SureFire

Archive for September, 2013

Tac-Up Gear Digital Shemagh

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

Digital Winter

TAC-UP has released a brand-new line of shemaghs. Seen here is the Digital Winter pattern. Made from 100% cotton, the approximate size is 43″ x 43″.

eng.tacupgear.com/shemagh-winter-type-camo

DSEi – Team Wendy

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

The new Lightweight Tactical Polymer helmet from Team Wendywe showed you during SOFIC will be available for order in just a few weeks.

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They had a few pre-production samples on hand at DSEi. The LTP integrates a NVG insert developed by Wilcox Industries. It is attached via a bolt so that it can be replaced if needed. Additionally, TW has upgraded their retail system and included the new Zorbium-based pad system. The Cam-fit harness also comes standard on the LTP.

DSEi – DEFCON 5

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

I was very pleased to run across DEFCON 5, an Italian tactical gear producer. I had a great talk with Director Salvatore Marra. I did not know that they have US distribution via DEFCON 5 USA.

He showed me a new Sniper Suit developed in conjunction with French SOF.

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This new suit integrates a variety of features including an underarm mesh ventilation system.

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The adjustable hood can be stowed and incorporates tabs (as does the entire uniform) to attach scrim and other camouflage to transform the suit into a ghillie.

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As you can see, they’ve also added a forearm information holder.

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There are integrated Cordura knee pads and elbow pads as well as pockets galore which utilize the Canadian-style slotted buttons.

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As you can see, the skirt of the smock features PALS webbing and will accept pouches.

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Finally, this garment is made in the Multiland pattern.

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www.defcon5italy.com

DSEi – SureFire

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

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The much anticipated X400 Ultra with Green laser from SurFire is set to be available next month. It integrates the 500 lumens Ultra lamp along with a green laser.

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Available in the UK through www.edgarbrothers.com.

DSEi – Cadex

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

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Cadex is introducing the new Strike Lite Chassis. Featuring a smaller tube than its predecessor it is both more compact and lighter yet retains all of the features of the standard Strike Chassis. In fact, it weighs in at 6.1 lbs with Mil Std 1913 rails or 5.8 lbs without. Additionally, Cadex offers a butt pad extender as well as a sandbag rest that can replace the rear monopod. One additional feature is the incorporation of back up screws in the chassis in case you lose one on a mission.

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Finally, Cadex has changed the sling attachment point. It is no longer incorporated directly into the chassis but rather comes as a rail adaptor. This new adaptor will also fit the XM2010 chassis.

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DSEi – Mystery Ranch

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

When Dana Gleason launched Mystery Ranch in 2000, he began to bring production back to the US in order to regain control. Quickly, he began to realize that military and firefighters were more demanding of their equipment than the average user. One thing Dana loves is a challenge and that’s why you saw such a focus at MR on the Soldier. Dana related to me that the more he worked with them, the more deserving he felt they were as customers.

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Mystery Ranch has dedicated production at historic Clark Field, Republic of the Philippines to produce packs and other products for those customers who do not require full Berry Compliance such as international clients. For example, the Australian Army issues packs made at Clark Field. The Philippines have long been a US Ally and the production facility has certainly risen to the challenge of manufacturing military grade packs. One challenge that exists is that the gear must be interchangeable no matter where it is produced. For example, a country may purchase some packs produced at Clark Field directly from MR and then purchase additional packs through FMS that are made in Montana. They have to be completely compatible with interchangeable parts and MR works hard to ensure this capability.

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While most of the materials are Made in USA, this new offshore production opens some new opportunities. For example, some materials are not available in the US. Not only can they bemused in the production of these foreign produced packs but it can serve as an opportunity to identify new technologies to bring back into the US. Although, it’s important to note that all special projects remain at the home office.

Most importantly, none of this would be possible if MR hadn’t spent several years perfecting the quality standards and controls to produce consistently in multiple locations. Ranchers are on location at all MR production facilities both in the US as well as at Clark Field to provide a guiding hand in all aspects of production. For you the customer, it won’t matter where your pack was built so long as it came from Mystery Ranch.

This new, additional Mystery Ranch production seems to be a big hit at this international show. Already, MR packs have been adopted by a wide variety of international SOF and general purpose forces customers. Remember, this in no way affects US production which remains full speed ahead. Rather, this Philippine production move has made Mystery Ranch competitive for international tenders.

www.MysteryRanch.com

DSEi – Arc’teryx LEAF

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

We’ve pretty much covered all of Arc’teryx LEAF’s current offerings but one thing caught my eye.

The Khard series of packs were designed from the outset to accept organizers and inserts. But so far, I’ve never seen anything like this. Outside of Vancouver, there is only one place that is allowed to repair Arc’teryx items and that is Urs Maretz of Outdoor Repair in Uster, Switzerland. Urs doesn’t do many LEAF repairs but he does make modifications to gear for European customers. This is one of his projects.

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Urs produced this prototype Kydeyx pack board insert. In its current form it’s come a bit of a way from this initial model but it still incorporates slots for tied downs. In this case they are using ski ties. The insert connects around the internal daisy chains via a bolt system so this thing isn’t going anywhere. You may also notice a Kydex 40mm insert that accepts 6 rounds.

I think this concept is going to spur a new wave of inserts for the Khard pack.

Arc’teryx LEAF products are available in the UK from Edgar Brothers.

DSEi – S&S Precision

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

Also on hand in the Edgar Brothers booth are our friends from S&S Precision. It’s wild to travel all the way to London to see guys that are literally, right across town.

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They’ve produced a variant of the PlateFrame that accommodates the British plates along with a PlateSock.

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S&S Precision is also exhibiting their new shoulder straps and cummerbund for the very first time. Under development and test for the past few months, these items utilize mesh and padding for hot environments where waterproof webbing is not required.