Blackhawk Products Group founder Mike Noell recently announced his retirement as President of Blackhawk Products Group. Based on his experience in the first Iraq war with gear that gave out, Mike decided to start a business that would design and manufacture reliable individual equipment. Soldier Systems Daily has known Mike since he founded the Hampton Roads-based Blackhawk almost 20 years ago and we cannot think of anyone else who has been as successful at developing as enterprising a marketing schema nor widespread brand recognition. In fact, he parlayed that success into Blackhawk’s recent acquisition by ATK. While we are sorry to see him go, Mike has always been a builder and an innovator so we don’t expect him to stay idle for long. We look forward to seeing where he directs his energy in the future. Congratulations Mike and family!
Posts Tagged ‘Blackhawk’
Blackhawk Founder Mike Noell Announces Retirement
Thursday, June 17th, 2010Blackhawk Ergonomic Duty Belt Harness
Friday, June 11th, 2010
Designed to answer a Department of Justice requirement for a load carrying solution to help alleviate the large numbers of lumbar injuries suffered by law enforcement officer, Blackhawk developed the Ergonomic Duty Belt Harness. Designed to transfer the duty belt’s burden from the hips to the shoulder, it is also compatible with body armor. The idea is to share the load balancing it more between the hips and shoulders. In order to take full advantage of the harness, the duty shirt will need to be slightly modified with small buttonholes on the sides to accommodate the straps. The ergonomic duty belt harness is available in two sizes; small/medium and large/x-large.
ATK Purchases Blackhawk
Monday, April 12th, 2010ATK has purchased Blackhawk Products Group for an undisclosed sum. (Whew, it’s nice to finally be able to say that after sitting on that story all weekend.) In a move that begs more questions than answers, ATK has purchased another of the major players in the tactical nylon industry. Almost a year ago they purchased Eagle Industries but with the purchase of BPG they also get a manufacturer of apparel, footwear, hydration, sleep systems, armor, and weapons accessories.
Cats and Dogs Living Together…while some might see Eagle and Blackhawk long rivals in the tactical industry, under the same corporate umbrella as a sign of the end times, it is not. Just interesting times.
So this obviously begs the question, will ATK consolidate these concerns or will they follow the lead of Armor Holdings, gobbling up companies and allowing them to continue to compete even under their umbrella?
In closing we would like to say, “Congratulations Mike!” and we look forward to seeing what this new future brings to ATK, BPG and the industry as a whole.
Blackhawk for Sale
Sunday, February 7th, 2010Rumors have swirled for some time that Blackhawk Products Group has been for sale. A recent article by “The Deal Pipeline” confirms this. Brazos Private Equity Partners LLC was seeking to purchase the company but Blackhawk withdrew from negotiations over pricing issues last Thursday. The deal was to be financed with an estimated $80 million debt package provided by GE Capital Corp and Chicago’s Madison Capital Funding LLC, with a $20 million mezzanine debt piece from Golub Capital. Wachovia Securities (owned by Wells Fargo) has been serving as Blackhawk’s financial adviser and seeking buyers for the company.
This indicates two things about Blackhawk; how much the market feels the company is worth and the fact that Blackhawk doesn’t agree with this assessment. Over the last year the soldier systems industry has experienced numerous buyouts with manufacturers such as Eagle Industries, Tactical Assault Gear, and OTB Boots going to larger companies who are using the purchases to foray into this market.
Top 3 Soldier Systems Shockers – 2009
Thursday, December 31st, 2009There were three major shockers this year and all happened over the last few months.
1. Blackhawk’s Serpa is New SOCOM Holster – After a Natick sponsored shoot off at the US Training Center in Moyock, NC, the Blackhawk Serpa was chosen as the new holster component for SOCOM’s series of Load Carrying System (LCS) Kits.
2. Army Adopts KDH Plate Carrier – In fact, KDH wins every major armor contract in the latter half of 2009. After a GSA-based solicitation KDH was chosen to provide the US Army with 57000 Soldier Plate Carriers the first of which are to be fielded in January for use in Afghanistan.
3. UK Releases Multi Terrain Pattern – With a little help from Crye Precision the MoD adopted a new pattern blending the color scheme of MultiCam with the feel of DPM.
New Gridded Fleece from Blackhawk
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
Blackhawk Products Group has launched their 2010 lineup. In addition to a myriad of tactical nylon and armor solutions, they have also expanded their clothing offerings. While their is quite a bit to choose from I thought a great starting point would be their new gridded fleece. The line is fairly extensive and includes the Thermo-fur jacket (shown), a gridded fleece jacket, 3/4 zip pullover and hoody, and something unavailable until now in the tactical industry a lightweight fleece vest. Only the Thermo-fur jacket features an exposed nap with the other tops in the line having the nap against the skin. Additionally, all of the garments feature an athletic cut and Blackhawk has incorporated the latest construction techniques including laminated chest pockets. I have a Thermo-fur and it is a very comfortable jacket and will zip in to Blackhawk’s Warrior Wear hard shell released last year to add insulation.
The garments are manufactured from a high loft gridded fleece and are offered in Black or Coyote Brown. Visit www.blackhawk.com for more information.
Nalgene Oasis Canteens
Monday, May 4th, 2009Nalgene markets the Oasis as the “Canteen Re-imagined” and for those who prefer a traditional style 1 qt canteen, the Oasis is a great choice. Made of modern materials but retaining the classic shape so it fits military canteen pouches and accommodates a canteen cup.
The Oasis Canteen has a thirty-two ounces (One quart) capacity and features the Nalgene 38mm narrow mouth closure with military threads to accommodate issued (NBC) caps. Lightweight and guaranteed leakproof, they don’t absorb odors or stain. The translucent color shows fluid level as well as cleanliness. What’s more, they are now BPA free.
Available in Blue, Grey, and Red from Nalgene. Blackhawk Products Group, on the other hand has secured exclusive rights to the canteens in Foliage Green and Coyote Brown and they are available with or without logo.
Blackhawk High Performance Fighting Uniform
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008Unveiled at SHOT 08 in Las Vegas, the HPFU consists of four components: Jacket, Shirt, Pants, and Vest. The system was developed by Brian Abrams of Adventure Tech as they were brought into Blackhawk’s stable of outdoor and tactical companies. With the exception of the vest which is designed to be worn in conjunction with the shirt, all of the clothing features Blackhawk’s proprietary Integrated Tourniquet System (ITS). It was this feature that helped persuade the Navy to purchase the uniforms for some of its ground combatants.
Jacket
Shirt
Pants
Vest
Available in Black, OD and Desert Digital with Multicam available in the future, all of the HPFU items are available here.
Photos from Blackhawk Products Group.
Press Release – Rapid Deployment with Exclusive Warrior Wear™ Side-Zip Boots
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
Radcliff, KY (Aug 13, 2008) – U.S. Cavalry, the world’s leading multi-channel distributor for Military, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security communities, is pleased to partner with BLACKHAWK!® for an exclusive desert tan version of the Warrior Wear™ ZW5 & ZW7 Waterproof, Side-Zip Boots.
Perfect for those who require lightening fast response, the ZW series utilize a molded, zipper opening with durable hardware so you don’t have to tie and retie the laces. Tie the boots once and use the side-zip to quickly don in seconds!
Warrior Wear™ boots are constructed of the finest components to achieve a balance of durability, low weight, comfort and protection. Internally, a waterproof Sympatex® liner surrounds the boot and even runs the length of the zipper gusset. A Dri-Lex® lining aids in wicking moisture away from the foot and quickly dries for maximum comfort. Rounding out the features on the inside, the ZW series has a removable, anti-microbial Ortholite® footbed that is washable to prevent odor causing bacteria.
In addition to the internal waterproof barrier, the outer Cordura® and high abrasion suede leather is also water resistant. The outsole includes an oil-resistant Vibram® TC4+ material with large open lugs for traversing debris and providing excellent traction on irregular or wet surfaces. Other features include a padded collar for comfort and ankle support, convenient nylon pull-on loop and rubber kicker material for increased toe protection.
These exciting new lightweight boots are available in two heights: 5-inch (ZW5) or 7-inch (ZW7) to suit any mission. The ZW series is offered in two colors: black or desert tan, available only through U.S. Cavalry. In addition, purchase any ZW series boot through U.S. Cavalry and get a FREE pair of Warrior Wear™ socks using code: BHSOCK.
The ZW5 & ZW7 Boots are in stock and ready for order. To see video demos of the product and for additional technical details, visit: http://www.uscav.com/zwboots or call 1.800.200.9455.
For Publishers – High-resolution images and logos are available online at: http://www.uscav.com/PressRelease.aspx?id=50
About U.S. Cavalry: Headquartered in Radcliff, Kentucky, U.S. Cavalry has served professionals for 35 years by delivering the world’s finest equipment, services and training. The company serves its customers through managed accounts, retail stores, mail order catalogs and web site. For more information, log-on to our web site at www.uscav.com or call 800.777.7172 today.
Navy Adopts Blackhawk Uniforms
Friday, July 18th, 2008Blackhawk Products Group unveiled a new family of high concept uniforms at SHOT Show 08 in Vegas. Less than six months later one of the variants has been adopted and the Navy will begin deliveries today.
The desert digital uniforms will be issued to a small user community and feature Blackhawk’s patented Integrated Tourniquet System at key areas on the arms and legs of the four component uniform system. Dubbed the High Performance Fighting Uniform, the system consists of an FR athletic cut combat shirt, a lightweight zippered vest for wear over the combat shirt in garrison, a BDU style blouse and combat trousers.
Commercial variants may be available in as soon as 60 days.
Look for a more comprehensive article soon.
