FirstSpear TV

Archive for June, 2011

Betsy Ross TD x SS Limited Edition Tee

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

What better way to celebrate the birth of our country than to sport a t-shirt emblazoned with the Betsy Ross flag. Considered America’s first flag, it’s basic design features of 13 red and white stripes to symbolize the original colonies that became states along with a blue field filled with stars to designate the current number of American states have survived the test of time.

When SSD and TD settled on the first three designs we knew that this one needed to be released before the 4th of July. The Betsy Ross shirt is the final design for the American Heritage series of t-shirts which are limited edition designs available in Black and Sand.

Get yours from www.tacticaldistributors.com.

Army Combat Pants Are Go?

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Natick has released a Request for Information from industry seeking for production of a Flame Resistant Improved Army Combat Uniform Trouser (Army Combat Pant). We wrote about the “FR ACU Trouser Product Improvement Program” in 2009 but not much information has been released since then. Ultimately, Crye Precision was given the contract to produce the test articles which were evaluated in Afghanistan last year by elements of the 101st.


This is a photo of a prototype.

This RFI signals the beginning of what may well be the introduction of an entirely new piece of combat apparel for issue. While many will argue that this is just an improvement of the current FR ACU trousers, that would only be true so long as the old style is no longer produced. The current FR ACU is an almost stitch for stitch copy of the current ACU worn in garrison as well as permissive field environments. Additionally, the Army issues the Army Combat Shirt which has been optimized for wear with body armor. The new so-called Army Combat Pants are optimized for combat use. This new combat oriented combination would make the FR ACU redundant as it has not been optimized for combat use. Will the Army retain the FR ACU? Most likely. There are plenty of reasons to issue an FR fatigue type of uniform.

Another interesting issue introduced in this RFI is that the ACP will be produced in both OCP as well as UCP. That’s right, despite the adoption of MultiCam as OCP for troops deployed to Afghanistan and a comprehensive camouflage development effort in the form of the Army Camouflage Improvement Effort, a full replacement for the ill-performing UCP can’t come soon enough. Until the Army can decide on a path ahead for signature management it will be forced to continue to invest in a camouflage pattern that does not work in but the most improbable circumstances.

Murdock Webbing Introduces MultiCam Jacquard Weave Webbing

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Murdock Webbing has been officially licensed by Crye Precision to offer jacquard woven Multicam webbing. Using specialized jacquard looms the camouflage pattern is integrated directly into the web creating a durable, quality product. It meets or surpasses all of the performance requirements for AA55301 and is offered in standard widths of .75″, 1″, 1.5″, and 2″. Additionally, custom widths and weights are available upon request.

You can barely see the webbing overlayed on a sheet of MultiCam fabric. This is a good thing. The pattern is so well executed that it blends right in unlike the Government pattern webbing introduced earlier this year.

The double-sided jacqaurd woven MultiCam webbing meets all NIR requirements established by Natick, and has been approved by a government certified lab.

In addition to looking great, there is an added benefit to the jacquard woven construction. It has proven to be very abrasion resistant in repeated laboratory tests, maintaining the integrity of the MultiCam design even after 1000s of cycles on an abrasion machine. This means the pattern is going to last you the lifetime of the product.

Additionally, the weave can really hold a buckle or clip in place. Murdock Webbing feels that this could be the single most important function of webbing as it relates to a military pack or carrying system. We agree. There is nothing worse than webbing that needs constant adjustment due to slippage.

What’s more, Murdock Webbing is the exclusive narrow fabric company to offer Schoeller’s NanoSphere technology. NanoSphere repels water and dirt to create a self-cleaning finish and enhance durability. They also also offer a silicone application that they apply in-house. Either of these treatments will protect the webbing and prevent water absorption to keep weight down when conditions get rough.

Murdock Webbing has been an approved supplier to the military since the early 1960s and has been a force in industry since 1936. Their mill is ANSI/ASQC ISO9001 certified and manufactures products that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

So, to sum this article up. Looks good? Check. Abrasion Resistant? Check. Grippy for Buckles? Check. Added Bonus – Inexpensive.

Murdock’s MultiCam webbing is woven right here in the United States and is Berry Amendment Compliant. Please contact Ray Clarke, VP of Sales, at 1 (800) 375 2052 x3014 or ray.clarke@murdockweb.com for free prototyping quantities as well as a price quote.

murdockwebbing.com

Sneak Peek – Badlands Trousers

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

UK-based Hyde Definition and Italy’s SOD Gear have teamed up to offer SOD’s line of clothing in the PenCott family of camouflage patterns.

Here is a sneak peek of a pair of SOD Gear’s Para One trousers in the Badlands pattern.

If that isn’t proof enough that something is afoot, check out these pants ready to go.

Check Out iRobot at Warrior Expo

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Robots on the battlefield are becoming more and more prolific. And, while they aren’t about to replace us just yet, they can take on quite a few duties that keep humans out of harm’s way. One company that is leading the charge to develop more capable robot systems is iRobot.

iRobot will be on hand at Warrior Expo East to demonstrate their wares and Friday, 15 July, they will provide a presentation in their booth entitled, “Government & Industrial Robots: Robots that make a Difference”. More than 4,000 iRobot robots have been fielded to military and civil defense forces worldwide that pull duty performing search, reconnaissance, surveillance, IED inspection, bomb disposal, mounted and dismounted operations.

www.adsinc.com/breakouts-east

For the Ladies – Women’s coldblack Short Sleeve Polo

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

We are very pleased to announce that Vertx has just released their Women’s coldblack® Short Sleeve Polo. Initially unveiled during SHOT Show, it features coldblack® which reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays making dark colors feel light.

There aren’t enough products designed specifically for women so it is great to see gear like this hit the market. Offered in Navy, Black, Tan, Black, and Red in sizes XSmall – XLarge. Be aware, the samples we saw at SHOT Show looked a little small. I’d recommend going up a size unless you want a fitted look or are very petite.

www.wearvertx.com

High Ground Gear Modular Pack with Quick-Release Waistbelt

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Here’s another cool product we’ve been sitting on for awhile now. We like High Ground Gear’s innovative designs. This one is a releasable waistbelt for their HG830 Modular Pack. This allows you to rapidly ditch your pack without removing the belt. This is particularly handy if you are using it to carry your pistol and other survival gear.

The HG830 Modular Pack incorporates several unique features. The rigid frame is designed specifically to be worn over body armor and integrates an internal pocket in the lower back of the frame will hold 4 ergonomic mag-pouch inserts (5.56 or 7.62). The shoulder straps feature cable-routing designed to collect the clutter of hydration hoses and cables to keep you from getting snagged. Additionally, the internal hydration pocket accepts most 2 to 3 Liter hydration bladders without bulging into your back plate. Finally, the frame’s ample PALS webbing field allows it be configured for a wide variety of applications.

The waistbelt is easily cut-away but the best way to see how this releasable waistbelt works is to watch this video.

Available in MultiCam, UCP, Coyote, Black, and Ranger Green. The waistbelt is offered in two sizes, Large and X-Large.

www.highgroundgear.com

Condor Offering A-TACS

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Popular commercial brand Condor has just announced the launch of products in the A-TACS pattern. With over 1,000 dealers throughout the United States and Canada, this is a boon for those looking to adopt A-TACS gear.

The introductory product offering will include:

-The Modular Operator Plate Carrier with features that include Detachable shoulder pads, Side release buckles on shoulders and internal waist strap, high tensile strength webbing covered in A-TACS fabric for optimum concealment, one front map pocket with snap, hook & loop closure and armor compartments (front, back & two side) with hook and loop panels.

-The Three-Day Assault Pack with features that include, Large load cargo capacity compartment with a separate pocket to fit up to two 3 large hydration bladders, body contour shoulder straps with D-Ring for equipment attachment, sternum starp and waist belt, external side compression straps, two double zipper pulls on the main compartment for easy access, individual form pad back penal for extra comfort and maximum airflow and high tensile strength webbing covered in A-TACS fabric for optimum concealment.

-Triple Kangaroo Mag Pouch with features including, room for three M4/M16 mags and three pistol mag pouches in the front, with adjustable Hook & Loop flaps.

-Double Kangaroo Mag Pouch with features including, room for three M4/M16 mags and three pistol mag pouches in the front, with adjustable Hook & Loop flaps.

-Pistol Holster with features that include additional pistol mag storage with flap closures and adjustable nylon webbing leg straps with rubberized backing.

-Double Pistol Mag Pouch with adjustable Hook & Loop flaps.

-Map/Intel Pouch featuring a removable clear vinyl sleeve for map or documents, removable back straps, front ID or badge holder, pen holder and is ALICE clip (seriously!) compatible.

-Three Fold Mag Recovery Pouch that features a rolls up design held closed by with 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ hook & loop tab.

-CBT Bungee Sling with features that include, dual bungee construction, HK snap hook adapter covered with elastic adapter, side-release buckle to release adapter and sling, 1 1/4 inch webbing, with Duraflex buckles, easily converts from two point to single point sling.

-Cobra Single Point Bungee Sling with features including dual bungee construction, HK snap hook adapter covered with elastic adapter, side-release buckle to release adapter and sling, 1 1/4 inch webbing, with Duraflex buckles.

All products in the introductory offering will be available for purchase through authorized Condor retailers in mid-October with the exception of the Rifle Slings which are now available. For more information visit Condor at www.condoroutdoor.com.