u/Madcat207

Man, the fates had it set for me today!

A year ago, I shared my first boot purchase with everyone here, and have been loving them. Enough in fact, that i have been looking out for other colors or styles to keep it fresh (so to speak). I am also an avid thrifter, and make it a point to check. Needless to say, today I am glad I did.

I found these diamonds in the rough on the "nice" stuff shelf, and they had just come out today. Even better, they were exactly my size. And the best, they are lizard, making them my first exotic! I know many would bat an eye at $80 thrifted boots, but I couldn't say no. The first pictures are right out of the store, and they do need some love.

Been sitting here at home, and working with Bick 1 and 4, and they really shined up well! I don't see any cracks or flakes in the leather, but there was a fair amount of dirt to clean out. I might have used more Bick 4 than normally needed, but since I don't know their history... better safe than sorry.

Sup crew!! It was a long time coming, but the wife and I finally jumped into a "new" vehicle, and love it, but also have a few questions. It's a 2025 XRT, sold certified.. it was a service loaner with only 3100 miles on it.. basically felt new when we got it. It has so many features and comfort, we just love it. But admittedly, we have a few questions.

The biggest is possibly related to the transmission, but its hard to tell if its normal or not. Without auto hold, and just normal (constant) acceleration from a stop light, we will frequently feel a light vibration as its shifting, thay feels like going over a series of small speed bumps. Its not crazy, but the wife noticed it too and asked. I did notice that in sport mode (and with auto hold if matters) we dont feel it. We dont really notice any other issues there, but i dont want to inherit problems.

We also noticed the other day thay the headlights got some condensation in them. I saw a few people say the dealer fixed it, but I also want to avoid downtime replacing parts if I can help it (this vehicle is intended to be the reliable one, compared to the two beaters we still own).

I genuinely tried searching, but anything with DCT or Transmission kinda gets results everywhere, so maybe this will be precise enough.

Before the haters jump in.. yes, its MCB; I know it hides shit, but I still love it. Suck it. 🫡

Building my quality kit, and wanted to share here.

PC -

- Spiritus LV119 OVERT Front/Back

- HRT Maximus Placard (tiny ouch pouch inside)

- WTF Hydro Source Pack

Also pictured is my PTR 9

- Aimpoint Pro

- SB Brace

- Angstadt Arms Blast Shield

Sig P227 in FDE

YES, the PC is holding ar mags.. because thats would i would probably grab. But posing with the MP5 is just more fun, so....

Keeping it simple.. got my shit together, lost weight, and got my life solidly on track. Over the years, I have had a mishmash of stuff, but this past week I managed to land a very solid deal that has me excited.

A well equipped Spiritus 119 with an HRT Maximus placard. The size is XL, but that works since those are the plates I had when I was bigger. I fully understand they are oversized now, but frankly I dont mind a little extra vs too little (and the way these fit, I know i could get a large sitting comfortably too).

I also have an overt back, and have a WTF Hydroback in MCB on the way. Ironically, reading a bit, I found out I could probably sell the two Spiritus patches and come out even... crazy what people will pay for sticky things.. lol

Backstory - been a ham for years, and in the heart of FL, having non networked communication is essential. In Irma, my trucks Yaesu was my outside lifeline for several days, so I truly value radio comms and what they can do.

Now, having gotten my family and friends good blister pack radios (they won't go ham, but this works enough for them), i investigated what other options there are, and ran across Mesh/Lora, and loves the idea. Decentralized network, where I can add to its utility without licensing or crazy work.. I was in.

Did some research, and started off fully in. Seeed P1 Pro rooftop "stinky node" (our roof is low profile with no chimney, so vent pipe was the winner), 5.8dbi fiberglass ant (have my doubts about it, but sill see how it goes). For the family, some starter Meshnology N39 builds (one 4.2, the other 4.3) with muzi works whips (i know a good antenna makes or breaks things). I glued some spare belt clips to them , and am pretty happy with the portability.

Honestly will investigating all the mesh firmware options, but I like the ability to just go around and operate. Is it a full on emcomm option? No, not yet. But i see a ton of promises