The new A-TACS pattern was sighted in Blue Force Gear’s booth sporting several of their products including a sling and the Ten Speed Chest rig.
Archive for January, 2010
MiniKISS Rocks AAC Party
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010Sponsored by AAC, Remington, Bushmaster, Crye Precision, Magpul, Maxim Magazine, and Patron Tequila, last night’s party was held at the Voodoo lounge, high atop the Rio. Someone slipped us a little taste of festivities.
I have it on good authority that Reed Knight was rocking out to the smooth sounds of MiniKISS singing appropriately enough, “Love Gun.” Who would have known? Also on hand were 18 of Maxim magazine’s finest. Sorry folks, no incriminating evidence there. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Vertx Brand Launches New Website
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010It seems like everyone is enhancing the shopping experience but Vertx has taken it to a whole new level. Customers can not only order garments but they can learn about the Vertx line as well.
Visit www.wearvertx.com.
Basejump Helmet from Ops-Core
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010In order to satisfy users who don’t need all of the capability of the FAST Bump helmet, Ops-Core has developed the Basejump. Manufactured from glass filled nylon the Basejump has the Night Vision mount molded directly into the helmet. Retail is said to be around $180.
A-TACS Sighting
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010A-TACS seems to be popping up everywhere at SHOT. Here. high atop the EOTAC booth a mannequin stands watch kitted out in their new RECCE Smock, Shirt and Pants.
Crye Changes Everything
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010What the didn’t change, they added. I was duly impressed walking into the Crye Precision booth at this year’s SHOT Show. They have completely revamped their clothing line, making improvements to mainstays as well as adding new garments. The G3 Combat Shirt and Pants have received some streamlining and both Combat as well as Field Pants will feature the same pocket configurations. Another cool new feature is that the kneepad pockets have a recessed flap that can be pulled up and close off the kneepad pocket when not needed.
The Field Shell is a softshell jacket with angles pit zips that go around the circumference of a shoulder in much the same manner as a raglan sleeve. This is to accommodate those wearing armor systems. To complement the Field Shell they have developed the All weather Trousers and Combat Shirt. The All Weather Trousers are made from softshell material and the All Weather Combat Shirt is heavier weight than its sibling. Additionally, they are introducing the Wind Liner, a lightweight wind shirt that can be balled up and carried in your kit. Crye also revamped their kneepad, improving both the performance and comfort.
Additionally, they now offer three armor carriers; the CAGE, CAGE Plate Carrier and Jumpable Plate Carrier.
The JPC weighs an astonishing one pound! To help reduce weight Crye developed a skeletal MOLLE system called Airlite MOLLE and integrated new materials into the design.
In addition to armor, Crye has also introduced their new helmet. A two piece design, the Air Frame helmet is designed to stop frag The Air Frame features a chin strap and new rail system from Ops-Core as well as pads from Team Wendy. The two piece design allows new shapes to be molded and integrated resulting in increased nape coverage. Crye is also producing Chops, a facial protection applique as well as Ears which are armored add ons for the ear area.
And last but hardly least, Crye has begun to delve into injection molding with the Gun Clip. It is holster-like but Caleb Crye deigns to call it one. Rather, he referred to it as a pistol holder. With this technology, the days of the pull out and puch forward draw stroke are over. The weapon is retained by snapping into place. Due to their proprietary MOLLE compatible mounting solution, this allows you to present the pistol straight forward to the target when chest mounted. Additionally, it completely eliminates the exaggerated draw stroke for those using suppressed weapons. To draw, you simply flick the snap open with your thumb and pop the weapon from the Gun Clip.
I was told that everything would be available this year.
“New” from H&K – MR 556
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
At SHOT Show H&K displayed the MR 556 and MR 762 civilian variants of the HK-416 and 417. That they have new names this year is step toward demonstrating that these are not clones of the rifles released in Europe. As we posted in November, the takedown pins are in the same location as Mil Std US Stoner-style rifles. However, take a look at the close up of the takedown pins. They appear smaller in diameter than Mil Std pins, but I was assured by an engineer from Obendorf that this is not the case. What is different about these pins is that the center must be depressed with a punch or similar item in order to be moved. This is required when breaking the weapon down as well as when putting it back together. Interestingly, the MR 762 did not have the new takedown pins (UPDATE: because these are the same samples exhibited last year). Pricing was still not nailed down and discussions of release dates were met with “four months.”
H&K employees manning the booth stated that they had just received the samples on Friday and that they were not yet completely familiar with them. The weapons were assembled at Daniel Defense but bear the proof marks of HK’s assembly plant co-located with Wilcox Industries in New Hampshire.
New Balance Acquires OTB Boots
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, or the actually the forum shops. As I was making my way to lunch at Caesar’s Forum shops, someone mentioned that OTB boots had been purchased. I did some checking, and sure enough, last Friday (15 January, 2010) New Balance purchased OTB Boots. This is a really good deal for both companies. It means New Balance can leverage OTB’s tactical expertise and OTB has access to New Balance’s domestic manufacturing capability.
I had no idea that most of New Balance’s footwear is made right here in the USA at their five domestic factories. For the military, they produce the USMC running suit, under layers for PCU, and the 993 PT Fitness Shoe. Naturally, this move means that there will be Berry compliant boots from OTB.
OTB officers, Dan Ellis and Mike Metcalfe will remain in place.
Visit OTB at SHOT Show booth #24065 or on the web at www.otbboots.com.
