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National Safety Apparel Realigns Business Units, Forms Military Division for DRIFIRE & Wild Things

Tuesday, October 25th, 2022

National Safety Apparel, the parent company of DRIFIRE and Wild Things, was founded in 1935. DRIFIRE recently hosted an event on the USS Midway establishing DRIFIRE as the leading brand for all of National Safety Apparel. Not just the tactical side of the brand which most SSD readers are familiar with, but the parts of the company which produce uniforms like FR Hy vis, Rainwear and Daily Wear for industrial workers join FR Base Layers and Military uniforms under DRIFIRE.

While planning for the Mission Red event on the Midway, NSA found that they actually made clothing for the workers producing the steel that Newport News Shipbuilding used to build the USS Midway.

Today under the NSA Military division, there are two military brands, DRIFIRE, and Wild Things which are fully committed to COTS military apparel manufacturing.

NSA continues to invest in their factories, making Berry Amendment-compliant clothing and textiles right here in America.

Some recent achievements:

• DRIFIRE FORTREX was recently selected in the combat shirt and pant of choice for one of America’s most prominent allies.

• FORTREX was also approved for the IAE program. Several F22 Raptor fighter pilots have been outfitted with F35 pilots next in line.

• True to DRIFIRE heritage, they recently released a new line of 4-way stretch FR self-extinguishing and temperature-regulating base layers. (Body heat is absorbed into the fabric while active, stored, and then released during a static state)

• The DRIFIRE advanced high-performance fabric team has accomplished FORTREX stretch technology for the first time. The patented FORTREX stretch woven fabric will change the game of advanced high-performance and flame-resistant combat shirts, pants, flight suits, and many more products in the future.

One thing the brand learned during the COVID-19 outbreak was adaptability. Not only did they rely more heavily on their investment in US manufacturing, but also learned to use it in new ways. Consequently, as they move into FY23 and beyond, they create the ability to mobilize our factories even more than today to support a surge due to any unforeseen conflict or crises and be ready to serve those who serve us.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Materials | Comments Off on National Safety Apparel Realigns Business Units, Forms Military Division for DRIFIRE & Wild Things

GORE-TEX Stretch Fabric Technology

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

During last week’s AUSA event GORE-TEX brand outfitted three mannequins with jackets made from their GORE-TEX Stretch Fabric Technology which retains the water and wind proof breathable characteristics of Gore’s ePTFe material but adds the ability to stretch.

This offers an adaptive fit that reduces air gaps and leads to a more optimized design with less bulk. This means a garment with a more tailored fit can be worn with underlayers without going up a size. It will also move with the wearer. An added bonus is that the fabric improves the garment’s evaporative resistance and increases breathability by 25%.

It was an excellent means to demonstrate how verstaile a shell garment made from the GORE-TEX Stretch fabric is. It can be worn under armor, or over it, fully protecting the gear from
invelement weather.

www.goretexprofessional.com

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Clothing, Materials | 14 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Tubes Accessories

Friday, October 14th, 2022

FirstSpear incorporates Tubes into many of the pockets and attachments seen throughout the suite of products. In this week’s Friday Focus, we’re sharing a number of capabilities FirstSpear Tubes offers.

The FirstSpear Tubes Attachment Accessory revolutionizes pocket attachment. The hook backed Tube Attachment Accessory allows a 4” Male Tube to be placed in multiple locations, allowing attachment of any FirstSpear pouch with Tubes attachment.

The Shaw Concepts RAID Pouch V1 is an abdominal hanger style pouch that attaches to Plate Carriers and Chest Rigs. The RAID Pouch is the first of its kind to incorporate a FirstSpear Tubes® to quickly remove the pouch from the user’s body/kit for greater ease of use as well as for passing off. The pouch features its unique Tubes® attachment, a Hook & Loop VELCRO® flap, internal elastic bands for storage, clamshell opening w/YKK zippers, Elastic Tourniquet Sleeve on the bottom, front Loop Velcro Field for ID Patches, front Shockcord Lashing for Gloves & Tourniquets, and more. The RAID Pouch V1 is Berry Compliant and manufactured in the USA by First Spear, LLC.

The FirstSpear Tubes Belt Mount Accessory provides a modular option for Tubes Compatible pockets and pouches. Designed with a rear hook and loop closure system that secures the Belt Mount in place. It will work on belts that are up to 2″ in width.

The FirstSpear Tubes Dump Pouch has several great features. The Tube attachment allows for rapid attachment and detachment. A formed open top allows for easy dropping and reaching of gear and, when utilized, a drawstring closure keeps items secure.

The Tubes Gas Mask Pouch allows the user a quick and efficient attach and detach option. The wide opening featuring a secure SR Buckle is designed for rapid stowing and removal of a gas mask.

Visit FirstSpear to find all the gear and apparel for America’s Warfighter.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Materials | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Tubes Accessories

AUSA 22 – GORE-TEX PYRAD Refueler Suit

Wednesday, October 12th, 2022

GORE-TEX PYRAD is a flame retardant fabric; a self-extinguishing technology that provides durable protection against flash fire exposure while remaining highly breathable, water resistant, and windproof. It’s used to make the Fuel Handler 2-Piece Suit worn by Soldiers and Marines.

In one of the most effective displays I’ve seen, WL Gore & Associates have showcased an example of what this garment looks like after a flame test.

As you can see, the material chars, but remains intact and protects the wearer from direct burns. It is also self-extinguishing. In addition to FR protection, the wearer also benefits from a breathable, water and windproof GORE-TEX shell.

To see a video of GORE-TEX PYRAD in action, go here.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Clothing, FR, Materials | 3 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wool ACM 100

Friday, October 7th, 2022

As temperatures begin to drop, check out FirstSpear’s Advanced Clothing Material Wool lineup. This week we’re featuring ACM-Base 100 layer.

• Warm Merino Wool
• Wicks away moisture
• Low profile pile
• Lightweight

The FS Beanie will keep your dome warm, wick away moisture, and has just enough extra material to double up over your ears when the temperatures drop. It is constructed with flat seams for a great fit under helmets. There is also low profile pile in key areas to attach IFF. Experience light high-performance Merino.

Built with a tight, open mesh design for breathability, the Neckie is a tube that can be worn as a turtleneck, hat or even a hasty balaclava. The mesh design aids in preventing your goggles from fogging up when you wear it over your mouth. Low profile pile attachment points in key areas let you put on IFF as required. With a variety of uses and extremely lightweight, the Neckie is something you don’t want to go outside the wire without.

The Hooded Field Shirt is a generously cut lightweight garment built for long-term comfort on extended adventures or daily wear on the job. This shirt is made from ACM Base 100 wool and offers a generous cut, a large hood, low profile cuffs, and thumb holes. Leveraging the naturally occurring performance benefits of wool, the Hooded Field Shirt is a technically advanced package blending comfort, performance, and fit. Use it as a hooded base layer or wear it all on its own. Either way, don’t leave home without it! Made in the USA.

Visit FirstSpear to find all the gear and apparel for America’s Warfighter.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Materials | 1 Comment »

Ocean State Innovations Adds Vietnam Tiger Stripe To CORDURA Stock Program

Thursday, September 29th, 2022

Ocean State Innovations is bringing Vietnam Tiger Stripe into their CORDURA® stock program. Desert Tiger Stripe will be added later this year. OSI has heard the market’s desire and demand for VTS and DTS. OSI and Tiger Stripe Products are excited to expand the availability of these 500D and 1000D Classic™ CORDURA® fabrics. OSI is taking orders now! Be sure to get your orders placed to get your piece of this first custom run.

Contact your OSI representative Peter, Nick, or Geoff for information and pricing.

peter@osinnovate.com
nick@osinnovate.com
geoff@osinnovate.com

Visit us at osinnovate.com of follow us on FB and IG.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Ocean State Innovations Adds Vietnam Tiger Stripe To CORDURA Stock Program

GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics Featuring Updated Products and Technology for Cold and Wet Weather Protection at AUSA

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022

Elkton, MD, (September 2022) – W. L. Gore & Associates will be highlighting its defense products and technology intended to protect and support the Armed Forces in the most extreme and unpredictable situations. Products using GORE-TEX Product Technology, GORE-TEX THERMIUM™ Insulation, GORE-TEX Stretch Product Technology, GORE-TEX PYRAD® Product Technology, and CHEMPAK® Product Technologies by GORE-TEX LABS will be on display at the GORE-TEX Professional booth #3609 during AUSA October 10 – 12, 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Among the products on display will be the cold and wet weather protective garments soon to be issued to the newest Army Division, the 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska. This Cold and Wet layer uses GORE-TEX Product Technology and is a key component of the Cold Temperature and Arctic Protection System (CTAPS).

The Army selected GORE-TEX Product Technology for its proven ability to provide head-to-toe protection for the harshest conditions that warfighters experience. The 3-layer waterproof breathable jacket and pants will be part of the initial issue of the Cold and Wet layer of CTAPS and provide the Army warfighter with tested waterproof, windproof, breathable protection to deliver a decisive edge for extended operations in extreme conditions. The CTAPS program objective is to improve the Soldiers’ survivability, mobility, and lethality potential in the fewest number of clothing layers with increased utility that allow Soldiers to configure the clothing protection to match their activity in any environmental conditions from -65 to 45F.

GORE-TEX THERMIUM™ Insulation leverages silica aerogel – the world’s best solid insulator – to provide unparalleled warmth without adding bulk. GORE-TEX THERMIUM™ Insulation can be used to provide a fully insulated cold weather boot, as deployed in the Army Cold Weather Combat Boot Program (-20F to +20F), or strategically integrated into a specific area to extend the temperature utilization range of the combat boot like in ALTAMA APEX boot.

ALTAMA APEX boot also showcases our most breathable GORE-TEX laminate, and a new Michelin sole to offer the most versatile combat boot that is suitable for all-season wear.

GORE-TEX Stretch Fabric Technology combines the highest level of protection with optimized comfort to deliver protection in the most demanding environments. Building on the recognized performances of durable waterproof, windproof, and breathability, GORE-TEX stretch fabric technology offers additional benefits: reduced thermal burden, high agility and mobility, and improved equipment integration. This is achieved through an adaptive fit that reduces air gaps and leads to a more optimized design with less bulk. The fabric also delivers high flexibility in cold climates and noise reduction. The stretch ePTFE membrane technology enables the design and construction of garments to have a more tailored fit, which improves the garment’s evaporative resistance and increases breathability by 25%. At the GORE-TEX booth, visitors will see Stretch garments displayed under and over body armor/kit to demonstrate this evolutionary laminate capability in a breathable, packable, and lightweight Cold and Wet layer.

Garments designed with GORE-TEX PYRAD® technology provide heat, flame, and flash-fire protection for defense personnel. To highlight this technology at AUSA, the GORE-TEX booth will display a burned garment side-by-side with a non-burned garment. Gore will also speak to the versatile technology that offers the durable waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection you would expect of GORE-TEX products, while also providing some of the lightest weight, low bulk, flame-resistant garments on the market. Building on Gore’s history of leveraging technology and science to improve comfort and functionality, GORE-TEX PYRAD® Fabric Technology advances performance while maintaining protection. Products made with GORE-TEX PYRAD® Fabric Technology are breathable, lightweight, and flexible, and offer improved comfort during the most demanding tasks as demonstrated in the Army’s Fuel Handler Suit which will be on display. The fabrics also pick up less water and dry faster than alternative flame-resistant fabrics.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals and biological substances can be life-threatening for warfighters. To provide protection, lightweight CHEMPAK® Fabric Technology by GORE-TEX LABS guard against toxic industrial chemicals, non-traditional and chemical warfare agents, and biological and radiological particulate hazards. During AUSA, learn how two material technologies, CHEMPAK® selectively permeable fabric by GORE-TEX LABS and CHEMPAK® ultra barrier fabric by GORE-TEX LABS, are engineered to meet specific user needs based on unique mission sets.

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Point Blank Enterprises and Dyneema are the Proven Choice for Law Enforcement Body Armor

Friday, September 23rd, 2022

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 23, 2022 — Point Blank Enterprises (“Point Blank”), the worldwide leader in the production of soft body armor and related protective solutions, will be demonstrating its newest innovations in tactical armor systems, carrier designs and hard-armor products at the 2022 National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Tactical Operations Conference. Point Blank will display its range of innovative offerings at booth (#301) during the expo, which runs from Sept. 25-26 at the Wisconsin Convention Center, Milwaukee.

In 2013, Point Blank introduced the first ballistic systems designed with Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology called Alpha Elite®. This revolutionary ballistic technology was engineered to defeat high-velocity handgun rounds and fragmentation with minimal backface-deformation and superior multi-hit protection. During independent testing, the Alpha Elite ballistic package exceeded all performance requirements.

Since its launch, Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology has been adopted rapidly in armor applications due to its unmatched light weight and high ballistic performance. Using Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ as a base, fibers are layered in a crisscross pattern at 0 and 90 degrees to create unidirectional material that provides even and rapid distribution of energy. The Dyneema® Force Multiplier technology platform enables protective solutions such as vests, shields, rifle threat plates, and helmets that offer unparalleled performance, weight reduction and comfort due to breakthrough polymer science, next-generation fiber technology and unique unidirectional engineering. These advantages enhance the abilities of law enforcement and armed services personnel to perform demanding job requirements with the confidence that only comes from the unmatched ballistic stopping power of Dyneema®.

Over the past 8 years, nearly 700,000 Alpha Elite systems have been provided to American law enforcement. “The Alpha Elite ballistic system is clearly the number one choice in America, and we are honored to protect the protectors as we experience what is certain to be one of the dangerous times in law enforcement history,” advised Michael Foreman EVP, Point Blank Enterprises.

Thousands of officers from law enforcement tactical units worldwide, many of them the largest and most prestigious in the world, rely on the Alpha Elite ballistic systems. These include the New York Police Department (NY), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (CA), Chicago Police Department (IL), Orlando Police Department (FL), Orange County Sheriff’s Office (FL), Washington DC Metro (DC), Baltimore City Police (MD), Virginia State Police (VA) and several other prominent agencies.

NTOA attendees are invited to view the latest capabilities at the Point Blank booth (#301) including the new Paraclete “Origin” elite tactical platform with Alpha Elite ballistic system. All attendees will also have an opportunity to meet representatives from both Point Blank and Dyneema®, as they sponsor the Welcome Reception, held on Monday evening (6:30PM) on September 26th at the Harley Davidson Museum.

Posted in Armor, Materials, NTOA, Press Release | Comments Off on Point Blank Enterprises and Dyneema are the Proven Choice for Law Enforcement Body Armor