LYNX BRUTALITY 2023: After Action Report

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06/06/2023By SPARTANAT crew

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Some days have passed and the first match videos of LYNX BRUTALITY 2023 by POLENAR TACTICAL are already emerging. We have already briefly discussed Martins' video HERE. Also, Spätzleoperator has uploaded his summary HERE on YouTube. We have also had time to reflect and would like to share our thoughts on LYNX, the stages, and the gear with you here.

More participants, more stages, more exhibitors, more time for preparation. More of everything also brought more challenges for the organizers, but thanks to the sponsors, it was well managed. POLENAR TACTICAL not only brought more action and entertainment to the Brutality event but also, with the increased number of slots, enabled more people to participate. Since the event is well covered in the media, there is a significant interest, making it difficult to get a ticket. This is and will certainly remain the biggest challenge - finding a satisfactory solution here.

Those who followed POLENAR TACTICAL could already gather some information about the stages in advance and thus prepare a bit in training. To be specific, the Kasarda Drill is a familiar one. Instead of sprinting to shoot the pistol at the end, this year you had to carry the kettlebell back. Initially, POLENAR considered increasing the weight of the kettlebell to 36 kilograms but decided to stick with 24 kilograms due to the risk of injuries.

The Hand Burner Stage was similar to the previous year but slightly toned down. This year, you only had to climb the tower twice. So if you climb stairs or practice squats diligently, these stairs wouldn't be as difficult for you.

Flashbang also had a similar aspect. Last year, the sight picture was disturbed by the ballistic shield, and this year, it was by a window covering on the pavilion.

The 15 kilogram sandbags had to be moved again. So, if preparing for a BRUTALITY match, one should look at previous stages, whether LYNX or FINNISH BRUTALITY, to train effectively.

Some participants also had difficulty with shooting from the barricade. We can train at our local shooting range on a V-TAC barricade and are familiar with shooting positions. For those who are not, there was a learning curve here. Regular shooting practice is essential. While training at the barricade may not be necessary as frequently, having done it once is helpful.

Speaking of shooting training, it is also important to mention that shooting with the weak-hand should not be neglected. Dry-fire practice is very beneficial here!

Now we are in full swing with tips and are starting to sound a bit like teachers, so let's move on to the equipment. Often it is asked, is an LPVO or red dot sight with a magnifier better? In short, it is better to use what you train with. There is no advantage/disadvantage with one or the other at such distances. This also applies to the rest of the equipment. Here you should put together your setup with which you feel comfortable and can train.

My setup on LYNX was as follows: The long gun is an Oberland Arms OA15-SL10 with an EOTECH EXPS 3-2 and EOTECH G43 Magnifier mounted on Unity Tactical FAST Riser and OMNI. Also installed is a Geissele SD-E trigger, as well as a Radian Raptor SD Charging Handle. The suppressor used was the Silent Steel Compact Flow Streamer (Flow-Through). Magazines were MAGPUL PMAG M3. Ferro Concepts Slingster as weapon sling.

The handgun was of course a Glock 17 Gen 5. Grip modified by BLACK TRIDENT and milled slide by Verex Tactical for the HOLOSUN 508t (Review here). Suppressor sights by Trijicon, Surefire X300u, ZEV Flat Trigger, ZEV Magwell. In addition to the standard Glock 17+2 magazines, 33 round magazines were also used during the Running Light Stage. The holster is a Safariland 6354DO with Custom Cordura Wrap from Longshot.Devtsix.

Both weapons performed as desired. If shots were missed, it was – as often the case – the shooter's fault.

For the remaining gear, the focus is always on being as low-profile as possible, so that nothing protrudes too far. Some participants were caught up with backpacks on their backs at the Electric Boogaloo Stage, as they got entangled with them. Even with my Zip-On Pack, there are bungee cords at the back. These got briefly caught on a screw at the bottom of the truck during the Vehicle Ambush Stage.

Even though it wasn't necessary for the Open Division at LYNX, I still opted for my Crye Precision JPC 2.0 plate carrier. I use this one the most and also train with it. It fits better than a chest rig, gives me more stability, and with only 6 kilograms extra weight, it doesn't weigh too heavily in the short stages. The belt is a Bison Belt from Ferro Concepts with HSGI Polymer Tacos. Combat shirt and pants are from DNS Alpha (here's the REVIEW). If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments. The links to the stores are not affiliate links, but simply where they were purchased at the time.

To conclude, it remains to be said: don't be discouraged if you don't have the optimal equipment or if you believe you're not physically capable. In the image on the far left, a participant can be seen wearing a kilt and a bolt-action rifle. Not all stages were completed within the time limit, but he definitely had the most fun! Competitions should primarily be seen as gaining experience. They highlight training deficiencies and at the same time test equipment. Gun belts fell apart during the BRUTALITY event leading to disqualifications and warnings. Various inhibitions arose due to the dirt or the strain. Magazines were lost. Screws came loose. Lights fell off firearms and many more things happened - all of which contribute to gaining experience. Therefore, those who attend training and competitions have the opportunity to face new challenges and grow both personally and in terms of equipment.

Conversations and exchanging experiences, whether offline or online, are also important to maximize the experience gain for everyone. Even during the competition, participants share tips and tricks with each other so that everyone can master the stages as best as possible. A big thank you to my teammates Martin from IMPACT AUSTRIA and Stefan from SAPIENS PARA BELLUM. Martin's tactics during the Heavy Balance Stage were truly invaluable. I also learned some shooting techniques from Stefan as he passed through stages ahead of me.