Tested by the people
who wear the gear.
First Due Reviews puts gear in the hands of a team of firefighters, EMS personnel, and fire chiefs, who test it on their own time in real-world conditions. Lt. Nicholas J. Koloski leads the team, with 30+ years in the fire service across Vermont and New Hampshire. Every review says what held up, what didn’t, and who it’s for.
30+ years of service. Real-world testing. Fair gear reviews.
Firefighters, EMS personnel, and fire chiefs,
on their own time.
Our reviews come from a team of real firefighters, EMS personnel, and fire chiefs who test gear on their downtime, not on a test bench. They use each product the way you would, in real-world conditions, and tell us what held up and what didn’t. Lt. Nicholas J. Koloski, a call-company lieutenant with 30+ years in the fire service, leads the team and the reviews. Testers don’t speak for their departments, and any free sample, loan, or paid relationship is disclosed in the review.
Reviews from the station,
not the brochure.
First Due Reviews is a reviews-only site for fire, EMS, and first-responder consumer gear and lifestyle — operated by Lt. Nicholas J. Koloski, call-company lieutenant in New Hampshire. Products go to a team of firefighters, EMS personnel, and fire chiefs who test them on their downtime, in real-world conditions.
Sister brand: For Good Deals. Not an official fire-department channel.
Intended use. Claim check.
Fair KEEP or PASS.
Your gear gets considered for the work it was designed to do. Your claims get a fair check. Readers see what happened, what could be verified, and what couldn’t.
Relevant experience
30+ years of fire-service experience shapes the questions asked. Products are tested by firefighters, EMS personnel, and fire chiefs on their own time, in real-world conditions.
Fair treatment
Strengths and shortcomings in context. A pass for one use does not make a product wrong for everyone.
Clear relationships
Gifted samples, loans, paid work, and affiliate links are disclosed, including for outside testers. A shipment does not buy a positive verdict.
Reviews are coming.
Six products are in the queue. No KEEP or PASS yet. Manufacturer product photos are not used here.
Pro-Tech 8 Center Seam 3-Layer Hood
Structural firefighting hood · manufacturer sample · review in progress.
Open IN PROGRESS page →Value Turnout Gear Bag · LXFB40
Lightning X step-in bag · purchased (issue disclosed) · review in progress.
Open IN PROGRESS page →Premium Rolling Turnout Bag · LXFB60
Lightning X wheeled bag · goodwill upgrade after LXFB40 issue · review in progress.
Open IN PROGRESS page →NOCO Boost XL GB50 Jump Starter
1500A lithium jump pack · review in progress.
Open IN PROGRESS page →Ford Super Duty Regular Cab Floor Liner (Vinyl)
All-weather front liners · review in progress.
Open IN PROGRESS page →Husky Liners Regular Cab Side Window Deflectors
Low Profile, Smoke · review in progress.
Open IN PROGRESS page →Claims checked. Keep or pass.
Built for firefighters? Put it in the hands of working firefighters and first responders.
Send the exact model, intended use, instructions, and claims you want evaluated. Coverage is not guaranteed. Returns need a prepaid label.
Brand guidelinesAttn: Lt. Nicholas Koloski
New Hampshire 03743
Prepaid return label required for returns.
Ship-to ZIP 03743 — email [email protected] for full ship-to.
Contact & ship-to