I'm not looking to get into a contest of will with you over this. However, can you cite any documented failures from medical sources that the CAT is still experiencing windlass breakage? (I conceed they did initially, but I am not aware of any made in the past decade that are breaking, other than counterfeit ones).montgomery wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:52 pmNo bashing intended, only facts. While both are TCCC, CATs are known for windlass failures. SOFTT-W is not. Case closed.Mike S wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:19 pmI'll echo that the SOFFT-W is a great TQ, especially the newer Gen 4 that incorportes a clip similar to the CAT (this aids in one-handed self application).montgomery wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:40 am
TQs are for bleeding out of limb arteries ...
And the only one I trust is SOFTT-W Gen 4. The others are complete garbage, including the popular CAT (unless you are willing to carry 4 because the windlasses are made of plastic and break with alarming frequency)
However, the CAT is also a great TQ. I believe the issues with the plastic windlass breaking was with the original design, and should not be an issue with any made in the past decade. If you're experiencing windlass breakage, I'd send it back to NAR in a heartbeat. There's a distinct possibility that it's a knock-off Chinese counterfeit.
Current Special Forces medics (18Ds) (as well as the rest of the ODA members) are using both the CAT & the SOFFT-W in operations downrange, and if there were any issues with them they'd know. Both are still recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, in addition to a handful of other TQs approved recently.
I carry both in my range aid bag, in both of our vehicles, & at home. In my humble opinion the CAT is still better for one-handed self application (although the addition of the clip on the Gen 4 SOFFT-W closes this gap significantly), and the SOFFT-W is much more resilient for leg application as there's no Velcro to come undone when dragging the casualty (the CATs strap occasionally isn't long enough to reach the clip to lock in when applied to really large diameter thighs).
I'm an Associate Trainer for TacMed Solutions (maker of the SOFTT-W), so if there was a reason to bash the CAT I might be inclined. However, integrity is more important to me, and evidence-based care practices rule the day.
Again, this is a sincere question, not an attempt to debate you.