Gear or Amazon 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great size

  • Molle in good locations 

  • Removable inner tote

  • Hard removable floor/mat

  • Available in non-tactical colors

  • Padded carry strap

Cons:

  • Open end pocket

  • Small inner pockets

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Aimwin PE320 review   

MidwayUSA Competition Range Bag

rangebag5.jpg

I was searching for a good range bag a while back, as my old duffle bag had given up on me. So, I went searching the web for something that would meet my criteria. What I found was the MidwayUSA Competition Range bag. During my search, I ran into a number of range bags, but most if them were too small for my taste. The Midway bag had almost everything I wanted. It is very large, which allows me to keep all my range goodies in one spot. It comes with a removable padded carrying strap. It has lots of different zippered compartments, 8 of different sizes plus 1 main compartment. Some of the larger ones even contain pockets inside of them. In the large side pocket, there are holders for 8 pistol magazines and 12 elastic holders for pens, cleaning rods, etc. Now, for the really good stuff. Inside the vast main double zippered compartment is a handled carry bag, which has its own zippered storage and padded hook & loop separators. You can use this handy little bag for ammo and supplies. It, basically, gives you the ability to leave the heavy bag in your vehicle and just carry what you really need for the shooting session. I use this little bag for carrying ammo and magazines at matches where I have to go from stage to stage. The other nice feature about the range bag is that it comes with a matching bag to put brass in. It also comes with 2 padded pistol pouches. These pouches are quite large, also, and can fit full size handguns without any problems.

The only thing I don't like about the pistol rugs is that they are fairly flimsy and not padded enough.  The zippers are double stitched, and some of them have a round zipper pull to aid in using them. Overall, I am very pleased with this range bag. It stores all of my range goodies, plus an extra kitchen sink.

rangebag1

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Pointsrangebag2

Claim to Fame:  Large Range Bag with lots of storage pockets

Target Market: Anyone looking for a good range bag

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Length: 22"
  • Width: 15"
  • Height: 10"
  • Main Compartment: 17" x 10" x 10"2 removable padded pistol rugs with zippers 8-½" H x 12" W fit most large frame semi-auto pistols and revolvers with barrels up to 6"
  • Removable stage bag/ammunition carrier with carrying handles for portability 15" L x 5" W x7-½"H
  • Front: 2 Padded zippered pockets (8" L x 2" W x 8" H)
  • Rear: 8" x 2" x 16"8 magazine pouchesInternal padded pocket 8" x 15.5"
  • Shoulder Carry Strap: 2" W x 52" L removable carrying strap with shoulder pad
  • Carry Handles: Wraparound with hook & loop closure
  • Removable stage bag/ammunition carrier features:2 Padded zippered pockets (7-½" H x 15" L)2 Padded moveable hook and loop equiped compartment walls2 Chrome plated steel D-rings for quick attachment of the carry strapFull wrap-around nylon handles2 removable padded pistol rugs features:8.5" x 12" will fit most large frame semi-auto pistols and revolvers with barrels up to 6"
  • 9 Pockets
  • Material: PVC Coated Polyester
  • Capacity: 2404 C.I.

rangebag4

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Grey, Coyote, and Olive Drab (MultiCam not available anymore)

What others are saying?: 

  • From MidwayUSA: by Terry in Mount Sterling, KY.  5 out 5 stars:  Roomy, nice compartments, lots of storage, sturdy, practical, not sure what else you would want in a range bag.
  • From Thetruthaboutguns.com: by Nathan Shonts.  4 or 5 out 5 stars:  Useability: * * * * Flexible, practical design with more pockets than I know what to do with.   Value: * * * * * At its $45 sale price, this well-made bag is a fantastic bargain. At its “normal” price of $80, it’s still nice.      Overall: * * * *(*)  At $45 it’s a great value and gets all five stars. At the $80 full price, still a solid four stars. Either way, you won’t regret it.

Price point: 

I need it now! Availability:  MidwayUSA

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Number of pockets (9)
  • Comes with 2 pistol pouches
  • Removable ammunition/storage bag
  • Double stitching on zippers
  • Brass bag
  • Padded Carry strap
  • Built in magazine pouches

Cons:

  • Flimsy pistol pouches
  • Heavy, especially when loaded with all your stuff

Score: 8.0 Great80

 

 

Chad's Links: Saddle Butte Machinegun Shoot

 

 

Fox Tactical Advanced Tactical Hipster Review

hipster

 

 

51398You read correctly, I bought a Fox Tactical Advanced Tactical Hipster. No its not a bushy bearded, shmegah & skinny-jean wearing, Pabst Blue Ribbon sipping bodyguard that follows me everywhere I go (that would be hilarious though!) It's actually a messenger/shoulder bag thats quoted as being "designed for law enforcement use but works just as well for everyone." You could call it a very tactical man purse, and I'd be hard pressed to argue with you. This bag consists of everything from a concealed weapon compartment, to MOLLE straps for attaching additional pouches, to multiple storage pockets to use for your everyday items you carry around with you on a regular basis. This back of the bag is padded with mesh cushion backing and an adjustable padded shoulder strap to provide all day comfort.

The key features include one main compartment with a large flap with quick release buckle, one large dump pouch with mesh pocket, one 'concealed' velcro-lined pocket with zippered closure, one mesh pocket for radio or flashlight storage and one accessory pouch on side. There's a place for everything, and also places for nothing. What I mean, is it probably has more compartments than your mother's purse.

I picked this bag up for only $30 locally on a whim, knowing that with summer travel and warmer weather concealed carry will be a bit of a challenge with my preferred firearms. I don't like pocket guns, and wanted to be able to stow a full-size pistol, extra mags, water, sunglasses, cellphone, and really anything that won't fit in my speedo. So far my only real complaint is the 'holster compartment' only has two strips of velcro and a very rudimentary velcro / strap / loop thats mean to hold your barrel. It's sloppy and not ideal for keeping foreign objects out of the triggerguard as it's completely exposed. Something like a velcro-backed holster chassis or pocket holster that can be secured to the inside of the pocket would be ideal for keeping the gun oriented correctly after running/shifting the bag. Crossbreed makes velcro backed holsters that would work well in this application. Unless that's too mainstream for the Advanced Tactical Hipster.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Keep everything within easy reach for the mission with pockets galore.

Target Market:  Tactical Hipsters (Law Enforcement and Civilian)

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Constructed Of Rugged Tactical Polyester
  • One Main Compartment With Large Strap Secured With Quick Release Buckle Containment
  • One Large Dump Pouch With Mesh Pocket
  • One Concealed Holster Pocket With Zippered Closure
  • One Mesh Pocket For Radio Or Flashlight Storage
  • One Accessory Pouch On Side
  • Cell Phone Pocket
  • Extra Attachment Points For Adding Other Modular Accessories

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Coyote, Olive Drab, Red, Safety Orange, Digital Woodland, Multicam, and Terrain Digital

What others are saying?: “Had one of these bags (black) for over two years now. Bought it to replace my fanny pack which I used to haul family stuff when we're out and about or as a field bag. Quite comfortable to carry all day as long as you don't over load it. Description says the mesh pocket is for a radio or flashlight. I use it to carry a 20 OZ water bottle. It's fairly water resistant, but I tuck a couple of half gallon ziplock bags for additional waterproofing in heavier rains. Much handier then the butt pack it replaced. After two years of hard use there is no discernible wear to the bag." Kelly Keefe - Amazon Review Price Point:

  • MSRP = 56.95
  • Retail = $40.95

I need it now! Availability: Fox Outdoors, Amazon, Optics Planet, eBay, Military/Tac shops

Our Rating: + Main dump pouch has synch to secure loose items + Seams and plastic buckles seem well made/secure + Velco strip on outside to stick all those elite operator moral patches, sweet! + Shoulder Strap and Backing mesh pads are comfortable and breathable

- Personally do not like tiny mesh netting, prone to stretching and eventually holes - Included 'holster' is actually just looped velcro strap for barrel - No MOLLE webbing on inside or enough velcro to insert an actual holster - Screams "I may have a gun" with all the unnecessary tactical outer webbing, would be nice if instead of extra pouches with MOLLE webbing, pouches themselves were removable from entire bag to minimize pockets

Score: 7.0 Good

 

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