You ever wake up, see something, and go, huh? That’s how I felt when someone accosted my eyes with the TAE Tactical Shield. I felt confused at first, and I remained confused, and I’m still a little confused. If I had to see it, so do you!
What is The TAE Tactical Shield?
The TAE Tactical Shield is part of the TAE system. What’s the TAE system? Well, I’ll let TAE Tactical tell you a little more about that. This is directly lifted from the company’s website:
The TAE System is an innovative combination of strategic thinking, interpretation of behavioral tendencies, operational concepts, tactics, and techniques intended for use in high-risk urban combat. The TAE System contributes to preserving the lives of operators by providing them with tools that minimize risks and increase efficiency even in extreme situations.
Once you’ve made heads or tails of that, we can talk about the TAE Tactical shield, which we’ll let TAE Tactical tell you about.
The TAE Tactical Shield is not just an evolution in operational safety; it’s a testament to the excellence of the premium materials used in its production. This revolutionary device not only elevates protection levels in confrontational scenarios but also redefines safety standards for operators facing the most demanding challenges.
Whether facing threats in tactical missions or safeguarding the home, the TAE Tactical Shield is more than a ballistic shield – it’s a symbol of exceptional safety, reliability, and innovation.
Still not sure what it is? We both know that’s a lie because you saw the pictures. The TAE Tactical Shield is a shield that attaches to your firearm. It’s meant to provide you with a portable ballistic cover. If you grew up playing video games in the early 2000s, you might get hit by some deja vue from the Army of Two series of video games.
What Is It Really?
To be more specific, this is a transparent armored shield that attaches to your gun to provide you with ballistic protection. TAE Tactical makes three different levels of the Shield. We have the Lightweight, Heavy Duty, and Heavy Duty Pro. The Lightweight weighs 3.6 pounds, the Heavy Duty comes in at 3.9 pounds, and the Heavy Duty Pro hits us with 4.9 pounds.
The Lightweight and Heavy Duty offer Level 2-A Armor, and the Heavy Duty Pro offers Level 2. Keep in mind I do not see any mention of NIJ ratings. Rather, they just say it meets these levels. I gather that there is no independent third-party testing of these proposed bulletproof promises. According to TAE Tactical, the 2-A shields can stop up to three rounds of 9mm, and the Heavy Duty Pro shows hits from 9mm and .40 S&W.
You wrap this Shield around your gun. So, your gun now weighs anywhere from five to six and a half pounds. For another pound, you can get a plain AR with a red dot. The Shield isn’t very large and doesn’t offer a whole lot of protection.
Would it Work
Let’s say the armor rating is accurate, and it would stop 9mm rounds. Cool, but what happens after it stops the rounds? The 9mm is still packing a good bit of energy. Your Shield will have to absorb that impact, and if you’re holding the Shield, you will get to absorb that energy. Would the shield twist in the direction it’s shot? Could it cause you to discharge your weapon accidentally as it twists?
If it takes one hit, could you hold it upward so it can absorb another if it’s coming? That doesn’t bring up the lack of holsters, the absurd weight, and how much it will impact your ability to use your firearm. Reloading, using cover, or doing anything but standing at the flat range would make this thing impractical.
The TAE Tactical Shield is an absurd weapon accessory. It makes no real sense. The TAE Tactical website isn’t even a complete website. They have lots of sections that are empty of text. However, the prices are complete. The Heavy Duty costs $700, the Lightweight is $750, and the Heavy Duty Pro costs $950.
Does this tickle your fancy? I think I’ll pass on this one, but like I said earlier, if I had to see it, so do you.
