FirstSpear TV

Archive for February, 2010

Haitian Response Equipment ADS Tactical

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

ADS Haiti CatalogI realize the initial surge is over but troops, aid workers, and security professionals continue to pour into earthquake stricken Haiti. ADS has compiled an online catalog of products suited for those responding to that devastated nation. They run the gamut from shelters to generators and medical kits to tools. It is not only a great resource for those deploying to Operation Unified Response but can serve as a tool for anyone planning for humanitarian, rescue, or security operations.

To view the catalog visit www.adsinc.com/haiti.

Global Spear – Where Credibility is King

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

There’s a new forum in town and it’s not quite like anything we have ever seen before. In addition to free general memberships, the staff at Global Spear will offer special consideration to those members who choose to disclose their backgrounds. Such information will be kept confidential but will add considerable weight to a poster’s contributions. The goal is to avoid having the unqualified dispense advice that could get a forum member injured or killed.

Additionally, Global Spear seeks to provide unbiased product evaluations free from the influence of corporate shills. Evaluators must disclose how they obtained the product and any affiliations they might have with the product’s producer. The establishment of a poster’s credibility will also help to temper the voice of fan boys as they rush to defend the object of their affection’s latest turd polisher.

Global Spear also envisions a forum where small business owners can go and exchange information on how to better serve the market as well as themselves.

I am very excited about the possibilities being offered here. Visit www.GlobalSpear.com to learn more.

Energizer Lights for LE

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Energizer has taken their technologies developed for military use and adapted them for the Law Enforcement market. The most obvious change is the color choice of Black rather than Coyote to accommodate SWAT in particular. But that’s not the only change. They’ve also added a handle held single cell light to the line. Although we’ve covered these lights before, we have so many new readers that we thought it would be a good idea to reacquaint you with them.

Energizer Second Generation 2 AA Light

The head rotates a full 180° head allowing light to be directed where needed and offers six light modes:
-Bright white, high-intensity LED (70 lumens on high)
-Red LED for light-discipline and combat conditions
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Green LED for light-discipline and map-reading
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices
-IR strobe for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability
The Energizer Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources, providing a “quick-extinguish” feature. Both IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating. The light runs on two AA batteries, but is fully functional with one AA battery when necessary. Additionally, Energizer offers an ingenious feature that the batteries are always inserted tips-in, eliminating the need for polarity indicators. This is fantastic in the dark.

Energizer Helmet Light

The helmet light weighs in at 3.5 ounces and features four light modes: High-intensity White LED (45 lumens), Red LED for low-light conditions, Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices, and IR strobe flashes for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability. Once again, the Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources and provides “quick-extinguish” feature. Additionally, the IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating. The helmet light is rotatable in 18-degree increments and locked into place and mounts to either side of helmet with standard screwdriver. It detaches from the helmet mount for use with other accessories such as a MOLLE vest or Picatinny rail.

In addition to the 2 AA handheld and helmet lights, Energizer has also introduced a 1 AA light. It features a constant-on control with the push of a button as well as a dim up/dim down feature. It is waterproof with a machined, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body, shatterproof lens, and white LED.

Energizer 1 AA light

Note: The lights are not scaled in relation to one another.

Revitalize Your DWR

Monday, February 15th, 2010

It looks like it’s going to be a LONG winter. During a recent shooting class I attended it started raining day one and by the middle of the second day it looked like a blizzard. Most of my fellow shooters were wearing waterproof breathable outerwear and several began to feel clammy and then damp the longer each day progressed. A couple of guys were wearing issue Gen I ECWCS parkas. Probably not the best garment available as Gore long ago decided that the basic design could not meet their “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” standards. Of course these jackets were old. More than anything, they needed some maintenance.

The key to any modern outerwear is its Durable Water Repellent (DWR). There are quite a few treatments available and different manufacturers have their favorites but they are usually are based on flouropolymers. These are PTFE molecules that are applied to the surface and cured at high heat to make them adhere better and increase performance and have a fluorine atom at one end which is highly hydrophobic. Heat causes them to align themselves with their flourines exposed. Water tries to move away from the flourines resulting in beading. This allows the water to roll off without wetting the fabric. Interestingly, Quarpel (Quartermaster Repellent) was one of the first DWRs and used to treat field jackets and other military clothing items.

Since most of us can’t run out and purchase a new jacket every time this happens I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips with you that will not only revitalize your garment’s DWR treatment but also extend the life of your clothing.

DWR treatments work best when they are clean. I realize this seems counter to what you think is right since a DWR generally lasts about 25 washings and tactical garments get quite a beating in the field but you need to wash your clothing. The first thing is to avoid using liquid detergents as well as fabric softeners. Additionally, avoid optical brighteners as they are not good for DWR or IR treatments. There are wash in treatments you can purchase as well as spray on options to help renew your clothing’s DWR. However, wash in treatments may affect the breathability of your membrane. One of the best spray solutions available is Revivex from McNett and it is what I have used in the past. It also serves as a stain repellent. Revivex can also be applied to garments that never had DWR in the first place so if you have hunting or field clothing that you find yourself wearing in inclement weather regularly you may want to give it a once over. If you use a spray treatment be sure to evenly coat your garment while it is still damp after washing and to pay special attention to any seams.

There are two additional ways you can put some life back into your DWR. One is to put the garment in a conventional dryer on warm and the other is to iron it on low heat. If water fails to bead up on the surface of your garment you will need to retreat.

No matter which method you choose, proper maintenance of your foul weather clothing’s DWR will help keep you warm and dry and extend the life of your equipment.

Crye Precision Granted Combat Shirt Patent

Monday, February 15th, 2010

On 29 December, 2009, Crye Precision was granted 7,636,948 patent for their “Combat Shirt and Armor System” and this may prove to be just as important as when Crye unleashed their combat uniform on an unsuspecting market. It’s not often when you see a new concept fundamentally change the way we look at something but that is exactly how it worked out. I don’t think Crye even believed it would take off like it did. Even if you consider that the idea was radical at the time, when you saw it, you “got it”. It just made sense. Thinner, wicking material where you wear armor, built in knee and elbow pads. Everyone wanted one and that was the problem. Demand soon outpaced capacity and just like nature, the market place abhors a vacuum. Soon everyone had their own version of a combat shirt. Eventually, Crye caught up with demand, but the genie was out of the bottle so to speak.

Crye Combat Shirt Patent

The patent is very specific in many areas, almost too much so, and in others like so many patents, it’s virtually obtuse. No idea whether Crye will attempt to defend their intellectual property but at this point with so many versions out there, including the issue Army Combat Shirt and Airman Battle Shirt it would almost be Crye vs everybody. Read it and weep.

Jakpak

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Jakpak is a modular 3-season sleeping and shelter system consisting of a jacket, shelter, and sleeping bag. While slightly bulky in this configuration, all three components can be stored inside the jacket and quickly deployed for use.

Jakpak ComponentsJacket
The hooded jacket is a simple affair manufactured from an unspecified 2-layer waterproof breathable fabric and features pit zips as well two exterior and one interior pockets. The integrated hood has a visor and pull tabs to keep foul weather out.

Tent
The detachable hooped tent uses two metal rods and covers the head and upper torso. The tent can also be used as a pack cover.

Sleeping Bag
The sleeping bag component is actually of elephant foot design and mates to the jacket via a #5 coil zipper along the rear of the mouth. Additionally, there is an angle two way zipper to facilitate entry and exit. It also allows you to fully expose the feet in order to walk around. While the bags looks to be roomy, there is also elastic at the mouth in order to keep it snug if needed and built in suspenders help support the weight. The bottom of the bag is waterproof and the top is made from an unspecified waterproof breathable fabric.

Jakpak - How it works

Jakpak is currently available in subdued two-tone Green shades, Black and Grey, as well as RealTree and a HiViz option for survival use. The mosquito net is Black but looks a dark Grey due to the mesh letting light through. Additionally, since it is based primarily on a jacket, Jakpak is sized XS (34-36) – XL (46-48).

For more info visit www.jakpak.com.

Tokyoflash Kisai Escape C

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Tokyoflash Kisai Escape CThe Escape C is a multi-media wireless device that allows you to stream audio from your bluetooth-capable phone, MP3 player, and computer. It supports AVRCP and A2DP profiles, and connect up to 33 feet away from any connected media device. The Escape C has keys for volume and track control, time display and setting as well as a USB port and an earphone jack. Tokyoflash Japan is known for their timepieces and the Escape C is no disappointment. It tells time using a series of blue LEDs inset around the perimeter of the medallion. Speaking of which, the device is intended to be worn around the neck but would make an interesting 21st century take on the pocket watch.

BioLite Stove

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

BioLite StoveBioLite is an affordable, ultra low emission, wood burning cook stove that cuts wood consumption in half, reduces smoke emissions by 95% and nearly eliminates black carbon. But it doesn’t just burn wood. It also consumes pine cones, underbrush, pellets, rice husks and even dung.

BioLite uses wood gassifier technology combined with a fan that is powered by the conversion of heat generated by the stove to electricity through the use of a Thermoelectric Generator made from solid state semi-conductor elements. The use of woodgas has been around for years and converts the combustible elements of wood into a highly efficient flammable gas by super heating the wood.

While the BioLite stove was developed for use in developing nations that do not have regular access to electricity or petroleum based fuels, it would be great for military personnel or other who must live off the land. The item above is a developmental model but a personal version should be available soon.

Visit www.biolitestove.com for more information.