Predator BDU contacted us to let us know that they are offering a special pre-order deal on the A-TACS ACU from Propper – $129.97 for the uniform and boonie hat with free shipping.
Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category
Great Pre-Order Deal on A-TACS ACUs
Friday, February 11th, 2011SOD to Offer PenCott Camo
Friday, February 11th, 2011Italy-based Special Operation Division (SOD) has announced that they will be offering Hyde Definition’s PenCott family of camouflage patterns. PenCott will be added first to the European market and then to SOD USA once it gets under way. Eventually, SOD plans to offer the entire line in the family of patterns. Below you can see SOD’s Spectre Shirt in three different versions of the PenCott pattern; GreenZone, Badlands, and SandStorm respectively.
It is important to note that these are not actual garments in the PenCott patterns but rather photographs of SOD clothing modified to give you an idea of what they will look like once they enter production. You can click on any of the photos to enlarge them. We have included a couple of interesting items to give you an idea of what various gear will look like.
Win an Arc’teryx Combat Jacket in UCP from Grey Group
Friday, February 4th, 2011Naturally there are a couple of stipulations. This contest is open to deployed military so if you fit the profile you could win a UCP Combat Jacket by Arc’teryx LEAF. The next step is to prove how cold it is in your AO by providing 27 8 x 10s with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one (actually, they only need one photo accompanied by an explanation). They are giving out more than one but haven’t disclosed exactly how many so be sure to enter.
For full details visit www.greygrouptraining.com
More on HyperStealth’s SMARTCAMO
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011Not long ago we mentioned HyperStealth’s SMARTCAMO unveiled at the international camo symposium in Brussels, Belgium last fall. In our article we referenced a mysterious video that the US military had asked creator HyperStealth to restrict from general viewing. During SHOT Show we were allowed to see the video which demonstrates HyperStealth’s technology. While we are not going to get into the ins and outs of exactly what we saw or its strengths and weaknesses, we will say that HyperStealth successfully demonstrated a fabric technology that had been made into a uniform component and could adjust coloration and intensity based on ambient conditions. While the video did not demonstrate the capability, inventor Guy Cramer stated that the technology would also work in the IR spectrum.
SMARTCAMO is not truly adaptive in that it does not mimic the scene around it ala the camo seen in the “Predator” films. However, it is definitely a step in the right direction although it still needs some further refinement. At this point one of the biggest hurdles is cost. According to Cramer, a uniform with this technology is going to run about $1,000 each. Not good for general purpose forces but right in there for certain specialized applications. Another issue is that it is powered technology so they still need to pair it with a robust battery system that will last an entire mission. And lastly, the system needs a sensor system to detect the background in order to alter the fabric’s shade. While Cramer assured me that they have already worked on these issues, SMARTCAMO does lend itself perfectly to vehicular use due to their onboard power and ability to integrate sensor systems.
One final note. When asked if uniforms manufactured with SMARTCAMO could be laundered without damage, Guy Cramer informed us that not only could they be laundered but that they could also be used for maritime operations.
HyperStealth has informed us that the US Army, US Navy, USSOCOM, the UK MoD and the Canadian DND have asked to participate in a Multinational Effort to develop the SMARTCAMO technology. Additionally, ADS Inc. is partnering with HyperStealth to eventually offer the finalized SMARTCAMO technology to authorized military, governmental, and law enforcement organizations.
Amazing How Four Panels Can Say So Much
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
There has been much speculation on how the Army validated UCP for use. Mystery now solved!
The source for this brilliant spoof is PPT Ranger. Thanks to LH for the heads up.
SD Padres’ New Uniforms a Little Too Good
Friday, January 28th, 2011The Padres have long worn camouflage uniforms in honor of the large military presence in the San Diego area. Previous versions have included Woodland and 3-color Desert. Recently, they unveiled jerseys in a new pixelated camo pattern which resembles MARPAT Desert. Padres officials are concerned that the desert coloring won’t be discernible as a camo pattern and may wash out the player’s number and name.
From the San Diego Union-Tribune:
The digital pattern creates no solid lines or edges and blurs the outline of the human profile. Even the seams have soft edges.
As a Marine wearing a MARPAT uniform moves around, the colors mesh with the background.
“Up close, they look great,” said Jack Ensch, the Padres’ retiring director of military affairs. “But they are going to blend in more on television and from the stands. Many fans aren’t going to be able to tell that these are camouflage uniforms paying tribute to the military.”
Sounds to me like it does exactly what it is supposed to.
US Army Family of Camo Solicitation Update
Friday, January 21st, 2011As you may recall we told you that the US Army’s Family of Camouflage solicitation was supposed to hit the street on 15 Jan which already came and went. Well word on the street is that it has slipped 15-30 days so keep your eyes peeled.
Propper TAC.U
Thursday, January 20th, 2011
In addition to debuting the ACU in A-TACS at SHOT Show, Propper is introducing an entirely new product in spring called the TAC.U. In this photo you may notice a couple of different things about the combat shirt. The first feature that will strike you is the padded shoulders but there is a lot more going on. This is the first combat shirt we have seen with both adjustable cuffs as well as thumb holes. There is also only one bicep pocket but both forearms incorporate pockets.
Additionally, a new pant is also coming in summer. Both garments have a slick aesthetic but you notice lots of features once you get up close. Many tactical clothing on the market is pretty busy so it is refreshing to see something that at least looks simpler. We must admit that some of this may actually be the A-TACS pattern which seems to blend into itself so well that it may be swallowing some of the lines. However, the TAC.U will be available in several other colors including MultiCam following the initial push.
More on the TAC.U soon.
