Tactical Tailor

Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

Safariland Revolutionizes Body Armor Sizing with the XpertFit App

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands is revolutionizing the way individuals in public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets are fitted for body armor.

Public safety professionals across the nation are actively engaged and enjoying the hands-free experience of XpertFit®. As a virtual sizing technology that transforms the process in which individual officers are sized for body armor and uniform apparel, the technology offers a touchless, self-measure method of capturing body measurements right from a mobile phone.

“Ensuring proper fit for armor is crucial for duty and safety,” said Jim Duncan, GM of Armor for Safariland. “Addressing the growing concern of convenience and accuracy in measurements, XpertFit has transformed the procurement process, simplifying ordering between agencies and distributors while saving time and boosting consumer confidence.”

Officers can work directly with armor distributors to conduct armor sizing on the go to alleviate the need for onsite armor sizing. After gathering general information, XpertFit’s technology captures front and side profile scans, which are then utilized by its algorithm to calculate measurements and recommend an appropriate size for Safariland body armor.

This innovative sizing service highlights the exceptional level of innovation and extensive resources available to customers. The cutting-edge XpertFit mobile body armor sizing platform is now available for Safariland armor distributors.

To learn more about the XpertFit app and how Safariland is committed to building lifesaving equipment, visit Safariland.com.

In a Class of its Own: The Adept Armor Thunder, the Lightest Level 3+ Body Armor Plate

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

An unprecedented balance of protection and mobility, the patent-pending Adept Armor Thunder, at just 3.45 lbs., is nearly 20 percent lighter than any other plate in its class.

Tulsa, Okla. (July 2023) – Adept Armor, an armor system engineering firm, introduces the Thunder body armor RF2/Level 3+ plate – a lightweight torso plate that offers class-leading protection at an ultra-light weight of just 3.45 pounds at 10×12”.

For several years, Adept Armor has been researching advanced silicate strike-face materials to develop the ultimate in lightweight body armor plates. This culminated in the development of Amorphoid – a low-density/high-hardness glass-ceramic material which can outperform conventional ceramic and metallic strike-face materials in plates designed to stop “light AP” and steel-cored ball rounds.

Amorphoid is indefinitely stable and insensitive to extremes of heat, cold, and pressure. It is ceramic-like, but inherently lighter – roughly 12% less dense than boron carbide and 30% less dense than silicon carbide – and it can be made in very thin monolithic tile profiles.

Integrating the latest Amorphoid technology into the design and production of the new Thunder armor plates, Adept Armor has achieved the goal of producing the lightest weight body armor plate on the market today, without sacrificing its ability to attain full RF2/Level 3+ performance. The patent-pending Thunder integrates Amorphoid, a chemically-treated, phase-change silicate core, making it 15% lighter than its nearest competitor, and more than 25% lighter than the average plate in its category, while offering complete protection from all common rifle threats.

Previous to the Thunder body armor plate, customers had a choice between a lightweight plate, but without the ability to stop M855 or analogous steel-core threats; or the heavy ceramic-faced or steel plates which would stop steel-core threats. There was no one-plate-fits-all available, until now. The 10-inch by 12-inch SAPI-style multicurve Thunder plate offers the best of both worlds; protection from steel-core threats in a lightweight platform comparable to the polyethylene plates. The full-sized Thunder strike-face offers full edge-to-edge Amorphoid coverage.

“We believe that the design and development of an armor plate is a problem defined by its specification – in this case RF2 – to which there must be a theoretically optimal solution. Given the current state of materials science, the Thunder plate is the optimal solution in its category – and it will eventually come to define the upper-bound of performance in that category. Its development required novel materials and methods, of which we’re very proud,” commented Jake Ganor, CEO of Adept Armor.

Adept Armor’s new Thunder body armor plate leads the industry in combining superior threat protection with lightweight, maneuverable body armor systems. The Thunder is ideal for military use in low-intensity threat environments, and for police and security personnel, as well as citizens looking to protect themselves and their families from a broad spectrum of rifle threats, without weighing themselves down.

Adept Armor Thunder Specifications:

Weight: 3.45 lbs.

Thickness: 1.17 inch

Materials: Amorphoid -UHMWPE composite

Curvature: Multi-curved to military SAPI specifications

Size: 10-inch by 12-inch with full edge-to-edge Amorphoid coverage

Ballistic rating:

RF2 rated for:

7.62x39mm MSC

5.56x45mm M193

5.56x45mm M855/SS109

7.62x51mm M80 Ball

7.62x54mmR LPS

And similar and lesser threats.

MSRP: $550.00

For more information on Adept Armor visit their website.

Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT Plate Carrier QR LC for Lightweight Plate Carrier Needs

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

This lightweight plate carrier is designed to offer a sleek and modern look, with a MOLLE system in laser-cut technology.

Knoxville, Tenn. (July 2023) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., has announced its latest product, the TT Plate Carrier QR LC. This lightweight plate carrier is designed to offer a sleek and modern look, with a MOLLE system in laser-cut technology.

“We are thrilled to launch the TT Plate Carrier QR LC for the U.S. market,” commented Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc. “This plate carrier is the perfect choice for those who require a lightweight and customizable solution for their tactical needs. With its sleek design and innovative features, we believe the TT Plate Carrier QR LC will quickly become a popular choice among the military and law enforcement communities.

The TT Plate Carrier QR LC is designed to fit SAPI plates of 12 x 10 in. (30 x 25 cm). It features a quick-release system with ROC buckle, which allows the wearer to quickly and easily remove the plate carrier in case of an emergency. The shoulder straps are adjustable, ranging from a minimum of 11 in. (28 cm) to a maximum of 20 in. (52 cm), providing a comfortable and customized fit for all users.

One of the most notable features of the TT Plate Carrier QR LC is its laser-cut MOLLE system, which gives the plate carrier a clean and streamlined look. The front and side areas of the plate carrier also feature a MOLLE system, which allows for individual customization and extension.

Additionally, the TT Plate Carrier QR LC is compatible with many other TT products, allowing for seamless integration. The plate carrier also includes an integrated radio equipment pocket and switchable side sections for using pouches for ballistic side plates.

The TT Plate Carrier QR LC weighs 2.87 lbs. and is made from Cordura® 700 Denier (Multicam 500 Denier). It is available in Black, Olive, and Coyote for an MSRP of $379.00 and Multicam for an MSRP of $399.00.

Click to see the 2023 Tasmanian Tiger New Items digital catalog here or the Vol 3 product digital catalog. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

Stay in the conversation by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

SOFWERX to Host Lightweight Body Armor (LWBA) Assessment Event

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office-SOF Warrior (PEO-SW) will host an Assessment Event (AE) 29-31 August 2023, to identify solutions for Lightweight Body Armor (LWBA). The LWBA will provide the SOF operator with the lightest possible ballistic plate that meets ballistic protection requirements, to increase operational effectiveness and to reduce long term injury.

USSOCOM is seeking sources within the national technology and industrial base with the ability to provide USSOCOM LWBA. The objective is to streamline developmental efforts and field Special Operations (SO) – peculiar body armor in a rapid acquisition environment. The LWBA will focus on reducing the weight of currently fielded ballistic plates while maintaining or increasing the level of ballistic protection, and provide vital mission essential equipment for SOF operators.

The objective of the LWBA effort is to evaluate and identify the lightest weight ballistic plates that meet current ballistic performance specifications. The lightweight ballistic plates must be compatible with currently fielded USSOCOM body armor vests and meet the requirements of the technical drawings provided by USSOCOM.

Interested parties must submit by 01 August 2023 11:59 PM ET.

Details are found at events.sofwerx.org/bodyarmor.

The MSV (Modular Scalable Vest) Gen II’s NIJ Level IIIA Counterpart heading to U.S. Air Force

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

One of the items I ran across during Warrior East was the Gen II Modular Scalable Vest from Custom Armor Group. Unfortunately, as it is part of a current Army program, fielding of this popular armor vest is restricted for those outside of the program of record or for those who are, but want to spend O&M funds to jump in line, like the National Guard.

With long lead-times and high demand for the U.S. Army’s Modular Scalable Vest (MSV Gen II), PEO Soldier has required all purchases for approved MSV Gen II systems flow through their current contract. This has made the lead times of MSV Gen II vests for other branches take much longer than expected.

Custom Armor Group (CAG) and its strategic partners have designed the QR2 which can be seen above to the right of the issue MSV. The QR2 is a high performing armor system with similar user interface, visuals and profile while offering improved delivery times.

The QR2 will be available immediately for those units unable to wait the extended MSV Gen II lead times. 

The CAG QR2 was developed to offer a solution to meet demand and shorten lengthy lead times. This design utilizes manufacturing techniques and advanced materials which allow more efficient manufacturing and supply chain management.

The QR2 utilizes an NIJ 0101.06 (National Institute of Justice) certified, and First Article Tested/Approved package currently fielded by NAVSEA and CNIC. The package was created as an updated version of the former NAVSEA soft armor solution. This NIJ 0101.06 certified ballistic package also offers US Military FRAG protection (like the MSV Gen II) along with special threat protections.  Additionally, the upgraded ballistic offers all these advantages while showing a 25% weight reduction versus former NAVSEA ballistic package.

Other small advances in the QR2 are an improved inner carrier system and additional padding for user comfort. Still, the greatest advantage will be availability.

Samples are shipping to USAF for approval this month, giving USAF units MSV Gen II styling with USAF specifications (USAF currently requires min NIJ 0101.06 IIIA Protection). 

For more info contact sales@customarmorgroup.com

Sneak Peek – Modular Vest Adaptor by Unobtanium Gear and @The_Random_Oh

Saturday, July 8th, 2023

The MVA (Modular Vest Adaptor) fills a capability gap in the standard issued IOTV (Improved Outer Tactical Vest) and MSV (Modular Scalable Vest) platforms. Designed by active duty soldiers and produced in partnership by Unobtainium Gear and The Random Oh, the MVA allows the user to attach any hook/loop wing or radio pocket and dangler style pouches without interfering with the quick disconnect features found on the vests themselves. No modification to the plate bag or cummerbund necessary.

Weighing in at only 1.5 ounces, the MVA will be compatible with IOTV Generations 3 and 4, and MSV Generation 2 vests.

Stay tuned for an official announcement and release in the coming months.

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Assaulter Armor Carrier v2

Friday, July 7th, 2023

You heard the call for something that’s light and low-profile while still offering full protection. We answered with the AAC v2. Whether your mission is land or sea, let the Assaulter Armor Carrier v2 keep you geared up and ready.

Don’t forget the upgraded Instant Adjust Back Panel – it ensures your carrier is always sized right for the mission. Its minimal padding and water-resistant nylon mesh material make it one tough cookie – lightweight and streamlining you while keeping you safe. You can configure it with BC inserts, soft armor inserts, and hard armor inserts to give you full protection.

If you’re ready to leave the boys in the dust, check out the 6/12 Padded Wings that offer you added comfort while giving you extra pockets for all your gear. So if you need protection for your mission, the AAC v2 is the one for the job. Light and low-profile – mean and strong.

Visit FirstSpear to find American Made kit and accessories, Built For The X.

ADS Federal Range Day 23 – Rapid Access Safe Room

Thursday, June 8th, 2023

There were a lot of great products at Federal Range Day, but I found this to be the most significant.

The Rapid Access Safe Room was designed by manufacturer and contractor KT Solutions USA to protect school students and staffs from active shooter threats. Naturally, it can installed in other buildings, both government and private sector, as well.

Offering NIJ level III armor protection, the RASR can be stored against the wall, the sides configured as dry erase or cork boards, yet can be deployed in 10 seconds, providing shelter from gunfire or even objects propelled around a room due to a tornado.

The door and wall are locked from within making unauthorized entry extremely difficult. Yes, there’s a way to gain entry in the case someone accidentally locks themselves inside and is incapable of opening the door but I’m not going to disclose it here.

There are optional cameras for both inside and outside the shelter which can be used to verify the identities and condition of those within the shelter and to maintain situational awareness outside of the shelter.

Interestingly, the safe room is manufactured with a standard height and custom panels are fashioned for each installation to allow it to cover from floor to ceiling.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at ADS Federal Range Day by contacting ADS, Inc.