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Phokus Research Group Announces Partnership with Elite Defense

Monday, January 12th, 2015

Move will expand distribution channels giving Military Operators around the world more access to the company’s equipment solutions

San Diego, CA, January 9, 2015 – Phokus Research Group, an innovation company and manufacturer, announced today a partnership with Elite Defense to expand its international distribution. Elite Defense will now be the international master distributor of Phokus Research Group’s military line of products. This line includes more than 20 revolutionary items including the Deployment, Low-Vis, Shield, and Advanced Vehicle trauma kits, and the HOPLITE night vision refocusing device. Elite Defense maintains a comprehensive network of qualified distributors and retailers around the globe and works extensively with specialized, research and development focused companies to facilitate the transfer of niche products into broader markets.

“Partnering with Elite Defense will enable Phokus Research Group to support military units all over the world while maintaining our unique focus on developing innovative, field-driven solutions,” said Steve Friedlander, VP Sales and Marketing of Phokus Research Group. “As we respond to the increasing demand for our product line, collaborating with Elite Defense will ensure our expanded reach into the international marketplace without sacrificing the direct R&D work with our end-users that drives our technologies.”

Phokus Research Group will display their products at the 2015 SHOT Show taking place from January 20-23, 2015 in Las Vegas in the Elite Defense booth #32411. Interested dealers may contact Elite Defense to schedule a product review at the show or to learn more about becoming a dealer.

Tags: Elite Defense, Phokus Research Group
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Kinetic Development Group Launches…Now

Monday, January 12th, 2015

Today, Kinetic Development Group (kineticdg.com) was launched simultaneously with this exclusive Soldier Systems Daily announcement. KDG was founded by some of the key executive sales and development team members that left LWRC International in the spring of 2014. Dave Loeser, Darren Mellors and AJ Lafferty were determined to build a company by supplanting the type of culture that was responsible for so much of their collective success. They wanted to preserve the momentum or “Kinetic” energy they had as a team with the goal of bringing the highest quality, most innovative firearms accessories and solutions to the top end of the market.

KDG’s goals are focused on answers to problems with small arms, not answers to the questions not asked. “We are purposely avoiding the overcrowded AR market as we believe we, our former company, and hundreds of other AR manufacturers have evolved that platform about as far as it can go,” said Darren Mellors, Managing Member of KDG. “The focus will start on underserved products like the FN SCAR and HK 416/MR series. We have started to improve these two European weapons families to meet the needs of the American shooters, Warfighters and Law Enforcement Officers. Identifying problems and engineering the best solutions are very intuitive to us. I am not only a managing member of KDG….I am also a customer! That is the standard by which we judge our products and service. Do I need this, and do I want one? ”

The first weapon they have dedicated to improving was the SCAR L/H by FNH. Their SCAR products are called MREX Solutions (Modular Receiver Extension). A sneak peak of the MREX with MLOK is pictured.

KDG has a formula; often manufacturers release products months if not years before the product is ready for sale. KDG commits to release products when they are tested and ready for market, period. “The end user, dealers, and small businesses were responsible for the largest most explosive advancement in small arms design, accessories and standardization in history,” said Mellors. “That is why we are partnering with the best commercial dealers whom have driven that evolution.” AJ Lafferty added, “….part of my job is to identify the best dealers in the country that share our values and culture, and sell complimentary quality products and services. We want them to share in our success.”

“Our History of success developing products in the US commercial market, has proven relevant overseas, and we plan to continue to develop an international distributor network. I believe the market will be impressed with what they will see coming from Kinetic down the road.” said David Loeser, Managing partner.

Watch out for KDG! Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube as well:

www.facebook.com/kineticdevgru

Instagram: @kineticdevgroup

YouTube: kineticdevgroup

Kineticdg.com

Tags: Kinetic Development Group
Posted in Industry | 3 Comments »

Liberty Ammunition Wins Case Against US Army for Patent Infringement

Sunday, January 11th, 2015

The Bradenton Herald reports that local ammunition manufacturer Liberty Ammunition has won their suit against the US Army alleging patent infringement for their Enhanced Performance Ammunition.

S. Federal Court of Claims Judge Charles F. Lettow filed a decision Dec. 19 in which he found the federal government had infringed on Liberty’s patent for its copper-core, steel-tipped ammunition. Lettow ordered the government to pay two levels of damages, the first being a $15.6 million lump payment. The government was also ordered to pay a 1.4-cent royalty on every bullet it purchases and receives for use. It will make those payments until Liberty’s patent expires in 2027.

While it’s great to see businesses who are taken advantage of by the government gain satisfaction, something very important came out of this verdict for industry. US Federal Court of Claims Judge Charles F. Letto found in his decision that accusations of the Government violating Non-Disclosure Agreements were unfounded as the officials who signed the agreements were not authorized to do so. Let that sink in.

Read the entire story here.

Tags: Liberty Ammunition
Posted in Industry | 23 Comments »

Smith Celebrates 50th Anniversary By Launching New Brand Identity

Wednesday, January 7th, 2015

KETCHUM, ID (January 5, 2015) – In 1965, Dr. Bob Smith, orthodontist and original ski bum, developed the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam goggles so he could get a few more powder runs on days when everyone else had to go indoors. With our golden anniversary celebration in 2015, SMITH stays true to its vision of pioneering advanced products to fuel fun beyond walls, creating innovations that amplify awesome, and crafting gear where every detail makes a difference.

Our vast heritage of product innovation has formed who we are as a brand today. SMITH first revolutionized the outdoor experience through the introduction of the first interchangeable lens system for sunglasses and snow goggles then quickly took fog-free goggle technology to the next level with the launch of two new ventilation systems for seamless goggle/helmet integration. Over the next few years, SMITH developed the world’s largest eco-friendly sunglass collection. Most recently we created the most scientifically advanced polarized lens technology, ChromaPop™, while simultaneously creating a dramatically new approach to ventilation and protection in snow and bike helmets through the use of Aerocore™ technology.

Taking 50 years of heritage to inform the next 50 years of innovation, SMITH is dedicated to making products that authentically empower thrill seekers and modern explorers in snow, bike, fish, surf, peak performance outdoor adventure and more.

As a declaration to our future progress, we are proud to announce the new visual identity of SMITH. Following a refined brand platform that modernizes our beliefs, values, and who we stand for, SMITH will re-launch our entire product range in January 2015 with a new logo and brand presentation. With clean, modern and refined letterforms, the updated logo hearkens back to our original identity and speaks to the fundamental tenets of our brand: performance, movement, and essential design.

Throughout the year, SMITH is globally rolling out its new visual identity across in-store visuals, consumer and trade advertising, updated website and new product packaging in addition to product logo updates on goggle straps, snow and bike helmets, lifestyle and performance sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear.

The new SMITH identity represents the forward movement of an iconic brand rooted in the great outdoors. From sand to snow, SMITH continues to blend clean style into products tuned for thrilling experiences, while maintaining an inclusive and dynamic personality. To us, the experience really is everything and thus it’s ALL about friends on a powder day. Here’s to one hell of a good time for the next 50 years.

Congrats Guys! Here’s to 50 more.

www.smithoptics.com

Tags: Smith Optics
Posted in Industry | 1 Comment »

Phokus Research Group Welcomes Mitch Griffin To Their National Sales Team

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Phokus Research Group has announced their hiring of Mitch Griffin to their National Sales Team. The full release can be read below:

Phokus Research Group is pleased to announce the addition of Mitch Griffin to its National Sales Team. Mitch will focus on Tactical Training and Sales for the HOPLITE – Night Vision Focusing Cover. This patented product is receiving a tremendous amount of interest for its Tactical and Protective benefits. The HOPLITE allows NVG’s to stay focused out to infinity while at the same time adding visual clarity at 1-to-5 feet. The addition of the HOPLITE’S sacrificial lens offers Otter Box type protection to the objective lens of the NVG. Through targeted unit capability briefs and training, Phokus will raise awareness for all end-users around the country.

Mitch spent the last three years working for High Ground Gear, a division of EMKE manufacturing, where he focused on brand development and sales with all branches of the Military. Mitch also developed relationships with all of the major Distributors. Prior to a career in sales, Mitch served 5 years as a Combat Medic with 3/2 SCR in Ft. Lewis and Germany and finished at Carl Darnall Army Medical Center, Ft. Hood.

In addition to his work with Phokus, Mitch is the owner of Griffin Consulting. He lives outside of Dallas, TX with his wife and three children.

phokusresearch.com

Tags: Phokus Research Group
Posted in Industry | 5 Comments »

EraThr3 is Live

Monday, January 5th, 2015

Remember Erathr3?

“I’ll tell you what it’s not. It’s not Fight Club. It may seem like we’ve trying to keep things a secret but we’re not. EraThr3 [pronounced Era Three] is a lifestyle with a company wrapped around it. It’s not a company with a lifestyle.”
Sheri Johnson, EraThr3 COOO

Well, they’ve launched a pretty extensive website chock full of cool wares like weapons, t-shirts, hats, knives. You know, the stuff an SSD reader would be interested in.

So far, I’m not sure if I’m going to pick up the target pack or the aluminum yo-yo. I highly suggest you go check it out.

www.erathr3.com

Tags: EraThr3
Posted in Industry | 13 Comments »

Happy 10th Anniversary to RMJ Tactical

Friday, January 2nd, 2015

Eleven years ago, on a Wednesday, Ryan Johnson called Richard Carmack letting him know that there was a jet at the local airport waiting on 18 Eagle Talon tactical tomahawks intended for a group of Marines that were preparing for a major military push. Ryan knew that Richard’s sons, Jonathan (14) and Reid (12) were home schooled and could possibly be available to help. Homeschooling is a wonderful thing and this type of activity would count as school work. Richard gave the OK and early that afternoon, Ryan showed up at Richard’s house with 18 tomahawks, yards of paracord, pizza, Mountain Dew and several Monty Python movies.
Ryan and the boys then worked through the night cord wrapping the tomahawks so Ryan could deliver them to the jet the following morning.That episode started the conversation between Ryan and Richard about forming a company that would increase Ryan’s ability to produce his tactical tomahawks for the military personnel that were in need of them.
Plans were then made and the correct paperwork was filled out and filed in order for the company to launch. On January 2, 2005, RMJ Tactical, LLC officially began. Operating first out of Ryan’s shop for production and Richard’s office for everything administrative, RMJ Tactical started its transition from a garage based custom tomahawk shop to the manufacturing company it is today. We are proud to say that January 2, 2015 marks the first full decade of RMJ Tactical being up and running. We only expect bigger and better things for this company in 2015. Happy New Years to all of you!
www.rmjtactical.com