Crye Precision has introduced a price reduction on their CAGE (Crye Assault GEar) Armor Chassis. Previously, it went for about $1900 but is now listed on their site for $1642.80. Unfortunately, still no word on availability of the new products unveiled at SHOT show and showcased in their catalog.
Ares Armor presents the R.A.D. (Rapid Armor Deployment) Pack. Designed to do exactly what the name implies, the wearer can deploy armor from a storage slot in the pack and deploy a sidearm in less than two seconds. Once we get to the features you will see that one of their main concerns was to keep the features of this pack from betraying its intended purpose. It is important to note that this pack was designed more for civilian concealed carry than for military or LE use although it looks like it will do a great job there as well.
One of the first things you are going to ask is, what armor plates will it accept? According to ARES Armor, it is designed primarily for SAPI cut plates but is fully adjustable to accommodate different sized plates and individuals. However, we have not had our hands on one yet so we are looking forward to feedback from users on how well it handles various plate setups.
Additionally, this isn’t a one trick pony. While it does offer armor protection, it can still be used as a normal pack. Featuring a rear compartment that is fully separated from the plate panel and that is designed for the storage of everyday items, it’s storage capacity is comparable to a normal bookbag-sized pack. There is also PALS webbing on the inside of the storage compartment that allows users to set it up however they choose. The RAD Pack can carry both front and back plates with backers or just soft armor panels.
As you can see in the video, a cable system keeps the front plate panel in place inside the pack. Once the cable is pulled, the plate can be pulled up over the head. not only does this provide immediate protection it also allows access to a chest mounted sidearm.
It comes with a simple universal pistol holster that is attached via PALS webbing into the front plate panel. This is what you pull over your head. There is also PALS webbing covering the entire front of the carrier to allow whatever setup you want or to change out holsters.
In order to maintain the low profile image, there is no PALS webbing or other military/LE/tacticool giveaways on the outside of the pack. Additionally, the colors are very civilian friendly: Black, Black and Grey, Black and Blue, in addition to Black and Red.
Ares Armor left us with this statement about the RAD Pack.
Its not made to turn people into super heroes just to give them an advantage in an unexpected gun fight. (imagine if one of the innocent people at Columbine, Virginia Tech, Arizona the other week etc. were wearing a system like this. Having armor as well as a handgun might have very well given them the bravado to save some lives)
Overall, it looks like a promising design. According to Ares Armor, they are manufacturing the packs themselves and are applying for patents that cover how the pack works. Naturally, this makes them Made in USA. While we aren’t going to delve very deep into this, Ares Armor is collectively owned by several veteran and active duty military members. A big part of their business model is giving back and we will write more on this soon.
To order, visit www.aresarmor.com.
It seems like just last year we were telling you all about all of these great new Crye Precision products, and just as they are hitting the market, Crye up and does it again.
As we reported some time ago, Crye did in fact win the SOCOM contract for their Low Viz vests. They produced two variants, one for the RBAV armor and the other for the MBAV. They both accept a small chest rig that attaches via SR buckles and the cummerbunds are interchangeable with the skeletonized AirLite cummerbund.
This is the AirFrame helmet with Chops and MultiCam mesh cover.
In addition to the GunClip we wrote about last year and is now available, Crye showed their new MagClip. Weighing a mere ounces, it fits US GI as well as PMAG magazines, clamping around the base of the mag and relies on two fork-style bars that fit around belts or into PALS channels. Unlike other systems, the MagClip remains connected to the magazine.
Crye has also made a couple of changes to their G3 field and combat clothing including larger jacket pockets with huge side entries as well as zippered back pockets and a new tool loop on the trousers. Additionally both field and combat pants share identical pocket layouts. They also are introducing an all weather combat shirt and field pant as well the FieldShell seen above as well as the WindLiner, a simple, lightweight wind shirt. Finally, for clothing Crye is reintroducing the range vest in a much more streamlined form as a cover up for the combat shirt when no armor is being worn.
Crye also introduced FastMits which is a product designed specifically for fast roping. For years, operators have used a variety of solutions including welding gloves which prove to be bulky and difficult to transition from rope to weapon ready. Crye developed an overmitt that is lightweight and is easily stored. They are placed over the operator’s gloves and can be quickly diffed in order to expose the hands to wield a weapon or operate radios or other equipment once safely on the ground.
In the photo below you can clearly see the MagClip attached to the PALS on a Blast Belt in addition to Crye’s dump pouch and zip off back panel.
Once again, BAE is exhibiting their ECLiPSE brand at SHOT Show. They promise to have a full schedule of events including daily giveaways of pouches as well as t-shirts.
Additionally, BAE is running a contest, seeking designs for a new 2011 T-shirt. Not only does the winner get bragging rights, the prize also includes $250 and $100 credit toward the purchase of ECLiPSE gear. See for yourself in booth #12762.
SKD has announced a great deal on the recently released Assault Panel Carrier (APC) from Mayflower Research and Consulting. For the next two weeks, SKD will offer the APC for $195 after which the price will rise to $210. As with all Mayflower products, the APC is designed based on real-world experience.
The upper front of the APC contains an integral admin pouch with internal elastic loops to retain pens, pencils, chemlites or similar items. Additionally, the front lower half of the APC has an integrated pouch sized to hold up to three M4 sized magazines. The shoulder pads are 3D mesh for comfort and feature a Velcro routing channel for cable and drinking tubes.
The APC is supplied with Mayflower’s standard PALS compatible cummerbund designed to accept 6″x 6″ hard armor plates or side soft armor. What makes the APC really interesting is that it is also compatible with Mayflower’s suite of modular cummerbunds. The APC is available in two sizes; S/M and L/XL with three cummerbund options. The S/M is available with either a small or medium cummerbund while the L/XL is available with either a medium or large cummerbund. The plate pockets are sized to accommodate stand alone or in-conjunction BALCs/ESAPI or Swimmer cut plates. The S/M APC will fit small, medium and 10″x12″ sized plates. The L/XL APC will fit large and extra-large plates. So, these options give the wearer a great deal of customization in regard to sizing.
Berry compliant and made from 500D Cordura, the APC is available in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam. To order, visit www.skdtac.com. Be sure to check out Military Morons’ review of the APC.
Tyr Tactical founder Jason Beck introduces their new lightweight PICO plate carrier. There are three different versions of the PICO based on the type of plate used. It is made from their PV material which helps mitigate weight. Additionally, you can get the PICO with two different face variations including slick or admin meaning you can choose one of six variants by choosing plate and face style. Finally, the PICO is available with a whole mess of accessories. Check it all out at SHOT Show booth #8008.
