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Archive for the ‘Advertiser’ Category

Gentex Unveils Ops-Core FAST XP Helmet System, A New Standard in Next-Generation Protection for Law Enforcement

Monday, January 19th, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA, January 19, 2026 –Gentex Corporation announced the launch of the newly re-designed Ops-Core FAST XP Helmet System, a ballistic helmet solution purpose built and priced for law enforcement. Designed to meet the real-world needs ofspecialized units, tactical teams, and patrol officers, the FAST XPHelmet System delivers uncompromising protection, comfort, and stability for missions that require extended use and absolute reliability.

Building on the proven performance of its predecessor, the new FAST XP helmet system introduces a fully NIJ lllA (sometimes referred to as NIJ 3A) and HG2-certified ballistic shell, available in both high-cut and mid-cut geometries, along with new advancements in fit, comfort, and system integration tailored specifically for law-enforcement operations.

“This launch marks a major milestone for our company and an ongoing commitment to law enforcement professionals who keep our communities safe,” said Fred Grimm, VP of Commercial Sales Americas at Gentex Corporation. “The FAST XP Helmet System is built on decades of military pedigree but engineered specifically for the realities of the badge. It delivers the protection, stability, and all-day comfort officers need, backed by the quality and reliability they expect from Gentex.”

Purpose-Built Protection for the Law Enforcement Mission

The new FAST XP Helmet System introduces multiple enhancements that establish a new performance baseline for law enforcement ballistic helmets:

? Proven Ballistic Protection – Built for Law Enforcement, Qualified for Military Use

Certified to NIJ IIIA and HG2 standards, the helmet providestrusted protection against 9mm and .44 Magnum threats while delivering enhanced fragmentation performance. Going beyond NIJ requirements, Gentex validates every helmet size through comprehensive military testing protocols, including exposure to ambient, hot, cold, wet, and high-altitude environmental conditions. This expanded qualification ensures the FAST XP Helmet System meets the demands of law enforcement, special response and tactical teams, and military users operating in dynamic, high-risk environments.

? Comfort, Stability, and Confidence for Long Shifts

Designed for extended wear, the FAST XP Helmet System features the Ops-Core LockDown® Liner, a user-adjustable suspension system that helps manage heat, moisture, and fatigue during long shifts and high-stress operations. Moisture-wicking fabrics and integrated airflow channels keep officers cooler and more comfortable, while the conformable nape pad and cable-driven Occ-Dial® suspension system provide a secure, stable fit when running radios, NVGs, and VAS commonly used in law-enforcement missions.

? One Helmet. Multiple Law-Enforcement Roles.

The Head-Loc® Flex retention system is designed to adapt across patrol, SWAT, CID, and CBRN use cases without the need for additional helmet configurations. A convertible chin cup can be worn over or under the chin and reduces the need for mask extenders, enabling agencies to field a single, versatile helmet platform across diverse operational requirements.

? Integrated for Modern Law-Enforcement Systems

The PowerPath® ARC Rail enables secure, low-profilemounting of mission-critical accessories, while behind-the-rail cable routing helps reduce snag hazards and keeps communications and power cables organized.  A Modular Bungee Shroud enhances NVG stability while minimizing interference with rail-mounted equipment in dynamic law-enforcement environments.

Headquartered in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, Gentex Corporation draws on a 130-year legacy of delivering high-performance protective equipment to those who serve, at home and around the world.

This launch is the first in a series of law enforcement focused product releases planned for 2026, as Gentex advances its commitment to supporting agencies with integrated, modern, and mission-ready headborne solutions. Discover the new FAST XP Helmet System here.

SOTech Debuting Cobra Drone Carrier Packs at SHOT Show

Monday, January 19th, 2026

SOTech will be debuting its new line of Cobra Drone Carrier Packs at SHOT Show.  The Cobra pack is being widely adopted in both conventional and special operations medicine as a comfortable pack that splays open to reveal a highly organized and labeled pouch arrangement.  SOTech adopted this design in multiple sizes to fit most sizes of drones with custom padded inserts.  The Cobras allow organization of controllers, batteries, optics, wire sets, and tools making the drone operator’s tasks quicker and smoother.

SOTech will also be displaying it’s latest variants of its Cobra Medical Packs and the LISS infantry harnesses designed for the new M7 weapons systems.

Special Operations Technologies Inc. (SOTECH) is located near the first door at the SHOT Show, exhibiting in Booth Space 20059.

Taco Tuesday at S&S Precision

Sunday, January 18th, 2026

Join the S&S Precision crew Tuesday for FREE beer on tap, giveaways, raffles, and good vibes all around. Swing by the booth, grab a drink, score some swag, and hang with the crew. Don’t miss it!

Ops-Core Started Out As Artisent

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

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Back in 2014, I had an opportunity to visit Ops-Core’s new factory in Boston for a personal tour by founder David Rogers. The company started out as Artisent which made head protection like hockey helmets. Due to their location near Natick Labs they ended up doing some cool headborne systems work, including as part of Objective Force Warrior. Eventually, Ops-Core was spun off to do the military work and was later sold to Gentex who continue to innovate in the headborne systems space.

Below are some photos I took on that visit.

The shelves in the lobby contained a variety of head protection items from a multiple sources, but the developmental Artisent and Ops-Core artifacts in particular, are awesome. In addition to a couple of OFW/FFW models there are also technology demonstrators with early versions of features that are now standard in Ops-Core helmets.

Ops-Core.com

EOTECH Launches New EXPS3 HD, All Aluminum HWS

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Plymouth, MI (January 2026) – When something is ultra-tough and can withstand even the harshest conditions, you must ask yourself “Why would I want to make this even tougher?”  The answer is because you can.  For over 30 years, EOTECH has been manufacturing durable, dependable Holographic Weapon Sights for use in law enforcement, military, competition, hunting and recreational use.  It has become the go-to 1X optic you can count on.  HWS optics were designed to include a ruggedized aluminum hood that wraps around the housing of the sight to provide extreme strength and durability.  Until now.

New for 2026, EOTECH introduces the EXPS3 HD, featuring an all-aluminum housing. This Heavy-Duty model allows EOTECH to eliminate the aluminum hood and provide users with an enhanced field-of-view and better situational awareness.

The EXPS3 HD includes a few new features never offered in an HWS. First, the rubberized buttons that manipulate reticle brightness and NV settings, has been replaced with an easy-to-use rotary dial. This dial offers 7 daylight and 4 night-vision brightness settings as well as an OFF position. In addition, the dial offers an Auto-Brightness setting that automatically adjusts to surrounding light conditions, removing the need for manual adjustments. Lastly, the rotarydial allows EOTECH to incorporate Shake-Awake technologythat puts the optic in sleep mode after a period of inactivity. This programmable sleep mode can be set to 10 minutes, 1-hour, 12-hours, or disabled completely.  This feature works in all daytime, NV, and auto-bright settings and preserves battery life, while powering the optic on with only the slightest movement.

The EXPS3 HD weighs the same as the legacy EXPS (11.2 oz) and is powered by a single, CR123 lithium battery.  Integrated into the housing is a locking, adjustable quick-detach base that allows for immediate removal or attachment.  The trusty 68MOA ring and 1MOA aiming dotprovides uncompromising speed to target and accuracy. Both waterproof and fogproof, this battle-tested sight works even if the sight window breaks or becomes partially obstructed.

The HD model is ideal for close to medium distance engagements.  With its rugged metal construction and its ability to withstand extreme levels of recoil, it can be used with virtually any firearm and caliber.  The Heavy Duty EXPS3from EOTECH.  The tough just got tougher.

EOTECH EXPS3 HD Specifications:

L x W x H: 3.8″ x 2.3″ x 2.6″ (96.5 x 58.4 x 65 mm)

Weight: 11.2 oz (317.5 g)

Water Resistant: 33ft (10m) depth

Mount: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail

Zero Adjustments: 0.5 MOA per click

Brightness:

7 daylight settings

4 NV settings (night vision compatible model)

1 Auto-Brightness

Power Source: 1 x CR123 battery

Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 4 at room temperature

Country of Origin: Made in the USA

MSRP: $999 (EXPS3HD-0)

For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com.

See What’s New Gentex During SHOT Show

Friday, January 16th, 2026

EOTECH Introduces the EFLX-CE Closed Emitter Mini Reflex Sight

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Plymouth, MI (January 2026) – EOTECH is committed to delivering high-performing, dependable pistol optics that shooters can trust with their life.  This commitment continues with the introduction of the EFLX Closed Emitter (EFLX-CE). Dedicated to meet the needs of our customer base, the EFLX-CE provides a fully enclosed housing to protect the LED emitter from damage or debris.  

The EFLX-CE offers a durable, heavy-duty 7075 aluminum housing that provides a square viewing window.  Large, recessed, rubberized buttons are positioned on the top of the housing making adjustments easy for both left and right-handed shooters.  These buttons control eight daytime brightness settings, including an ultra-bright level and night vision setting.  And in case of catastrophic situations, a built-in rear iron sight is integrated into the housing to get you through it.

The EFLX-CE’s improved electronics offer selectable reticle options that include either a 3MOA aiming dot, 42MOA circle, or the circle/dot combination.  Slots on the windage and elevation screws have been enlarged to accommodate a tool, coin, or even spent brass.  These adjustments offer precise 1MOA clicks with the subtle audible sound and solid detent.

The EFLX-CE’s customized electronics offer a programmable sleep mode function.  Through simple button manipulation, users can choose between a 10-minute, 1-hour, or 12-hour sleep mode or disable this function entirely.  While enabled, and with even the slightest movement, the EFLX-CE can power up through its Shake-Awake technology.  A single 2032 battery provides approximately 25,000 hours of run time with the single dot and when it’s time to change the battery, an easy access, side-load battery compartment makes the process quick and straightforward.

The mounting configuration is compatible with both Leupold®Delta Point Pro™ or Shield® RMS-c™ footprints. Two torx flathead fasteners and a tool are included for mounting the EFLX-CE to the slide.

The hardened EFLX-CE removes the fear of LED damage or obscurity due to dirt, water, or other debris.  This lightweight, compact, and cost-effective optical solution was engineered with the professional pistol shooter in mind. Consisting of both foreign and domestic parts, the EFLX-CE is proudly assembled in the USA.

EOTECH EFLX-CE Mini Reflex Sight Technical Specifications:

  • Magnification: 1X
  • Illumination Source: LED
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Reticle: 3MOA dot, 42MOA ring, or ring/dot combination
  • Dot Color: Red
  • Weight: 1.46oz (41.4g)
  • Size: (L x W x H) 1.6” x 1.2” x 1.1” (41.2 x 31 x 28.2mm)
  • Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 1 MOA
  • Battery Type: 1 × CR2032
  • Battery Life: Approx. 25,000 hours at brightness level 5(dot only)
  • Daytime Settings: 8 (7 daytime / 1 Ultra-Bright)
  • Night Vision Settings: 1
  • Switch Type: Push Buttons
  • Mounting Interface:  Delta Point Pro™ and Shield RMS-c™
  • Housing Material:  7075 Aluminum
  • Housing Color: Black
  • MSRP:  $479

For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com.

Tomahawk Performance Introduces CW / Combat Top for Cold Weather Operations

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Nashville, TN — January 14, 2026 — Technical apparel brand Tomahawk Performance has released the CW / Combat Top, a cold-weather combat layer engineered for military and law enforcement personnel operating in harsh environments. Designed specifically to be integrated with load-bearing equipment, the CW / Combat Top addresses the persistent challenge of maintaining warmth without restricting mobility or compromising breathability.

The CW / Combat Top is built as a midweight, under-armor solution that performs across both dynamic movement and static positions. The garment balances insulation, durability, and breathability to support extended wear during training and operational use in cold, windy, and wet conditions.

Thermal performance is achieved through Primaloft® Gold 40GSM insulation in high-exposure areas, paired with a DWR-treated MMI SAM1® face fabric across the shoulders and arms to provide durability and weather resistance under armor contact. The torso utilizes Polartec® WindPro™, offering breathable wind protection and effective moisture management where heat buildup is most common beneath plate carriers.

The CW / Combat Top is designed to integrate cleanly into existing cold-weather and armor systems. Key construction features include articulated elbows and gusseted underarms for unrestricted movement, an extended back to maintain coverage during dynamic activity, and adjustable cuffs and a tapered quarter-zip crew neck to help seal out wind, snow, and debris. Zippered bicep pockets with integrated stash pockets and reinforced 4” x 4.5” hook-and-loop fields provide identification and limited storage without interfering with equipment.

According to Tomahawk Performance, the goal was to create a new evolution of a challenging piece – one that can transition seamlessly between mission profiles and offer comfort in coldweather environments.

“Operations always took us in various locations and climates. Cold weather operations require the right equipment,” says Keith Walawender, CEO of Tomahawk Strategic Solutions. “The cold-weather combat top fits clean under your plate carrier. It solves the problem of staying warm without overheating under your armor in dynamic environments. The fit, function, and performance feel like it is built for the fight.”

The CW / Combat Top is available now through the Tomahawk Performance website and authorized dealer partners.