I've only used/needed one pair. Been wearing them since primary, but I've only needed them for takeoffs and landings the past year. I flip shit if I don't have them; they've got too much accumulated luck to fly without.
Knuckle protection? WTF is that for?
Yeah...$88. You have to be a gear queer to buy those with your own money.
The "Clips" on the Kiowa are strictly for holding the M4 onto the dash in case somebody flies outside that wussy 60 degree bank limit. Doors off smors off, Skids are for Kids.
Only the married with kids guys say this. They're just jealous.
Just remember,... when you wear those "experienced pair" out.. make sure you shake the gold dust out of them before you get rid of them. :icon_wink... and an 'experienced' pair??? Slightly more ...
For black or tan, do you folks pay out of pocket or does it depend on theater, A/C's mission, etc.?