So you’re probably asking yourself, “Who is David Sears and how is he important to SOF Studios?” Unless you are into first person shooter (FPS) video games, you might not have heard of him. Yes, I thought FPS meant feet per second too. Just shows my age. At any rate, David Sears has 22-year in the games industry and is a renowned AAA Creative Director. AAA titles are backed by major studios with big budgets such as “SOCOM: US Navy SEALs”.
He has worked on titles in a variety of genres for publishers/developers including Ubisoft, Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Virgin Games, Zipper Interactive, Foundation 9 Entertainment, Kronos Digital Entertainment, Looking Glass Studios, and Pseudo Interactive.
Most recently he served as Creative Director for Ubisoft’s unreleased shooter title, “Rainbow 6: Patriots”, but resigned from Ubisoft Montreal last month and joined the SOF Studios team in Southern Pines, NC.
We look forward to learning more about what this means for SOF Studios who have just released photos of their development work.
We received this account of Roggenwolf’s experience in vying for the New Zealand camouflage program.
In April 2011, Roggenwolf was advised that New Zealand Defence Force [NZDF] was looking to update its DPM Combat Uniform. Part of the plan was to implement a new camouflage pattern that could work across multiple operating environments, and I was asked if I would be interested in submitting a proposal. Naturally, I was.
The final submission was received by Yakka Apparel Solutions (NZ) on 19 May. Within a week, I was told that one my camouflage designs — RyewolfR2 — would continue to the next stage. Six metres of fabric were printed, and trial garments were cut and sewn.
Recognition testing was conducted around Waiouru, in a variety of terrains: jungle, forest, open country tussock, sandy and urban. The disruptive effect of RyewolfR2 was good enough that it passed another down-select. My submission had gone from being one among 12 contenders to being one among five.
However, the colourway was not ideal. Based on feedback and photos from Waiouru, I decided that Roggenwolf’s original “Timberwolf” colourway might be a better choice. A few variations were proposed; prints and fabric were sent; garments were made; and by the end of November 2011, RyewolfR2 was running neck-and-neck with only one other design: HyperStealth’s Multi-Terrain Camouflage [MTC].
Regular visitors to Soldier Systems Daily will already know that MTC ultimately won the race. They will also know that the final selection was based on aesthetic appeal; additional testing revealed only slight differences in camouflage effect.
So I don’t feel defeated. Instead, I feel validated. Since 2006, Roggenwolf has developed camouflage solutions utilising proprietary paradigms and techniques — and now I know that my ideas work.
As a result, I’m currently looking at producing Roggenwolf Warg5U on a commercial basis.
Warg has been chosen for a number of reasons. First, it’s more widely known than RyewolfR2. Second, it’s a little easier on the eye than RyewolfR2. Most important, though, is the fact that it was specifically designed to utilise the colourway that NZDF has determined works in jungle, woodland and urban settings.
Escape the Wolf announces a partnership with Blackhawk! to distribute its new Zero Trace patented, Navy-SEAL designed data and tracking travel protection product line.
“Zero Trace will be featured in Blackhawk!’s new catalog, offering a wide range of markets access to the highest level of protection from data and identity theft and tracking for laptops, cell phones and other digital devices,” said Clinton Emerson, chief executive officer of Virginia Beach, VA-based Escape the Wolf.
Zero Trace products protect against the growing threat of digital crime as well as tracking by offering electromagnetic shielding blocks signals in and out with roughly 33dbm of attenuation. They also feature fail-proof closure, a critical aspect to ensure operational success.
The high-end Zero Trace product line, available in either black or gray, includes –
Escape the Wolf Zero Trace Cell Phone Pouch – For any size smartphone.
Escape the Wolf Zero Trace Laptop Briefcase – Computer compartment meets TSA requirements. Internal Zero Trace pouch accommodates an 18-inch computer.
Escape the Wolf Zero Trace Laptop Sleeve – Padded sleeve with easy in-out fits up to an 18-inch computer.
Escape the Wolf Zero Trace Messenger Bag – Computer compartment meets TSA requirements. External pouch on top flap for quick access to RFID credit cards, passport or cell phone. Internal pouch on top flap for more secure storage. Third, internal pouch accommodates an 18-inch computer.
Escape the Wolf Zero Trace Passport Pouch – Holds RFID passport, passport card and electronic driver’s licenses.
Escape the Wolf Zero Trace Utility Pouch – Cameras, GPS and digital devices.
Escape the Wolf provides preemptive, holistic travel risk mitigation solutions for global companies and government agencies. The company’s system of Total Awareness prepares the international professional traveler to identify, avoid and minimize the wide range of THREATs or wolves that exist worldwide. Escape the Wolf supports travelers with training seminars, executive consultations, eLearning, technology, and innovative travel products, including its Zero Trace digital device protection product line.
The Mayflower Baby Carrier design concept took the industry by storm just a month ago but unfortunately, real concerns over our overly litigious society shut the project down. Here is a statement from Mayflower regarding their decision.
Tactical Baby Carriers:
Due to very ambiguous US regulations governing anything to do with children and the high occurrence of frivolous law suits we have decided it’s not in out best interest to offer these for sale. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Sand Storm Boots is the brainchild of Dan Ellis and Military Product Solutions (MPS). You may not know Dan, but you probably know his boots.
Known to many as “boot maker to the good guys” Dan is responsible for a wide variety of the very boots many of us have in our closets. After a stint as a Product Engineer at Adidas and the Director of Product Development at Reebok, Dan put together a line of specialty boots for an Army SOF unit with the Italian mountaineering boot company Aku (pronounced ah-koo). Soon after, BlackHawk came out with their first line of boots, all designed and engineered by Dan and his team. I was one of the original testers of the BlackHawk boots back in my USAF days.
Most of you are familiar with the OTB boot brand, founded by Dan Ellis. The brand came about from a suite of water specific boots developed for the Navy SEALs.
The Sand Storm brand was put together with the premise of making a high quality yet good value product. As you know, most Military and Law Enforcement folks don’t have a ton of cash to spend on boots. And that’s what inspired San Storm, to develop a line of products that are both high in quality and price competitive.
Sand Storm has partnered with US Cavalry for its initial launch where you can find competitive prices on the Sand Storm boot range.
3 boots make up the launch, the Light Fighter – an extreme lightweight yet durable boot, The HooDoo – a great all around military boot with phenomenal breathability, and the Stinger Composite Toe, a lighter than expected ASTM certified composite safety toe boot.
All of the boots in the Sand Storm line are fast rope ready, including the Light Fighter.
Additionally, all sole units are double cemented as well as stitched to the upper meaning your soles will not delaminate even in the warmest and harshest environments.
Approaching it’s 10th year, the Military Appreciation dinner at Outdoor Retailer is held one evening each Summer and Winter market. Sponsored by various members of the outdoor industry that support military applications of their technologies, the dinner brings together industry and government for an evening of good food as well as an opportunity to meet new people and share stories.
Tracker Dan’s name most often comes up regarding the knives that he makes, particularly the BloodShark. But, there is a lot more to the man. He’s a Navy SEAL but even that doesn’t define who he is. He has dedicated his life to primitive outdoor living and surviving in the wild, on the battlefield and on the streets. He also develops knives and tools to that end. This video gives you a good look into some of Tracker Dan’s background and what drives him.
Source Hydration has announced that The Craig Group will be taking over distribution of Source’s tactical hydration product line within the United States, starting August 1st, 2012.
Their press release goes on to say –
With their head office in Virginia Beach, VA and fulfillment center in Rossville, Georgia, The Craig Group will be able to offer more responsive customer service and efficient ordering processes, as well as faster fulfillment of Source Hydration products, as they will be warehousing Source Hydration’s product line in their GA warehouse. In addition to improved customer service and order fulfillment, The Craig Group and Source Hydration will be launching an aggressive consumer based marketing campaign, starting in Fall 2012. More details to follow in the next few months.
The 2012 retailer price list will remain unchanged, with freight charges being based FOB Georgia. Current Source Hydration retailers are welcome to continue ordering from Source directly; however, after October 1st 2012 shipping charges will be based as FOB Haifa, Israel with the dealer paying for international shipping and customs brokering charges.
Amanda Shipley from The Craig Group will be the account manager for all Source Hydration related matters. As such, she will be contacting our present customers in the next few days to introduce herself to you and send the credit and dealer application paperwork along with the 2012 Source Hydration US retail price list for The Craig Group.
