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Cockpit USA – 10th Mountain Collection

February 1st, 2016

At last month’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market I met with the team from Cockpit USA. They’ve been making authentic replicas of classic flight and military clothing for decades. Their latest project is to resurrect several garments used by the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division during World War Two.

In the years leading up to World War II, the United States Army recognized the need for specially trained, highly adaptable mountain and cold-climate units. The challenges of mountain warfare were extreme, higher altitudes; rapidly changing weather conditions, and the demand for technical skills such as climbing, and skiing all had to be addressed. These mountain troopers had to be highly conditioned, resilient individuals with a specialized skill set, and equipped to survive the harshest of environments. With this in mind the US Army developed its Military Layering Principles. This concept of layering functional compatibly designed garments in an effort to preserve warmth and ensure protection from the elements.

The Cockpit USA Fall 2016 collection features the original officially sanctioned layered all season clothing styles. Fall 2016 line, features pieces with removable liners, as well as detachable fur collars, and hoods, along with full cold weather parka¹s and lighter weight reversible layering pieces.

The collection focuses on being able to face nature’s elements. From the warmest fur hooded arctic parka, down to lightweight waxed cotton shell, snow, wind, rain, and comfort was considered during every step of the development of this capsule.

www.cockpitusa.com

Tags: Cockpit USA
Posted in Clothing, History | 1 Comment »

Revision Counterfeit Eyepro Sting

February 1st, 2016

ARREST MADE IN REVISION-AIDED STING OPERATION AGAINST CHINESE COUNTERFEIT BALLISTIC EYEWEAR

Denver, Colorado (February 1, 2016) – Revision Military, a world leader in integrated, purpose-built soldier solutions, aided a sting operation to arrest owners and representatives of a Chinese company illegally manufacturing and selling counterfeit eyewear. Revision worked in conjunction with the Dearborn and Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office in Indiana to execute this action. The operation was carried out on January 28th at the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Snow Show in Denver, Colorado. Guangzhou Botai Optical Visor Co., Ltd. (“Guangzhou Botai”) U.S. representative and part owner, Gong Peiwen, also known as Daniel Gong, was arrested on the showroom floor. Arrest warrants have also been issued for brothers Jiang Xingde and Jiang Xinglin, co-owners of Guangzhou Botai, and Ding Xiaoxia, also known as Crystal Ding, Sales Associate for Guangzhou Botai, which is based in Guangzhou, China. The four are facing six felony charges: counterfeiting, theft, corrupt business practices, conspiracy to commit counterfeiting, conspiracy to commit theft, and conspiracy to commit corrupt business practices. These charges are being brought in Indiana.

Guangzhou Botai has been producing unauthorized counterfeit versions of Revision Military’s Desert Locust™ goggle. Additionally, these fake products have been distributed under the pretense of providing military-grade ballistic protection which presents a hazard to the safety of users expecting the high level eye protection of authentic Revision products. After extensive investigation of the company and testing of the counterfeit products it produces, conclusions showed none of the established industry standards for optical or ballistic quality were met by these unauthorized product knockoffs.

“We were alarmed to learn of these counterfeit products,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision Military, “our customers expect only the best quality and performance from our products. We take pride in exceeding the highest specifications for optics and ballistic impact protection and have invested huge amounts of money to create the best possible protective products. We have built our name and reputation on exceeding standards and will not tolerate inferior, non-authorized knockoff products in the marketplace.”

Mr. Blanshay reiterated that, when it comes to customers being victimized by inferior forgeries, Revision has a zero tolerance approach, stating, “the Revision brand signifies integrity and elite performance. Fraudulent products undermine our core mission to protect the troops who protect all of us. We are taking this matter very seriously and will do everything in our power to ensure that any individuals or corporate entities involved in an illicit enterprise that threatens Revision’s customers and the Revision reputation are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Our mission is to provide the very best protection to soldiers and we will fight to prevent any undermining of that promise to global warfighters.”

Revision Military maintains all intellectual property rights on all Revision products – rights that are total and international. This includes the distinctive Desert Locust goggle, Revision’s flagship goggle line first launched in 2006 that has proven immensely popular and highly regarded for its superior ballistic protection, craft, and comfort. Revision’s products are designed, manufactured, and tested in-house at state-of-the-art, certified facilities. All of Revision’s protective eyewear has consistently and unequivocally exceeded global military-grade testing requirements and has been proven in action around the world.

Tags: Revision Military
Posted in Caveat Emptor, Eyepro, Press Release | 19 Comments »

Post SHOT Show Wrapup – Eagle Industries

February 1st, 2016

Eagle Industries had an impressive showing of packs and load carrying gear at this year’s SHOT Show, including their entry to SOCOM’s Jungle Ruck program and a new line of Hypalon pouches.

Maritime Load Carrying Pouch Suite

At their booth, Eagle had their upcoming Maritime Load Carrying Pouch Suite on display. The various pouches are made of 520 4-way stretch material and Hypalon. Pouches, such as horizontal and vertical 9x3x5 Utility Pouches, radio pouches, a low-profile admin pouch, and magazine pouches were shown.

Taking a look at the mag and radio pouches, you’ll notice they have elastic retention and quick-detach buckles, as well as a roll top around the pouch opening; this later feature is intended to provide easier insertion of magazines.

Turtle Assault Pack

The Turtle is a low-profile assault pack, constructed of 500D Cordura nylon. It features an expanding main compartment which will accommodate a hydration bladder, ballistic helmet, or similar sized items. Two expanding external pockets accommodate up to 1 L Nalgene bottles. Additionally, the Turtle can be worn alone, or connected to other Eagle carriers using adapter systems.

Modular Assault Pack

The Modular Assault Pack is constructed of 500D Cordura nylon. The main compartment features an internal zipper and mesh hydration pocket. The included beavertail features a utility pocket, for accommodating a ballistic helmet w/ NVDs or other items needing quick access. Two external side pockets provide additional storage, and the pack has three hydration tube/antenna ports at top left, center, and right sides. The Modular Assault Pack also comes with a fully adjustable and removable MOLLE War Belt, and can be worn standalone or attached to other Eagle carriers using adapter systems.

Jungle Ruck

This was Eagle’s entry into SOCOM’s Jungle Ruck Sack program, with 2600 cu in. of storage, yet weighing only ~4 lbs (3.98 lbs) unloaded. It features a removable top, and a clam shell rear opening, which allows entry into the main compartment.

The Jungle Ruck comes with a removable Beaver Tail, as well as a radio cradle, comms porting, and Hypalon routing on the shoulder straps. The hydration compartment is accessible through the main compartment or the side of the pack, which also provides direct access to the pack frame. Additional features include a padded reinforced hip belt, padded spacer mesh on the back and shoulder straps, and side compression straps.

Assault Pack V2

The Assault Pack V2 features a 3200 cu in. capacity, with a removable 600 cu in. top lid. The main compartment features internal mesh pockets, as well as hydration and radio pockets, with comms and hydration passthrough.

The Assault Pack comes with side stowage sleeves, as well as Nalgene bottle pockets. Additionally, the frame suspension system on the Assault Pack V2 is fully adjustable.

Operator Gun Belt, Version 2

The Operator Gun Belt now features a COBRA buckle, rated at 2000 lb tensile strength. The belt itself is constructed of 1.75″ webbing, with a polyethylene stiffener for durability, and is duty back compatible with 1.5″ loop throughout the inside of the belt.

www.eagleindustries.com

Tags: Eagle Industries
Posted in Packs | 15 Comments »

UPDATE – Barrier Wear Manufactured Issue Cold Weather Clothing In Mexico – Broke Law

February 1st, 2016

According to a story in the Arizona Republic, in 2009, Barrier Wear, subcontractor to ADS Inc for military issue cold weather clothing systems like ECWCS Gen III, manufactured cold weather trousers in a factory in Mexico, yet passed them off as Berry Compliant, in violation of federal law. Their actions were unknown by ADS. In fact, Barrier Wear created a ruse to fool ADS inspectors when they visited the US facility by adding machinery and workers. Barrier Wear also falsified reports to ADS and the Army.

The violations were first noted in 2009 when inspectors at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales noticed the country-of-origin labels on the trousers were not permanently affixed. Instead, the ‘Assembled in Mexico of U.S. components’ labels could easily be removed, which was accomplished at night in Barrier Wear’s factory in Nogales, Arizona. Investigation eventually revealed that about 320,000 trousers supplied by Barrier Wear were made in Mexico. All told, the company made $48,000,000 in the deal.

In December, 2016, Barrier Wear owners Paul Grillo and Raymond Lawson pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing a federal auditor. Although the maximum penalty for this violation is a $250,000 fine, five years in prison and three years of supervised release, in their plea deal, Grillo and Lawson agreed to pay a $2.1 million fine and serve probation. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7.

UPDATE : Barrier Wear is currently not debarred from doing business with the government but does appear in the database when you do a query for their company name. They have no active exclusions.

Tags: Barrier Wear
Posted in Contracts | 10 Comments »

S&S Precision Maker Monday – Maritime Kit

February 1st, 2016

For this week’s Maker Monday, we’re running a piece by S&S Precision on their recommended Maritime Kit based on their product line.

We often hear, “What should I include in my maritime kit?” Here’s an overview of what we recommend for maritime or other potentially hazardous high moisture environments.

PlateFrame

The PlateFrame is a rigid minimalistic plate carrier unlike any other on the market. Designed to be strong and light weight, the PlateFrame is deceptively modular and scalable to meet operational requirements. (Patents Pending)

Non-hygroscopic

Mission adaptable

PALS/Webbing compatible

Custom molded to any ballistic plate

Custom text/logo cutouts available

Weight: 1 lb 6 oz

Release System

This intuitive design is a single pull release from any direction with the user’s dominant or non-dominant hand detaching the shoulder strap and cummerbund in an instant. The PlateFrame Release System is retrofitted to any S&S Precision PlateFrame and can be installed on the left and/or right hand side depending on user preference.

Injection molded shoulder and cummerbund buckles

Low Profile Pull handle

Stainless steel swage balls and coated cable

Simple cable management sleeve

Closed Cell Floatation

The closed cell floatation system is made from closed cell foam and serves to counter the weight of a ballistic plate for neutral buoyancy. The floatation system is capable of neutralizing up to 5 lbs per plate, 10 lbs per set.

Cummerbund Adapter

The Cummerbund Adapter is a modular attachment platform for use with S&S Precision’s minimalist PlateFrame. Designed for reinforced strength and modularity, it attaches via simple buckles for reliability.
The cummerbund’s inner webbing provides additional space for PALS/Webbing accessories. Finally, it’s made from a water resistant material for use in maritime or other high moisture environments.

Additional Cummerbund Adapters available: Cummerbund Adapter with Flap, & Cummerbund Adapter with Flap and Radio
Pouch

Magazine Pouches

3 Mag with Bungee, 3 Mag with Flap, Dump Pouch, SMR, ELOS 5.56

Non-hygroscopic materials

Drain holes

MOLLE/PALS or GRT adaptable

ELOS 5.56

The ELOS 5.56, is a flexible magazine holder providing maximum magazine retention. The ELOS is manufactured from an injection molded elastomer to provide excellent tear resistance, noise reduction, and the ability to withstand severe impact forces preventing cracking or crushing through a wide range of temperatures and environments. Additional pistol and rifle caliber will be available in the future. (Patents Pending)

Flexible injection molded elastomer

Tear, crack, and weather resistant

Reduces noise

GRT adaptable

Modular design allows for multiple configurations

Stackable design

Non-Hygroscopic

Includes drain holes, drain hole plug coming soon

Weight: 2.91 oz

LiftR Series Modular Floatation

The LiftR-40 is intended to be used in surface and subsurface operations. The LiftR-40 is attached to existing combat equipment by slipping it on and over the shoulder straps and cummerbund of the operator’s plate carrier. The LiftR-40 is self-packing and modular to fit most brand’s plate carriers. The LiftR-40 provides the appropriate amount of lift necessary to bring a diver/swimmer to the surface and float them in a face up orientation. The Depth/Lift Requirements are assuming the operator is wearing a full operational equipment load.

The LiftR Series Modular Floatation can be worn with or without armor using one of the two attachment systems below. The Stand Alone Harness is used when armor is not needed but floatation is critical. The Rebreather Attachment System allows the operator to easily connect rebreather systems to the S&S Precision PlateFrame and LiftR.

www.sandsprecision.com

Tags: S&S Precision
Posted in Load Carrying | 10 Comments »

Post SHOT Show Wrapup – Magpul D60 Pouch

February 1st, 2016

I know we posted this during SHOT Show but I just had someone ask me about pouches for the Magpul D60. I haven’t seen any aftermarket pouches come out yet, but Magpul has one on the way that uses Tactical Tailor’s MALICE clips for PALS compatibility.