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Armor Express Announces New Prestigious Customers in California; Company Awarded Body Armor Contracts from the San Francisco Police Department and San Francisco Sheriff’s Department

Sunday, March 19th, 2017

Thousands of officers to benefit from Armor Express’ “Quad compliant” Vortex IIIA Gen 2 ballistic vest, certified to meet NIJ, DEA and FBI protocols, and tested against special threats

CENTRAL LAKE, MI, March 16, 2017 – Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. (“Armor Express”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, announced today that the Company has been awarded a new, two-year contract with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and San Francisco Sheriff’s Department (SFSD) to provide its Vortex™ IIIA Gen 2 ballistic vest. The advanced, “Quad compliant” body armor system is uniquely certified to meet the most rigorous requirements of the NIJ, DEA and FBI protocols, and is tested to defeat special type ballistic rounds.

“This is a major win for our Company and for the thousands of law enforcement officers in San Francisco who stand to benefit from the advancements we have made in ballistic protection,” stated Scott Wyatt, Vice President, Sales and Marketing with Armor Express. “As two of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, their selection of Armor Express is testimony to their confidence in our team and in our offerings. We look forward to outfitting their officers with the most innovative protective solutions in the industry and ensuring all their needs are continuously met. All of us at Armor Express stand ready to safeguard the lives of the men and women who make the sacrifice to protect our freedoms and we are especially honored to partner with these prestigious law enforcement agencies in San Francisco.”

The City of San Francisco selected the Vortex IIIA Gen 2 ballistic package over other body armor offerings because of the ideal balance it provides between a flexible and pliable package, while keeping its lightweight qualities for officer comfort. The Level IIIA package is notably lighter and thinner than the previously contracted body armor (approximately 8 percent lighter and 10 percent thinner). The vest utilizes cutting-edge materials and unique weaving techniques to keep it extremely flexible right out of the box. It is powered by aramid fibers from Twaron®, utilized in the form of a unique multi-layered woven fabric by Lincoln Fabrics and a thin, flexible aramid, uni-directional material produced by Honeywell. Service, delivery and quality were significant factors in SFPD and SFSD choosing the Vortex vest for their officers and because the Vortex IIIA is Quad compliant, it uniquely meets the ballistic technical specifications of both departments.

The Vortex body armor combines strength, comfort and performance in a versatile and budget-friendly package for today’s law enforcement agency. The IIIA is suitable for both concealed wear and use by tactical teams. Its high-performance features are designed based on a slim construction, lightweight fibers, and outstanding strength. The armor’s protective capabilities have been built to match the most strenuous requirements, including in-house special threat ballistic testing. This soft ballistic is capable of stopping some of the most advanced rounds, including the FN 5.7x28mm 27gr. Lead Free Hollow Point, FN 5.7x28mm 40gr. V-Max, Speer LE 9mm +P 124gr. Gold Dot Hollow Point, Winchester Ranger 9mm +P+ 127gr. SXT (DEA round), Winchester 9mm NATO 124gr. (FBI round), Federal Tactical 12ga. TruBall Rifled Slug, among other high-velocity special threats.

The Vortex IIIA Gen 2 is available in both male and female versions. The female version has a unique proprietary design that makes this companion model a great choice for SFPD officers, as it meets the same performance criteria and comfort characteristics required to execute the department’s body armor program.

This award is for a period of two years, with a one year extension option. Under the terms of the contract, the Company expects to deliver close to 900 body armor systems for the two departments on an annual basis. Further, added to the award is an option for officers and deputies to leverage Armor Express’ H-Shock concealable rifle plate. Today’s officers face unpredictable threats but they should never have to compromise. Wearing concealable soft armor doesn’t mean they can’t also have light rifle protection. The H-Shock plate adds rifle protection for the wearer, providing coverage for vital areas. With this special “up-armor” insert, agencies have a cost-effective solution that can stop more than the average trauma plate, while in a concealable carrier. Officers can have peace of mind regardless of what they come up against.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | 1 Comment »

The Cat’s Out Of The Bag On The Kryptek Plate Carrier

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017

At the recent Enforce Tac show in Nürnberg, Germany, I had the opportunity to check out Kryptek’s new tactical line of clothing and equipment which was on display in Precision Tecnhnic Defense’s stand. One of the items is a new lightweight plate carrier which joins the line of PALS compatible pouches they released earlier this year. As it was a prototype, they were not yet ready for me to share it with the world. However, German blog Strategie Technik shared a photo of the carrier.

It is extremely lightweight with integrated Admin Pouch at the upper chest along with three magazine pouches. However, they mentioned that the integrated Admin Pouch would be removed to make way for PALS compatibility in that space. You may also spy Tubes connectors on this carrier which have been licensed from FirstSpear. You’ll also notice a radio pouch attached to the cummerbund. My favorite feature is the rigid opening on the ammo pouches which make it much easier to replace magazines one-handed.

Tags: Kryptek
Posted in Armor, Camo, IWA | 4 Comments »

Arbor Arms – Flex Release Cummerbund

Monday, March 13th, 2017

Arbor Arms’ Flex Releasable Cummerbund Kit (FRC Kit) is a cummerbund retrofit kit that incorprates the Arbor Arms FLEX Cobra buckle by AustriAlpin. Additionally, the kit replaces the cummerbund’s standard, wide bands with these three 1″ elastic straps.

However, the Flex Releasable Kit goes even further than just replacing your cummerbund with a simpler means of closure. It’s also a releasable system for their plate carriers.

You might recognize this as the Derma cummerbund from Ares Armor, but Arbor Arms is the new company by designer, Jon Zum.

arborarmsusa.net

Tags: Arbor Arms, Austrialpin
Posted in Armor | 11 Comments »

Eagle Industries AERO and AERO JTAC Available Through Tactical Advantage

Friday, March 10th, 2017

Ever since I wrote the story about the Eagle Industries AERO Armor Vest, people have been asking me how to get ahold of it. I was recently contacted by Tactical Advantage who told me that they have them in stock in Black and MultiCam.

AERO Basic

Features:
• Fully Releasable or Non Releasable configuration based on user preference.
• Fully MOLLE/PALS compatible
• Fits SPEAR/BALCS SAPI and ESAPI Front/Rear plates (sizes S-XL)
• Fits MBAV or Plate shaped soft armor inserts (sizes S-XL)
• PTT attachment points on upper left/right
• Velcro loop on upper Front and Back area for ID/flag patches.
• Shoulder stow Pull cable.
• Removable kangaroo-style cummerbund retention flap secures the cummerbund in place and provides low-profile magazine storage (for up to three M4 magazines)
• Hydration and communication retention loops
• Reinforced drag handle
• ¾” MOLLE Assaulters Money Belt Cummerbund with integrated Radio and magazine slots.
• Cummerbund adjusts in the rear to account for various sizes, additional equipment, and environmental clothing profiles
• Cummerbund routing channel provides the ability to quickly adjust sizing or switch between the Assault MOLLE cummerbund, 2” Elastic Cummerbund, or 4” Elastic Cummerbund (sold separately)
• Padded shoulder pads with detachable retention loops
• Upper and Lower pack attachment connection points for attaching Eagle Modular Assault Packs
• Accepts 6”x6”, 6”x8” & 7”x8” side plates (plate pockets sold separately)
• Accepts Eagle Deltoid/Shoulder Plate pockets (armor carriers sold separately)
• Accepts SPEAR/BALCS ballistic groin protector (armor carrier sold separately)

JTAC AERO

Features:
• Fully Releasable or Non Releasable configuration based on user preference utilizing the shoulder stow release cable.
• Fully MOLLE/PALS compatible using ¾” MOLLE webbing
• Fits SPEAR/BALCS, SAPI and ESAPI Front/Rear plates (sizes S-XL)
• Fits MBAV or Plate shaped soft armor inserts (sizes S-XL)
• PTT attachment points on upper left/right along with Hydration and communication retention loops
• Removable kangaroo-style cummerbund retention flap secures the cummerbund in place and provides low-profile magazine storage (for up to three M4 magazines)
• Padded shoulder pads with detachable retention loops
• Velcro loop on upper Front and Back area for ID/flag patches.
• Upper and Lower pack connection points for attaching Eagle Modular Assault Packs
• ¾” MOLLE Assaulters Money Belt Cummerbund with integrated Radio and magazine slots.
• Cummerbund routing channel provides the ability to quickly adjust sizing or switch between the Assault MOLLE, JTAC, 2” or 4” Elastic Cummerbunds (Optional cummerbunds sold separately)
• Accepts 6”x6”, 6”x8” & 7”x8” side plates (sold separately)
• Accepts Eagle Deltoid/Shoulder Plate pockets (sold separately)
• Accepts SPEAR/BALCS ballistic groin protector (sold separately)

Tags: Eagle Industries, Tactical Advantage
Posted in Armor | 7 Comments »

Velocity Systems Releases New Mayflower RC Back Panel

Thursday, March 9th, 2017

The Mayflower RC By Velocity Systems Tactical Back Panel was designed to be used in conjunction with any of their chest rigs. If the Tactical Back Panel is used in combination with the Plate Sleeve and one of their chest rigs, the setup can hold both front and back hard armor plates (Plate Sleeve and Chest Rigs sold separately). The Panel interior includes a plate pocket and separate hydration bladder pocket with a VELCRO® Brand closure. The exterior features include ULTRAcomp 3” shoulder straps, 6 rows of PALS webbing, and adjustable 1” webbing side straps. All materials and workmanship are 100% made in the USA.

Checkout the new Tactical Back Panel at www.velsyst.com/tactical-back-panel.

Tags: Mayflower, Velocity Systems
Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

IWA – New Plate Carriers From Tasmanian Tiger

Thursday, March 9th, 2017

Tasmanian Tiger displayed several news items including the TT Plate Carrier LP and TT Plate Carrier SK.

TT Plate Carrier LP

Manufactured from T-Stretch and T-Square Ripstop, the TT Plate Carrier LP is a lightweight carrier which weighs just 375 g and is designed to be worn under outer garments for low viz operations. Consequently, the materials are elastic for a snug fit, yet incorporates air permeable mesh on yhe interior so you don’t overheat. Additionally, there is a small pocket with Velcro closure at the front for flat items and Velcro panels at the front and rear for ID. The shoulder straps are adjustable for length and the cummerbund offers waist adjustment. The Vest fits all standard Schutzklasse (SK) 4 panels up to 30 x 25 cm.

Offered in Black, Coyote Brown and Olive.

TT Plate Carrier SK

The skeletonized design of the TT Plate Carrier SK is manufactured from TPU Cordura 700D with generous PALS compatible Velcro fields at the front and rear. It weighs 490 g and will integrate the TT FL Chest Rig. The waist strap is a simple bungee-style affair with side release buckle attachment. Finally, the vest comes with two elastic plate pockets which will accept most any SK4 plates from 30 x 25 cm up to 33 x 27 cm. This design allows the carrier to cradle the plates which are contained within the pockets.

Offered in Coyote Brown and Olive.

en.tasmaniantiger.info

Tags: Tasmanian Tiger
Posted in Armor, IWA | Comments Off on IWA – New Plate Carriers From Tasmanian Tiger

PEO Soldier Presents – More Than A Momento

Saturday, March 4th, 2017

Fort Belvoir, Virginia (Feb. 23, 2017) – Program Executive Office Soldier’s Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment (PM SPIE) seeks to return life-saving personal protective equipment to Soldiers.

The program has been successful, not so much for its outreach, but for the closure it brings the recipients who are reunited with the equipment that saved their lives, according to Project Manager COL Dean Hoffman, who said the program has a lasting impact.

“These are more than mementos, and the recipients we return this equipment to are living testimonials that our stuff works,” Colonel Hoffman said Feb. 23.

The most recent recipient of an armored plate return was a Soldier from one of our elite forces whose name and unit cannot be published.

The colonel oversees PM SPIE at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He noted there are several partners in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Lifecycle Team who deserve credit and makes a day like this possible.

“The scientist, the engineers, research labs, acquisition personnel and countless people down the line just doing their job play a key role in making these moments happen,” Colonel Hoffman said.

The most recent recipient of an armored plate return, said that when faced with almost certain death all Soldiers can rely on is their training and their equipment.

The Soldier told his story. It was March 2007, and Soldiers were on a night mission in Iraq. It was dark and the young Sergeant, a squad leader took the initiative and kicked down a door, as part of clearing procedures.

“When I kicked in the door there was a guy with an AK-47 maybe eight to 10 feet in front of me, and he just opened fire,” the Soldier said. “The impact knocked me to the ground. With only muzzle fire as a reference, I kept firing.

“When the shooting had stopped I realized the attacker was deceased, and I thought I was dying as well because I took so many rounds,” the Soldier said. “When the medics arrived and ripped everything open I was bruised on the chest but that was about it.” That night’s actions led to the Soldier being awarded the Silver Star.

Stories like this are common within the PPE Return program. Many Soldiers complain about wearing the armor because of the weight. After an incident where it saves their life, they become an instant advocate.

“I’ve always been taught to not profile yourself when entering a room but to present the body armor,” the Soldier said. “I teach younger Soldiers that today. It worked once; it will work again.”

PEO Soldier’s PPE Return program helps bring closure to Soldiers who faced down their fears. It also instills confidence in that the equipment they deploy with is up to the task.

Posted in Armor, PEO-Soldier, Press Release | 5 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Frog AAC Kit

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

This week, we’re going to check out the Frog AAC Kit, which I had the chance to check out during this week’s Enforce Tac at the Messe, in Nürnburg, Germany. The Frog kit adapts the Assaulter Armor Carrier for use in a maritime environment.

Standard in the kit are FS Bouyancy Compensators, Adaptive Cummerbund Flotation Elements and a 2″ belly band to secure the front and back panels to the user without having to wear a full cummerbund.

The adaptive cummerbund uses the AAC instant adjust back panel. 6/12 modular sections on the left and right of the front carrier panel allow the user to install the modular pockets of their choice and at the height they need for increased comfort and mobility.