FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

Arc’teryx LEAF Updates Website

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Arc’teryx has just updated their website with an excellent page detailing all of the features of their new Armor Compatible clothing system. This should help persuade the last couple of you guys still on the fence.

leaf.arcteryx.com

Mayflower Sighting

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

A Mayflower Low-Profile Assaulter Armor Carrier was sighted outside the Arc’teryx hospitality room at SOFIC located in the Campbell Conference Room at the Embassy Suites. Looks pretty good together.

Brits to Field Osprey Mark 4 Body Armor

Monday, June 14th, 2010

The new Mk 4 Osprey body armor is a huge evolutionary step for the British Soldier and will make its combat debut this Fall in Afghanistan on the backs of the 16th Air Assault Brigade.

In addition to better protection, some of the improvements over the current version include non-skid shoulders, the plate is now carried in a pocket inside the vest making it less bulky, and has a new ribbed material lining to improve breathability.

The Osprey Mk 4 also integrates even more PALS webbing than its predecessor and will be issued with 23 pouches which include:
* 3 x SA80 single magazine
* 4 x SA80 double magazine
* 3 x single SA80 magazine with elastic pull-cord
* 2 x smoke grenade
* 2 x anti-personnel grenade
* sharpshooter magazine
* utility
* water bottle
* light machine gun magazine – 100 round
* first aid kit
* 2 x 9mm pistol magazine
* underslung grenade launcher – 8 round
* commander’s pouch

The photo is a great comparison shot from the Osprey Mk 3 and desert DPM to the new Mk 4 and Crye Precision developed Multi Terrain Pattern combat uniform. Armor that is actually fielded will also be in MTP.

US PALM Defender

Friday, June 11th, 2010

US PALM started out with a vision of an affordable plate carrier for use by the man defending his castle. Nothing too fancy, with simplicity key to the design. It also needed to carry everything on one package so in 5 seconds the user could transform himself from naked to fully equipped. What they came up with is simply remarkable. With five different designs, there is a solution for everyone. Even if the AR15, AK47, .308, or Pistol variants don’t fit your exact needs, a MOLLE version allows you to tailor a dedicated solution. Regardless of configuration, each Defender comes with a front panel equipped with Level III armor and is designed to accept a Large ESAPI plate. An optional armor equipped rear panel is also available.

Berry compliant and manufactured from 500D Cordura, the Defender series is available in Black, Khaki, Coyote, and MultiCam. www.US-PALM.com

Quad Release System

Monday, May 31st, 2010

National Molding has just announced their new Quad Release System. It combines their Tether Pull Buckle with a lever actuated cable release system wherein cables are routed from the buckle to a junction box. With a pull of a single lever, all of the buckles actuate simultaneously. The system is simple and can easily be reassembled. The impact here is significant as the system becomes a field leveler. Companies who had never produced cutaway armor carriers will be able to insert this pre-built system rather than engage in a costly development process that often leads to patent infringement or less than optimal results. Additionally, the technology could be applied to other systems such as pack straps.

Made in the USA by National Molding.

Stuff We Missed This Week

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Like every week, this one was busy. Here are the things we didn’t get to discuss.

Navy uniform guide for iPhone
Botched Police Raids
The $4000 Polo Shirt
Sneaky Bags at SGC USA
UCP TRU-SPEC Combat Shirt only $39.99 at US CAV
The Sayoc Store

Beez Combat Systems LBAV

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

SOCOM might still be seeking a new Low Visibility Body Armor Vest but you can buy Beez Combat System’s version right now. The BCS B (BALCS) LBAV low profile carrier accepts BALCS cut soft armor inserts and SAPI plates and the front and back external plate pockets allow easy access. The LBAV is perfect for use with a chest rig or ops where concealment is paramount. The Berry Compliant carriers are available in MultiCam, Coyote, Ranger Green, UCP, and Black.

www.beezcombatsystems.com

Point Blank Files Chapter 11 – For Reals

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

They really did it this time. No more of that temporary protection crap. Point Blank Solutions filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Federal District Court in Wilmington Delaware on Wednesday citing the same reasons they asked for temporary protection last month. According to recently filed documents, they list assets of $63.9 million and debt of $68.5 million as of Feb. 28 so no word on the impact of the $20 million of Debtor-in-Possession (“DIP”) financing they had arranged for in April. A sizable portion of the debt is said to be tied to their former CEO so it has been difficult to find a buyer to get them back on track.