XC3 Weaponlight

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BDS Tactical Gear Partners with Qore Performance to Bring ICEFLASK Cooling Canteens to Exchange and Selected MCX Stores Overseas

Friday, July 3rd, 2026

Oceanside, CA and Knoxville, TN — July 2, 2026 — BDS Tactical Gear has partnered with Qore Performance, Inc. to launch a complete, mission-ready hydration and thermoregulation setup directly onto the shelves of military Exchange (AAFES) and selected Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) locations overseas.

By pairing the Qore Performance ICEFLASK® canteen with the BDS Tactical Gear Inner Cummerbund Winglet system, this partnership puts wearable cooling, heating, and hydration right where service members shop on post, making it immediately accessible for standard plate carrier setups.

“We at BDS Tactical Gear are excited to build on the long-term relationship with Qore Performance, bringing quality American-made products to the brave patriots that defend our nation every day,” said Mike Bornfriend, President / CEO of BDS Tactical Gear.

System Capabilities & Performance Specs

The combined system integrates directly into service members’ existing plate carrier setups, providing high-retention utility without adding bulky, shifting pouches to the exterior of the kit.

Qore Performance ICEFLASK®: A rugged, 0.5L (16.9 oz) rigid hydration canteen designed to be frozen or filled with hot water to provide active temperature management alongside hydration. It is built specifically to match the slim form factor of a standard PRC-152 tactical radio, allowing it to slide into space-saving radio pockets rather than heavy, traditional round bottle pouches.

BDS Tactical Gear Inner Cummerbund Winglet Pouch: Built using heavy-duty hook-and-loop fields to mount securely underneath a plate carrier’s cummerbund in a ‘radio wing’ configuration. The premium elastic construction offers tight, zero-slop retention. This multi-role pouch is highly versatile, engineered to securely carry the ICEFLASK®, standard NATO radios, or standard 30-round M4-style 5.56 magazines.

Immediate Global Availability

The ICEFLASK® and BDS Tactical Gear Winglet setups are available now. Service members can find them stocked at the following Exchange and selected MCX locations overseas and stateside:

Stateside Locations:

  • JBSA-Lackland (South Troop)
  • Fort Cavazos (Hood AMCSS)
  • JAC Coleman Troop
  • Fort Sill (Cons Quarry Hil)
  • JBLM-Lewis (New AMCSS)
  • BLSC AMCSS
  • Fort Riley (Riley AMCSS)
  • Fort Liberty (Bragg Army MCS)
  • Fort Carson (Carson AMCSS)
  • Fort Leonard Wood (Leonardw AMCSS / Trp St 744)
  • Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA-Sam AMCSS)
  • Camp Atterbury (Atterbury AMCSS)
  • Nellis AFB (Nellis AFMCSS)
  • NASJRB AFMCSS

OCONUS & Forward Deployed Locations:

  • Camp Humphreys, South Korea (Hump MCSS)
  • Camp Buehring, Kuwait (KW Buehring Z2 Store)
  • Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (KW Arifjan Z6 Store)
  • Vilseck, Germany (Vilseck AMCSS)
  • Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria (BG Novo Selo)
  • Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (QA Al Udeid MCSS)
  • Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo (Kosovo MCSS)
  • Andersen Air Force Base, Guam (JRM-Andersen Main St)

Selected Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) Overseas Locations:

  • Camp Hansen (MCX Hansen MMCSS / Branch St)
  • Camp Schwab (MCX Schwab MMCSS)
  • Camp Foster (MCX Foster MMCSS)
  • Camp Kinser (MCX Kinser MMCSS)

Beyond these exchange locations, Qore Performance thermoregulation equipment is available at BDS Tactical Gear’s brick-and-mortar stores in Oceanside and Twentynine Palms, California, and online at BDStacticalgear.com. The complete ICEAGE ECOSYSTEM can be found at qoreperformance.com.

 

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Frogskin Collection

Friday, July 3rd, 2026

America’s original camouflage is back. FirstSpear is proud to introduce the Frogskin Collection, a limited-run colorway drop featuring the iconic five-color disruptive pattern first developed for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. The pattern that concealed Raiders in the Pacific is now available across seven of FirstSpear’s most proven pieces of kit, each built to the same standard the brand has always held, now wearing a pattern with genuine history behind it.

Products Offered in Frogskin:

General Purpose Pocket, Medium – A modular, MOLLE-compatible storage pocket built for mission-essential gear, sized to mount cleanly on any platform without adding bulk.

Duffel – A heavy-duty, high-capacity bag built from rugged 500D nylon for range days, travel, and everything in between.

Loose Ammo Bag w/ ID Pocket and Legend Window – A purpose-built solution for transporting and organizing loose ammunition, with an integrated ID pocket and legend window for fast, positive identification.

Structured Gadget Bag – A rigid-frame organizer bag designed to protect and provide quick access to electronics, tools, and sensitive mission equipment.

Summit Pockets – Low-profile, multi-purpose storage pockets engineered for organization and durability.

MultiMag Rapid-Adjust™ Pocket – A multi-magazine carrier with FirstSpear’s Rapid-Adjust retention system, allowing on-the-fly tension adjustments without tools or reconfiguration.

Sherpa – A heavy-duty range and transport bag with removable interior organizer panels, built to adapt to your gear loadout and hold up under hard use.

The Frogskin Collection is a limited release. When current inventory is gone, there are no plans to bring it back. If you want it, now is the time. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Strike Industries – Strike Modular Chassis for FN Herstal PS90 and Aluminum Short and Long Handguard

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

The Strike Modular Chassis for FN Herstal PS90 and Aluminum Handguard from Strike Industries is now available in both short and long configurations.

Manufactured from 6-series aircraft aluminum this handguard will upgrade your SMC90 chassis for FN P90/PS90 with improved ergonomics and a refined grip angle, The entire system offers an adjustable cheek rest, internal cable management, and extensive M-LOK and Picatinny mounting options.

SHORT (6.89″) $59.95

LONG (9.84″) $69.95

www.strikeindustries.com/si-smc-90

Belleville Boot Launches Blackout Mini-MiL Barefoot Activity Shoe

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Belleville, IL., July 1, 2026 – Belleville Boot Company, an industry-leading manufacturer of law enforcement and military footwear has released the all-new Blackout Mini-MiL® barefoot duty & activity shoe.

Built off the incredibly popular footprint of the US Army & Air Force uniform compliant Mini-MiL® boot, the Blackout features a zero-dropheel-to-toe platform as well as a wide toe box which gives the toes room to spread naturally, supporting stability and reducing foot fatigue during extended wear.

The upper is constructed from synthetic suede and 500D with a waterproof & bloodborne pathogen proof membrane for added protection. And the highly flexible slip & oil-resistant full rubber VIBRAM® outsole provides excellent proprioception and traction across a variety of surfaces.

“The original Mini-MiL® blazed the path in barefoot tactical footwear over 13 years ago providing the warfighter with a boot that was not just light weight but provided features you simply could not find with other boots on the market. After receiving a tremendous number of requests from the LE community, we are excited to offer the new trainer in a uniform compliant colorway for duty, range and training use.” Stacey Mings, Sr. Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

  • 2MM die cut shock dispersing outsole.
  • Belleville exclusive VIBRAM® “Tarsus” outsole mimics the bare foot.
  • Wide toe box allows the toes to spread for a more natural gait and feel. 
  • Zero heel-to-toe drop height promotes a more natural stance, improved balance and increased agility.
  • Low profile minimalist design enhances terrain feedback.

For more information visit www.bellevilleboot.com.

KS Sport ‘Counter Terror’ Boots Pre-Sale Is Live

Wednesday, July 1st, 2026

Based on the famous Adidas GSG-9 assault boots of the Pre-GWOT-era, Kommando Store has launched a pre-sale of their new KS Sport ‘Counter Terror’ Boots!

You get the look of the original with some major pluses that address issues users have faced in the past:

They are Available

They are Durable with a full leather upper

They Feature a Wide Toe Box

I wore out my last pair years ago but they made some great trips with me before they gave up the ghost. Here’s a photo of me as part of JTF-510 in Zamboanga, Philippines in the spring of 2002. We would become JSOTF-P under OEF-P.

For those of you unfamiliar with this iconic boot you can learn more in this video.

Expected to land in September, secure your pair(s) now. I have two pair on order myself.

Pre-order yours at kommandostore.com

Colt Optics Launches LP5X-P Laser Aiming Device

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026

Michigan (July 6, 2026) – Colt Electro Optics LLC (“Colt Optics”) today announced the launch of the LP5X-P Laser Aiming Device.

Modern weapon systems continue to demand more capability from every accessory mounted to the rail. Professional users need visible and infrared aiming capability, effective illumination, and reliable performance, but they also need to minimize weight, preserve rail space, and avoid unnecessary complexity.

The LP5X-P was developed around a simple objective: deliver maximum capability in the smallest package possible.

Offered by Colt Optics in partnership with Brolis Defense, the LP5X-P is based on a proven laser platform fielded by NATO and allied defense organizations. Colt Optics partnered with Brolis Defense to bring this proven capability to U.S. professional customers, delivering advanced aiming and illumination performance in a remarkably compact, lightweight package.

“At Colt Optics, we focus on products that solve real-world problems for professional users,” said Dennis Finnegan, Chief Operating Officer of Colt Optics. “The LP5X-P delivers an exceptional amount of capability without adding unnecessary size, weight, or complexity to the weapon system. Through our partnership with Brolis Defense, we are able to bring a proven solution to U.S. customers who demand performance, reliability, and versatility.”

LP5X-P High-Power Laser Aiming Device
Measuring just 3.7 inches in length and weighing only 5.9 ounces, the LP5X-P was engineered to require minimum rail mounting space and reduce overall weapon system weight without sacrificing capability.

At the heart of the LP5X-P are four independent emitters: a green visible aiming laser, an infrared aiming laser, a focusable infrared illuminator, and a speckle-free VCSEL infrared flood illuminator. Together, these systems provide users with the flexibility to adapt to a wide range of operational environments and lighting conditions.

The LP5X-P’s illumination system was designed to simplify operation in the field. As the illuminator is adjusted from a focused beam to a wider pattern, the system automatically transitions to the VCSEL flood illuminator at its widest setting, providing broad, speckle-free illumination optimized for close-range observation and situational awareness. As the illuminator is narrowed, the system automatically returns to the focusable infrared illuminator, ensuring the appropriate illumination solution is always available when needed.

The LP5X-P also features Training, Low, and High output modes, allowing users to tailor system performance to a variety of training and operational requirements.

One of the system’s most valuable features is its fully co-aligned laser architecture. Once the aiming laser is zeroed, all laser and illumination systems remain aligned, eliminating the need to independently zero multiple emitters and simplifying setup for the end user.

An integrated flip-up front sight is incorporated directly into the housing, providing additional capability without increasing overall system size or complexity.

Built around a rugged glass fiber-reinforced polymer housing, the LP5X-P is engineered to withstand demanding real-world environments while maintaining an exceptionally lightweight profile. It is waterproof, shock resistant, and designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -32°F to 159°F.

The result is a laser aiming and illumination device that delivers exceptional capability, intelligent illumination management, and professional-grade performance in an incredibly compact package.

As a true high-power laser system, the LP5X-P is available through authorized channels in accordance with applicable regulations.

For more information, visit www.coltoptics.com.

Colt Optics Launches New Family of Red Dot Sights and Magnifier

Monday, June 29th, 2026

Colt Michigan (June 29, 2026) – Colt Electro Optics LLC (“Colt Optics”) today announced the launch of its first family of red dot optics, including the MRS-1 enclosed-emitter pistol red dot, the CSQ-1 rifle red dot, and the C3X-1 3x magnifier.

Modern shooters demand speed, reliability, and confidence in their equipment. Whether mounted on a duty pistol, patrol rifle, or personal-defense firearm, an optic should help the shooter focus on the target, not fight the limitations of the sight itself.

The MRS-1, CSQ-1, and C3X-1 were developed around a common philosophy: help shooters acquire targets faster, maintain awareness, and perform with confidence in demanding real-world environments. These products also represent the first optics in the Colt Optics lineup to be Designed, Engineered, and Assembled in Michigan, USA.

“At Colt Optics, we believe professional users deserve equipment they can trust when performance matters most,” said Dennis Finnegan, Chief Operating Officer of Colt Optics. “Every design decision behind these products was driven by real-world shooter needs. For the MRS-1, CSQ-1, and C3X-1, we are proud to say they are Designed, Engineered, and Assembled in the USA by our team in Michigan. We didn’t set out to build products that simply check boxes on a specification sheet. We set out to build optics that help shooters perform better.”

MRS-1 Closed Emitter Pistol Red Dot

Designed, Engineered, and Assembled in Michigan, USA, the MRS-1 was developed to deliver the reliability advantages of a closed-emitter optic without compromising the size, weight, and handling characteristics shooters expect from a modern handgun.

Built around a rugged 7075-T6 aluminum housing, the MRS-1 protects critical optical components from environmental contamination while maintaining a compact footprint of just 1.85 inches and a weight of only 2 ounces. A generously sized viewing window provides an expansive sight picture, helping shooters quickly acquire the dot while maintaining awareness of the target and surrounding environment.

The optic utilizes the popular ACRO footprint, features motion-activated illumination, and incorporates a crisp 3 MOA aiming dot designed to balance speed and precision. The low-profile design also allows co-witnessing with many standard-height iron sights, providing an additional layer of confidence and redundancy.

CSQ-1 Full Size Square Red Dot

Designed, Engineered, and Assembled in Michigan, USA, the CSQ-1 was built around a simple question: how do we help shooters get on target faster?

The answer begins with the sight picture.

Featuring one of the largest square viewing windows available on the market, the CSQ-1 was designed to maximize field of view and situational awareness. The expansive sight picture helps shooters acquire and stay on targets more quickly while maintaining awareness of everything happening around them.

An advanced aspheric lens design minimizes distortion while a multi-coated optical system delivers exceptional clarity across a wide range of lighting conditions. The optic also features motion-activated illumination, dedicated night vision settings with a dedicated NV button, and a multi-reticle system designed to support both close-range and extended-distance engagements.

Built around a rugged 7075-T6 aluminum housing, the CSQ-1 was engineered to withstand demanding environments while delivering the performance professional users expect.

C3X-1 3x magnifier

The C3X-1 was developed to extend the capability of a red dot sight without sacrificing the speed and simplicity that make red dots so effective.

At just 2.72 inches in length, the C3X-1 is one of the shortest 3x magnifiers available on the market. Its compact footprint helps preserve valuable rail space while reducing overall system bulk. Despite its compact size, the C3X-1 provides an industry leading 85mm of eye relief that helps shooters get behind the optic quickly and maintain a comfortable, forgiving shooting position.

An ambidextrous flip-to-side mount allows rapid transitions between magnified and non-magnified viewing, while an adjustable diopter and included riser plate provide flexibility for a wide variety of rifle configurations and shooting applications.

When paired with the CSQ-1, the C3X-1 allows shooters to transition seamlessly between close-range speed and target identification at distance.

“Throughout development, we focused on how these products would actually be used in the real world,” said Jon Meyer, Vice President of Product Development for Colt Optics. “Every feature had to earn its place. Whether it improved speed, awareness, durability, or ease of use, the goal was to create optics that help shooters perform better under real-world conditions.”

The MRS-1, CSQ-1, and C3X-1 will be available through authorized retailers in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit www.coltoptics.com.

Lackawanna Police Department Visits Gentex Corporation to Take Delivery of Ops-Core FAST Helmet Systems

Monday, June 29th, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, June 29, 2026Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces and emergency responders, recently welcomed the Lackawanna Police Department at its headquarters in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. During the visit,officers took delivery of Ops-Core® FAST® helmet systems and participated in product familiarization and feedback sessions with the Gentex team.

“The Lackawanna County SWAT Team is extremely grateful to Gentex Corporation for their generous support over the years,” said Guy Salerno, Blakely Borough Police Chief, President of Lackawanna County Chiefs of Police Association, Lackawanna County SWAT team member. “They directly support the safety and readiness of our team. We sincerely appreciate their investment in the protection of our operators and the community we serve.”

The visit marks another step in Gentex’s ongoing commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies through direct partnership, product innovation, and engagement with the officers who rely on their equipment on the job. It also highlighted the company’s connection to the local community, where many Gentex employees live and work alongside officers who serve the region every day.

“Supporting the officers who protect our communities is something we take great pride in at Gentex,” said Fred Grimm, VP of Commercial Sales Americas at Gentex Corporation. “Hosting the Lackawanna Police Department at our facility gave us the opportunity to not only deliver and train on their new helmet systems but also hear directly from the officers about the challenges they face in the field every day. Those conversations are critical to ensuring we continue developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of law enforcement.”

The Ops-Core FAST helmet systems being fielded are designed to provide advanced ballistic protection, comfort, and modularity for a wide range of law enforcement missions. Built on a legacy of proven performance, these systems integrate features that support extended wear, communications equipment, and mission-specific accessories, helping officers operate effectively in dynamic and high-risk environments.