XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Ops-Core Visit – A Trip Down Memory Lane

Tuesday, June 24th, 2014

15

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit Ops-Core’s new factory in Boston for a personal tour by founder David Rogers. I saw a whole slew of cool things but first, I thought you’d enjoy a glimpse at some of the items in their library.

The shelves in the lobby contain a variety of head protection items from a variety of sources, but the developmental Artisent and Ops- Core artifacts in particular, are awesome. In addition to a couple of OFW/FFW models there are also technology demonstrators with early versions of features that are now standard in Ops-Core helmets.

Look for additional coverage later this week.

www.Ops-Core.com

Kevlar Inventor Stephanie L Kwolek Passes Away

Sunday, June 22nd, 2014

20140622-095852-35932936.jpg
We all have much to owe Stephanie L Kwolek, who invented the basic Kevlar compound while working for DuPont in 1964. Amazingly, she was attempting to develop a material to replace steel radial belts in tires when a polymer she was working didn’t quite come out right. On a hunch, she had it spun into fiber that turned out to be five times as strong as steel as well fire resistant. Further development resulted in the Kevlar family of aramids we know today, although it took a decade for the material to be introduced into soft body armor. Eventually, Ms Kwolek was honored with a National Medal of Technology in 1996 for her work that has resulted in countless lives saved.

20140622-100631-36391744.jpg

DuPont continues to develop the material discovered by Ms Kwolek. Just last week, they announced that the millionth vest made from Kevlar XP had been manufactured and they recently launched DuPont Kevlar AS450X, specifically engineered for greater comfort to the body armour wearer while protecting against multiple threats including bullets, knives, spikes, bullets and blunt objects as well as DuPont Kevlar XP S104, a water repellent fabric that offers enhanced bullet stopping power and reduced back face deformation, even in hot and humid climates and wet conditions.

Born on July 31, 1923, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, Stephanie L Kwolek passed away in Wilmington, Delaware, on 18 June, 2014 at the age of 90.

Thank you for your hard work. Rest In Peace.

Vertx Signs Former Army SGT. And UFC Welterwight Fighter, Neil Magny, To Pro Staff Team

Tuesday, June 17th, 2014

Cincinnati, OH 17 JUNE-2014 – Vertx® Apparel is proud to announce the newest UFC Welterweight fighter, former competitor of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson, and former Army Sgt., Neil Magny, to the Vertx Pro Staff team.

Ginger Rohlfs, Director of Marketing for Vertx® noted, “Neil is an all-around competitor both in and out of the ring. As a former Army Sergeant, Neil’s background and experience align perfectly with the Vertx® brand. We are excited to have Neil as a member of our Pro Staff and look forward to celebrating his successes.”

With a high school wrestling background, Magny decided to join the US Army immediately after graduation in 2006. While serving two tours as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Magny learned kickboxing and jiu jitsu from the California Guardsmen and his passion for fighting took hold. Upon returning home to the States in 2010, Neil joined the Illinois Combatives Team, Illinois National Guard and decided to pursue a career in professional MMA.

Two years later and after six consecutive wins defeating MMA competitors, Magny tried out for Season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson, landing himself a spot on Shane Carwin’s team. After the show ended, Magny was rewarded a UFC contract in 2013. Since his debut in the UFC, he has become well known for his relentless work ethic, reach advantage and his Army combative skills.

“Being able to partner with a tactical brand is something I would have never imagined. I was happy that a company like Vertx® is even around to provide such quality products. Before Vertx®, I was never able to find gear that I was truly 100% satisfied to fit my lifestyle….with its functionality, now I can,” said Magny. “To be selected as a brand ambassador for the company is amazing and a true honor. The product is great for former military, like myself, and an everyday Joe who appreciates tactical gear.”

On top of fighting professionally, Mangy is working on receiving his Masters Degree, volunteering time to teach children jiu jitsu and supporting the Wounded Warrior Project. Be sure to check out Neil Magny take on Rodrigo Goiana de Lima on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 43 in Auckland, New Zealand.

www.wearvertx.com

As A Reminder – Tactical Tailor Factory Tour And Manufacturer Show

Monday, June 16th, 2014

As a reminder, Tactical Tailor is holding their second Factory Tour and Manufacturer Show for 2014 this Wednesday, June 18th. The event is being held at the Tactical Tailor factory in Lakewood, Washington. The original post is below.

June 2014 tour

Tactical Tailor is hosting an upcoming Tactical Tailor Factory Tour and Manufacturer Show. The event is being held June 18th, 2014 from 1200-1600 at the Tactical Tailor factory in Lakewood, Washington. Open to CAC card holders and LEO with credentials only.

For more information on the event, contact Nate Smith at nate@tacticaltailor.com.

www.tacticaltailor.com

Tactical Tailor Factory Tour And Manufacturer Show

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

June 2014 tour

Tactical Tailor is hosting an upcoming Tactical Tailor Factory Tour and Manufacturer Show. The event is being held June 18th, 2014 from 1200-1600 at the Tactical Tailor factory in Lakewood, Washington. Open to CAC card holders and LEO with credentials only.

For more information on the event, contact Nate Smith at nate@tacticaltailor.com.

www.tacticaltailor.com

Venture Products Introduces New U.S. Army-Branded Fitness Products

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

FAIRFIELD, NJ (June 11, 2014) – Fitness experts Venture Products have entered into a license agreement with the Department of the Army to produce high quality fitness accessories that will be added to the Army’s line of licensed products. Venture Products projects the new merchandise will be on store shelves by February 2015.

The new fitness accessories will feature a rugged design with high performance features inspired by the components of the U.S. Army’s Physical Readiness Training Program (PRT), including mobility, strength and endurance. Each product will also feature an in-depth training guide.

“We’re proud to become an official licensee of the U.S. Army brand, a worldwide symbol of physical strength, honor and leadership,” says Steve Fischer, Venture Products partner.

All accessories in the new line will undergo review by a certified cross fit trainer, certified personal trainer, and a doctor of physical therapy. This panel of experts will assess the safety and effectiveness of the accessories, along with assisting in the development of workouts that will target specific muscle groups.

Venture Products’ fitness accessories line includes exercise and equipment mats, speed and conditioning ropes, wrist and ankle weights, weighted vests, strengthening and toning accessories, massage rollers and much more.

venture-products.com

Additional Information On Jamie Wiedeman’s Return To SurFire

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

SureFire has released an offcial press release detailing Jamie Wiedeman’s return to SureFire and the duties and responsibilities he’ll be undertaking.

Jamie Wiedeman Named SureFire’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Jamie Wiedeman returns to SureFire, LLC as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Jamie first joined SureFire in October 2004 as a Military Sales Rep, introducing the FA556-212 suppressor to USASOC. In July 2005, Jamie was promoted to Government Liaison supporting the SureFire International and Military Sales Team with technical and tactical expertise. In April 2007 as SureFire grew, Jamie was promoted to Director of Military Sales responsible for all US military, select US Government Law Enforcement Agencies, TLS Contractors, and OEM weapon manufacturers. In March 2010, Jamie became a consultant for SureFire while providing training to military and law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

Jamie served in the U.S. Army from August 1982 – September 2003 in 2/505 PIR, 82nd ABN DIV, 1st Bn. 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Bn. 75th Ranger Regiment, and USASOC. His decades of experience and leadership, on all fronts, perfectly position him to carry out SureFire’s primary mission of supporting those who go in harm’s way by delivering to them the finest illumination products and tactical gear in the world.

George Atchley has also come aboard, as the Vice President of Business Development, to support Jamie in his sales and marketing efforts. George, an accomplished marketing and sales professional, formerly served as SureFire’s Vice President of Sales as well as the Director of Corporate planning before moving to Idaho in 2010.

Louis Anastas will continue to lead the Marketing team’s day-to-day operations. Since 2008, Louis and team have developed SureFire’s marketing materials including videos, media campaigns, packaging, and company catalogs. Thomas Carlson will continue in his post as the lead in all public relations affairs and social media efforts. Thomas is the main point of contact for press and other media inquiries.

Jeremy Rosenberg, on the sales side, continues to serve as the National Sales Manager, having lead the U.S. based team in this capacity since 2012. And Charlene Baker continues her role as the Director of Sales Operations at the company headquarters in Fountain Valley, California.

www.surefire.com

Jamie Wiedeman Returns to SureFire!

Wednesday, June 11th, 2014

You read it right. Jamie Wiedeman has returned full time to SureFire. I’ve known Jamie for several years and he is a great, and very talented guy. Congratulations!

Jamie Wiedeman

Jamie Wiedeman returns to SureFire, LLC as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Jamie joined the SureFire team in October 2004 as a Military Sales Rep, introducing the FA556-212 suppressor to USASOC. In July 2005, Jamie was promoted to Government Liaison supporting the SureFire International and Military Sales Team with technical and tactical expertise. As SureFire grew, in April 2007, Jamie was promoted to Director of Military Sales responsible for all US military, select US Government Law Enforcement Agencies, TLS Contractors, and OEM weapon manufacturers. In March 2010, Jamie became a consultant for SureFire while providing training to military and law enforcement agencies.

Jamie served in the US Army from August 1982 – September 2003 in 2/505 PIR, 82nd ABN DIV, 1st Bn. 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Bn. 75th Ranger Regiment, and USASOC.