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FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Partner Series – LionHeart Alliance

May 29th, 2020

Today we have another edition of the FirstSpear OEM Partner Series where we take a look at an all new product or company FirstSpear manufactures equipment for. This series highlights LionHeart Alliance and the Hot Pursuit Series of vests featuring FirstSpear Rapid-Release Tubes and Laser Fused 6/12 platform.

Why/How did LionHeart begin?

LionHeart began with a need for a company to focus on the needs of the Law Enforcement community. There are many companies that sell equipment to the government and some do it really well. However, those companies all chase the larger DOD business and do not give the LE community the customer service or time that they deserve. With our focus being on Federal, State, and Local LE Communities we have a greater understanding and knowledge base on what equipment works, and how best to procure this equipment that many of the other companies lack.

Why was the Hot Pursuit Vest created?

The Hot Pursuit series of vests was created to fill a void we saw in products tailored towards the Law Enforcement market. There are many features that make the Hot Pursuit series stand out, but the main feature that everyone sees from the start is the ability to accept both MOLLE compatible pockets as well as QASM placards. While there are other carriers on the market that accept just MOLLE pockets as well as those that accept just QASM placards there was no off the shelf carrier that could accommodate both. This feature is huge for issuing departments as it allows the end users to run their loadout the way they want to vice having to run it a certain way based on the carrier that was issued. Likewise, we have added ample Velcro loop on the front and rear of the carrier to accommodate identifier patches so that the end users are clearly marked during highly dynamic environments. One of the best but often overlooked feature is the rear pull up panel that exposes the ends of the cummerbund and allows the user to make micro adjustments to the fit of the cummerbund quickly and easily. During those early morning raids in which jackets must be worn, the user can doff the garment and adjust the cummerbund fit tighter and get back to the fight much sooner than with other carriers, all the while not giving up MOLLE real estate. The Hot Pursuit series in SAPI Cut, MBAV Cut, or Crime Suppression Cut are perfect options for issuing to Agencies, Departments, or Teams.

Why did you choose to use Tubes and 6/12?

These products have been industry leaders for years now. While other companies have tried to come up with comparable options, you just can’t beat the originals.

Why did you ultimately choose FirstSpear OEM manufacturing?

Was there any other option? We have had a long-standing relationship with the team at FirstSpear for many years and the visions at both companies are co-aligned in that at the end of the day all the matters is the end users and making sure they have the Gear To Give Them The Edge. With a shared vision and FirstSpear’s industry leading technology and manufacturing capabilities it was a no brainer that we wanted to develop the Hot Pursuit series with them.

Why was Made in the USA important to the brand?

Made in the USA was very important to us. While many companies are going overseas to keep the prices down on their products we decided that it was more important for us to keep it made in the USA to ensure that quality was were where we needed it to be for our customers on the streets. Will we lose out on some business due to price? Yes. But those who understand the Hot Pursuit series will see past the price and be happy with their purchase for years to come.

Any new products on the horizon between LionHeart and FirstSpear?

I know we at LionHeart and FirstSpear are always listening to our customers and adapt products to continue to fill voids in their operational equipment needs. So, all we can say is the gears are always turning, so stay tuned.

lhagear.com/dynamic-assault-systems-hot-pursuit-plate-carrier-mbav-cut

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

May 29th, 2020

Velocity Systems conducting some R&D. If you take a close look, you’ll see a KCRF patch, on this test apparatus at Chesapeake Labs.

Rab Phantom Pull-On

May 28th, 2020

The Phantom Pull-On from Rab is a lightweight shell designed for trail running. This hooded anorak is made from sean-taped 7D Pertex Shield 2.5L fabric with stretch.

It’s a slim fit, so size accordingly. Offered in Acid and Ebony.

rab.equipment/us/phantom-pull-on

Helinox Savannah Chair

May 28th, 2020

Helinox makes great, lightweight camping chairs but many of their designs are minimalist in nature. Enter the Savannah Chair which offers plenty of comfort thanks to the roomy seat and legs that put it at a proper height so you don’t feel like you’re doing deep squats getting in and out of it. Even better? It’s available in MultiCam for those long deployments.

Floor to the top of the back, it’s 44″ tall and 31″ wide, with the seat 16″ off the ground. There’s beverage holder and a spot for a pillow.

The Savannah will accept up to 320 lbs but weighs just 4 lbs, 3 oz and packs up into a 6″ high and 21″ long bag for storage.

helinox.com/products/savanna-chair

Oakley DRT5 Bike Helmet

May 28th, 2020

I know some of you guys ride bikes. What some of you may not know is that Oakley got its start in the Motocross world, with eyepro coming later, after some really sick rubber handlebar grips back in the late 70s. By the 80s, these grips had found their way into the BMX world, along with the O-frame goggle.

For the past few years, Oakley has been manufacturing helmets for various sports, and their return to their biking roots is most welcome.

If you’re a bike rider, check out the DRT5. It was engineered, designed, and validated by mountain bikers, including a close collaboration with 3x World Champion Downhill racer Greg Minnaar.

Features:
-EYEWEAR DOCK: Integrated eyewear dock to securely stow your shades and keep them handy for quick and easy access.
-BOA® 360 FIT SYSTEM: With its soft textile feel and flexibility, the TX1 Lace lies flat against your head, allowing for seamless eyewear compatibility.
-X-STATIC® BROW PADDING: X-Static® harnesses the power of silver to create a powerful technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria on fabric, eliminating odor for the life of the product. Also ships with secondary set of pads.
-MIPS® INTEGRATION: The MIPS® Brain Protection System is a helmet integrated, low friction layer designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain during an impact.
-CPSC 1203, EN1078 and ANZ2063 Certifications

Offered in sizes Small, Medium and Large, in colors Blackout, Forged Iron and Black/Celeste.

Available via Oakley SI.

STI Firearms, LLC Announces Company Name Change to Staccato

May 28th, 2020

Building on the success of the Staccato line of pistols, STI rebrands company name


Georgetown, TX: STI Firearms, LLC, inventors of the 2011® – The World’s Best Shooting Handgun, announced today that the company will begin operating as Staccato, effective immediately. The Staccato brand was introduced to the market in 2019 as the company’s new brand for duty and personal defense-oriented pistols. Incredibly well received by consumers and professionals alike, the Staccato brand reflects the company’s vision for the future.

“We are honored that thousands of law enforcement officers across the country trust and carry our Staccato pistols both on and off-duty – these brave men and women put their lives in danger on a daily basis, protecting our freedoms,” said Marine Corps veteran Nate Horvath, CEO, Staccato. “Because Staccato pistols are duty proven, reliable, durable, and easy to shoot well, they are a great choice for shooters of all skill levels. Whether your needs are duty, home defense, CCW, or just hitting the target every time at the range, our pistols will increase your confidence and help you improve.”

The company’s ownership and staff have not changed.

TacJobs – SIG Seeks Industrial Designer

May 28th, 2020

SIG SAUER® world renowned firearms are the weapons of choice for many of the premier global military, law enforcement and commercial users. In our world-class facilities, we build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, suppressors, optics, ammunition, and air guns, while offering the finest firearms training — all as a fully integrated system. We do this because we share the same drive to be the best, the same love of freedom, the same unwillingness to compromise — as those who choose SIG.

The tremendous growth of SIG SAUER has fueled outstanding opportunities for experienced professionals to join our team.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

*Conceptualization and development of specific product lines from inception to production.

*Explore and develop designs through sketches, renderings, CAD models, prototypes and communication with manufacturers

*Help shape design direction for assigned projects that reinforce brand values and advance product performance

*Solely execute design projects from inception to volition, report progress to team leads.

*Research future trends in color, finishing, design, technology, materials and identify those of applicability to the projects

*Work closely with Engineering, Marketing, and Management team to ensure proper interpretation and execution of design intent

*Collaborate with cross functional teams and suppliers to ensure successful, on-time commercialization of industry leading product

*Participate in consumer research to buttress product specifications.

*Team with Innovation group to provide ID support for long term R&D efforts

Education and/or Experience:

*Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, or similar discipline, from an accredited University and minimum 5 years professional design experience in product development; OR equivalent combination of education and experience

*Proven track record of producing successful/commercialized designs in multiple disciplines including; Injection molding, MIM, CNC machining, sheet metal and advanced coating technologies

*Exhibit an intimate understanding of and aptitude for mechanisms – with sensitivity towards their manufacture

*Advanced proficiency with surface modelling (native) in SolidWorks

*Experienced user of 2D design software (Adobe illustrator, Photoshop, Keyshot etc.) and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint)

*Portfolio that demonstrate strong sketching skills, successful design process and ability to create proven design solutions

*Excellent verbal and visual communication, interpersonal, and team skills

*Attention to details, excellent research and problem-solving skills

*Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines with great time management skills

*Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and exploration

*Avid firearms & outdoor enthusiast a plus, but not necessary

Working Conditions:

*Able to lift up to 25 pounds

*Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is required in designated areas.

Apply at sigsauer.csod.com.

SIG SAUER, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Matador – SEG42 One Bag Travel Pack

May 28th, 2020

The new SEG42 One Bag Travel Pack from Matador sports a minimalist design for the traveler who wants to pack it all in a single 42 liter bag, with ease of carry while enroute.

Half duffle and half daypack, the clamshell flap of this panel loader incorporates three zippered pockets for quick access.

In addition to the haul loops on the top, bottom and side, there are stashable shoulder straps and an external-access padded laptop sleeve.

matadorup.com/products/seg42-travel-pack

Update: we received this note on the design.

SSD Staff,

Saw that you’ve got a brief write up on the Seg42, thanks for the feature. Wanted to reach out with a bit more info on the design concept.

Some folks on the team had been using packing cubes on their travels and loved the organization benefits, but found them somewhat of a hassle to use in confined spaces(planes, busses, cars etc). We set out to design a pack that provided the same level or organization as packing cubes, but with more direct access to the contents of the bag.

The idea is that the 5 hangdown “Seg” pockets are the main compartments and the big clamshell pocket is overflow storage for large bulky items or dirty clothes. The 5 pockets have a volume that totals 42 liters, and the large clamshell pocket also has a volume that totals 42 liters, so the user can pack as they see fit to fill out the bag.

We also included the internal parallel zip divider to stow away the hangdown seg pockets. This configuration doesn’t allow the user to trade off volume between compartments, but it provides one large compartment and 7 additional externally accessed pockets for organization. It’s a good solution for a user who has mostly large and bulky items to pack.

We designed it as a one-bag-travel pack but the pocket configuration makes it super versatile. I use it for car camping a lot and also as a range bag when I go shooting. If you’ve got any questions about features, materials or design philosophy don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sam Goodhue

Softgoods Design @ Matador