i like the SOF-T the more I use it, I thought it was OK at first, especially for training. I've gottten to the point now where I really don't care which one i have, I'm equally fast with a SOF-T vs a CAT..... now the problem is supply. we've ben trying to get them for 5 months and can't. I really don't mind the CAT - it does it's intended job: one-time use tourniquet which completely stops blood flow. however - YRMV, because I have tankers, sappers, AND grunts.... so it works fine. i HAVE noticed that sand issue you mentioned, JJ - that made me take a hard look at the SOF-T again. In short - if I could get them, I'd replace at least half of my tourniquets in my aid bag with them, and all my first-line tourniquets (the ones in my drop leg) would be SOF-Ts.