Once again, we’ve traveled by planes, trains and automobiles to Nürnburg, Germany to cover the IWA Outdoor Classics. Please enjoy our coverage.
2017 IWA Outdoor Classics
March 3rd, 2017FirstSpear Friday Focus – Frog AAC Kit
March 3rd, 2017This week, we’re going to check out the Frog AAC Kit, which I had the chance to check out during this week’s Enforce Tac at the Messe, in Nürnburg, Germany. The Frog kit adapts the Assaulter Armor Carrier for use in a maritime environment.
Standard in the kit are FS Bouyancy Compensators, Adaptive Cummerbund Flotation Elements and a 2″ belly band to secure the front and back panels to the user without having to wear a full cummerbund.
The adaptive cummerbund uses the AAC instant adjust back panel. 6/12 modular sections on the left and right of the front carrier panel allow the user to install the modular pockets of their choice and at the height they need for increased comfort and mobility.
There is also a rebreather harness kit which allows the rebreather to be attached directly to the AAC and easily ditched once free of the surf zone.
The AAC Frog kit is for Governmemt use only and is already being fielded by a customer. Contact www.first-spear.com for additional information.
Enforce Tac – TILO-3 Headlamp and Thermal Goggle by Andres Industries AG
March 3rd, 2017At every show I attend, I run across a product that not only surprises me, but also impresses me. For this year’s Enforce Tac, that product is the TILO-3 Headlamp and Thermal Goggle. This simple, compact device is a IR camera along with head mounted light. To turn this 100g (3.5 oz) camera on, you simply open the front lens cover and it activates. Turn it around the other direction and the white, red and IR lights are controlled via push buttons with multiple functions including SOS and 10 step functions. The Mil/LE version also offers a programming option for the lights which peak at 160 lumens.
The TILO-3 is offered in three variants, a Military/LE version, “Fire Brigade” version for Rescue use, and a Civilian version. The Mil/LE and Civy models will be available in June, while the version for Rescue units is planned for August. Because it’s IR, it can be used during both day and night. The camera is 12 micron with 60 Hz refresh rate for the government models but only 24 Hz for the civilian version. Output selections include white hot, black hot, booster, search, rainbow and false colors, with the field of view listed as 24″ horizontal by 19″ vertical. The device is powered by a CR-123A battery and offers 24 hours with just light use and 2.4 hours for the Mil/LE version and 3 hours for the Rescue and civy models in IR camera mode. The chassis is high impact Polyamid with nanotube reinforcement on the Mil/LE and Rescue models but the Civy version doesn’t have the nanotube reinforcement. The two government versions are IP 68 water resistant while the Civy model is IP 65 although they all incorporate rubber boots around the switches. Shock resistance is MIL STD 810F 516 IV.
The mount affixes to the front lip of the helmet and can be swung out of the way when you require both eyes. There is also a shroud adapter along with Go Pro headbands for low profile use. This photo is of a chassis mockup used for display with a helmet, that is why the prism is clear. Below, is a shot I took of the screen. When it is close to your eye, the screen size appears much larger thanks to the prism eye piece. In actuality, screen resolution is 1746×960 for monochrome and 873×500 for color. The prism is saphire glass on the two government models and plastic for the civilian one.
The TILO-3 is offered in OD for the Mil/LE version, Black for the Civy version, and Red for the Rescue model.
Andres Industries is seeking resellers both in the US and internationally to handle the TILO-3 in their market.
Direct Action Updates Us On Their IWA Plans
March 3rd, 2017This year’s IWA in Nuremberg is a great oportunity for Direct Action®. Not only will we be showing our new products, but also the path we are taking with our future designs.
During 2016 we were able to tighten the cooperation of our R&D team with one of the most elite SF units in the world. In response to their needs, we were able to develop a whole range of gear designed for use in field / combat operations including:
• TYPHOON chest rig – a lightweight, fully modular platform that combines a classic chest rig design with the option of a front ballistic plates
• WARHAWK rescue/gun belt – a 45mm wide belt with a Cobra® buckle
• Utility and Ammo Pouches for magazine or belt-fed small arms in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibre
Every piece of these systems was designed to meet the requirements of woodland operations, where you need to not only have fast and quiet access to your essential items, but also to protect them from dust, mud and grit.
Two noteworthy projects that we are showing at IWA are prototypes of Low-Profile and Slick sets designed specifically for urban operations.
Our Low-Profile set includes a lightweight, smooth plate carrier and pouch set designed to be worn under your outer clothing. We wanted this set to be as unobtrusive as possible, thats why we decided to use black and grey colors, a minimalistic cut and a minimum of Velcro.
A similar, but more combat-oriented set, is our Slick system. The work-horse of the system is a streamlined Plate Carrier with mounting points for any of our chest rigs. The second item in the Slick system is a new type of belt sleeve with elastic pouches sewn directly onto it. All of these items were designed for vehical-borne operations and/or for operations in extremely close quarters like buses or trains, where your gear needs to be as compact and streamlined as possible.
Here at Direct Action, the philosophy of gear as a system has always the keystone to our projects. In that spirit we continue to develop components for our flagship SPITFIRE Plate Carrier. At IWA we will be unveiling such much anticipated additions to the SPITFIRE system as MOLLE and Comms wings, Side Plate Mounts and our Assault Panel. We will also be showing prototypes of a peripheral ballistic system for SPITFIRE, both in our own cut and one designed to fit the popular BALCS soft ballistic inserts. As a result, our SPITFIRE Plate Carrier is one of the most scalable Plate Carriers on the market.
Most of these new items will become available in our online store during IWA, the rest will roll out in the following weeks.
IWA – UR Tactical Showcases New PenCott-MetroPolis Camouflage Pattern At IWA
March 3rd, 2017
Hong Kong based tactical gear and clothing one-stop-shop UR Tactical will among the first global retailers to showcase the new MetroPolis® camouflage pattern from Hyde Definition®.
The MetroPolis® pattern was created by Dom Hyde based on the well-proven and widely-used PenCott® pattern. MetroPolis® is specifically optimized for industrial / built-up environments, and low-light / night operations.
The unique color palette of MetroPolis® was derived from an extensive analysis of scientific research by NATO and the US military forces. Hyde also took direct input from elite military and police special operations professionals with recent operational experience in built-up areas.
MetroPolis® incorporates all of the features that make the PenCott® patterns the most advanced and effective concealment solutions on the market today, and joins the existing family of GreenZone®, BadLands®, SnowDrift®, and SandStorm®.
UR Tactical will be featuring samples of their OPS Series “Stealth Warrior Pants” and “Integrated Battle Shirt 2.0” in the MetroPolis® camouflage pattern at their IWA booth – Hall 9, stand #133.
Integrated Battle Shirt 2.0
Features include:
Stealth Warrior Pants
Features include:
Further information about the full range of UR Tactical’s products and color / camouflage options can be found at www.ur-tactical.com. UR Tactical can also be found on Facebook and Instagram at: www.facebook.com/urtactical and www.instagram.com/urtactical
Further information about the PenCott® family of camouflage patterns can be found at www.pencottcamo.com, and on Facebook and Instagram at: www.facebook.com/Pencottcamouflage and www.instagram.com/pencottcamo
Check Out Helikon-Tex at IWA
March 3rd, 2017Consumer demands and market requirements are always changing at a tremendous speed. To stay ahead, you need to constantly monitor trends, and get ahead of them – or as they say, “make dust, or eat it”. That’s why this year we doing things a little bit differently than in previous years.
Particularly noteworthy is the development of our Range Line. We wanted all shooters, both competitive and tactical, to find a full range of complimentary products in one place. We’ve started with specially-designed, functionally-oriented, performance clothing and continuing with highly-specialized gear. We are especially proud of our “battle horses”, the Training Mini Rig® and the Backblast Mat®. All products in the Range Line are designed and tested by the firearms and tactical professionals with whom we work.
We’ve also continued to create new projects in our core Urban Line, where we focus on solutions with the common denominator of Low Profile. This year we are introducing two new perfect examples of this plan – the Greyman Tactical Pants® and the Bail Out Bag®.
A few years ago we created the Outback and Bushcraft Lines. These were both met with an extremely positive reception by end-users – and we continue to develop these lines directed primarily at the needs of outdoor and survival fans.
Although we’ve made a name for ourselves with our unique in-house designs, we also work with the best in the industry in order to bring you the best products we can. For example, this year we are particularly proud of our close cooperation with Hyde Definition® over the past couple of years. Working closely together with Polish Special Forces, we have created a new camouflage pattern called WildWood® as an addition to the PenCott® camouflage family.
See us at IWA in Hall 9, Stand #222 – and stay tuned for more!
Hodge 12.5″ Uppers?
March 3rd, 2017
He never ceases to surprise me. I just saw Hodge last weekend and he never mentioned it.
Crimson Trace Upgrades Iconic 1911
March 3rd, 2017(Wilsonville, OR)—The Master SeriesTM Lasergrips® laser sights by Crimson Trace are designed to be an upgrade to one of America’s most popular firearms—the iconic 1911 semi-auto pistol. Master Series laser sights are available in a wide range of designs, with a variety of woods or colors in durable G10 composite, and with brilliant red or green laser sights. The Wilsonville, Oregon-based manufacturer now offers more than a dozen options for Master Series Lasergrips with green laser diodes. Crimson Trace products deliver features that consumers prefer, including (depending on model):
*Available in Rosewood, Walnut, Cocobolo Diamond, G10 Black, G10 Green, G10 Gray, and Black*Available in full and compact sizes, as well as round heel and other designs
* Available in red and green laser sight models
*Simple to install and compatible with ambidextrous safeties
*Ability to fit existing 1911 holster
*Instinctive Activation™ firearm laser activation technology, a feature designed to activate the laser when the firearm is held in a normal firing grip–and when the user is ready to fire. No other product in the laser sight industry offers this capability.
*A master on/off switch that pairs with windage and elevation adjustments
*Green diode Master Series Lasergrips come packaged with adjustment wrench
*Operating batteries included
*Covered under Crimson Trace’s Free Batteries for Life program
Lasergrips are easy to install and require no gunsmithing skills. Simply remove the original grip panels from the unloaded firearm and install the included dust cover and Lasergrips. (Reminder: Always follow firearms safety guidelines and be certain the firearm is unloaded).
More details on Crimson Trace’s Master Series Lasergrips and the company’s other 260-plus laser sighting and firearm lighting products can be found at www.crimsontrace.com. Customers can also speak directly with a company representative at 800-442-2406.
Crimson Trace is widely recognized as the world’s leader in establishing laser sights as standard equipment on firearms.
