The Recon Mat from Crosstac is available in padded (1.9 lbs) and nonpadded (1.2 lbs) versions. It is reversible from A-TACS AU to MultiCam and both sides feature bipod stops for bipod loading.
A multifunctional item it can be used as a shooting mat, expedient shelter or sleeping pad. The nonpadded variant will roll up to about the size of a newspaper and both integrate PALS attachment. Finally, it’s Berry compliant. All this at under $100.
Plano has been molding plastics since 1932. In 1952 they introduced the first plastic tackle box. For many years they’ve been making some awesome ammo boxes. Now, after five years of development, they’ve introduced a family of mil-spec rifle and pistol shipping cases.
The 44″ and 54″ also offer ball bearing wheels for a smooth pull.
MTEK Weapon Systems has been working on helmet technology for a little over two years but now they’ve cracked the code on a one-piece undercut helmet. Their Future Lightweight UnderCut System or FLUX is available in a vented and nonvented carbon bump as well as a ballistic helmet.
This ballistic model’s shell 1.1 lbs with a full helmet is about 1.9 lbs with full suspension, shroud and rails. In addition to featuring an undercut back, it is less than .25″ thick yet meets the ACH 17 grain v50 standard. Additionally, the shell has met NIJ level IIIA in testing but has not yet been certified while MTEK awaits final production suspension parts from the vendor. You may notice the rail retainers which are adhered to the FLUX shell. This means that no holes are drilled in the shell to mount accessories. In addition to the MTEK rails, the helmet will comes complete with Wilcox shroud.
The Aku NS564 Bosco has been a great militarized trekking shoe for the last decade. Unfortunately, supply here in North America has been difficult. Today I met up with the North American distributor. In addition to Rampart International in Canada, they are available in the U.S. Through Procurement Specialists.
Above, is the NS564 Spider. It’s a slight modification to the classic model (which is still available), adding a rubber rand along the edge of the toe in order to counter wear. The NS564 family has a tighter toe box than Aku’s Pilgrim models which were introduced a couple of years ago. This is because of their use as an approach or urban climbing boot.
Feel free to inquire through www.akuoutdoor.com.
Serket’s new Extreme Cold Weather Hinge Balaclava has been tested in Alaska by the U.S. Army where it offered protection down to -40 deg F. While it isn’t a membrane fabric it does offer excellent wind resistance (4.5 cfm) on par with membrane fabrics.
The material has a fleece on the inside for comfort and is water resistance. The real innovation is the stiffenes in the external shroud that not only directs the exhale down and away from goggles but also keeps exhaled air from flowing upward and fogging eye wear. The balaclava is not FR but Serket is investigating appropriate materials pending a requirement from the field.
Today, SSD is reporting from the Rampart International Range Day and Expo just outside of Ottawa, Canada. Participants from across Canada will have hands on access to the latest small arms and equipment.
May 22, 2015: Armour Wear, the leader in protective armor innovation has officially announced its newest revolutionary product; The AR 680 Hardened Steel armor plate. The AR680 plate is a full size 10in X 12in, shooters cut, single curve hard steel plate that can thwart multiple hits from “Green Tip” M855 5.56mm rounds (at 3200 FPS), or M193 5.56mm rounds (at 3300 FPS). This is a truly unique plate, where most other plates are heavier, and cannot withstand the same level of abuse.
The 6.2lb plate is only 5mm thick- an industry first. The extra level of care has also been taken to prevent metal spalling by adding a Linex base coat and build up. This makes for an extremely well designed, and balanced plate which is already shattering records and expectations. Always having the consumer in mind, Armour Wear has the plate rated at a $134.95 MSRP. With engineering of this magnitude, and a price which is unbeatable, this plate is a threat that competitors will not be able to protect themselves against.
Learn more at: www.armour-wear.com
Tactical Rubber Guns is a Japanese company that manufactures precision-molded rubber guns for training purposes. The guns consist of molded steel component cores, which are encased in a polyurethane and synthetic rubber compound. The guns are true to form and weight, making them ideal for training such as correct handling, underwater/amphibious maneuvers, and multifunctional combat maneuvers. Development plans for TRG include a wide assortment of modern day, commonly issued small arms, including M16A3, G36, FAMAS, HK 416D, FN SCAR-L, M9A1, and MINIMI, among others.
For more information, and to make an inquiry regarding ordering, visit fle-japan.com/en/trg
Thanks to Pascal for the tip!
