Tactical Tailor

Archive for February, 2009

Protective Combat Uniform Source

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

USSOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform is very popular and equally difficult to source. In fact, much of the specialized equipment issued to our Nation’s elite is difficult to purchase due to limited production.

US Elite Gear has been in business for over eight years and since its inception offered the latest issue products, often as exclusives. US Elite Gear has The entire PCU line in stock including several levels in both original and Gen II designs. They also offer the Sierra Designs SF Sleep System as well as the new Bates Tora Bora Mountain Boots issued to SOCOM.

In addition to many hard to find government issue items, US Elite Gear also offers Excalibur Products which include new clothing and pack designs.

Check out US Elite Gear on the web.

Big Dog Quadraped Robot

Friday, February 27th, 2009

From the Benning Report comes this look at the latest incarnation of the Legged Squad Support System (LS3) technology which was transitioned from DARPA. Manufactured by Boston Dynamics, the 220 lbs robot is designed to accompany foot Soldiers in the most arduous of terrain to bear heavy loads. The Big Dog can kneel and follow Soldiers across terrain by “feeling” the ground through sensors built into its legs.

Smith Optics Elite Division

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Smith Optics Elite Division

Smith Optics recently launched the Elite Division to focus on the military and tactical LE markets. The Elite Division is offering two lines of products, the Combat Eyewear Protection System and the Tactical Sunglasses Program.

As part of the Combat Eyewear Protection System Smith offers the Outside the Wire (OTW) Goggle, Aegis Eye Shield and interchangeable Rx system.

Smith OTW Giggle

The OTW Goggle’s lens meets and exceeds MIL-DTL-43511D as well as ANSI Z87.1 standards and provides 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays. The lens is also compatible with Smith Elite’s Rx system. Additionally, the OTW features FRAG face foam, a specially designed flame resistant anti-microbial goggle foam.

Smith Aegis Eyeshield

The Aegis Eye Shield features lenses that meet and exceed MIL-PRF-31013 as well as ANSI Z87.1 standards. They also have a quick release lens system designed for fast lens exchange. The Aegis is compatible with the interchangeable Rx system and protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Smith Optics Elite Division - Tactical Sunglasses Program

Additionally, they have adapted three classic Smith styles for day to day, non-combat wear as part of the Tactical Sunglasses Program. All three of these designs, the Director, Hideout, and Hudson meet and exceed the ANSI Z87.1-2003 requirements. as well as 100% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.

For more information visit Smith Elite on the web.

Integrated Tourniquet Belt from BHI

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Blackheart International

BHI has introduced a patent pending Integrated Tourniquet Belt crafted to enhance the capabilities of the common rigger’s belt. The rigger’s belt finds its origins in the A7A strap used to rig cargo for airdrops. Unserviceable straps were adapted for use as a more robust belt than the issue cotton web version. Later, purpose built variants were manufactured with life support buckles and “V” rings used to tie the wearer into aircraft. For years the rigger’s belt has been used as a field expedient tourniquet but did not incorporate a windlass nor a buckle capable of maintaining pressure. BHI has solved these problems.

BHI Integrated Tourniquet Belt

Designed to be manipulated with either one or both hands, the ITB doesn’t pinch, bind, or rope due to the wide Type VII nylon used in its construction. Additionally, the Integrated Tourniquet Belt uses 6061 aluminum to ensure a light, yet incredibly strong buckle and windlass system. The windlass stows out of the way for regular wear of the belt but is right at hand when the ITB is applied as a tourniquet due to the velcro closure system. The buckle is engineered specifically for this application unlike fasteners found on other belts and anchor points are sewn at regular intervals into the belt.

BHI Integrated Tourniquet Belt - Use Photos

Many field tourniquets can’t be used repeatedly for training but the robust design makes the ITB not only perfect for daily wear but also makes it suitable for regular training. Imagine carrying a tourniquet with you at all times integrated into a common use item.

To purchase the ITB, visit BHIgear.com.

Bearse USA

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Bearse USA

Although relatively unknown, Bearse USA has been in the contract sewing business since 1921 and maintains a 50,000 square foot facility in Chicago, IL. Their employees average over 10 years of experience and 20 or even 30 years is not unheard of.

Recently, they’ve been supporting the Army’s OTV and IOTV contracts and have produced over 200,000 vests and/or components. As Bearse USA does not produce their own line of tactical goods they are poised to support a wide variety of businesses who require surge support, particularly as part of a government contract. They have found that there are three major challenges to companies trying to fulfill these contracts: large quantities, short delivery schedules, and delays in awards. Bearse serves to augment a company’s capacity and to help them overcome these obstacles in order to get over the hump.

bearse_1-small.jpg bearse_2-small.jpg bearse_3-small.jpg

Additionally, Bearse provides a great opportunity for the emerging company with some innovative design ideas based on real world experience. Although such a firm may be short on production know how, they can contract Bearse to facilitate production and make their concepts into reality.

What’s more, they offer capabilities not found in other contract sewing houses including a full time sample shop capable of delivering production quality samples. Additionally, they offer a fully equipped mechanical shop capable of designing and manufacturing equipment, labor-saving devices, work aids, tacker clamps, etc.

For production, they offer over 150 machines including single needle, double needle, long arm, cylinder arm, bar tackers, and programmable tackers. They can even provide screen printing services.

For more information contact Bearse USA
3815 W. Cortland St.
Chicago, IL 60647 USA
(773) 235-8710
(866) 6-BEARSE
www.bearseusa.com
info@bearseusa.com

Department of Homeland Security Buy-American Provision

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

The Department of Homeland Security Buy-American provision for domestically manufactured textiles and apparel was included in stimulus legislation signed into law by President Obama last week. While there are exceptions, these provisions will become effective on all DHS contracts 180 days after signing (around August of 2009). This essentially brings DHS on par with the Berry Amendment which restricts DoD purchases of textiles to American sources.

Kifaru Launches 2009 G2 Line

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Kifaru, manufacturers of specialized military packs release their Generation 2 (G2) line today. Kifaru has not raised prices in nearly three years but increasing costs for materials and transportation have forced them to revise their price tags. However, they are upgrading their line’s features in order to help soften the impact. Those familiar with Kifaru products will get the most from this report and I encourage readers who have not taken a look at Kifaru to check out their website.

Overall Changes
Across the board, they have made several improvements including use of thicker, dual density foam lumbar pads, featuring their anti-slip PackLock technology as well as providing velcro patches on the packs for removable tags. Additionally, all of the packs, except for the Tailgunner waist packs, will now come with an interior hang loop for water reservoirs. Finally, they have switched over to ITW Quick Release shoulder strap buckles on most of the packs to eliminate strap slippage.

Omni Suspension Packs
With the exception of the Tailgunner and Scout waist packs all Omni Suspension packs will have external, raised torso pads, along with new anatomical dual density foam lumbar pads using Kifaru’s anti-slip PackLock material. The Tailgunner will also feature just the anatomical foam lumbar pad with the PackLock material.

Armor Grip
In addition to the numerous upgrades made to individual packs, Kifaru is also releasing two packs incorporating their new Patent Pending Armor Grip technology; the AG1 and AG2.

Kifaru Armor Grip Kifaru Armor Grip

Armor Grip was developed to facilitate carrying heavy loads when wearing armor while mitigating pack sway. The torso pads are stowable and can be rolled out and secured to the sides of the frame, which create rigid stabilizers that cup around the armor. There is no need for torso pads when wearing armor, so by rolling them to the outside, the pack/frame can now ride even closer to your back. If you’re not using armor, just roll the torso pads back down onto the frame, where they use a velcro attachment system. Both of these packs use the same 24″ Duplex frame with the Armor Grip.

Kifaru AG 1
The AG1 pack uses a Navigator type bag, with almost all the same features as the Navigator, and the same capacity of 4000ci.

Kifaru AG2
The AG2 pack uses an EMR bag that is 2″ shorter, and it has a capacity of 6500ci.

New Look
In conjunction with the new product launch they are also unveiling a new look for their website which incorporates drop down menus in order to improve navigation. Additionally, the hunting line is also receiving the upgrade and will be launched next week.

Kifaru packs are made in the USA and come in Coyote, OD, Foliage, Black, as well as UCP and Multicam at a slight additional charge.

Be sure to visit Kifaru to check out all of the enhancements to their line.

Arc’teryx LEAF Launches Online Store

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

New Arc’teryx LEAF Online Store

In order to improve support for their LEAF program participants, Arc’teryx has launched an online store. Aside from speeding up order times, the site is directly tied to inventory so you will know if the item you are ordering is actually in stock in the correct color and size.

Eligibility for the LEAF program is fairly narrow but includes:

Military
• All active duty service personnel and units

Law Enforcement
• All active law enforcement officers and agencies

Other
• Select other government personnel and agencies
• Security personnel and companies on government contracts

To sign up visit the application page. Once you have received your confirmation email, log in to the online store located at leaf.arcteryx.com.

So get on the ball. The Multicam Combat Jackets that sold out immediately last year are back in stock and we don’t expect them to last for long.