Phantom Lights

Vector Heavy Chest Pack

January 17th, 2026

Putting my money where my mouth is…

I’m Ben. I’m the Product Development Manager for Fine Group.

I was recently talking to our Managing Director about the products we have developed. I told him we needed to be sure they were up to the standards of robustness required for use in arduous environments before they went anywhere near serious end-users. He agreed and off I went to Malaysia for a fortnight with the Maddog Adventures crew to go and thrash our kit in the jungle. Nothing beats real world feedback, and the jungle is the harshest environment to test kit in.

I’m very proud of the products we make at Fine Group. We feel a personal responsibility to those end-users who will be using what we have made in the most testing of circumstances. If we can’t trust it, it doesn’t go out the door!

The Vector Heavy Chest Pack is a super-robust and versatile piece of expedition equipment. Allowing you to keep key pieces of survival and navigation equipment to hand in a chest mounted pack. Your critical equipment can stay with you even when you pack is off. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing, or even simply hiking and trekking. The laser cut PALS in the outside, base and inside the two compartments allows you to organise and customise your equipment even more.

• Laser Cut Laminate: Made from the same tough laminate fabric as our Vector Tactical products, and with laser cut PALS, the Heavy Chest Pack is incredibly flexible in terms of organisation. With PALS inside, outside, and even on the bottom, you can set this chest pack up for any activity.

• Internal Organisation: Both of the compartments feature internal organisation above and beyond the PALS panels, allowing you to find your key equipment without having to dig around.

• Water Resistant Zips: YKK Aquaguard Zips prevent water ingress and keep your critical equipment dry. Twin zips on each opening make sure that you have redundancy enabling you to still seal the compartment in the unlikely event a zip slider should fail.

• Mesh Harness: A highly breathable and robust harness made from the same military-grade mesh as our Vector Tactical Side Pouches. Contoured to wrap your shoulders for day-long comfort, no matter what your activity. Fully adjustable to fit you regardless of your shape. Held in place by metal G-Hooks for maximum strength and to make taking it on and off a doddle.

Available from TRC Outdoors: Vector Heavy Chest Pack – TRC Outdoors

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Ops-Core Started Out As Artisent

January 17th, 2026

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Back in 2014, I had an opportunity to visit Ops-Core’s new factory in Boston for a personal tour by founder David Rogers. The company started out as Artisent which made head protection like hockey helmets. Due to their location near Natick Labs they ended up doing some cool headborne systems work, including as part of Objective Force Warrior. Eventually, Ops-Core was spun off to do the military work and was later sold to Gentex who continue to innovate in the headborne systems space.

Below are some photos I took on that visit.

The shelves in the lobby contained a variety of head protection items from a multiple sources, but the developmental Artisent and Ops-Core artifacts in particular, are awesome. In addition to a couple of OFW/FFW models there are also technology demonstrators with early versions of features that are now standard in Ops-Core helmets.

Ops-Core.com

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, History | 1 Comment »

332nd ELRS Conducts First Hot-Pit Refuel with R-20 Expeditionary Refueling System

January 17th, 2026

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AFNS) —  

For the first time at this location, U.S. Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a flightline within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 14, significantly reducing aircraft ground time and expanding expeditionary fueling capabilities.

The operation marked the first use of the R-20 at the base to conduct hot-pit refueling, allowing the helicopter to remain running while taking fuel directly from a bulk fuel bladder rather than a standard R-11 fuel truck. The capability enables faster turnaround times, conserves limited refueling assets and improves mission responsiveness in a deployed environment.

“Basically, it allows us to pump straight from the fuel bladder into the aircraft without having to worry about using an R-11,” said Staff Sgt. John Kaelin, 332nd ELRS fuels distribution noncommissioned officer in charge. “If we had to send one or two R-11s out here, it would take away resources we need to support all of our other aircraft.”

Kaelin explained that traditional cold refueling for UH-60 helicopters can take up to 75 minutes, including shutdown procedures and system checks. Using the R-20 for hot-pit refueling reduces ground time by 66% and allows aircrews to return to the air faster.

“In a deployed setting, the longer it takes for them to get back out, the longer whoever they’re going to help is waiting on them,” Kaelin said.

The R-20 also provides significantly greater fueling capacity and flexibility than the R-11. Each R-20 hose can issue fuel at a rate of up to 450 gallons per minute, with dual-hose operations capable of delivering up to 900 gallons per minute. Unlike the R-11, which carries a maximum of 6,000 gallons, the R-20 connects directly to bulk fuel bladders capable of holding more than 200,000 gallons, enabling multiple aircraft to be refueled simultaneously.

“Here we can hit two aircraft at a time, depending on size, and keep the mission going if we need to get sorties in the air,” said Airman 1st Class Samuel Ilet, 332nd ELRS fuels distribution operator. “Deployed, you never know when something could pop off, and they have to go up as soon as possible.”

The successful R-20 hot-pit refueling demonstrated the squadron’s ability to rapidly adapt expeditionary fuel operations, ensuring aircraft can launch faster, respond sooner and remain ready when mission demands are at their highest.

By Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss

United States Air Forces Central Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on 332nd ELRS Conducts First Hot-Pit Refuel with R-20 Expeditionary Refueling System

SDS Arms to Exhibit at 2026 SHOT Show

January 17th, 2026

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – January 13, 2026 – SDS Arms is thrilled to announce its attendance at the 2026 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, January 20-23. Attendees are invited to visit booth #12460 to participate in exciting booth activities, explore product lineups and get a first look at new product launches.

SDS Arms will showcase products across all brands, including Tisas USA, Tokarev USA, Military Armament Corp, Spandau Arms and Inglis. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the wide range of firearms and accessories, while connecting directly with the SDS Arms team.

Throughout SHOT Show, SDS Arms will host numerous activities at its booth, including giveaways of exclusively customized products. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to collect a limited-edition Velcro morale patch, with only 100 patches available each day.  One hundred patches will be distributed daily. Each day, one lucky recipient will find a golden ticket in their envelope, granting them one of the following prizes:

  • Tisas 1911 Duty B9R DS, customized by 2nd Caliber Coatings
  • Tisas Tank Commander “Combat Special”, customized by Booligan Shooting Sports
  • Tokarev TT-12 Pro, customized by Newnam Performance
  • MAC IX M81 Woodland, customized by Caliber Custom Coatings

In addition to the daily golden ticket giveaways, attendees can sign up in the booth for other giveaways via email. SDS Arms will also host Happy Hour in its booth on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving visitors another opportunity to connect with the team.

“We are excited to return to Las Vegas for SHOT Show and to engage with attendees at our booth throughout the week,” said SDS Arms Digital Marketing Manager Jahred Gamez. “SHOT remains a cornerstone event for the industry, providing invaluable opportunities to connect with dealers, customers and industry partners in meaningful ways. It allows us to strengthen relationships that go beyond business transactions while truly enjoying the experience.” 

Renowned for bringing together exceptional value and performance, SDS Arms works in close partnership with global manufacturers to design and engineer high-quality firearms and accessories that the needs of today’s shooters. Committed to innovation and reliability, SDS Arms looks forward to connecting with attendees and unveiling new product launches at 2026 SHOT Show.

For further details, please visit the SDS Arms website, find SDS Arms on Instagram or Facebook and check out the official SHOT Show planner.

Posted in Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on SDS Arms to Exhibit at 2026 SHOT Show

EOTECH Launches New EXPS3 HD, All Aluminum HWS

January 16th, 2026

Plymouth, MI (January 2026) – When something is ultra-tough and can withstand even the harshest conditions, you must ask yourself “Why would I want to make this even tougher?”  The answer is because you can.  For over 30 years, EOTECH has been manufacturing durable, dependable Holographic Weapon Sights for use in law enforcement, military, competition, hunting and recreational use.  It has become the go-to 1X optic you can count on.  HWS optics were designed to include a ruggedized aluminum hood that wraps around the housing of the sight to provide extreme strength and durability.  Until now.

New for 2026, EOTECH introduces the EXPS3 HD, featuring an all-aluminum housing. This Heavy-Duty model allows EOTECH to eliminate the aluminum hood and provide users with an enhanced field-of-view and better situational awareness.

The EXPS3 HD includes a few new features never offered in an HWS. First, the rubberized buttons that manipulate reticle brightness and NV settings, has been replaced with an easy-to-use rotary dial. This dial offers 7 daylight and 4 night-vision brightness settings as well as an OFF position. In addition, the dial offers an Auto-Brightness setting that automatically adjusts to surrounding light conditions, removing the need for manual adjustments. Lastly, the rotarydial allows EOTECH to incorporate Shake-Awake technologythat puts the optic in sleep mode after a period of inactivity. This programmable sleep mode can be set to 10 minutes, 1-hour, 12-hours, or disabled completely.  This feature works in all daytime, NV, and auto-bright settings and preserves battery life, while powering the optic on with only the slightest movement.

The EXPS3 HD weighs the same as the legacy EXPS (11.2 oz) and is powered by a single, CR123 lithium battery.  Integrated into the housing is a locking, adjustable quick-detach base that allows for immediate removal or attachment.  The trusty 68MOA ring and 1MOA aiming dotprovides uncompromising speed to target and accuracy. Both waterproof and fogproof, this battle-tested sight works even if the sight window breaks or becomes partially obstructed.

The HD model is ideal for close to medium distance engagements.  With its rugged metal construction and its ability to withstand extreme levels of recoil, it can be used with virtually any firearm and caliber.  The Heavy Duty EXPS3from EOTECH.  The tough just got tougher.

EOTECH EXPS3 HD Specifications:

L x W x H: 3.8″ x 2.3″ x 2.6″ (96.5 x 58.4 x 65 mm)

Weight: 11.2 oz (317.5 g)

Water Resistant: 33ft (10m) depth

Mount: 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail

Zero Adjustments: 0.5 MOA per click

Brightness:

7 daylight settings

4 NV settings (night vision compatible model)

1 Auto-Brightness

Power Source: 1 x CR123 battery

Battery Life: 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 4 at room temperature

Country of Origin: Made in the USA

MSRP: $999 (EXPS3HD-0)

For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Discover the IWA Pavilion at the SHOT Show 2026

January 16th, 2026

With 23 exhibitors from 8 countries: The IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show 2026 brings together international innovation

Nuremberg / Las Vegas, January 15, 2026: The IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show in Las Vegas has long been more than just a joint stand – it is a well-established format that combines international visibility, service orientation, and industry expertise. In 2026, the Pavilion will showcase a record lineup of 23 exhibitors, including 12 German companies and 11 international participants from seven countries.

Many exciting brands are exhibiting at IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show 2026.

Strong Presence with Strategic Impact

With 352 m² of exhibition space in a prime location, the IWA Pavilion offers not only room for products but also for encounters, conversations, and business initiation. Its central location ensures maximum visibility and emphasizes the powerful appearance of IWA exhibitors as a united entity. In addition to Germany, companies from Italy, Spain, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Estonia, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Austria will be present next year. “The IWA Pavilion is a prime example of international trade fair cooperation. It shows how we, as organizers, support our exhibitors worldwide—with quality, service, and a strong network. The response from the industry confirms: the need for reliable platforms for international trade is greater than ever,” says Stefanie Leege, Exhibition Director of IWA OutdoorClassics. “For us, the IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show is a good opportunity to bring the anticipation for IWA in Nuremberg to its peak. SHOT Show is an exciting start to the trade fair year—but IWA OutdoorClassics remains the central industry meeting point for the international trade community. With the IWA Pavilion, we create a bridge between markets and strengthen the visibility of our exhibitors worldwide. The anticipation for Nuremberg is already tangible for many—and that is exactly what we want to convey with the Pavilion,” Leege continues.

New Faces, New Impulses: The Exhibitors 2026

Particularly pleasing is the high number of first-time exhibitors—some after previous participation in the German Pavilion. These companies are deliberately relying on the strong IWA brand and the professional framework of the joint stand. The following companies will be exhibiting at the IWA Pavilion 2026:

Steyr Arms 

Schmidt & Bender 

Anschütz 

Double Alpha 

Spohr mit STP – Sport Target Pistol 

Hoernecke 

Armed Guns 

Zollern 

Gebr. Röders mit Ramfelt Precision Guncare 

Gebr. Schröder mit Original Löwe 

Ballistol 

Hans Wrage 

L.C.M. mit OMC Wirelombardia 

EEMANN 

Ghost International 

Ledlenser 

Chrosziel

Martinez Albainox 

Unis Ginex mit Pretis und Igman

Visit the IWA Pavilion at SHOT SHOW 2026 – Booth number: 11245.

www.iwa.info

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See What’s New Gentex During SHOT Show

January 16th, 2026

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on See What’s New Gentex During SHOT Show

Wiley X Proudly Launches Custom Eyewear Program Tailored For Performance

January 16th, 2026

Online experience delivers customizable eyewear without compromising protection or clarity

FRISCO, Texas (January 13, 2026) – Wiley X, a global leader in premium protective eyewear, has launched its new Custom Eyewear Program, giving customers the ability to design select Wiley X models built to match their personal style and performance needs. Now live on the Wiley X website, the program allows full customization of the WX Founder, WX Ovation, and WX Jakl frames.

“Wiley X has always been about purpose-built eyewear that performs when it matters most,” said Dan Freeman, CEO of Wiley X. “With our Custom Eyewear Program, we’re giving customers the opportunity to make that performance personal. It’s the same trusted protection and optical clarity, now tailored to individual needs, environments, and lifestyles.”

The Custom Eyewear Program puts control in the hands of the customer, offering the ability to mix and match frame colors, lens colors, WX logo colors, and bag options. Each custom pair maintains the advanced technology and rugged construction Wiley X is known for, meeting ANSI Z87.1+ safety standards and featuring impact-resistant lenses built with CAPTIVATE™ technology, which enhances color, contrast, and clarity across all light conditions.

To explore the new Wiley X Custom Eyewear Program and start designing your own custom pair, visit, www.wileyx.com/collections/wx-custom-eyewear. 

Posted in Eyepro, Press Release | Comments Off on Wiley X Proudly Launches Custom Eyewear Program Tailored For Performance

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