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Polartec Announces 2021 Apex Design Award Winners

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

(Andover, Mass.) – November 9, 2021 – Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand, and premium creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, announces the winners of its 2021 Polartec Apex Design Awards, the annual design award program celebrating the finest products made from Polartec fabric technologies. The winning products were selected from hundreds of entries based on skilled and creative uses of Polartec.

This year’s Polartec Apex Awards campaign centers the importance of versatility and functionality for today’s consumer, brought to life by a creative campaign featuring photography of all the winning products under the theme “Mountain to Bar and Back Again.” Recognizing the very best in garment design and fabric innovation, it’s the freedom to play and perform in the same solution that makes many of this year’s winners stand out from the crowd. The models in the campaign have been fashioned as characters representing each winning brand’s product.

The winners are:

66°North – Kría Neoshell® Power Fill Parka – The Kría NeoShell Power Fill Parka uses a first-of-its-kind combination of Polartec® Power Fill™, the first 100-percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation, and Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric. Polartec® Power Fill™ provides lightweight warmth and compressible insulation made of proprietary hollow fibers bonded together to eliminate cold spots. Polartec® NeoShell® is not only the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, but it’s also stretchy and lightweight, enabling unprecedented comfort in a waterproof fabric. The resulting design from the harsh, colder weather experts at 66°North in Iceland updates one of their original jacket designs with these technologies, creating a cold-weather parka that performs for everything from extreme weather outdoor pursuits, to everyday life.

ABSNT – theROBE – The ABSNT Robe is designed for a circular lifecycle thanks to Polartec® Power Air™. An update to the award-winning fabric technology, this style of Polartec® Power Air™ is 100 percent recyclable and 25 percent lighter than the initial product. Power Air is the first fabric technology engineered to minimize microfiber shedding, with an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, capturing warmth and preventing microfibers from shedding at least five times less than other premium mid-layer fabrics. ABSNT’s unique position of designing premium and mindful product that they feel are ABS(e)NT from the marketplace makes Polartec a perfect fit for their introductory product. The product will release in 2022.

Nike ACG – Men’s AOP Wolf Tree Hoodie, Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Half Zip, Men’s and Women’s AOP Wolf Tree Pant – Nike’s outdoor-inspired sub-label, ACG (All Conditions Gear), looks to the creators of technical fleece to deliver a premium apparel collection. Nike ACG uses Polartec® Classic 200 fleece made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester with a unique all-over print to design tops and bottoms for men and women. The resilient construction of Polartec Classic fleece technology creates air pockets for insulation, making it lightweight, warm, and fast-drying, with maximum durability. Nike ACG’s designs with Polartec equip you for streets and trails.

And Wander – alpha AIR T – And Wander continues to showcase the design versatility of Polartec® Alpha® with the alpha AIR T. Polartec® Alpha® active insulation offers a rare combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability. A fabric technology originally developed for US Special Forces, Alpha regulates thermal comfort in dynamic conditions due to its exceptional breathability. The Japanese outdoor brand uses a minimalist, fashion-oriented design but draws inspiration from the outdoor technical world with performance fabrics. Polartec® Alpha® meets the And Wander ethos of making beautiful, lightweight, and functional clothing.

Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series – The Ariat Rebar Polartec Elite Series draws inspiration from how a climber or skier would layer in accordance with weather conditions to introduce the first non-flame-resistant Polartec workwear collection for the “athletes of work.” The collection employs a set of Polartec fabric technologies to create a unique thermoregulating layering system. For the base layer, Ariat chose Polartec® Power Grid™, the original grid fabric engineered to maximize warmth, breathability, wicking action, and compressibility, while minimizing weight and bulk. For the mid-layer, Ariat selected Polartec® Power Stretch® technical fleece for durable stretch and recovery, and treated it with Polartec® Hardface® for added protection, abrasion resistance and water repellency. For the outermost layer, Ariat used Polartec® Power Fill™, made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, to insulate in the coldest/harshest conditions. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind advanced clothing system using a breadth of Polartec fabric technologies to maximize thermoregulation and protection for the various conditions that workers face.

Haglöfs – High Loft Wool Jacket – Haglöfs uses the performance of natural fibers to their benefit in the High Loft Wool Jacket. As a long-time Polartec innovation partner, Haglöfs embraced an evolution of Polartec® High Loft™ lightweight insulation made with merino wool for its natural thermoregulation and comfort on the shoulders and torso. And to add further natural performance, the arms and sides are engineered with Polartec® Power Wool™ for increased stretch and range of motion, with a brushed grid fleece wool interior and a smooth jersey face synthetic exterior to retain wool’s natural properties, while increasing its performance. The result is a cold-weather layer that uses Polartec’s natural solutions for advanced thermal comfort, enabling Haglöfs to maintain sustainable performance.

Hikerkind – Midlayer_01 – Hikerkind is a women’s outdoor gear and New York City hiking club creating apparel with a new perspective that redefines the hiker archetype. For the brand’s initial product, Hikerkind selected Polartec® Power Air™, the award-winning future fleece technology specifically designed to reduce microfiber shedding. Featuring an innovative knit construction that encapsulates lofted fibers within a multilayer, continuous yarn fabric construction, Power Air provides advanced thermal efficiency while shedding 80% less microfibers compared to premium fleece. The Midlayer_01 is warm, yet lightweight and breathable, with four-way stretch and a soft hand feel, and looks as natural in an upscale boutique as on the trail. The bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified Polartec fabric is made in the USA and the garment is constructed in NYC, with 100% curbside-recyclable packaging. The Midlayer_01 (complete with a matching scrunchie made from upcycled Polartec® Power Air™) encapsulates Hikerkind’s ethos of conscious creation and reducing overall waste.

Moncler – Grenoble Collection – Softshell Jacket, Softshell Pants – Moncler’s Grenoble Collection combines high-end fashion with performance technologies to create truly luxurious outdoor wear. Polartec® NeoShell®, the world’s most breathable waterproof fabric, powers this elevated look from top-to-bottom. With an air-permeable membrane, NeoShell is the first fabric to combine the superior breathability, ventilation, and stretch of a softshell with the waterproof performance of a hard shell. Moncler uses NeoShell in a unique tracksuit silhouette for versatile performance and comfort for any activity from mountain to city. The collection will release in January 2022.

Norrøna falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood – The falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood is Norrøna’s most breathable and quick-drying mid-layer, using a hybrid of Polartec® Alpha® and Polartec® Power Grid™ fabrics. Polartec® Alpha® active insulation is perfect for high-intensity outdoor adventures in cold conditions, as the fabric is engineered for advanced breathability and thermoregulation. Polartec® Power Grid™ technical fleece is strategically placed under the arms and down the sides to optimize range of motion, promote moisture-wicking, and decrease overall fabric mass. With this piece, the Scandinavian outdoor brand designed a durable and lightweight mid-layer that performs throughout cold mountain conditions.

Orvis – PRO Sun Hoodie – The PRO Sun Hoodie is the first-ever sun hoodie made from Polartec® Power Grid™, created for optimal temperature regulation and versatile performance. Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric technologies are defined by their patented bi-component knit grid construction for excellent moisture management and breathability. Orvis chose a thin, non-fleecey version of Power Grid with inherent sun protection (UPF50+), making it a truly smart application of this lightweight grid fabric. Originally designed for fly fishing, the PRO Sun Hoodie makes for an optimal moisture wicking base layer foundation for all activities in all conditions.

P.A.M. Liveable Recycled Shearling Coat – Australian fashion brand, Perks and Mini, designed this truly unique unisex coat with 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) Polartec® Thermal Pro® shearling Fleece. This particular iteration of Polartec® Thermal Pro® is a warm yet lightweight performance fleece delivering the comfort and look of wool shearling, with the dramatically improved performance and durability of technical fleece. Known for their interesting prints and patterns, P.A.M. was able to take advantage of Polartec® Shearling Fleece’s design versatility by creating a truly fashionable coat with vibrant flowers all over, referencing this premium quality fabric in their own style.

Sportful – Total Comfort Jacket – The Sportful Total Comfort Jacket uses a hybrid of Polartec thermoregulating fabrics, Polartec® Alpha® Direct and Polartec® NeoShell®, to set a new standard for winter cycling. In the interior, Polartec® Alpha® Direct active insulation regulates core body temperatures for advanced breathability, made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. Polartec® NeoShell® is the most breathable waterproof fabric technology, providing dynamic air exchange, comfortable stretch, and weather protection, allowing Alpha’s breathability to excel for aerobic pursuits. The Total Comfort Jacket combines two of Polartec’s most innovative fabric technologies to enable unprecedented comfort and performance in cold-weather activities.

Every winner is an embodiment of Polartec fabric innovation and design inspiration, celebrating the science of fabric and the art of product design. Each winner will receive a coveted Malden Wizard trophy in celebration of their winning designs, in addition to joint marketing support. A “People’s Choice” winner will be named via voting on Polartec social media over the coming weeks.

Posted in Industry, Materials, Press Release | 11 Comments »

Register For NFM’s Upcoming ‘The evolution of the Modular Combat Vest System’ Webinar

Monday, November 8th, 2021

NFM is continuing the EKKO webinar series with “The Evolution of the Modular Combat Vest System (MCVS)” on Thursday, 18th of November 2021 | 14:00 (GMT+1).

It will focus on the MCVS and our THOR range of ballistic carrying solutions.

Posted in Armor, Industry | Comments Off on Register For NFM’s Upcoming ‘The evolution of the Modular Combat Vest System’ Webinar

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ with Credova Financing Services at Primary Arms

Friday, November 5th, 2021

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms now offers order financing with Credova, a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ option that emphasizes quality of service, accessibility, and convenience for online retail.

With Credova, financing a purchase at Primary Arms is easy. Customers can offset the full price of a major order by breaking it into smaller monthly payments, often with no interest for up to three months (depending on offer details). Applications take only minutes, with financial approvals arriving in seconds. Unlike many financing services, Credova doesn’t impact your credit score, as applicants are pre-qualified without a hard inquiry. With Credova, financing your order has never been more convenient, and with Primary Arms offering discounts on over 15,000 leading tactical and outdoor products, you can find great deals on your next purchase.

“With Credova, our customers have more freedom than ever in choosing how they shop,” says Max Cowsert, Primary Arms’ Chief Merchandising Officer. “We’re thrilled to offer this feature-rich financing option to our customers. Credova’s fast processing and streamlined application system are perfect for today’s market. It’s great to partner with a financing company that, unlike others, is eager to work with and advocate for businesses that support the 2nd Amendment.”

For more information on Credova at Primary Arms, visit the Primary Arms financing page, where you can read about all the features and FAQs for the new service.

For other news and announcements, follow Primary Arms Online on social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ with Credova Financing Services at Primary Arms

Primary Arms Names Brett Stewart as Director, Business Development

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms has named accomplished industry specialist Brett Stewart as its new Director of Business Development.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Brett served 13 years as a police officer before relocating to the United States in 2013. Over the past years, Brett has worked in a senior executive role with many of the industry’s leading tactical brands. His driven attitude and strong work ethic have contributed to his exceptional reputation, and with relationships spanning the industry, he was the perfect candidate to spearhead Primary Arms’ business development.

As Director of Business Development, Brett will seek improvements and growth opportunities for Primary Arms’ core business units, which now include Optics, Retail, Wholesale, and Government. With the business still showing record growth, this position will be critical in establishing both short-term and long-term business strategies.

“We are very pleased to have Brett Stewart on our team,” says Ozge Cumberland, Primary Arms’ Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development. “We believe he will be a great addition to our culture and our beloved Primary Arms family.”

For other news and announcements, follow Primary Arms Online on social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

CMC Triggers Announce it is Enhancing its Business Model to Better Serve Distribution and Customers

Monday, November 1st, 2021

CMC Triggers made significant changes to staffing and sales to serve customers faster, smarter, and better.

CMC Triggers headquarters, Fort Worth, Texas.

Fort Worth, Texas (October 2021) – CMC Triggers Corp., a Texas-based, family-owned and operated company designing and producing quality aftermarket gun parts and accessories, is revamping areas of the business to become a more agile and proficient supplier of their products to retailers, distributors, and end-users.

During the pandemic, shoppers across the board relied more on the online shopping experience for everything from food products to firearms accessories. CMC Triggers President, Jack Biegel, quickly identified his customers’ changing purchasing habits, and responded with meaningful changes within the corporate structure.

CMC Triggers reduced its internal sales staff and is in the process of streamlining online ordering for retailers. As part of their new corporate strategy, CMC Triggers ensures all customers, including retailers and distributors, that the same high-quality aftermarket gun parts will continue to be available through a faster, better, and smarter system. CMC Triggers’ outstanding customer service will also continue to surpass customer expectations.

“In our highly competitive market, it is important for a company to respond aggressively, without sacrificing the quality of product and customer service,” Biegel stated. “We want to eliminate layers within our business to become nimbler and give our customers the best American-made products and service in a streamlined approach. There is one thing, though, that CMC Triggers will not sacrifice, and that is the amount of research and development, testing, and quality control that goes into each product designed at our facility. When we announce a new model or product, our customers can rest assured it meets our rigorous standard and can stand up in any environment from the range to the battlefield.”

cmctriggers.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on CMC Triggers Announce it is Enhancing its Business Model to Better Serve Distribution and Customers

A Statement from Concerned On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters

Saturday, October 30th, 2021

10-26-2021

This statement is made by a collection of leading On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters working within the motion picture industry. Foremost, we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who tragically and needlessly lost her life on-set in New Mexico on October 21st. We also wish Director Joel Souza and all affected by this tragedy a speedy recovery. The fatal incident that occurred during filming of the production “Rust” is currently under investigation, and we ask that the media refrain from drawing conclusions before all the facts are known.

While we await the investigation and welcome its conclusions, there are some things we do know about the show “Rust,” how it was run, the poor choices that were made, and the circumstances that led to the death of Ms. Hutchins.

Point 1 – On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters have an exemplary performance history of safety, professionalism, and accomplishment in the film industry. High profile media attention, celebrity talent, and the demand for realism have pushed the skills of On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters to the highest levels in any industry, including among stunt performers, explosives and pyrotechnics and other high-risk participants in film production.

The safety of the actors and all crew members is our highest priority.

Industry records establish that there have been a total of three (3) firearm deaths on film sets since 1984. Of those three, two took place outside of California and with non- union or inexperienced crews. The last firearms death that took place on a studio/union film was Jon-Erik Hexum in 1984. From 1993 (the year of the Brandon Lee tragedy) to 2021 there were no firearms fatalities on any set in the United States or Canada. You will not find a related high-risk industry with a better safety record.

As a comparison, we cite film industry statistics. From 1990 until 2021 there were over 117 film industry deaths, with 23 attributed to Construction, 30 in aircraft related accidents, 23 involving Stunts, and at least 41 deaths distributed across the spectrum of Industry Trades. Firearms usage on sets, despite its high profile, represents an incredibly small percentage of on-set fatalities despite being considered a high-risk component of film production. We attribute this exceptional overall safety record to the professionalism and skill level of those On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters that handle firearms on the vast majority of film productions in the United States and Canada.

Point 2 – The recent authorized strike by IATSE and the tragedy on the set of “Rust” are related and indicative of the same underlying issue. Crews are overworked, under trained, under-supported, and there is an industry wide unwillingness to pay crews in a manner commensurate with their experience and cost of living. Attributed largely to New Media, the number of projects in production has increased exponentially. While at the same time, the formal and informal apprenticeship models that were the heart and soul of our industry have been destroyed by run-away production and related policies and incentives.

Point 3 – Firearms are ubiquitous on film sets and have been since the birth of our industry over 100 years ago. Our job is specifically intended to keep all actors and crew safe while providing the utmost realism and quality in film production. These goals can and do work together under the skilled supervision of On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters. Millions of blank rounds have been fired on film sets since 1990. The phenomenally low accident rate is a testament to the professionalism of the artisans and craftspeople who have made this industry their calling. Those of us who have taken on this responsibility make it a point of professional pride and honor to strictly follow established, tested, and proven safety procedures. These safety procedures were developed over time by skilled and experienced professionals, many of whom hold licenses and permits unique to the industry. These procedures should never be diminished or marginalized in the name of cost cutting or budget limitations.

If you can’t afford to do it right, if you can’t afford to take care of our crew, then you shouldn’t do it.

Point 4 – The tragic loss of life in this case was likely the result of incompetence and inadequate use of professionals who serve as the gatekeepers to the film industry’s safety protocols and standards. We can state that this tragedy was not caused by a lack of established rules or procedures. As On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters we see that the incident was completely preventable and should not have occurred, given the longstanding and well-established safety regimen that we work under and implement every day in our industry. The incident was caused, in part, by producers who were unwilling to hire competent people following our long established and tested firearms safety procedures. We are aware of numerous violations of Safety Bulletin Number 1 (see attached) that occurred on this production. Exactly how many violations and which ones will be confirmed by the investigation, but we believe that the evidence will show that this tragedy was a failure of protocol and not due to the need for new or additional regulations.

The vetting of On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters needs to be a priority.

It is becoming increasingly clear that “Rust” was a film where safety was not prioritized. It has been reported that “Rust” was a poorly run production, and that “corners were cut” in several areas, including critical safety concerns. There have been reports of crew walkouts over numerous crew safety complaints, including: travel time, lack of COVID 19 precautions, payroll issues, and firearms safety.

Point 5 – There is no substitute for the reliability and production value that a real firearm brings to a film or television project under the supervision of a properly trained On-Set Armorer or Weapons Master. In the wake of this tragedy there have been several calls to substitute other options in place of real firearms on set. This quick response is misguided and does not reflect an understanding of the industry, creative expectations, and decades spent refining safe on-screen simulated gunfire. The phenomenal firearms safety record that professional film crews have achieved is the result of consistent education with a relentless focus on safety and responsibility.

A single project’s refusal to recognize established safety protocols compounded by that project’s failure to utilize well trained professionals should not require changing the entire movie industry. Instead, it should put renewed focus on time-tested procedures and the importance of hiring professionals versed in proper on-set firearms safety protocols. For instance: A car accident at an intersection does not require elimination of vehicles, it requires adherence to the rules of the road and education and implementation of those rules among all participants. We call for renewed vigilance and commitment by Film Producers to recognize the importance of a safe work environment.

The tragedy in New Mexico is not an indictment of professional film crews’ ability to safely perform their craft. It is an indictment of the modern production culture, which for the last 30 years has pursued tax credits and found every way imaginable (and several that weren’t) to sacrifice crew health and safety in the name of budget consciousness. This tragedy was an apparent accident; but it was also a predictable outcome of the incentive structure within the modern film industry and how films are budgeted by producers.

Our film culture used to be an ecosystem of mutually supportive companies, studios, and crafts people who worked together to accomplish incredible things. We trained our community to the highest standards, and together we kept each other safe while creating our society’s preeminent art form.

There was a time when we trusted and could depend on each other. Somewhere along the way we lost sight of that. We hope this tragedy marks a turning point for our entire industry; a moment to refocus our collaborative efforts on crew safety by using time- honored procedures and the crews who understand them.

Respectfully,

The Unified Voice of On-Set Armorers and Weapons Masters

www.csatf.org/production-affairs-safety/safety-bulletins

www.csatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/01FIREARMS

Thank you to Tactical Pro Shop for sharing this with our readers.

Posted in Firearms, Guest Post, Industry, Media | 16 Comments »

Bergspitze Customs Is Now Alpen Design Works

Thursday, October 28th, 2021

If you run across Alpen Design Works, it isn’t a new company. Instead it’s a new name; easier to say, easier to spell and a new beginning.

Bergspitze. Bear-g-shpit-zuh. Burg-spits. Burger Sprite. Booger Spitz. However you have said it over the last 8 years, they thank you for your support.

New site. New products. New services. New partnerships. New content. All in the works.

Until it’s up, you can find them on Instagram.

Posted in Industry | 3 Comments »

Bianchi Rebranding to Reconnect with Customers

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021

Jacksonville, Florida – Bianchi®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, today announced a new website and logo to celebrate a new epoch for Bianchi Leather. The evolution of the storied brand highlights Bianchi’s reputation for reliability and innovation, and its renewed commitment to gun owners who carry every day.

“Bianchi is a pillar in the firearms industry,” said Brad Williams, President of The Safariland Group. “Since its founding in 1958, Bianchi has been the benchmark for leather holsters. Now Bianchi is adding to our line to meet the needs of both experienced and new gun owners. We’re bringing back the spirit of innovation in leather, expanding our catalog to include more EDC fits, and refining the classic carry designs that have won devoted fans in the law enforcement and tactical communities and are bringing Bianchi’s potential to a wider audience—to anyone who wants to live life protected.”

The revitalization of the Bianchi Leather brand has inspired a new, dedicated website: www.bianchileather.com. The site will offer a streamlined way for customers to find the perfect fit for their firearms. The new site will be the hub for Bianchi customer service, social connection, and will showcase stories from a diverse group of people highlighting the ways Bianchi products support their lifestyle, from firearms experts, outdoorsmen and women, and allied brand partners.

To mark this moment in the celebrated history of the brand, Bianchi has refreshed its logo. The new mark pays homage to Bianchi’s foundational commitment to public servants, its roots in the American West, and the potential that the brand offers for those who carry concealed or in the field. Bianchi holsters provide confidence for those who demand performance, unfailing reliability, and flawless functionality. Bianchi builds holsters for those who choose to explore boldly and live life protected.

For more information on the new look for Bianchi Leather, visit www.bianchileather.com

Posted in Holsters, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Bianchi Rebranding to Reconnect with Customers