B5 Systems

Archive for 2011

NBOW – Medford Knives

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

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The TS-1 ( Tactical Service model 1) is Medford Knife’s most popular knife. Designed after sniper/counter sniper training it features a blade that incorporates elements from three different blade styles, the bottom edge is a concave machete edge for chopping, the fore-edge is inspired by the Bowie, and a tanto tip for spear stregth.

Options are Knifesmith Greg Medford’s middle name. With Medford, they make buying a new knife much like buying a new car. You can choose your knife’s finish? You can also get several types of handle material in any tactical color you want. Sheath options include leather, Kydex or ballistic nylon in a multitude of colors depending on material selection.

www.medfordknife.com

NBOW – Paraclete MSA

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

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Paraclete has introduced the Shield, a new soft armor solution. The first thing you will notice is the cut. Based on an in-depth statistical analysis of body types, they developed this new cut cut that offers a great deal of movement in the chest area without compromising protection of vital areas. Additionally, there is a 6″ x 8″ trauma plate pocket in the chest.

Sized XS – 3XL all at the same price, they have integrated litelok fabric which features a DWR finish. On the inside, they use Outlast fabric, a comfortable product that feels great against the body.

It comes with two sets of shoulder straps, and when paired with the unique Velcro field on the vest, you can adjust the vest to accommodate almost any fit. This is a great program vest offering 3 level II and 3 level IIIA ballistic packages.

www.msanet.com

NBOW – Massif

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

Let’s face it, not everyone needs FR. Massif has traditionally been all about FR for years but have recently recently released some more traditional clothing options. The Integrated Tactical Jacket already hit the market over the summer and now two new products will release next week.

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How about an 8 oz combat shirt that offers water resistant sleeves and yoke as well as inset sleeve pockets with mesh linings? If so, the lightweight combat shirt is for you. If all that isn’t enough, Massif has also incorporated a snag resistant torso and a zippered collar.

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Additionally, Massif has developed the Diamond Peak pant. Made from a stretchy nylon blend (96% Nylon 4% spandex), it includes an articulated cut as well as innovative, compartmented rear pockets that slide bulky items toward the hips so you don’t sit on them. These are discreet tactical pants like you’ve never seen them.

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Both items are ready to ship. www.massif.com

NBOW – DRIFIRE

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

If you are in Naval Aviation Maintenance this is awesome news. No one has updated deck clothing in ages. DRIFIRE took up the charge and developed a completely new deck ensemble.

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The new deck jersey retains the traditional design with a couple of enhancements. First and foremost, it’s FR, real FR. It’s so FR that I observed a PYROMAN test with the new clothing where the deck jersey actually extinguished a float coat that kept burning (yes, these burn) even after the flame was removed. Additionally, the DRIFIRE fabric wicks moisture and is anti-microbial.

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In additional the mock turtle neck it also features thumbholes in the cuffs to enhance protection from flame as well as weather. It is available in all seven deck jersey colors.

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In addition to applying their fabric technology to the issue deck pant, DRIFIRE also came up with a completely new design. It integrates a semi-elastic waist to accommodate various waist sizes as well as layering for cold weather. DRIFIRE also added a second cargo pocket as well as wand holders on both hips above the cargo pockets. Finally, there is an adjustment strap at the hem of the pant.

Overall, this is HUGE improvement over the issue, non-FR status quo.

www.DRIFIRE.com

NBOW – Benchmade Knives

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

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Knives has just released the SOC-P designed by Greg Thompson. The Special Operations Combatives Program knife is a dagger designed to get you out of a close fight. It feature a retention ring in the handle. A finger goes in the retention ring for the draw stroke. This ensures retention when transitioning to a sidearm or in a grapple. In addition to a MOLLE compatible sheath, it also comes with a red training knife.

www.Benchmade.com

NBOW – Watershed

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

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Watershed does one thing and they do it VERY well and that is dry bags. Their latest addition to their product lineup is the Clutch, a tri fold case for small electronics. It uses a waterproof Tizip (good to two atmospheres) to close a large pocket.

It features clear pockets for both ID and smart phone. You can actually use your smart phone while it safely stowed within the waterproof case. Additionally there is an external wallet section for quick access to your cash.

www.drybags.com

NBOW – Marz Tactical

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

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Marz Tactical has been introducing a slew of new products since coming on the scene in 2010. Their Field Kit caught our eye. Designed for small arms maintenance, it gives you a clean, dry space to lay out your parts and rolls up to a compact size. The coolest feature of the Field Kit Are the two magnets sewn into the fabric designed to keep your individual parts where you put them. Additionally, it features two 9″ x 3″ zippered compartments with adjustable internal dividers. These pockets sit atop sleeve pockets that will carry a Bolt Carrier Group or segmented cleaning rods.

www.marztg.com

NBOW – Vasque

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

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Outdoor industry publication Leisure Trends has rated the Vasque Breeze GTX as the number one brown boot for the past five years. In the outdoor industry, brown boot is a mainstay hiking boot. So obviously, it’s popular. Unfortunately, Vasque hasn’t really caught the eye of military personnel until recently.

What has made the Breeze so popular is its EVA midsole, usually found in trail and running shoes, paired with a stiff TPU plate. So you get torsional support combined with trail shoe comfort. These same features will do well for military personnel who wear hiking style shoes.

Finally, the Breeze features a Gore-tex sock and Vibram outsole.

www.vasque.com