FirstSpear TV

Archive for the ‘Armor’ Category

MDM – National Molding – Rigid Plate Carrier

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014

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National Molding has unveiled their new Rigid Plate Carrier is made from a high impact plastic shell that helps contain spall and frag. It also protects the plate from day-to-day impacts and integrates the National Molding X-Quad single point release. This version is 20% lighter than the Quad release found in the IOTV.

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Need PALS-compatible load carriage? Not a problem. National Molding has introduced an adapter that fits over the RPC. As you can see, it can be dipped in any Camo pattern.

Available 3rd Quarter, 2015.

www.nationalmolding.com

Sneak Peek – MTEK Weapon Systems G4

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

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www.mtekweaponsystems.com

FS Friday Focus – Partner Series – SKD Tactical

Friday, August 29th, 2014

FS OEM Partner Series - SKD

Occasionally in the FirstSpear Friday Focus we take a look at their OEM partners. This time, we’ll examine SKD Tactical and one of the pieces of kit FirstSpear builds for them: the STT Plate Carrier.

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This particular STT is quite special. It’s a one-of-a-kind version in Kryptek Highlander. One-of-a-kind, as in you can’t purchase it. However, you can win it, in a Facebook contest, but more on that later. Now, on to some really cool background.

What drove SKD to get into products manufacturing versus just being another retailer?
When we first got involved in the Tactical gear market in 1999, we recognized pretty early that there were a lot of things that could be done to improve existing product designs. While technology was advancing products in other industries at breakneck speed, tactical gear was still pretty much some modified derivative of LBE’s or RACK systems. Our first step into “making” gear was getting Eagle Industries to modify the Paul Howe Universal Chest Rig for us. After that initial success, we realized that we could differentiate ourselves in the market by modifying and improving other products we already carried. This led to the easy transition of designing our own gear from the ground up. When tactical gear innovation really started exploding during OIF/OEF, we were well positioned to be able to take part in the new wave of gear designs.

Why “made in America?”
Making our gear here is woven into our identity. We as a nation have lost the quality edge on a lot of different product segments to overseas manufacturing, but America is still the best in the world at designing and manufacturing tactical gear. This is an undisputed fact. With partners like FirstSpear, continuing to make quality gear in the US is what we intend on doing for as long as long as we remain in business.

How did the relationship between SKD and FirstSpear begin?
Our relationship with FirstSpear began ironically at Eagle Industries. We were already making our own products with Eagle when they were sold in 2009. Visiting their design shop and factory was a regular occurrence. When Eagle eventually closed their factories in St. Louis, we were pleasantly surprised that many of the key players we dealt with at Eagle had moved on to start up FirstSpear. Working with a manufacturer that already had decades of experience making the world’s finest gear was a no brainer. Even before we actually began carrying any FirstSpear labeled products, we had inked a deal for First Spear to take over production of the PIG Plate Carrier.

What drove the development of the STT?
We were always impressed by the innovative technologies of FirstSpear’s Tubes and 6/12, but the price considerations of the Strandhogg were not a good match for our market. It was during a visit at FirstSpear that we came across a simplified version of the Strandhogg that was done for a major LE agency–we immediately had a “eureka” moment. When we realized that we could make the STT with the ability to accept PIG Airflow and Comfort Pontoons, and price it in the void that was left empty by the disappearance of the Eagle Plate Carrier, we knew we had to execute.

Were there previous iterations of the STT or any major changes through development?
Coming from an already existing platform, the development process was pretty linear. We went from flash to bang in about 3 months, which was pretty fast for us. We did experience a bobble at the release however- we only had one cummerbund size available. FirstSpear was really good about working with us to get the other sizes online and manufactured within weeks.

Are there any other FS/SKD partnership projects on the horizon?
We don’t have anything to announce at this moment, but we are always trying to come up with sneaky collaborations with FirstSpear, who is our premiere manufacturing partner. The quality and consistency they’ve turned out over the course of making thousands of PIG Plate Carriers has been nothing short of brilliant. We try and utilize both our Facebook pages and newsletter for product announcements, so please like both the SKD and FirstSpear Facebook pages and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news.

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www.skdtac.com/FirstSpear-STT-Plate-Carrier-SKD-Exclusive

Facebook STT Plate Carrier Contest

At the beginning of the article, we mentioned that you can win the one-of-a-kind STT Plate Carrier in Kryptek Highlander, which comes with a FirstSpear M4 3-Mag “Ranger” Shingle. For full details and to enter, ‘like’ both the FirstSpear and SKD Tactical Facebook pages and share the contest post on the FirstSpear page. Good Luck!

www.facebook.com/1stSpear

www.facebook.com/skdtactical

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Ragnar

Friday, August 22nd, 2014

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This week’s FirstSpear Friday Focus concentrates on the Ragnar. Named after Viking warrior Ragnarr Loðbrók, this armor vest is an adaptable system that can be quickly configured for the mission at hand.

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In addition to different cummerbunds, the Ragnar offers special pockets like the stretch models seen here. FirstSpear also offers specific soft armor packages as well as plates.

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Available in sizes Small – XLarge in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.first-spear.com

Mission Ready Services Inc. Files Patent Application For Its Integrated Body Armor Garment

Thursday, August 14th, 2014

VANCOUVER, B.C. / August 12, 2014 / – Mission Ready Services Inc. (TSX-V:MRS.V – News) – Mission Ready Services Inc. (“Mission Ready” or “MRSI” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has filed a patent application (the “Application”) with the US Patent Office as well as an international filing under the Patent Cooperation Treaty for its Integrated Body Armor Garment referred to as the Extremity Torso Protection Body Armor (the “ExToPro”).

PTF was awarded a contract to develop the next generation of enhanced torso and extremity protective equipment in the latter half of 2012 and subsequently initiated the execution of the project. Through collaboration with various partners, PTF finalized the design and began assembling prototypes for testing. In May of 2013, the product was introduced and demonstrated in an Army human factors evaluation. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with 100% of the Soldiers testing the prototypes expressing their desire for the ExToPro to become their issued protective system.

The ExToPro is based around the concept of biomimetics – the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. Since conception, the ExToPro has advanced through many stages of development and testing and received exceptional reviews from expert users including retired and active duty US Army personnel.

Some key features of the ExToPro include:

-Significant weight reduction due to innovative design resembling the anatomy of the wearer

-Conformal protection to neck, upper back, upper torso and deltoid regions

-All protective technology integrated into a single athletic blouse, reducing the “Christmas Tree Effect” as seen in many current systems including the Army-issue body armor vests where snaps, hooks and loops are utilized to attached protective components

-Balanced weight distribution with an integrated elastic network that aids in correct posture and facilitates the donning and doffing of body armor vests with plate carriers

-Enhanced effectiveness and reduced risk of fatal injury due to fewer individual components and seams that can limit mobility due to snagging or dragging

-Fabricated with stretchable, highly durable materials with flame and thermal protective properties as well as comfort features including moisture vapor transmission

Mission Ready’s Chief Technical Officer, Francisco Martinez states, “It is rewarding to receive the highly positive feedback we have following the years of extensive research, development and testing that has resulted in the ExToPro – A streamlined, lighter, more effective body armor that we are eager to get into the field protecting those who protect us.”

Many countries are developing next generation body armor systems to replace the body armor systems and components currently worn by the military ground forces in their country. Specific examples include the US Army’s Soldier Protection Systems (SPS), the UK’s Future Infantry Soldier Technology (FIST) program, France’s FELIN program, Germany’s Future Soldier System, Russia’s Future Soldier System, and the Israeli Advanced Soldier.

Though it was initially developed with the soldier in mind, the ExToPro has garnered enthusiastic recognition within other areas of the military and law enforcement agencies. As well, the Company has identified many other opportunities and applications for the ExToPro within the protective services and civilian markets. In the United States and European countries, there is an increasing trend to provide body armor to first responders, such as EMS/EMT personnel and firefighters. This trend has been stimulated by the need to upgrade the capabilities of personnel who have to respond to casualties in the midst of a terrorist attack, mass shooting event, or other situations where the responder may encounter gunfire. The Company will now concentrate efforts to commercialize this and related products for the global body armor and personal protection market which has an estimated value of USD $2.4 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow to USD $3.7 billion by 2023.

missionready.ca

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Partner Series – Battleware Jump Out Vest

Friday, August 1st, 2014

For a second time, the FirstSpear Friday Focus will concentrate its efforts on educating you about one of their OEM partners; Virginia-based Battleware. We’ll also show you the Jump Out Vest built exclusively for Battleware by FirstSpear.

Why Battleware Started

We created Battleware because of our desire to design and build products that reach beyond the incremental improvements of the status quo. We saw an opportunity to create dramatically new approaches to solving end-user problems. The feedback we’ve gotten from our customers tells us we’re clearly on that course.

Why American Production

The choice to have our products manufactured in the United States was easy. We are absolutely committed to not only defending Americans as they do their jobs down-range, but also to providing opportunity for as many Americans to participate in that process as we can. For us, it’s a matter of pride in our country as well as a duty.

Why FirstSpear

Choosing to partner with FirstSpear was among the easiest of all our decisions as we ramped up Battleware. We’re completely focused on revolutionary change in design and FirstSpear is the clear leader in our market. Game-changing technologies, combined with truly insightful designs born from direct contact with end-users keeps First Spear extremely relevant. Combine all that with a long pedigree of excellence in manufacturing tactical equipment and a shared focus on going beyond the normal incremental improvements most often found in this market and the choice to team with FirstSpear becomes obvious.

Jump Out Vest

Jump Out Composite View

The Jump Out vest is designed for quick on and off operations common to street crimes teams and counter drug surveillance units. Light weight and fully adjustable, the Jump Out can be worn comfortably in a vehicle, or kept close to be thrown on quickly as the officer exits.

Features
-6/12™ or MOLLE pocket attachment system
-Front to back wrap-around protection
-Four-point adjustment
-Can be worn with or without Tubes cummerbund
-Bottom-loading armor pockets with rifle plate suspension system back and front
-Available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes

www.battleware.com

www.First-Spear.com

Crye Precision Releases New Adaptive Vest System Components

Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

Crye Precision initially debuted several new Adaptive Vest System components at SHOT Show including the Detachable Chest Rig and Padded Yoke. They are available for sale now.

Detachable Chest Rig

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Features
-Two integrated pistol pockets on each side hold a wide range of pistols with or without a light
-Side plate pocket is designed to hold a 6”x6” stand-alone plate
-Front outboard pockets can be set up to hold a radio
-Holds virtually any size ballistic plate, with stowable top flap
-Four front pouches can hold two 5.56 mags, one 7.62, or one MBITR
-Front opening zipper

Padded Yoke

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Features

-Padded for long wearing comfort
-Balanced geometry distributes weight evenly on the body
-Versatile mounting points allow it to be used on many systems, including belts

Both are available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

PPSS Group – New Ultra Tough Cell Extraction Vest Hits The Global Corrections Market

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014

23rd July 2014 – PPSS Group claims to have now developed the world’s toughest Cell Extraction Vest, aiming to effectively protect corrections officers tasked with responding to riots, cell extractions, mass searches or major disturbances.

PPSS Cell Extraction Vest

Robert Kaiser, CEO of PPSS Group states: “PPSS Cell Extraction Vests are designed to offer the highest level of protection to those officers engaging with some of the most hostile, brutal and vicious human beings on this planet.”

This latest high performance body armor is designed using rigid body moulded panels of a highly secretive material, tested in accordance to the stringent NIJ0115.00 Level III (stab + spike) standard, the highest possible stab resistance level.

“The highlight is the exceptional level of blunt force trauma, in case the officer is assaulted by a kick or punch, or by an attacker striking with any item, such as fire extinguisher, chair, table, bricks, gym weight or snooker balls etc.” Robert Kaiser continues.

“PPSS Cell Extraction Vests offer the maximum level of protection around the entire upper body, extended neck area, shoulders and groin also offering the highest level of maneuverability”.

This year’s ACA Conference will see the global launch of this new ground-breaking body armor at the Salt Lake City Convention Centre on the 16th August 2014, booth #424.

www.ppss-group.com