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Academie Duello

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

On a recent visit to Vancouver I passed an interesting looking storefront. My interest piqued I went inside and was amazed at what I saw. A large wooden floor was framed on either side by a brace of medieval weaponry. It turns out that this simple storefront was actually Academie Duello. Specializing in the western martial arts, they are the largest swordplay training center in North America. This isn’t something you would run across everyday so I had to learn more.

According to their website, “Academie Duello is a school of European Swordplay and Western Martial Arts devoted to teaching the weapons of the historical gentleman and warrior. Our Martial Arts training includes sword arts such as the rapier, sidesword, sword and shield, and long sword, as well as the quarterstaff, spear, knife and unarmed combat.”

Founded in 2004 the school continues to expand. On top of the weaponry they also offer falconry training. As I walked around the gym, I stumbled upon not one, but two birds of prey. Additionally, they plan to establish a museum of swords, armou and heraldry in time for the Olympics and offer visitors the chance to attend a drop-in lesson for $10.

Visit www.learnswordplay.com to find out more.

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First Ascent

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

First Ascent is a new line of hard core outdoor line from Eddie Bauer in collaboration with Whittaker Mountaineering, and Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. They’ve set their sights high with this undertaking as the name itself gives nod to a first successful summit of a mountain. In a way this is Eddie Bauer getting back to its roots. They claim that First Ascent is the most significant line of gear in a generation and for them this would certainly be true. It’s been about that long since they produced anything like this. Back in the 70s, if you were going mountaineering, chances were good you’d be using Eddie Bauer. Somewhere along the way they drifted to a lifestyle brand. It’s good to see them coming around full circle.

The Hangfire Hoodie is a great example to give you an idea of the type of products in the line. It is made from a combination of two-way stretch under the arms and anti-pill fleece. The design features an off-set zipper to aid layering as well as a Napoleon pocket.

To see the entire line which includes clothing, packs, and other equipment visit First Ascent online.

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Redington Introduces the Eco Grip Feltless Wading Boot

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

The Eco Gripâ„¢ is Redington’s first felt-less wading boot designed by Redington and engineered through an exclusive partnership with OTB. OTB developed the lugged and precisely razor-siped Tactical Rubber Technologyâ„¢ to support their military customers and is yet another case of technology developed to support America’s Warfighters finding its way to the civilian market.

Rubber-soled wading boots are an evolution in wading gear, since felt soles can be a cesspool for damaging aquatic microorganisms. In addition to helping prevent the Aquatic Hitchhikers (didymo, New Zealand mud snails, zebra mussels, whirling disease and other introduced nuisances) that threaten our waterways, the Eco Gripâ„¢ boots have many other notable features. Mesh side panels allow for instant water drainage, and ballistic mesh placed between the outsole and upper prevents small stones and other debris from entering the boot. High-abrasion TPU upper material resists scuffs, far outlasting conventional leather and a DWR finish on the entire boot prevents extreme water absorption, so the boot doesnâ€™t get weighed down as the day progresses.

The Eco Grip Boot features the same foot bed found in OTB’s maritime footwear. In the footbed, the exclusive SFSâ„¢ (SEAL Fit Systemâ„¢) aids in water drainage as well as breathability. OTB’s SEAL footbed has a patented removable shank that allows the user to customize the fit with two different insoles, depending on the application. A thick neoprene insole takes up more room inside the boot for use with a thin sock or when wearing the boot barefoot while wet wading. Replacing the thick insole with the thinner insole gives the wearer additional room inside the boot when using an extra-thick sock or a neoprene bootie.

The Eco Gripâ„¢ boots will be available December 2009 from Redington.

Tags: OTB Boots
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New Mystery Ranch Website

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Pack manufacturer Mystery Ranch has launched a slick new website. Separate sections are available for Military and Tactical, Backpack Hunting, Fire and Trail, as well as recreation and Adventure packs.

Check it out including several new styles including the Tacticplane and SATL Assault Pack at www.mysteryranch.com.

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Astronaut Food

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

The space program has been all the rage this year as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Moon landings. Along with books and videos commemorating the event some unique items have been released. Among them is space food. You’ve always been able to purchase Astronaut ice cream from various NASA visitor centers and the national Air and pace museum but some of these items I haven’t seen for ages. Gadget superstore Think Geek has a package deal on sale that it is a great sampler and may take you back to your childhood.

Included in the box:
* Freeze Dried Ice Cream Sandwich (1.1oz)
* Freeze Dried Strawberries (0.5oz)
* Freeze Dried Cinnamon Apple Wedges (0.5oz)
* Space Food Stick – Chocolate (1.05oz)
* Space Food Stick – Peanut Butter (1.05oz)
* Splashdown Drink Mix – Lemon Lime (mixes with 16.9oz of water)
* Splashdown Drink Mix – Orange (mixes with 16.9oz of water)
* Space Food Sticks Magnet – for sticking on things

Not bad for just under 20 bucks. To order visit www.ThinkGeek.com.

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You Know You’ve Made it When…

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

…they make a 1/6th action figure version of your product. There have been a few TADesque products produced in the past to fit classic GI Joe sized figures but now TAD has licensed their design and logo to Cak Tek USA for the soon-to-be-released Soldier Story PMC Instructor.

Tags: TAD, TAD Gear
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Black Palm Syndicate

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Available exclusively from Grey Group, Black Palm Syndicate is apparel for the man who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

One of the first things that will grab you is the detail that goes into every garment. From the quality American Apparel T-shirts and Polos to the graphics and lettering, everything fits in harmony. There is elegance in the design. Even the Black Palm Syndicate “Manifesto” is printed on the inside of every shirt to remind the wearer of what he is now a part of.

“Black Palm embodies the elite within the group; a connectedness defined by a unique desire to see all worthy tasks thru to the end. We celebrate hard work, sacrifice and individual dedication to the ultimate goal. Black Palm symbolizes a willingness to get your hands dirty and a commitment to the “all in” mentality. Acquire the mark of the Black Palm.”

There have been other motivational brands out there but nothing like this. Finally, clothing that signifies who you are. Order your Black Palm Syndicate shirts from Grey Group.

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Get Your Grill On…in Style

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Tactical Grilling has been around for several years but has never failed to capture our attention each summer as we pull the grill out to get it ready for another season.

They currently offer three products; the Tactical Grilling Apron, the Tactical Spatula Sheath , and the Tactical Beer Shingle. The full length Tactical Grilling Apron is manufactured from 1000D Cordura and features three rows of MOLLE webbing across the waist and two rows across the chest. The Tactical Beer Shingle keeps three cold brews right at your fingertips. This accessory naturally attaches to other tactical platforms. Finally, the Tactical Spatula Sheath is a loop that easily accepts your grilling implements of destruction. No more misplaced tongs or spatulas.

All of Tactical Grilling’s products are made in the USA and are available individually or as a kit. They are available now in UCP but Tactical Grilling is accepting pre-orders for Multicam.

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