XC3 Weaponlight

The Baby Andrew Fund

June 23rd, 2014

SBT LOGO baby andrew

Michael Wratten, President of Shellback Tactical, has informed us that his nephew Andrew Wilson Wratten has been diagnosed with Neuroplastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Currently, there is a crowdfunding effort on GiveForward as well as a Donation Account set up at the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union at the request of the Blue Ribbon Trust. You can donate to either organization through the links below. The SSD family sends their support to Andrew Wratten and we look forward to his speedy recovery.

www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/cdw4/the-baby-andrew-fund?utm_source=giveforward&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=dashboard&shareid=2381111

www.lapfcu.org/home/community/donation_wratten

London Bridge Trading Company Combatives Kit Attracts Strong Interest From Military Training Professionals

June 23rd, 2014

High Gear Suit

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (June 23, 2014) As military operations overseas have drawn down over the past several years, the focus on adequately battle-training our nation’s warfighters has increased. To provide the best possible training environment, the United States Armed Services have elevated combative training to an unprecedented level in training programs across all branches.

London Bridge Trading Company (LBT) manufacturers the highest quality combative equipment designed specifically for the modern warfighter and peacekeeper. LBT provides U.S. manufactured one-stop solutions for both the High Gear and Special Operations Combative Program (SOCP) lines of combative equipment.

Designed for hand-to-hand scenario training, each suit contains innovative fabric technology for high performance shock absorption and impact protection. All LBT combatives equipment is 100% made in the United States and is Berry Amendment compliant.

In response to the need for new training capabilities, the U.S. Army’s 18th Airborne Corps has upgraded and redesigned their training facility and instructor qualification processes at Fort Bragg, NC. In addition, they have recently acquired cutting-edge combative kits for their training base that are built and provided exclusively by LBT. Instructor equipment has also continued to be acquired from LBT for each component. As the facility continues to be upgraded, the Army has indicated its intention to continue working with LBT to provide training-appropriate combative equipment.

The 18th Airborne Corps training program is extremely rigorous and calls for many rotations of both trainees and instructors using combative gear for extended periods of time. When making the decision to provide the correct equipment, the U.S. Army turned to LBT for a safe, modern and Berry-compliant combatives kit that meets all of their training needs. LBT will continue to partner with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Special Operations Command to equip our service members with the most effective combatives training equipment available.

LBT designs and manufactures tactical nylon equipment for military forces, law enforcement, government agencies, and other organizations worldwide. In addition to combative solutions, LBT also manufactures backpacks, bags, body armor, vests, water/airtight systems, pouches, accessories, and medical equipment.

All LBT products are made in the United States and are designed with top quality materials and strict manufacturing standards that ensure the most durable and reliable equipment available to today’s military and first responders. Founded in 1985, LBT is headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA. For more information, please visit www.lbtinc.com.

Salomon – Speedcross LTR LTD

June 23rd, 2014

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During his recent trip to France, SSD’s editor picked up a pair of these Salomon Speedcross LTR LTDs. Part of a limited edition run, the Speedcross LTR is a full grain leather version of the Speedcross 3 trail running shoe. Fearing a traditional lacing system in lieu of Solomon’s Quicklace system, the LTR comes with an abrasion resistant lining that allows for breathability and quick drying, a leather footbed, protective leather foot cap, and protective mud guard material all around the base of the shoe.

No word yet on a release Stateside, but they can be found online if you’re looking for a pair.

www.salomon.com/others/product/speedcross-ltr-ltd

Tactical Tentacle – M-1 Shotshell Magnetic Utility Case

June 23rd, 2014

m1_mag_utility_case

Tactical Tentacle is a new business venture by award-winning artist Echo Chernik. The first product under the Tac-Ten label is the M-1 Shotshell Magnetic Utility Case. Made from a military green 12 gauge shotshell, the M-1 is approximately 3″ long and 3/4″ in diameter, capable of holding an object 2-5/8″ long. The lid is held by a neodymium magnet with an adjustable fit. The M-1 is completely accessible by using one hand, great for storing items such as money, earplugs, matches, trail markers, and more. The M-1 features a 36″ segment of 550 Paracord with a cord stop and antiqued brass clip.

Tactical Tentacle

Made in the USA.

tactical-tentacle.com

Sneak Peek – DynAmis Belt

June 23rd, 2014

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When I spoke with former SEAL Dom Raso, he showed me his new DynAmis Belt named for his company Dynamis Alliance. As you can see in the photo above it’s a low profile, buckle-less web belt. While it will keep your pants up, it pulls double duty as a self defense item thanks to the mesh spare change pocket in the front opening.

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Coming soon from www.dynamisalliance.com/gear

What Do You Do With Billions Of Dollars Worth of UCP TA-50? Why You Dye It, Of Course

June 23rd, 2014

When the Army began its quest to identify a new camouflage pattern several years ago it also realized that it was going to have to do something with the several Billion Dollars worth of Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment in the Universal Camouflage Pattern, already in its inventory. By PM SPIE, COL Robert Mortlock’s own assertion, the Army plans on an eight year period to fully transition from the current patterns to the new one. That UCP gear is going to be with some units, particularly TDA-based, for years to come.

Last week, the Army issued a Sources Sought Notice to industry on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment (PM-SPIE), Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier seeking a Overdying Process for Fabrics and Other Items.

OVERDYE

This isn’t the first time we’ve written about this and it isn’t the first time PEO Soldier has looked into the solution. Just last Fall they issued a similar Sources Sought but cancelled it in late November. To me, what the reissue of this notice signals is that the Army is finally moving forward with a transition plan. Although, they are stumbling through a couple of issues right now that should have been anticipated before the leadership selected a course of action.

In particular, they are seeking:

Project (sic) Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment (PM-SPIE), Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 is seeking information from potential industry partners who can provide a technology/process solution to modify the camouflage pattern utilized in the manufacture of current individual Soldier equipment. This development effort is aimed at over-dyeing fabric and/or end items comprised of nylon (500/1000 denier), cotton, FR rayon, and para-aramid of various fabric constructions. Specific items include but are not limited to Modular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment (MOLLE) and Improved Outer Tactical Vests (IOTV). Items requiring an over-dye process may have been treated with water repellants such as DWR, polyurethane, as well as flame resistant treatments, and may be comprised of fabrics of various fiber types and fabric constructions. The objective of this process is to over-dye the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) to create a darker color that more closely matches the shade/color of coyote brown. Of particular interest are portable technologies that can be utilized outside of the manufacturing environment.

I was told long ago that a solution had been identified, but it’s always good to see if industry has come up with anything new. Also, did you notice that they are interested in a solution that closely resembles Coyote Brown? The big challenge here is getting everything dyed to a common shade. With different wear and substrates, dying is as much art as science. As it is, getting the same production run or the same material, dyed to the same shade is a challenge because Cordura, webbing, NYCO, FR rayon, and para-aramid all absorb dyes differently and the concentration of dye is as much an issue as the wear to the fabric’s fibers. And that’s not to mention previous treatments which may also affect the absorption of dye. Consequently, the kit may end up looking like various shades of this:

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The Feed

June 23rd, 2014

The Feed

The Feed is a Boulder-based subscription service that provides fitness foods and snacks in a monthly package. They offer a starter Pro Box, which includes a balance of nutrition, hydration, and recovery products. Customers also have the option to completely customize their own box from over 700 products available on the site.

thefeed.com

The RE Factor Chemlight Pocket

June 22nd, 2014

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Designed to be attached directly to a Velcro equipped bicep pocket, the Chemlight Pocket from RE Factor, places up to 4 chemlights right at your fingertips in a discrete location. The design does not drastically alter the appearance of your uniform as you can see in the photos and attaches directly to the Velcro on your pocket.

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Be aware that the dimensions are optimized for the Crye Precision combat shirt pocket (5.25″ x 5.50″). Made in USA! Offered in Black, Ranger Green, Tan and MultiCam, it will match virtually any uniform you are wearing.

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www.refactortactical.com/chemlight-pocket