Helikon-Tex displayed their full Competition Range System at IWA. The central piece is the Competition Chest Rig which will accept various inserts for different magazines. They also have a Shooter’s Belt with Modular Belt Sleeve which is PALS compatible.
Vintage styling is currently in but I was surprised to see that Emerson, long known for milsim copies of high end clothing, would have something like this M1942 Paratrooper Jacket.
They also plan on offering it in MultiCam.
During Enforce Tac we saw the new Evac System from Petzl. Based on the Exo Escape System used by the German fire service, Evac was created for use by diplomats who might need to exit structures quickly to escape fires or other threats.
The contents are contained in the Pouch seen at the top and include the EXO one-handed descender which allows the user to control the rate of descent.
Also in the is 15m of 7.5mm rope, two locking carabiners and this harness which the user steps into.
The three straps are brought together and a locking carabiner is run through the loops to hold it all together.
The second carabiner is used to anchor to a hard point in the room which needs to be evacuated. The system has been tested to 150 kg.
Fjällräven has a wool Commando Sweater coming as part of their Hunt line of clothing.
Although Israeli company Marom Dolphin has introduced a new modular load carriage system called Fusion, they spent several years working on load carriage under system integrator Elbit, for the Dutch military’s Verbeterd Operationeel Soldaten Systeem or in English, Improved Operational Soldier System.
In their booth at Enforce Tac Marom Dolphin showed examples of the gear in the Netherlands Fractal Pattern which has just begun fielding. Although the items were developed by Marom Dolphin in conjunction with the Dutch Army, the tech data package has been transferred and they’ll be manufactured by other companies.
-Eric Graves
Editor
Since the last IWA, Lindnerhof experienced twelve truly exciting months: new products were developed and proven products were optimized further. In perfect time for the IWA 2019, Lindnerhof presents the novelties in the product portfolio of the provider of tactical gear.
New flagship: the plate carrier 25 with quick-release system
The new plate carrier is the further development of the proven plate carrier of the VI generation and combines the models L1 Evo and H1 Evo. It is made of the reliable outer fabric Cordura 500. The most important novelty here is the downsizing of the quick release system in the shoulder straps from 40mm to 25mm. This provides more wearing comfort in the everyday use. In addition, the width of the sewn strap was reduced to 20mm. In this way it is possible to achieve a weight reduction of approximately 20%.
With the new model Lindnerhof responds to a customer’s request: the possibility to convert the plate carrier H1 Evo to a heavy protective vest and making it available also for classical plate carriers made of Cordura. Hanging the soft ballistics in the front and back is just as possible as adding shields for the neck and the upper arms.
As first of its kind, the new plate carrier comprises a reversible zip on its back. In this manner it is possible to attach various modular back panels, thus enabling the fast exchange of the panel, depending on the type of activity.
Quickly exchangeable: modular back panel
In conjunction with the new plate carrier, practiced users can attach the back panel within only five seconds.
Thanks to the individual configuration, it is possible to quickly and appropriately react to the different tasks. The upper opening allows the take-up of a breaching tool. The fold-out extension allows the take-up of a bolt cutter.
Available again: Double magazine pouch G36, attachable with Velcro
Because of the continuous high customer demand last year, the double magazine pouch attachable with Velcro is available again. The pouch has the advantage that it is possible to transport additional magazines without having to use up the MOLLE surfaces at the plate carriers or the vest. This ensures enough space for bags and other equipment.
The pouch can be attached in the conventional way in the front or rear lower area of the plate carrier. At the sides, two G36 magazines can be introduced. A rubber with puller serves as safety mechanism. The laterally provided rubber woven band serves for compression in case of non-use.
More space thanks to Velcro: Diagonal multi-purpose pouch, attachable with Velcro
The advantages of the double magazine pouch with Velcro back were also used in another novelty. The diagonal multi-purpose pouch attachable with Velcro can particularly be attached at the front in the lower area of the plate carrier, which enables simple access to the pouch – even without looking.
By means of a zipper extending across the entire width, the pouch is opened and offers enough space for various parts of equipment and operating resources. At the contact surface of the inside, a large fleecy surface is provided, which facilitates both the affixing of equipment by means of Velcro panels as well as the organization of equipment and the targeted access. In addition, the outside is compatible with Velcro patches that can be affixed for identification tags. A discharge eyelet prevents that fluids collect in the bag.
Mature concept: Weapon fixation straps with hooks
The new fixation strap for long firearms went through a long development process and an extensive testing phase. As a small supporting piece of equipment in the overall structure of tactical gear, however, it comprises very innovative novelties.
Contrary to its predecessor, the new version can be operated with only one hand. A buckle closure is provided at the end for a strong connection.
At the other end a small ball is provided, which Lindnerhof also refers to as “pineapple” and which – thanks to its characteristic form and grip – can be operated with gloves as well. In conjunction with a hook that is usually positioned at the front part of the plate carrier the strap can be opened and closed fast, one-handedly and without looking, which helps fixing or loosening the weapon easily. The ball was developed in such a manner that the bond is not loosened even in the event of extreme movements, such as jumping or crawling.
LINDNERHOF-TAKTIK GmbH: www.lindnerhof-taktik.de
Helikon-Tex is expanding their Bushcraft line with three new glove models made from water resistant goatskin. I tried them all on and the fit was comfortable with no binding.
From left to right, they are the Woodcrafter glove which features a wrist strap and nylon tape gauntlet, Lumber glove the most basic model, and the Ranger Winter glove which is fleece lined.
A couple of years ago, Andres Industries first introduced the TILO series of thermal imagers. At the time, the TILO-3 was the smallest thermal imager in the world. They continue to innovate, and this year, they’ve introduced an afocal lens which extends the detection range of the latest TILO-6Z+ to 2.5km.
