
Use coupon code BIGSALE for 15% off at O P Tactical! This sale only lasts til Midnight EST on 27 May, so get your gear now before you miss your chance. Some exclusions apply, see website for details. This is a limited sale coupon code.

Use coupon code BIGSALE for 15% off at O P Tactical! This sale only lasts til Midnight EST on 27 May, so get your gear now before you miss your chance. Some exclusions apply, see website for details. This is a limited sale coupon code.
Last week we shared a press release from TNVC regarding the availability of Ops-Core’s FAST Base Jump Helmet. Earlier today, I followed up with Ops-Core at SOFIC and they issued this press release. They found the issue on their own, conducted testing, and once they found a fix, have been forthcoming with me about the situation. It’s important to note that this issue does not pertain to any other Ops-Core or Gentex products.
Ops-Core, Inc. announced today that it is offering an impact liner upgrade kit for previously purchased FAST Base Jump Helmets (now known as FAST Bump) to ensure the helmet satisfies the blunt impact protection specification in ACH Specification CO/PD-05-04:2007. The FAST Bump Helmet will continue to be available for purchase according to the revised product specification which is available on the updated FAST Bump Helmet product page.
Testing confirmed that the FAST Bump Helmet meets the BS EN 1385 blunt impact test specification, but not the ACH blunt impact specification. While no customers or users have reported any issues, Ops-Core is offering the upgrade kit to ensure conformance with the ACH specification.
It is anticipated that the upgrade kit will be available in the 3rd quarter 2016. The upgrade kit will be provided and installed free of cost to customers requesting the upgrade. Customers should visit the website for details, which will be posted soon.
For questions regarding the upgrade process, or if you have a current order for the FAST Bump Helmet, please contact Patrick Stallings at 617-603-2433 or support@ops-core.com between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET Monday to Friday.
To learn more about the FAST Bump Helmet upgrade, read the FAQs. (Available through the announcement on the website).
Ops-Core is continuing to test and evaluate the FAST Bump Helmet and encourages customers to visit www.ops-core.com, which will be updated as additional information becomes available.
*This product advisory does not apply to any other products.
Wilcox Industries has made a major announcement. They’ve teamed with Aviation Specialties Unlimited of Boise, Idaho to develop and offer a completely new mount and battery pack for aviation helmets. For decades, the aviation community has used the same ANVIS mount and battery pack which are prone to damage and cannot be reliably repaired. The plan is to rectify that situation.
The mount will be modular and can not only be used with standard aviation helmets, but also with other Wilcox ground helmet shrouds. The mount will also be molded from advanced polymer materials. Between the mount and battery pack, they’ve successes in lowering the weight by 20 grams. Field maintainable, the items can also be evac’d to ASU for repair.
The power cord connector follows the contour of the helmet. Also, rather than a neck cord, aircrew will now have access to the Wilcox retractable lanyard like on ground applications.
Wilcox loves their dovetail mounts and they’ve integrated into the rear of the battery pack. An adapter plate is available that can velcroed unto the helmet for mounting. They’ve also eliminated the battery cartridges. ust put the batteries in, positive side up and users can swap between primary and auxiliary power.
ASU will be the exclusive distribution and maintenance channel as well the Parts Manufacture Authority for this new product, still under development with Wilcox. Their PMA certification is maintained through the FAA for safe to fly items. They expect full rate production by October, once EMI and environmental (Mil-Spec and DEFSTAN) testing are complete.
Ever since I was first introduced to WL Gore’s FR Pyrad self extinguishing fabric technology, I’ve been intrigued about applying it to a combat uniform. The beauty of Pyrad is that it is a treatment process applied to existing fabrics rather an entirely new one. This means that the base fabric retains its inherent properties. That includes strength and comfort. It’s a laminate rather than a simple topical spray, so the Pyrad isn’t going to wash out. In fact, testing shows that Pyrad fabric is more tear and abrasion resistant as well as colorfast than other fabrics, even after washing.
This garment, manufactured by The Italian brand Montura is made from a Pyrad fabric. In Europe, other garments are popping up as well such as this German uniform in Flektarn from Lindnerhof Taktik I saw during IWA.
Hopefully, we’ll see them here soon as well.
Not long ago I saw a BCG bearing the SureFire logo. I thought it was a pretty example of laser engraved branding but didn’t realize that it was actually an entirely new product called the Suppressed Optimized Bolt Carrier Group-Long Stroke. It consists of a Bolt Carrier Group, Buffer and Action Spring.
I know that’s quite a name but the new SOB-556-LS from SureFire was designed to improve reliability of suppressed AR-style weapons, particularly during full auto fire.
One major update to this BCG is the spring loaded counterweight visible at the back of the carrier. It helps slow things down a bit with the components all working together to minimize bolt bounce during full auto fire. Ultimately, it all results in more dwell time to the rear for the BCG, giving the magazine 30% more time to load before the weapon has completed cycling.
As you can see, the Black buffer of the SOB-556-LS is .4″ shorter than a Mil-Spec buffer. However, SureFire has developed different buffer weights based in your gas setup.
There is also a new action spring which is slightly longer than the Mil-Spec version and also made from a narrower gauge material. You’ll also note that it features a red marking on the end to denote it is different from the Mil-Spec spring.
Currently undergoing government evaluation, these should be available soonish.
Despite being a 1960s era weapon system, the M72 LAAW remains a trusted and highly effective weapon for use against armored vehicles, buildings, and bunkers. S&S designed the LAAW Clip to securely carry a LAAW on the operator’s kit while allowing it to be rapidly accessed and deployed.

New from S&S the Flip Mod is a development of their NAVBOARD allows easy access to a smartphone, compass, and an altimeter or small GPS during parachute operations.
This water resistant zip mock pullover incorprates a zippered chest pocket and flat seams. It’s made from their heavyweight tech face fleece with a DWR coating.
Available in Small – 2XLarge in Desert Sand, Black, Coyote and Navy.

Arc’teryx LEAF is on sale for 20% off until 31 May! Alpha LT, Atom LT, Combat Jacket, Assault Shirt AR, H 150 Belts and more are all in stock now. Next authorized Arc’teryx sale won’t be til end of the year, get some while you can!