TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘SHOT Show’ Category

VertX Debuts at SHOT Show

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Newcomer VertX will be sharing booth space at SHOT show with Arc’teryx. Although newcomer doesn’t aptly describe VertX who is an off shoot of Fechheimer; well established makers of Flying Cross Public Safety wear. Arc’teryx and Flechheimer are no strangers to one another and have collaborated on the Justice Jacket, an Arc’teryx design (Gamma) modified for LE use with epaulets and holstered weapon access. The Justice Jacket is an exclusive product for Flying Cross.

Flechheimer Justice Jacket

They will be debuting two new pieces; their Tactical Pant and Action Polo. We don’t want to spill the beans on the new products but we can say a few things. he name VertX is a derivative of “Covert” and their line is intended to avoid attention, not attract it. For example, several unique features belie the covert nature of the pants. To quote VertX, “In a market full of garments that scream “shoot me”, this pant is in style for “Any time, any place, any mission””. Rumor has it there will even be some of the trousers in Multicam for the crawd that must blend into a different environment.

Catch a sneak peak at www.wearvertx.com. Be sure to check out Vertx at the SHOT Show in Booth Number 6491.

Photo from Fechheimer.

Got a SHOT Show Tip?

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

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SHOT Show is this week. If you have any tips about new products debuting at SHOT Show drop us a line.

Contact us at admin@soldiersystems.net

Energizer to Launch New Lights at SHOT Show

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

Last Fall we published a review of the Energizer Hard Case Tactical Light. We also posted a teaser on the new helmet light. They are being officially released at the upcoming SHOT show so we thought it would be a good time to jog everyone’s memory.

At AUSA we were able to sit down and take a look at Energizer’s new Helmet Light and as well as the Hard Case Tactical Light. Energizer is integrating state of the art technology in their line. They are using Cree lamps and Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lenses to focus the most light possible.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical 2AA Second Generation Handheld Light
Energizer Hard Case Tactical Lights
As you can see, Energizer took the lessons learned from the first generation light and applied them to the new light. The first generation light is on the left and the new second generation light is on the right.

The Second Generation Light features six light modes with high and low settings:
-Bright white, high-intensity LED (70 lumens on high)
-Red LED for light-discipline and combat conditions
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Green LED for light-discipline and map-reading
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices (880 nanometer rating)
–IR strobe for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability (Blink rate is two per second)

Additionally, Energizer has integrated two power features that greatly increase the utility of the light. The batteries are always inserted tip first, eliminating the need for polarity indicators and while the light runs on two AA batteries, it is fully functional with one AA battery. The other battery can be reversed inside the battery chamber as a spare.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical Helmet Light
Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light

The Helmet Light offers four light modes:
-High-intensity White LED (35 lumens)
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices (880 nanometer rating)
–IR strobe flashes for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability (Blink rate is two per second)

Energizer’s Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources, providing a “quick-extinguish” feature. The IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating in order to prevent “Light NDs”.

Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light
The light mounts to either side of helmet with a standard screwdriver and can be rotated in 18-degree increments and locked into place. It can also be removed from its mount and attached to MOLLE equipment.

Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light mounted on helmet
The light mounts flush with the bottom lip of the helmet preventing the light from accidentally breaking.

Finally, Energizer is launching three new outdoor/hunting lights. The Night Strike line has its roots in the existing Tactical lineup.
Energizer Night Strike LED Handheld Flashlight
Energizer Night Strike LED Handheld Flashlight

Energizer Night Strike Multifunction Compact LED Light
Energizer Night Strike Multifunction Compact LED Light

Energizer Night Strike Handheld Swivel LED Flashlight
Energizer Night Strike Handheld Swivel LED Flashlight

While we will publish more information soon one important feature that sets the Night Strike line apart from the Tactical line is that the IR features have been replaced with UV. This could prove very handy with LE and EMS professionals as well as hunters. Be sure to visit Energizer at the SHOT Show, Booth #601, West building, second level. Images of the new Night Strike line courtesy of Energizer.

TAG® Enhanced MTV Releasable Armor Carrier

Monday, December 29th, 2008

TAG

Tactical Assault Gear has announced a new carrier to fit Marines Corps MTV cut level IIIA soft armor, ESAPI ballistic plate system, neck, groin, and back down armor as an alternative to the issue system. The Marine Corps MTV issue armor system has been a sore subject since its inception and further procurements by the Marines were halted by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Conway who said “I’m not quite sure how we got to where we are, but what I do know is it is not a winner.” The issues are varied, but one of the main concerns is not the actual armor, but the carrier itself. Marines find it cumbersome, heavy, and difficult to don and doff without assistance. General Conway also said, “It is heavier. It gives a little more protection — that is one of the net positives with it. We still need a lighter vest that gives us the same amount of protection”.

TAG® Enhanced MTV Releasable Armor Carrier - Front TAG® Enhanced MTV Releasable Armor Carrier - Rear TAG® Enhanced MTV Releasable Armor Carrier - Side

Armed with this information TAG® designed a new carrier system for the issued armor the Marine Corps and some Navy units are using. The carrier uses TAG’s® split-front opening, meaning you can leave one cummerbund attached at all times allowing the user to enter the carrier from the side and close it. The release system on TAG’s® Enhanced MTV carrier is the same patent pending design used on all of TAG’s® releasable armor carriers.

The Enhanced MTV carrier consists of single center pull pillow and cables that release both the shoulders & cummerbund at the same time. The pull pillow is designed to be pulled in any direction and work and the handle cannot be accidentally pulled because it is not a loop like the current one and can be pulled while sitting down as well. Additionally, the cummerbund includes removable pouches on the inside that accommodate the issued MTV soft armor inserts and side plates and locks in place and does not require stays to keep it from shifting while worn.

The most significant improvement is in the size adjustment options. The current MT’s sizing is a bit off so a Marine who should be wearing a medium is forced to wear a large for it to fit properly. The Enhanced MTV has slots in the side that fit the side plates. When the carrier is made smaller by the wearer the side plates will go into the vest. This allows for the armor in the vest to overlap on the sides increasing side protection.

The shoulders and upper torso section of the carrier are made with non slip rubberized nylon. This will ensure a solid platform when assuming different types of shooting positions as well as keep slings and pack straps from falling or slipping off the user’s shoulders. In addition it also eliminates the need for shoulder stops that currently come with the issued MTV.

This carrier is only available through TAG directly. The price is very reasonable at $369.95 for the carrier. For those attending SHOT Show in Orlando, they can check out the Enhanced MTV carrier at TAG’s® booth (number 9484).