XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for 2011

Phantom Lights Vulture Series

Sunday, February 27th, 2011

Ever wanted to be able to scavenge the rest of the power from your partially depleted BA-5590s? If you’re deployed forward you probably have stacks of the things that have come back from patrol but you won’t send back out since they don’t have a full charge. But what to do with them? Some have crafted amazing Rube Goldberg contraptions to harvest whatever they can from the used cells. But now there is a dedicated solution. Phantom Lights has developed the Phantom Vulture, an LED light mounted on a flexible neck that attaches directly to a BA-5590. It straps into place and can run for weeks or months depending on the residual charge in the battery. Simple in design yet ingenious in inspiration. Well done! Now, come up with a way to power other 12v electronics from a 5590.

www.phantomlights.com

CamoScience App Coming in April

Sunday, February 27th, 2011

Released at last week’s AUSA Winter Symposium in Orlando, FL, the CamoScience(tm) App from MW Research and Development, Inc will be relased in April. It is designed for use with smartphones and mobile touchscreens (including the upcoming iPad 2) and converts photos into camouflage designs.

CamoScienceâ„¢ is a photo application that turns site-specific photography into what its inventor calls “Photographic Camouflage.”

“‘Photographic Camouflage’ is the term I coined four years ago to describe any ‘camera-derived’ camo design,” said K. Dominic Cincotti, MW Research and Development President.

“Right now, we’re focused on special ops and first responders Apps,” Cincotti said. “They know what challenges they face and how quickly they want their problems solved. We also have our eyes on app developers who, like us, are interested in innovative problem solving. “If you’re in one of those categories, get in touch,” he said.

CamoScienceâ„¢ will also let users design Photographic Camouflage into a touch-screen grip for the iPad 2. Touchscreen grips provide functional, hand-traction grip to keep your iPad 2 safely in your grasp while mobile. This is accomplished with an extremely thin, adhesive graphic “skin,” with a unique frictional, micro-terrain.

We have almost no details about this technology other than their press release. We will update you as we get additional information.

HD@militarywraps.com or alternate for App Dev: CamoScience@gmail.comwww.militarywraps.com

Garmont T4 GTX Now Available

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Extreme Outfitters just received their initial shipment of the much awaited T4 GTX. This lightweight assault hiker is Gore-tex lined and features a polyurethane midsole ride combined with a Vibram G3 outsole.

Available in Sand and Black in sizes 7-11.5 (half) and 12-14 (full). Order until 1 March and get the 25% off pre-order price.

www.extremeoutfitters.us

Crye GunClip Now Available

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

OP Tactical let us know last night that they now have the Crye Precision GunClip in stock in both Tan and Black. Remember, these only fit the Glock 17, 19, 22 & 23 (right hand draw) and were originally designed for use with a can attached to the pistol. As you can see the holster is also molded to fit a mounted light. Additionally, the holster mounting system is adjustable for PALS webbing or various belt sizes up to 2″ and rotates a full 360 degrees. It makes for a great chest mounted rig. The GunClip has been sought after since its debut at SHOT Show 2010.

www.optactical.com

SERT Launches New LE Line

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

You may very well know SERT for their rifle cases. After opening of their own production studio, SERT has spent the past two years conducting R&D in order to launch a new line of law enforcement products. SERT has provided us with a link to their catalog and when you check it out make sure you look at their new 3-Day Patrol Backpack supplied to the Canadian Department of National Defence under contract # W0114-11Q577. Interestingly, this pack was produced based on the #1609 frame developed by Down East Inc. This same frame was adopted by the US Army for the Medium Rucksack. Now the bad news for many SSD readers. The SERT line is currently only available for team / unit / department purchases directly from SERT or through selected distributors or teaming partners. A future announcement will be made when these products become available for retail.

Brochure 2011 SERT

www.sert.us

A Lowkey Alternative to the Rigger’s Belt – Updated

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Mountain Hardwear has two alternatives to the GI rigger’s Belt for those that like the basic look but don’t want to scream “average”; the Double Back Belt and the Alloy Nut Belt.

Sure, they’re not life support capable, but either are the issue Rigger’s Belts which really are nothing more than a few feet of Type VIII webbing and friction adapters from a Parachutist H Harness. The issue belt might look cool but won’t do much for a you in a jam. On the other hand, the Mountain Hardware belts look really cool and come in enough different colors you can make up your own combatives belt system. What’s more, you won’t look like a toolbag if you wear one of them in civilian clothing.

Colors include Espresso, British Tan, Stone Green, Grill, Moondust and the boringly named Black. One size fits most.

Update- One of my colleagues who is a big MH fan told me he had purchased the Alloy Nut Belt and it just wouldn’t stay tight. I have had hands on the Double Back and the design keeps the belt secure but he feels that the webbing on the Alloy Nut Belt was too supple and slippery to stay secure. Looking at the two designs you can see that the buckles are drastically different and this may contribute to the disparity in performance. So at this point, the SSD verdict is Double Back = Good, Alloy Nut = Not So Good.

Thanks for the input Rob! If anyone else has any input please feel free to share it in the comments section.

Pathfinder from TAD

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Triple Aught Design’s new Pathfinder pulls double duty as a mid layer as well as an outer layer thanks to its hardface fleece construction. The Cardigan-style streamlined design is intended to ensure comfort whether worn alone or with plate carrier, harness or pack. TAD’s design philosophy believes that you should be able to move without feeling constrained by the materials or style.

• Polartec’s Thermal Pro, renown for its thermal properties and breathability
• Polartec’s Hardface, abrasion resistant, doesn’t pill and has been treated with a DWR just in case you get caught in a light precipitation
• A single panel running from the cuff, up the arm, and down the torso to the bottom hem enables full range of motion
• Active fit accommodates baselayers and is streamlined enough to wear under another outer layer when needed
• The hardface surface makes it easy to slip into your outer layer as there’s less to “grab onto”
• Two front pockets sewn into the seam for easy access and large storage
• Forearm pocket for quick access to small items

www.tadgear.com

ECLiPSE RBAV-AF (AF as in Air Force)

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Actually, this isn’t the first version of the Releasable Body Armor Vest for the Air Force. Just over a year ago, BAE outfitted Air Force TACPs with vests as well as a pouch suite. This new variant of BAE’s ECLiPSE RBAV is designed specifically for the Guardian Angel Weapon System (USAF PJs) and packs a couple of new features not found in other versions. For example, it includes communications cable routing (referred to as management) into the design meaning no more exposed radio cables. Although a subtle upgrade BAE designers slightly modified the rear flap covering the cable release mechanism which alleviated some binding issues that can occur with previous iterations. Additionally, BAE redesigned the release cable handle for the cutaway to make it easier to get a hold of and deploy. The RBAV-AF also integrates an internal chest pocket for documents and other small items as well as a pouch for a hydration reservoir in the rear. Finally, the cummerbund internal side pockets will accept magazines as well as batteries.

Here is the full information sheet provided by BAE.

RBAV-AF

www.eclipsegear.com