We’re looking at several fun filled days at the 2016 NRA Annual Meeting here in Louisville, Kentucky. In fact, we’ve got 11 acres of guns and gear to check out, so let’s go!
Archive for May, 2016
NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits 2016
Friday, May 20th, 2016SOFIC 2016 – MMI Outdoor Announces Re-Introduction Of Catoma Brand
Friday, May 20th, 2016
At SOFIC 2016, MMI Outdoor is re-introducing their Catoma Adventure Shelters brand as Catoma and extending the product line to include all products designed and manufactured under their watch. If you’re attending SOFIC, you can find Catoma at Booth #238 on the main floor. Thermal Concealment, unique load carriage products, and Depsoc360 camouflage will now fall under the Catoma brand in addition to the individual tents that have been a staple in the military shelter market for well over a decade. The Improved BedNet System family of products – now given the name “Burrow IBNS” because of its shape and function – is a pop-up bug screen and tent system sold to the US Military to the tune of over 300,000 units.
The Catoma Adventure Shelters brand – under the MMI Outdoor parent company umbrella – was created in 1993 as a humble designer and importer of rugged tents to serve the brave firefighters on the front lines of wildland forest fires in the American West. The method of designing tents to serve the specific needs of elite users began there. Through growth over the last two decades, Catoma has become a leading provider of unique individual tents for the United States Armed Forces as well, founded on their willingness to design around the requests of their end users.
With close proximity to Fort Benning for testing and input, this design and testing protocol naturally led to opportunities outside the tent market, leading MMI to begin Research and Development on a number of military projects over the last decade. Close collaboration with training elements under the guidance of Director of Sales, Martin Lambert (Former US Army) – and his extensive contact with the Special Operations community – led to the development of unique sniper and reconnaissance-focused thermal concealment products whose capabilities remain unmatched to date. A defense manufacturing and sales partnership with Granite Gear eventually led MMI to venture into designing their own unique load carriage solutions, leading to considerable expansion of in-house design capabilities. Near-daily indexing with end user groups for testing and evaluation has given MMI unique insight into their products and how they are used.
An aging tent line on the Catoma front and newfound capability to design and manufacture product led to the necessity to consolidate the efforts. A re-facing of the Catoma brand began with a focus on the rugged, tactical nature of the products coming from the design program at MMI. The new Catoma logo you see here is not just a cosmetic change, but one that better reflects the warrior heritage of the products themselves. “In developing the icon for Catoma, we kept coming back to imagery of tools and weapons used by warriors of the past: Spartan helmets, Native American spearheads, and battle axes of the Viking Age were all inspirations for the shape,” says Marketing Director Jake Pugh.
An overhaul of existing products and the addition of products previously in development have resulted in a strong tactical and commercial line-up for the Catoma brand to begin its new chapter.
FirstSpear Friday Focus – FS and K2 Solutions Announce Canine Tactical Gear Line
Friday, May 20th, 2016This week’s Friday Focus is an exciting announcement regarding FirstSpear’s work on a new line of K9 products.
May 19, 2016, FirstSpear and K2 Solutions today announced a new collaboration to jointly develop, produce, and bring to market products that enhance the capabilities of military and law enforcement canines and their handlers. The agreement brings together one of the leading canine services and training providers with one of the most recognized names for innovation in military and tactical law enforcement individual equipment.
The partnership between FirstSpear and K2 leverages decades of tactical experience to enhance the efficiency of the modern American warfighter. This team will be rolling out a unique line of tactical canine gear in the summer of 2016, with special previews at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida, on May 24, 2016.
“I was excited when K2 approached us about working together. We have been looking at the canine market for some time, but to do it right, the dog has to be viewed as the Operator. K2’s ability to bring forward canine product requirements through their numerous trainers and their ability to test canine performance in realistic situations has provided the missing part to solving the problems associated with the current products in this space,” said Scott Carver, FirstSpear CEO. “Additionally, we think this is the first time that the development process included a true look at the dog’s anatomy, resulting in more ergonomic systems that reduce fatigue as well as the long and short term stress placed on the canine’s body.”
“We are very excited about our partnership and the resulting products we are bringing to the warfighter and canine handler. Our requirements are driven by our military and police forces, and our gear is designed, manufactured and distributed in America.” says Dr. Heidi Alvey, R&D Scientist at K2.
Specialized Tactical Systems – Muzzle Thumper
Friday, May 20th, 2016
We’ve had a few people ask us about the STS Muzzle Thumper so we thought we’d mention it again. Made from Heat Treated 4140 Steel and treated with Black Teflon Coating, the three prong design of the Muzzle Thumper is intended to reduce felt recoil and muzzle climb but turns out, it also does a great job puncturing tires (and rib cages).
Use code,”ssd” at checkout for 15% off the Muzzle Thumper.
PSIGEAR – PB07261BK Tactical Boots
Friday, May 20th, 2016
PSIGEAR PB07261 tactical boot uses GRIPMORE KPU in the mesh part to ensure both ventilation and endurance. The dual density EVA footbed of this shoe offers excellent flexibility and cushioning.
The cap of Approach Shoes series is designed to facilitate climbing. A size-8 shoe weighs 18oz.
www.psigear.net/product/html/?33
TNVC Issues Press Release On Availabilty Of Ops-Core BASE Jump Helmets
Friday, May 20th, 2016TNVC shared this important Press Release regarding an announcement by Ops-Core to their dealers regarding the cessation of production of the BASE Jump Helmet. We have spoken with representatives at Ops-Core for additional details and they have told us they will issue a statement regarding the future of the BASE Jump Helmet during next week’s SOFIC.
TNVC has just been informed from Ops-Core, a division of Gentex, has ceased production of the popular FAST Base Jump Polymer Bump Helmet. This came as quite a shock to us as the move was extremely sudden. No more FAST Base Jump Helmets will be produced. What’s more, Ops-Core will not be fulfilling any backorders. TNVC has learned that Ops-Core is currently designing a replacement helmet, tentatively called the FAST Bump Helmet 2.0. They did not confirm any details on new features or upgrades; only stating that it is slated to begin production in August 2016 (which means a fourth quarter delivery at the earliest). We can certainly speculate about the new helmet, but there is no confirmation on new features at this time.
While the news of a new Ops-Core helmet is exciting, the move of immediately discontinuing production of the current model leaves currently back-ordered customers in a bind. In the interim, Ops-Core has offered the following options:
1. A one for one substitution of all currently TNVC backordered FAST Base Jump Helmets with a FAST Carbon Helmet. This is a phenomenal deal seeing as the FAST Carbon helmet is more than twice as expensive as the polymer version. These substitutions are expected to take 60-90 additional days.
2. A one for one substitution of all currently backordered FAST Base Jump Helmets with the new FAST Bump Helmet 2.0 when it is available.
Yes, this means longer lead times for current backorders. But, when all is said and done, customers will have a better helmet at the same price they paid for a FAST Base Jump Helmet. It’s hard to argue with that math. Please note: Ops-Core is only offering this substitution deal to currently backordered customers. TNVC has already removed the FAST Base Jump Helmet from our website because we are sold out.
Victor Di Cosola
President – CEO
TACTICAL NIGHT VISION COMPANY
www.TNVC.com
Perry Sasnett – Crowdfunding, Pro’s and Con’s
Friday, May 20th, 2016Zero Point Owner and Retired Navy CWO Perry Sasnett sent us this note about his recent experience with crowdfunding.
Dear SSD Fans,
Recently, Soldier Systems had an advance post of Zero Point’s first foray into crowdfunding during the ADS Warrior West Show. My intent, as the post states, was to launch the Zero Point Down Range Tool (DRT) this last week on Kickstarter. Well, after a substantial effort and some financial investment our project was REJECTED. Of course we appealed and were more than willing to adjust our campaign to fit into what we thought was the Kickstarter guideline, but alas, it was still a No-Go.
Now Kickstarter’s guidelines state “No Weapons, replicas of weapons, and weapon accessories.” Now, the DRT is a lot of things, to include an AR maintenance tool, but to call it a weapon accessory is a bit of a stretch if you ask me. If you see the video you’ll notice that my 8 & 5 year old daughters are using it, even eating with it.
Kickstarter, as a private, multi-billion dollar company can pretty much do whatever they want within legal reason of course, but I just have this…feeling, a feeling that there may be more to our rejected project than not falling within Kickstarter’s rules, whatever those really are. And I’m not the only one.
Below is the appeal letter we sent to Kickstarter and below that is a screen shot of their final response. Also you’ll see several links to previous and/or existing KS campaigns that are either weapons or have a weapon flavor to them. Additionally, I think we’re a very responsible minded company because last year someone on my staff came across a campaign that had no business being in the very public domain.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/604459465/alarm-circuit-board
The above, for those of you not familiar with high-end EOD procedure, is a circuit that can do a few things: teach one how to bypass monitored alarm systems as well as a potential monitored IED circuit. Well, we contacted the individual about the inappropriateness of his campaign and he understandably and graciously pulled it. Good on him! Not so good on Kickstarter’s ignorance of real threats, intended or not.
I’m still a big fan of the crowdfunding idea, wish I had thought of it first, and in all likelihood will attempt to use Kickstarter for some of our future efforts, but I do have concerns that they may not be Fox News (fair and balanced) and without definitive guideline procedures or even someone I can chat with prior to investing in a campaign there’s significant risk which is proportionate to the scope of the project itself.
There is some good news…Indiegogo, baby! Please check out our DRT campaign on Indiegogo.
www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-drt-world-s-smallest-single-billet-multi-tool#
If you’re down in SOFIC please drop by booth #1536 to see one in person. Always up for feedback in order to improve our kit.
In closing, for those successful with crowdfunding, Congrats! For those considering crowdfunding I recommend some level of caution, depending on the nature of your project and definitely do as much research and socializing as possible. Go into it with eyes open…it’s a time and money investment, period. The percentage of successful campaigns is not favorable either, ~30% for Kickstarter and ~10% for Indiegogo. Of course that’s assuming your project is approved to begin with.
Thanks for your time, look forward to hearing from you and Stay Safe!
Cheers,
Perry Sasnett (USN CWO ret.)
Zero Point’s Founder, CEO
Perry’s appeal is below:
Dear Kickstarter Team,
I recently submitted my project for your review and was just notified that it was declined for falling outside of your rules. I would like to take this opportunity to appeal your decision as I believe my project does meet your guidelines and perhaps my presentation did not fully convey the vast amount of features that my invention offers. According to the e-mail that I received in response to my submission, the message states, “All projects must fit into one of our 15 categories and abide by our rules. Weapon, replicas of weapons and weapons accessories are not permitted on Kickstarter”.
The DRT is neither a weapon, weapon replica, nor intended to be used as a weapon. The DRT is a multi-tool, that has over 50 different features that can be used in various situations such as camping, survival, or everyday fixes around the home. Like any other multi-tool it is multi-functional and can be repurposed by the end-user should they desire; the possibilities for use are endless.
Referencing the below projects, I am not certain exactly what in my project did not meet your requirements because the email I received did not go in to great detail and I wasn’t too sure after viewing these earlier projects.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1115177182/go-knife-the-ultimate-compact-survival-tool?ref=nav_search
www.kickstarter.com/projects/ultimatesurvivaltips/the-ultimate-all-purpose-knife-that-could-save-you?ref=discovery
www.kickstarter.com/projects/250097960/femme-fatale?ref=nav_search
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1360411049/iowa-weapons-a-sci-fi-short-film?ref=nav_search
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1148765081/6-shot-rubber-band-gun?ref=nav_search
www.kickstarter.com/projects/162220566/mastering-krav-maga-self-defense-online-with-david/description
www.kickstarter.com/projects/1646490556/the-beerrambit-multi-tool/description
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated as this my first time giving Kickstarter a go. For example, was the imagery of the firearm in the video prohibited? In the first link above for the project, Femme Fatale, there are many weapons pictured as well as in the project Iowa Weapons Sci-Fi short film.
Would the kubotan feature have been considered prohibited in terms of a self-defense item? I was just curious because the Krav Maga training and also the Beer Rambit projects promote self-defense products and a multi-tool identified for use as a kubotan. Again, this is my first foray into crowdfunding so I just want to be certain that my project is in sync with your community standards.
My goal is to highlight some of the key features of the DRT which include:
• Multiple Nut Drivers
• Can Opening and Prying for Camping, Outdoor, and Indoor Use
• Wire-stripping functions for home or work
• Multiple Measuring capabilities for home, office, or school
• Micro-storage for Outdoor, Indoor, and Everyday Carry
• Unlimited optional accessory storage
• Glass Breaker
Again, this is a multi-tool designed with over 50 different tools and features so the possibilities really are endless and I would really like to share this with not only former military operators such as myself, but regular guys who enjoy the outdoors, moms and dads who need to fix their children’s bicycle and toys if needed, and emergency personnel who may need a safety tool for a rescue extraction.
I really appreciate this opportunity and the platform that Kickstarter has provided to launch my project and get it in front of people who may be interested in its features. I would like to take this opportunity to resubmit my video to better capture the diverse functions of the product and your diverse audience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
The BaseLantern from BioLite
Thursday, May 19th, 2016BioLite has introduced a new technology to Kickstarter called the BaseLantern.
The BaseLantern is four times smaller than competitive lights yet incorporates bluetooth control and analytics high are used to create a miniature smartgrid built for outdoor environments. BioLite offers several different lighting options that can all connected.
BioLite also introduced a new technology to their devices called Edge-Lighting. It’s the same principle found in fiber optics which enables them to wrap their lenses tightly around the battery and LEDs, getting rid of the cavernous spaces typically found in lanterns.
Here are some features of this smartgrid.
1) Proximity Activation: The BaseLantern can geolocate to users and automatically turn itself off or on based on your relative proximity. It’s your very own beacon, clutch for hiking back to camp late-night.
2) Energy Feedback: When you’re outdoors and away from an outlet, managing your battery life is critical. The App gives you runtime right down to the minute and calibrates in real-time according to brightness settings and if you’re charging any external devices. No guess how much juice is left and you can optimize burntimes to last the length of your trip.
3) Color Spectrum Control: You can adjust the warmth of your light for task or ambience settings, turn it to red for night vision, or cycle through full colors if you’re looking to have a little fun. It all happens from an intuitive dial display that requires no learning curve.
4) Light Extension: The BaseLantern can integrate with BioLite SiteLights, compact string-lighting, and create an even wider perimeter of light, lighting large communal areas or utilizing a hub-and-spoke setup to light individual sites.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/biolite/biolite-baselantern-smartgrid-goes-off-grid
