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Archive for August, 2009

Shellback Tactical Armor/Plate Carrier Sneak Peek

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Still in the prototype phase, the AGGRESSOR LE Armor/Plate Carrier from Shellback Tactical challenges the status quo in Law Enforcement armor. Traditionally, officers have worn concealable cut armor under their uniforms. However, this trend is beginning to shift to an externally worn vest, particularly on the East coast and in areas with high humidity. In order to answer calls from the field for an external armor carrier, Shellback developed the AGGRESSOR. While the concept of an external vest has been used by the military for decades, Shellback wanted to design something specifically with the needs of Law Enforcement Officers in mind.

Shellback Tactical Aggressor Vest

One item that really makes this vest stand out is that the badge can be pinned directly to the chest just like on a uniform. This design also allows an officer the flexibility to take the vest off inside the station when completing reports or booking evidence. The design makes it just as easy to don quickly if need be. As an added bonus, several agencies have also found external vests as a cost effective option when they want their officers to also have a tactical type vest at the ready since the armor can be put into this as a secondary carrier rather than having to buy a whole second set of armor with the vest. Finally, with all of these features, the AGGRESSOR can also be used for SWAT and other tactical operations.

Shellback Tactical Agressor Carrier - Rear View

The carrier is constructed from 500 Cordura which was selected in order to help lighten the load on an officer who often works a 12 hour shift. The collar area is covered in non-slip material to assist with shouldering firearms and to keep slings and bags from slipping off. Below the non-slip is a two inch wide strip of Velcro for identification patches. As stated earlier, the AGGRESSOR also features grommets to display the Officer’s badge. Additionally, the lower portion of the carrier has PALS webbing which wraps all the way around the body of the vest to accommodate modular pouches. The rear of the vest features a four inch velcro strip across the back for ID patches. The fully adjustable shoulders are padded with foam and the entire carrier is lined with mesh for breathability. As you can see from the photo this mesh also extends around the edge of the arm hole for comfort.

Designed to carry soft armor, the AGGRESSOR also features interior front and rear pockets to hold full size rifle plates. As of yet, there is no info on which soft armor and plates will be accommodated.

Shellback Tactical tells us the new carrier will be available in about six weeks and should retail for under $200. It will be Made in the USA by TAG and feature a Lifetime Warranty. Look for it at www.shellbacktactical.com.

Boonie Hat Blowout

Monday, August 31st, 2009

You’ve seen our coverage of the ultra-lightweight ghille-style boonie hats from Tactical Distributors. Now they are on sale. So stop making excuses get one for yourself.

To order visit Tactical Distributors.

Who Said Playing with Blocks Was for Kids?

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Ratata

Ratata, designed by Tomm Velthuis, might look like a standard box of building blocks, but when properly assembled they create a full size rifle. Imagine what Kindergarten would have been like with blocks like these. Unfortunately, Tomm’s web page for these baby’s is currently down.

Ratata

Ultramarine Multipurpose Amphibian Dive Knife

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Developed in conjunction with Italy’s Special Forces, Extrema Ratio’s Ultramarine was designed to provide a single tool for dive operations. It features a blade made of Cobalt Steel N690 and a handle crafted from Polyamide. There is also an EOD variant with Titanium components that have a negligible magnetic mass.

Extrema Ratio decided to adopt a renewable protective film called Lubra-Skin which was developed specifically for them. This silicon spray is easily applied to all disassembled steel parts and creates a waterproof protective film to prevent salt water from adhering to the metal and causing oxidation. Since it is a spray, it can be easily reapplied during regular knife maintenance.

Ultramarine Dive Knife

The Ultramarine was designed for five primary functions (prioritized by frequency of use in each function); Field Operations, Underwater Operations, Use as an Emergency Tool, Survival, and Combat. Based on these parameters, individual features were refined.

The retention lanyard allows the user to work on equipment without having to sheath the knife. Additionally, the handle was designed with a plus sized grip and incorporates a special anti-slip material developed by Extrema Ratio to facilitate retention while wearing neoprene gloves.

Extrema Ratio's Ultramarine

The knife’s blade includes a specialized net and line cutting system for use in entanglement emergencies. The knife is designed with reduced hilt guards to reduce the chance of entanglement and snaring while in use and the pointed tang was developed as a glass break device. Additionally, besides being a good all around camp knife, the Ultramarine was designed so the handle could be disassembled, the blade attached to a pole, and used as a spear. The blade also features a matte finish to reduce light reflection wile operating in hostile environments.

The Ultramarine was conceived as a multi use, amphibian knife. As such it needs to rapidly and easily transition from the operators waterborne equipment to his field tactical gear. To meet this requirement Extrema Ratio developed two separate sheaths. The dive sheath is a rigid sheath made of ABS plastic which can be worn on the ankle or mounted to equipment webbing with a TEK-LOK fastener. There is also an optional field sheath that is PALS compatible and can be attached to a variety of field and tactical equipment.

Ultramarine Field Sheath

The dive sheath is a work of art and is designed to be sleek and hydrodynamic, with a close, tight fit to the body to reduce the risk of entanglements. The sheath also has a quick-release function that allows the knife to be rapidly drawn by simply pulling on the upper portion of the protective flap. The O-ring and retention system are disabled with a strong pull so in a panic or shock situation the user will have access to the knife. The protective flap uses special anti-wet snap fasteners designed for water environments. Finally, the sheath incorporates two sharpening diamond sharpening plates; one for the primary blade and the second for the net cutter.

Ultramarine Dive Sheath

For more information visit Extema Ratio.

Interested in Seeing Your Products on Soldier Systems Daily?

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Drop us a line and let us know what you have to offer the market. We are always on the lookout for new and innovative products and services. Plus, it’s free.

Lizard Field Jacket Available Now

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

The much anticipated Lizard pattern Field Jacket (style 502) from EOTAC has finally hit the market.

EOTAC Field Jacket in Lizard Pattern

In addition to the Lizard pattern shown, the Field Jacket is also available in Black, Coyote, and OD. To order visit EOTAC online. Get them before they are gone.

New Mystery Ranch Website

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Pack manufacturer Mystery Ranch has launched a slick new website. Separate sections are available for Military and Tactical, Backpack Hunting, Fire and Trail, as well as recreation and Adventure packs.

Check it out including several new styles including the Tacticplane and SATL Assault Pack at www.mysteryranch.com.

The New Wonder Twins – Massif and Gehring

Friday, August 28th, 2009

How could you call the combination of manufacturers of FR combat uniforms and the producers of specialty fabrics anything else? Yesterday, Massif Mountain Gear Company and Gehring Textiles announced that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to jointly develop and supply military forces around the world with a new generation of flame-resistant fabrics and apparel. Under the terms of the agreement, Massif will become Gehring’s exclusive customer for new flame-resistant fabrics developed by Gehring, or jointly by Gehring and Massif, for apparel, headwear and gloves. Gehring will continue to sell certain styles in its current line of flame-resistant fabrics to existing customers. Furthermore, this agreement will extend access to these innovative fabrics to Outdoor Research who is a strategic partner with Massif.

Massif produces the Army Combat Shirt and Gehring is widely known for their fabrics including Tweave. Outdoor Research produces FR hand and head wear from fabrics supplied by Massif.

SORD Field Uniform

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Australian firm SORD has just released a new field uniform. Options include jacket and pants as well as a lightweight jacket.

SORD jacket

SORD pants

The uniforms will be available in a wide variety of colors including Tan, Bulldust (Similar to Coyote), Brown, Black, Fusion 3D camo, and Police Cam (AUSCAM Variant). Initial sizes and quantities are limited so you need to jump on these quick. To order visit SORD or here in the States, contact SORDUSA.

BTS Files Patent for High Gear System

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Blauer Tactical Systems USA, LLC, recently filed a U.S. patent application for innovations associated with its popular HIGH GEAR™ training suit. BTS is one of the world’s leading consulting companies specializing in the research and development of close quarter tactics & scenario-based training for law enforcement, military and professional self-defense instructors.

BTS High Gear

BTS is world renowned for their scenario-based training programs that employ a proprietary and revolutionary training suit. The suit can be used with multiple methods of scenario-based training (marking-cartridge training, DT, combatives, self-defense, etc.). The suit is lightweight, provides full mobility, and uses a unique impact reduction design, allowing role-players to engage in realistic and integrated scenarios. Military units, SWAT teams, law enforcement agencies and martial art and MMA schools around the world currently use the HIGH GEAR™ system.

“Our focus, our mission and our path have not wavered since we began teaching real-world self-defense in 1979,” said Tony Blauer, President. “We always seek to maintain our position as a leader in reality-based training for the self-defense world and obtaining a patent helps to recognize and affirm that leadership.”

Nicholas Horbaczewski, Blauer’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “We are proud of our innovative designs and features with our HIGH GEAR™ system, which we continue to improve. Seeking protection for our latest evolutionary enhancements allows us to continue as the exclusive provider of the best training suit on the market today.”

For further information, please visit Blauer’s website at www.blauertactical.com.

Weapons Retention from 215 Gear

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

The Multi-Mission Weapon Retention from 215 Gear is a new look at the weapons catch.

215 Gear Multi-Mission Weapon Retention

215 Gear’s unique design allows for a low footprint mount on the PALS grid on your armor or vest, rather than the belt mount found on other catches. It also allows for fast access to your weapon after a manual breach or fastrope and the no drag design doesn’t catch on objects if left unfastened, unlike some homemade options, and falls to the rear. It is easily closed by making a sweeping movement with your hand from rear to front which will bring the buckle to your hand. Made from heavy shock cord, the Weapons Retention is mounted to equipment via a aluminum fitting that only takes up one channel of PALS. Made in the USA with Mil-spec materials.

215 Gear Weapons Retention

Available now in Khaki or Black from Grey Group.

Dapper of the Week – Medical Coverage

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Ever since Blue Force Gear released the Denied Area Pattern line, folks have been coming up with new and innovative ways to combine the Dappers to support different mission sets. The Medical Coverage kit is the first in a series of articles.

BFG Medical DAPBFG Medical DAP

To build the Medical Coverage DAP, you need the following items:
DAP Pack
Zipper Utility Pouch x 2
Extension Wing
Ten Speed Triple M4
Zippered Admin Panel
Small Accessory Loops x 2
Medium Accessory Loops x 2
Large Accessory Loops x 2

Blue Force Gear Medical Coverage DAP Components

What’s even cooler is that Blue Force Gear packages the entire kit for you and offers it at a 5% discount over MSRP.

Check it out at Blue Force Gear.

NVG Counterweight Pouch

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Tidewater Tactical now offers this innovative NVG Counterweight Pouch for helmets. Designed to affix via Velcro to the rear of a helmet equipped with Night Vision Goggles, the counterweight pouch features a flexible design that allows the simple addition or subtraction of weight.

NVG Counterweight Pouch

The slim design and flexible lead weights means the NVG Counterweight Pouch will conform to any helmet. Additionally, the rear of the pouch features a large Velcro pile patch that can be used to affix IR markers. The hook Velcro wings on the pouch can be trimmed for best fit and the mesh body allows sand, water, dirt, and other debris to easily drain.

It comes with optional flexible lead weights coated in rubber for better resilience in extreme conditions. Additionally, they offer enhanced noise discipline. Each of the three lead weight bars included with the pouch weighs approximately six ounces for a total of just over a pound. Additional weights are available if needed. The lead weights store inside the envelope formed by the pouch. This envelope can be accessed through a Velcro closure allowing you to carry not only the lead weights included with the pouch but other essentials, such as spare batteries. Additionally, most unit produced “duck weights and tape” will fit inside the pouch.

Available in Coyote, Tan, Black, and Foliage. To order, visit www.tidewatertactical.com.

Mayflower Sneak Peek

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Mayflower Research and Consulting will soon be releasing their “Recce Chest Rig” and the “UMP .45 Chest Rig” for open purchase. Heretofore restricted to a select clientele these two vests combine a no-nonsense design based on real-world experience with lightweight materials.

MRC Recce Vest (HK-417)MRC Recce Vest Side

The Recce Chest Rig is extremely versatile. Designed to carry up to six HK-417 magazines (three open and three in the front pouches), it will also accommodate six M4, AK, SR25 type mags (three open and three in the front pouches) or other similar types. The radio pouches were designed to carry an AN/PRC-148 or AN/PRC-152 with a BA-5590 or similar battery attached as the primary power source. The vest will carry two radios or one ambidextrously. It has antenna routing on the shoulders of the H-harness as well as remote antenna routing on the front underside. It is made with a combo of 500D and 1000D materials to accommodate the additional weight of the 7.62 ammo load. To top it off, the vest has small pockets for mini frags, bangs, firing systems, or other items.

Below you can see a HK-417 magazine to give you an idea of the odd shape. The pouches have to be a bit larger than for other magazines so they accommodate a wider range of options.
HK-417 Magazine

The UMP 45 Chest Rig is designed to carry 6 UMP 45 mags, single or double radios (AN/PRC-148 or AN/PRC-152) and two pistol mags (single or double stack).

Mayflower UMP Chest Rig

Available soon direct from Mayflower, Grey Group, among other fine retailers.

Scout Sniper Periscope Kit

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Periscope in Use in Iraq

U.S. Tactical Supply offers the Scout Sniper Periscope Kit (NSN 1240-01-571-5004). The kit is comprised of am anodized aluminum tripod mount handle with 1/4 20 threads, Desert Camo SwatScope 3M Camoclad Wrap Kit, aluminum hard case, belt hook, AN/PVS-14 Adapter, flashlight attachment, and a soft sling case. It’s everything you need to put the periscope immediately into action and can be used for a variety of observation applications in addition to use by a Sniper section.

Scout Sniper Periscope kit

The Scout Sniper Periscope Kit is available from U.S. Tactical Supply.

Chameleon Rapid Detection Kit

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Developed by Morphix Technologies under a grant from the United States Marine Corps to provide low-cost, disposable chemical detection, the Chameleon Rapid Detection Kit is designed to be passive and simple to use. It is an inexpensive option for military, first responders, or LE who may come operate around Clandestine Drug Labs or other HAZMAT.

Chameleon Rapid Detection Kit

Various kits are available but each contains 100 cassettes and at least one armband for hands-free detection of gases and vapors in the air. The armband comes in two sizes and can be worn on the forearm, upper arm, or lower leg. Additionally, the cassette housing can be removed from the armband and attached to any velcro panel.

Chameleon Rapid Detection Kit Cassettes

The Chameleon is field configurable from one to 10 cassettes which simply snap into place on the housing. Exposure detection is simple. If half of a cassette’s window changes color, the agent is present. Each cassette has a service life of 24 hours and can be immersed in fresh or salt water for up to an hour. A kit comes with 20 each of low pH (acid), high pH (base), chlorine/fluorine, phosgene, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, phosphine, iodine, or hydrogen sulfide. There is also a training kit available.

The Chameleon Rapid Detection Kit is available from Source One Distributors.

ZT-9 Bayonet

Monday, August 24th, 2009

The ZT-9 brings the highly sought after custom bayonets designed by Strider Knives’ Duane Dwyer within reach of the masses. With a blade 7-1/2″ long and 1/4″ thick combined with a full-tang for an overall length of over 12″, this blade is tough. Manufactured from S30V steel, the ZT-9 also features a Ranger Green textured G-10 handle. The bayonet is designed to fit the M16A1, M16A2, M16A4, most AR15-style weapons, Galil ARM, as well as the Mossberg 590.

ZT-9 Bayonet

The initial 200 production models flew out the door and to meet demand, a further 500 are in production. These will see some slight sheath mods from the first batch. Available soon from www.zerotolerance.com

Survival on GMA

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

A recent episode of Good Morning America featured former SF Officer Myke Hawke who was promoting his new book, “Myke Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Manual“.

Myke Hawke's Green Beret Survival Manual

In addition to a demonstration of fire starting using just steel wool and a battery, he also offered this mnemonic for remembering which berries are safe to eat in the wild.

White and yellow, kill a fellow.
Purple and blue, good for you.
Red… could be good, could be dead.

If [red berries are] growing in little clusters, they’re probably not good. If they’re growing in little singletons, they probably are good.
-Former SF Captain Myke Hawke

See the video of the GMA appearance here.

Ammo Engine

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

Looking for ammo? How about “cheap” ammo? Yeah, we know, “cheap” is a relative term these days but Ammo Engine not only lists in stock ammo but lets you compare prices.

Visit Ammo Engine

Half the Battle

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

For your consideration.

The Battle

http://nerduo.com/thebattle/

Magpul B.A.D. Lever

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

You’ve seen the Magpul Dynamics crew rocking the Battery Assist Device (B.A.D.) in training classes and on their training videos and it’s finally up on the Magpul website. The BAD has been greatly anticipated and has spawned several similar products from small shops and enthusiasts who couldn’t wait for the Magpul product to be released. Well, it’s here now, so you can get the original.

Magpul BAD

In a nutshell, the BAD allows you to manipulate the bolt catch by extending a paddle to the right side of the weapon into the trigger guard area. The simple design features a thin, anti-snag profile and textured surface that also allows for traditional manipulation of the bolt catch. The BAD is optimized for use with milspec forged upper and lower receivers, but is also compatible with the HK 416, VLTOR VIS/MUR, LaRue Stealth, and many other billet upper and lower receivers.

As with all Magpul products it is manufactured from high quality materials; in this case 6061-T6 aluminum with mil-spec finishing.

Check it out at www.magpul.com

NOTE: The BAD is not compatible with the SR-25, AR-10, or other 7.62 caliber AR platforms.

Photo by Stickman, provided by Magpul.

NVG Mount Lights

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

According to Ops-Core, several companies are working on lights designed to attach directly to a helmet’s NVG mount. None of the lights are quite ready for prime-time but we were able to sneak a picture of one example at the recent ADS Warrior Expo.

NVG Mounted Light

FASTmag Flap

Friday, August 21st, 2009

CPGear by Wheelers has just launched the FASTmag Flap. Designed to fit the PALS version of the Gen III FASTmag, the Flap gives you some extra piece of mind when the FASTmag is mounted upside down or other similar instances. The Flap folds out of the way when not required. There is also PALS compatible webbing on the front of the FASTmag flap to facilitate the attachment of additional modular pouches.

FASTmag Flap FASTmag Flap

The FASTmag Flap is available in CADPAT-AR, CADPAT-TW, Coyote Brown, Multicam, UCP, Olive, and Black. To order visit CPGear.

IR Reflective Symbology Patches

Friday, August 21st, 2009

IR Reflective Symbology Patches

S.O. Tech has taken their tactical symbology system to the next level with the IR Reflective Patches. Unveiled at TREXPO East, IRRP is a small IR reflective patch that attaches via hook and pile tape to clothing and equipment to mark personnel or contents. Each IRRP is emblazoned with one of the tactical symbols created by S.O. Tech for use by military during micro mission planning at the Company and below level or for scene and incidence control during LE operations. These symbols have been adapted for use beyond just chits on a map and can now be used to identify an individual person’s equipment or for more generic use to designate roles for both equipment and personnel. They are small enough to be discrete yet the IR feature makes them useful day or night, in virtually any environment.

Riflmean IRRP on Mirage Uniform Coat

The IRRP reflects IR energy to quickly ID your Mission Pack System or other tactical items in low light or black out conditions.

IRRP on Packs

To order visit S.O. Tech and follow the directions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: For security reasons, tactical IR reflective symbology is only available to Law Enforcement & Military with proper documentation.

Mega Admin Pouch

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

ITS Tactical has recently done an excellent review of Zulu Nylon Gear’s Mega Admin Pouch. I think it is aptly named. This 1000D Cordura provides more than ample space for your administrative needs and features a fold down area that serves as a chest mounted desk.

Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin Pouch

The Mega Admin Pouch is Berry Compliant. Check out the review which includes a video here.