Smith Optics Elite Division is on to something. They’ve realized that ‘Inside Every Warrior is an Athlete.’ Not only have they realized it, they’ve embraced it. Smith has invested a lot of hard work and it’s all starting to coalesce in support of this concept.
Follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/smithelite
Visit elite.smithoptics.com.
Oakley has finally released the SI version of their transition lens technology. The new SI Flak Jacket XLJ Transition SOLFX offers Oakley’s Transitions® SOLFX™ lenses. As sunlight brightens, the lenses darken to keep up. When sunlight is scarce, the lens color gets much lighter but never goes away completely in order to offer depth perception. The lens filters out 100% of all UV, and the Flak Jacket meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for impact protection. Additionally, the Flak Jacket offers a customized fit via two optional nose pieces.
Available through usstandardissue.com.
This is one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” ideas. At SHOT Show, Executive Director Rick Elder posed this question to us, “Other PPE such as armor plates and helmets features serial numbers so why not eyepro?” It makes perfect sense to us. Obviously it did to him as well because Smith Optics Elite Division serializes their lenses.
A 13-digit discrete serial number is etched into the lens of Aegis eyeshields and the OTW goggles in a discreet location between and above the eyes to allow tracking of the lens from cradle to grave. It acknowledges that every lens is unique and now information can accurately be tracked on performance. The implications are big and we think this feature is going to impact how eyepro is looked at in the future.
Gone are the days when you just throw a helmet on your head. Most are wearing accessories with/on their helmet such as NODs, earpro or a light (or two), some are using HEADS, others strobes, fewer still O2 masks, and so on. Nothing probably illustrates the concept more than this photo from Smith Optics Elite Division. We’ve had readers claim that this is ridiculous and that guys aren’t wearing this much on their helmets, but they are, and more.
We’ve also had some specific questions about what is mounted on this helmet. The Regulator Boogie Goggles from Smith integrate directly with the Ops-Core helmet’s Accessory Rail Connector. They’ll be available from Smith once the glasses are released.
For the cover, we went to Orion Design Group, the originator of the photo for some backstory and this is what they sent us…
Once again we were tapped on the shoulder by our industry affiliates, who have been getting inundated with info requests on our helmet cover, so we decided to step away from the range and the drawing board for a few minutes to update everyone out there in cyber space. We are proud to announce one of many collaboration design projects with FirstSpear, our version of First Spear’s “Hybrid Cover”. Now you might ask yourself WTF is a hybrid anyway? Well simply put, a hybrid is any piece of gear made out of two or more different textiles (fabrics) to support the functionality of the design. In this case 520E (tweave) and mesh. First Spear’s design team which is top shelf and is stacked with years of Industry and end user experience recognized that helmet covers made of NyCo just plain suck. They fit the helmet sloppy and wear out quickly, so FirstSpear built theirs from a 520E tweave which accomplishes a few things. First being that it’s a four way stretch it hugs the helmet and fits great. Second tweave is way more abrasion resistant than NyCo so it’ll last longer. Thirdly, because it’s DWR treated it will shed precipitation and dry out way faster if you spend some nights in the rain and snow. Since we work hand in hand with SOF units and we design our “Man Prey” line specifically for them we approached First Spear and added some end user features, specific printed Quiet Loop placement for IFF and flat elastic tie down points for cable routing along with an ANVS 6/9 NOD counter weight/battery pack pouch. These covers will be available for the Ops-Core FAST and Maritime cut helmets, in a variety of patterns including our own. To pre-order, or for any questions please send an email to brian@odg-usa.com. To all those who go in harms way thank you for service, and to our fans thanks for your patronage and patience the website will be up late spring……”CHOOSE YOUR PREY!”
In this video provided by Smith Optics Elite Division, Director Rick Elder discusses the new Tactical Boogie Regulator developed initially for SOF. He discusses the various pluses and minuses of the ‘boogie’ skydiving goggle style and what Smith Optics did to mitigate fogging. The tactical regulator system is ambidextrous and the perfect size to balance venting of moisture and protection from wind and debris.
Introducing an additional, moveable vent opened up another issue; how to protect against secondary projectiles caused by lens strikes. Smith engineers introduced the safe fail system that ejects away from the face.
The Ignitor (seen above) is my favorite lens from Smith. It can be used in full or low light conditions and helps with definition. They also offer Clear and Gray lenses. All offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays as well as the all important US MIL-DTL-43511D goggle impact protection as well ANSI Z87.1 protection.
There are several strap options including the sweet Ops-Core Accessory Rail Connector compatible mounts.
Not convinced yet? How about this? They’re only $40.
Get yours very soon from elite.smithoptics.com.
Enter the code FEB29 when going through checkout in the Revision online store and you’ll receive 30% off your order. This offer is valid until the end of the day on February 29, 2012.
www.revisionmilitary.com/store
This photo, posted on Facebook by the 3rd BCT (Bronco Brigade) 25th ID was provided to them by LTC Lowe, TF Steel commander. It was taken at the FOB Fenty PAX terminal and is of MAJ Timmy, their combat stress dog. He’s setting the example by wearing Eye and Ear pro when he flies. Make sure you wear yours…
Stay Safe guys!
Thanks FormerDirtDart for the tip…
Liquid Eyepro started in a garage 11 years ago this month, when they made the Player model sunglasses for Sammy Hagar, a former frontman for Van Halen. Liquid then discovered how to grow this hingeless eyewear system into several frame styles. Soon, Liquid became one of the most popular private purchase sunglasses in the military. To celebrate 11 years of success Liquid would like to offer future and former customers a 30% discount. Go to www.LiquidEyepro.com and enter the customer code LQ11, offer expires February 12, 2012.
