Check out the entire 2011 lineup from Ops-Core. The only thing is, they are always busy developing new products so this is really more of a snapshot in time than a definitive look at their products.
Archive for February, 2011
2011 Ops-Core Catalog
Sunday, February 13th, 2011Field Gourmet – An Army Moves On Its Stomach
Saturday, February 12th, 2011SSD friend Sal Palma has posted a cool field expedient recipe on his Blog.
Air Force Seeking MultiCam Flight Suits – NOT
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
CANCELLED! Looks like Airmen will NOT be getting MultiCam flightsuits anytime soon. Quite specifically, a recent RFQ from the 45th Space Wing’s Contracting Squadron calls for some 200 DRIFIRE brand two piece flight suits, t-shirts, and combat shirts. In MultiCam no less. We’ve written about Drifire’s two piece flight suit. To summarize, the benefits of Drifire are myriad:
-Permanent Flame Resistance
-Moisture Wicking
-Fast Drying
-Superior Comfort
-Anti-Microbial
-Anti-Odor
Based on these stats, it’s now wonder that they asked for Drifire.
It is important to note that the procurement originates at Patrick AFB on Florida’s Space Coast (hence the 45th Space Wing). Patrick is home to the USAF Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing. Think PJs and Rescue Helos. So this isn’t the start of some big Air Force procurement for MultiCam flight suits. However, it is a great opportunity for Dri Fire.
All of this may sound confusing. But you have to understand how the Air Force conducts business. The 45th Space Wing is the host base and the 920th is a tenant. Consequently, they will rely on the host Wing for things like contracting. While the 45 Wing might be buying these garments, they are probably not the folks paying for them, or using them.
While the Air Force recently announced that it will be fielding Army OCP clothing and equipment to deploying Airmen, flyer’s clothing was not discussed. The Army does in fact have a certified two piece flight suit in MultiCam in the form of the OCP A2CU. What’s more, they just equipped the first unit a few weeks ago. But, the Air Force often wants to go its own way when it comes to flight suits. In fact, two piece flight suits have been a bit of a touchy subject in the Air Force for quite some time, whether they have been certified by another service or not. However, the two piece ensembles are much better for helo crews including PJs and flight medics. It’s good to see the troops getting the kit they need.
ADS Releases MRO Catalog 
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
ADS has just released their first catalog dedicated specifically to Maintenance Repair and Operations. It’s pretty comprehensive and includes a vast array of MRO capabilities including power tools, mobility storage systems, rescue tools, weapon racks, vehicle replacement parts, hydraulic & pneumatic lifts, and generators. Also, look for an upcoming article dedicated specifically to MRO to be featured on the ADS GearedUp blog.
Tags: ADS Inc
Posted in ADS, Catalog | Comments Off on ADS Releases MRO Catalog
Tyr Tactical Unveils a Deluge of New Products
Friday, February 11th, 2011Like a flood gate opening Tyr Tactical released images of not less than 20 new products on their Facebook page yesterday. And these weren’t a bunch of little pouches. For example, they’ve included a 5-Day Lightweight Assault BackPack in the release. Although, I have to admit I am a bit skeptical on this one. That is a lot to ask of a frameless pack. I’m looking forward to seeing one to take a look at how they are reducing weight and handling that type of load.
As far as innovation goes, my vote is in for the Assaulter Sustainment Pack. Apparently, you can remove the padding in order to attach it directly to a vest. It also has a generous beavertail that will make it easy to access kit.
I’m not sure how they are doing it, or keeping up. They’ve already sprinkled some of the the new products throughout the website in their respective categories so you will have to head over and root around a little to get an idea of what I am talking about.
Magnum Isn’t Just About MultiCam
Friday, February 11th, 2011I know it seems a bit odd that we would be downplaying MultiCam but the SHOT Show buzz surrounding Magnum’s new MultiCam footwear has kind of overshadowed their current offerings. So if you like the styles you saw in MultiCam or work somewhere that would not allow you to wear camo boots, you need to know that those same models are currently available in Black and Desert Tan.
Take for example this version of the Sidewinder HPi in Desert Tan. It has all of the features of its camouflaged brother that we wrote about before SHOT Show. They include the ion-maskâ„¢ hydrophobic surface enhancement, SuperFabric arch panel and an OrthoLite insole combined with a Vibram sidewinder outsole.
Line of Fire’s TEG Grip System
Friday, February 11th, 2011We first met Line of Fire at SHOT Show 2008 in Las Vegas. They were in an unassuming 10 x 10 booth out in one of the circus tents set in a parking lot across the street from the convention center. At the time they were working on a uniform designed specifically for contractors working in the Middle East which we found innovative. But it was an early TEGS prototype that really caught our eye. In fact, about a year ago we mentioned “Gecko Tape” in an article. We have kept in touch infrequently over the past few years and last year LOF sent us a pair of gloves to try out.
Technology Enhanced Grip System (TEGS) is a patented micro-replication technology developed by 3M. It provides superior grip in both wet and dry conditions. As you can see, it is optimized to be used in concert with itself (TEGS on TEGS) but enhances the grip even if used on conventional materials. The illustration below gives you an idea of how the technology works. The hooks are tiny and mesh with one another. Because they are so small there are more per square inch (300 to be exact) which translates to more surface area in contact. If you are familiar how strong the bond is when you interlace the pages of a phone book, you will get the concept of TEGS. Nothing locks, so you can release anything with TEGS immediately.
We received a pair of Stryker Extrication Gloves. They are also a good choice for Breachers. Made from 4-way stretch Kevlar, it’s over-the-wrist design protects the hands from cuts, abrasion and flame due to Kevlar’s inherent FR properties. All of the models feature impact-resistant polyurethane knuckle and finger guards. Additionally, the gloves are of an ergonomic cut that naturally fits the hand.
In addition to the Stryker, LOF also produces the Flashover, a gaunlet-style glove as well as the Pointman and Pointman LE which are shorter length models. The LE model differs from the Pointman in that it is a stretch nylon rather than Nomex.
It is important to note that LOF considers this a Grip System. In this system, the handwear is component A and the TEGS tape, component B. They are intended to work together. However, as you can see above, even if you use TEGS with standard surfaces, you still realize a 43% increase in grip. In addition to full Grip Systems they offer TEGS as individual adhesive backed sheets. This allows you to modify your existing equipment. Line of Fire has also mentioned to us working to license the technology to produce purpose built pistol grips, knife handles, and other similar items.
TEGS works. Wet or dry, regardless of material, TEGS improves the grip. It almost feels sticky. The grip is very solid and the item you are holding doesn’t move around in your hand. But, like we said before, there is no problem letting go. There really isn’t much else to say on that. There is a slight loss in tactility, but we see that same issue with virtually any gloves. We can’t pinpoint the cause to TEGS and feel it is more of a problem associated with handwear in general. Our only critique is that we would like to see TEGS available in additional colors than Black.
TAD Gear Releases Ranger LT
Friday, February 11th, 2011SSD readers should be no stranger to Triple Aught Designs. Today, they release the new Ranger LT which is based on the popular Ranger Hoodie. Consider it more of a year-round design. For example, when it’s cooler out, it acts an outerlayer to keep you warm without overheating. When it gets cold, it’s a great mid-layer underneath a hardshell.
Despite its lightweight rating, the Ranger LT is feature laden:
• An active fit streamlined enough to wear under another outer layer when needed
• Manufactured from Polartec Wind Pro (288 weight or 8.5 oz) with a DWR finish (Black SPEAR Fleece was 300 weight)
• Highly breathable and constructed to support a full range of motion
• Aero hood that provides head protection and warmth
• Eight pockets including two chest pockets with media port and D-rings, two upper arm pockets with Velcro patches, media port and d-rings, a left forearm pocket and rear hunters pocket
• The thumbhole cuffs have been sewn into the seam to reduce excess wind from getting in
• Pit vents provide extra breathability
• Chin guard
• Guide wires allow headphones to be neatly threaded down the hoodie and through the media port(s)
• Available in Black, ME Green and UE Gray
