What does the Shirt Guard do and is it removable?
The Shirt Guard is a molded component that attaches to the back of the Rigid Gen. 7 CAT Tourniquet Case using two screws. It creates a smooth barrier between the C-A-T® Gen 7's exposed windlass clip and the wearer's uniform shirt, preventing the metal clip from abrading the fabric during a full duty day of patrol activity. The Shirt Guard is removable — it can be unscrewed if not needed — and is available as a replacement part separately from North American Rescue and Eleven 10® if it ever wears out.
Does the Shirt Guard interfere with tourniquet deployment?
No. The Shirt Guard is mounted on the back (body-facing side) of the case and only contacts the uniform shirt. The tourniquet sits in the open-top case facing outward, held by friction, and is deployed by grabbing the exposed windlass area and pulling straight out. The Shirt Guard does not add any straps, covers, or retention mechanisms that would slow down deployment. One-handed gross-motor retrieval is preserved.
What are the Polished Black and Basketweave Black options?
Polished Black and Basketweave Black are finish variants designed to match traditional law enforcement leather dress equipment. Polished Black mimics a patent-leather high-gloss finish, while Basketweave Black replicates the woven leather pattern common to classic LE duty gear — belt keepers, holsters, and pouches in the basketweave pattern are standard in many departments' dress-uniform specifications. These finishes allow officers to carry a rigid tourniquet case that blends seamlessly with legacy leather equipment rather than standing out as a modern tactical accessory.
Will this case fit on a 2.25-inch duty belt?
Yes. The Blade-Tech TekLok attachment on the Rigid Gen. 7 CAT Case w/Shirt Guard accommodates belts up to 2.25 inches wide — the standard size for most law enforcement duty belts. The TekLok is a tool-free quick-detach system that allows rapid repositioning on the belt. The case supports vertical or horizontal mounting positions to accommodate individual officer preference and belt-space constraints.
How is the Rigid Gen. 7 Case w/Shirt Guard different from the w/Cover variant?
The w/Shirt Guard variant uses an open-top case — the tourniquet is exposed at the top for the fastest possible one-handed deployment, but this means the tourniquet is not protected from elements when holstered. The Shirt Guard simply protects the officer's shirt from the windlass clip. The w/Cover variant adds a Hypalon cover that fully encloses the tourniquet for environmental protection and a cleaner look, but the cover must break away upon deployment. Choose the w/Shirt Guard when maximum deployment speed and daily shirt protection are the priority; choose the w/Cover when element protection and uniform appearance are paramount.