The new Aegis ECHO and ECHO Compact from Smith Optics Elite Division were designed specifically to be compatible with hearing protection/ communications systems. The Aegis ECHO features a distortion free, anti-fog optical lens that meets US Mil Spec MIL-PRF-31013 and ANSI Z87.1 standards and provides 100% UVA and UVB protection.
As you can see from this photo, the earpieces are the secret to the design at a scant .6mm thick. This is the lowest profile temple in the industry and crafted from stainless steel making them rigid yet adjustable. These earpieces allow you to get as close to the head as possible without breaking the seal on the headset or causing a hotspot or worse yet, a headache.
The first time I saw the Marker Panel, Individual, LW (as in lightweight) from Battle Systems, LLC I said to myself, “Self, why hasn’t anyone done this before?” I already knew that Battle Systems offers some bad ass tape in the form of Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown so their dedication to quality is for me, without question. The MPIL is a great alternative to carrying a full-size VS-17 panel. Most folks just don’t need the whole thing and cut them down to size for individual use. Even then, the material doesn’t pack down well. The Marker Panel, Individual, LW on the other hand does.
It is so compact, it literally fits the palm of your hand and folds out to 16″ x 16″ with orange and pink sides just like a full-size VS-17. There are 550 loops in each corner to facilitate mounting the MPIL to gear or for use in conjunction with others for DZ and LZ marking. It can also be used to mark vehicles. Battle Systems uses the National Molding Large Poli Bina Clips to attach the MPIL to equipment. Finally, each side of the MPIL has a color matched Velcro loop patch to accept a removable 2″ x 2″ IR reflective square patch.
As you can see from this photo, the MPIL REALLY reflects light and we had to tone down the photo a little so you could look at it.
The currently available MPIL Mk I’s are assembled in the USA from a combination of US and foreign materials but that was just s stopgap to get these rolling. They don’t have enough on hand to even remotely approach the Berry threshold. The Mk II will be available very soon, manufactured entirely of US materials.
Join ADS, Inc and DuPont for a Thermo-Man burn demonstration. ADS will illustrate the effectiveness of the Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE) Clothing System in a live burn demo on July 12, 1430-1515. If you are going to be at Warrior Expo East, this is something you do NOT want to miss.
Each Combat Reference Guide is essentially a sticker that is specifically cut to fit on the back of a PRC-148 Radio or the buttstock of a rifle allowing the shooter to keep their weapon at hand even when calling air strikes, MEDEVACs, UXO reports or close air support. They use a tough marine-grade material for the decals to help withstand battlefield elements and ensure longevity.
Courtesy of ChenCenter.com’s ‘The Combat Corner’ is this piece on Blauer’s Ten Commandents of Street Survival.
I – THOU SHALT NOT NOT TRAIN
II- THOU SHALT NOT DEFEAT THYSELF
III- THOU SHALT NOT GIVE UP
IV – THOU SHALT NOT FEAR FEAR
V- THOU SHALT NOT TELEGRAPH YOUR INTENTIONS
VI – THOU SHALT NOT LOSE THE STREET FIGHT
VII – THOU SHALT NOT INVITE DISASTER
VIII – THOU SHALT NOT KILL, UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
IX – THOU SHALT NOT SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY
X – THOU SHALT NOT REBUKE OTHER SYSTEMS
Read the whole article to get the why’s and how’s of Tony Blauer‘s philosophy..
Granted, these probably aren’t the best or worst tents in the world, considering the multitude of designs that show up each year, but the author’s reasoning is sound nonetheless. Other then the fact that this came from Lewis Perdue, the ‘winners’ of the two categories certainly caught my eye. In my experience, REI tends to put out a good product. And, I remember Early Winters from my youth. They were one hell of a company, having marketed the very first Gore-tex garments.
