Danner Reckoning GTX

Some Studio Shots of the New Arc’teryx Footwear

June 18th, 2014

I wanted to give you a couple of candid photos of the new Arc’teryx during my launch coverage last week of this new line of technical performance footwear. After all, what’s the point of flying all the way to France for a product launch and then only sharing studio product photos? I could have done that from my couch here in the States. But now, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of those Arc’teryx studio shots with you.

Models
Essentially there are two basic types (Alpha = Low cut and Bora = Mid cut) made into eight shoe models with five for men and three for women. These are ‘Arc’teryx Adaptive Fit’ (pronounced A squared) model is the top of the range combining a stretchable liner and single-piece, seamless laminated outer shell that are manufactured separately but worn together for improved comfort, climate management and durability. There are also Gore-tex models of both the Alpha and Bora as well a mesh variant of the Alpha approach shoe.

Arcteryx_Alpha-2-FL_Image_with liners _websize

(Arc’teryx Alpha FL with liners)

Arcteryx Bora Mid with liners

(Arc’teryx Bora Mid with liners)

Here are some additional photos:

I also wanted to give you a peek of what the Alpha 2 FL looks like with the liner inserted and removed.

Colors and Styles

Full footwear lineup

This graphic shows all of the styles as well as colors and sizing.

Price
Finally, the price. I don’t normally talk pricing but so many have commented that they are worried about high cost due to the brand name that I felt it was imperative to share this once. These boots are very reasonably priced. All are MSRP: Alpha² SL $270, Alpha GTX $220, Alpha FL $190, Bora² $320, Bora GTX $270. Additionally, there is an insulated liner available at $95. Sure, they’re made in China, but that makes complete sense as these are a commercial product and not part of the LEAF line. Additionally, production in China leverages construction techniques and lower production costs. The Bora GTX is the best value in the bunch and I am sure you will see these on LEAF customers once they hit the street in Spring 2015.

World’s First Monster Silk Textile Created By Warwick Mills And Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Collaborative Effort

June 18th, 2014

Spider Silk Textile Development Breakthrough

LANSING, Mich., — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“Kraig”), the leading developer of advanced spider silk based fibers, announced today Warwick Mills (“Warwick”), a leader in the engineering and development of advanced technical textiles and protective materials, created the world’s first textile utilizing Kraig’s genetically engineered spider silk, Monster Silk™.

The first Monster Silk™ textiles are knitted gloves and the first photos are available at the following link: http://www.kraiglabs.com/spider-silk-textiles/. They are considered to be the first of many textiles that are to be created as part of the Company’s joint development agreement with Warwick.

“We have been working with various types of Monster Silk™,” stated Charles Howland, President of Warwick. “We find that all of these fibers are compatible with existing yarn processing and textile formation methods. As is expected, fiber consistency is not yet at fill production levels. However, for the current stage of maturity, these silk materials already have good levels of quality and consistency. We have been making jersey knit samples and will start weaving shortly. These small scale trials are key to helping identify, for Kraig Labs, areas for development for upcoming fiber production trials. We are reviewing textile properties of the samples with Kraig staff and exploring the most attractive applications for this fiber. Overall the trails are well underway and we are making good progress toward commercialization.”

“One of the biggest issues facing our Company was creating our first textile and the open question of whether genetically engineered spider silk could be successfully processed using existing textile formation methods,” said Company founder and CEO, Kim K. Thompson. “With this successful test, and the creation of the first Monster Silk™ knits, we have established that our genetically engineered spider silk works well with existing manufacturing methods. The creation of these knits is a huge milestone in our progress toward making genetically engineered spider silk available for industrial and consumer applications. The fact that these advanced materials process well on existing machinery will help speed up the development of advanced spider silk textiles.”

www.warwickmills.com

TacJobs – Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Seeks Vice President Of Global Sales

June 18th, 2014

Leupold & Stevens, the parent company of Leupold and Redfield brands, is currently seeking a Vice President of Global Sales.

The Vice President of Global Sales will be responsible for defining and executing Leupold and Stevens’ global sales strategy and business plan. They will lead the development of business relationships, identify sales opportunities and manage customer relationships in all global markets for Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

The position requires:

– A four-year degree in sales, marketing, business administration, or a related field.
– 10 years experience in progressively more responsible leadership roles within sales.
– The successful candidate must be an optics user.
– Preferably will have shooting/hunting industry experience.

The position will be based at Leupold & Stevens’ manufacturing campus just outside of Beaverton, Oregon, USA.

For more information, visit www.leupold.com and click on the careers button at the bottom of the home page.

Vertx Signs Former Army SGT. And UFC Welterwight Fighter, Neil Magny, To Pro Staff Team

June 17th, 2014

Cincinnati, OH 17 JUNE-2014 – Vertx® Apparel is proud to announce the newest UFC Welterweight fighter, former competitor of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson, and former Army Sgt., Neil Magny, to the Vertx Pro Staff team.

Ginger Rohlfs, Director of Marketing for Vertx® noted, “Neil is an all-around competitor both in and out of the ring. As a former Army Sergeant, Neil’s background and experience align perfectly with the Vertx® brand. We are excited to have Neil as a member of our Pro Staff and look forward to celebrating his successes.”

With a high school wrestling background, Magny decided to join the US Army immediately after graduation in 2006. While serving two tours as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Magny learned kickboxing and jiu jitsu from the California Guardsmen and his passion for fighting took hold. Upon returning home to the States in 2010, Neil joined the Illinois Combatives Team, Illinois National Guard and decided to pursue a career in professional MMA.

Two years later and after six consecutive wins defeating MMA competitors, Magny tried out for Season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson, landing himself a spot on Shane Carwin’s team. After the show ended, Magny was rewarded a UFC contract in 2013. Since his debut in the UFC, he has become well known for his relentless work ethic, reach advantage and his Army combative skills.

“Being able to partner with a tactical brand is something I would have never imagined. I was happy that a company like Vertx® is even around to provide such quality products. Before Vertx®, I was never able to find gear that I was truly 100% satisfied to fit my lifestyle….with its functionality, now I can,” said Magny. “To be selected as a brand ambassador for the company is amazing and a true honor. The product is great for former military, like myself, and an everyday Joe who appreciates tactical gear.”

On top of fighting professionally, Mangy is working on receiving his Masters Degree, volunteering time to teach children jiu jitsu and supporting the Wounded Warrior Project. Be sure to check out Neil Magny take on Rodrigo Goiana de Lima on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 43 in Auckland, New Zealand.

www.wearvertx.com

SureFire – ProComp 556 Muzzle Brake

June 17th, 2014

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SureFire has just released their ProComp 556 muzzle brake. Designed for AR-15s with 1/2-28 muzzle threads, the ProComp reduces both recoil impulse and muzzle rise, with a patented Impulse Diffusion design that minimizes side blast and rear-directed concussion effects. It is machined from US mil-certified steel bar stock with a black Melonite finish that protects from harsh environmental conditions.

procomp_556

As you may have noticed, the ProComp duplicates the design of the SureFire SOCOM SFMB-556-1/2-28 muzzle brake, however it isn’t designed to mount SureFire SOCOM suppressors. Rather, the ProComp is a stand-alone device that functions solely as a muzzle brake. The trade off is a proven, reliable muzzle brake at a reduced cost.

Available at authorized SureFire dealers.

www.surefire.com/procomp-556

Crye Precision – AirFrame ATX Now Available

June 17th, 2014

Crye ATX 1

The AirFrame ATX, which debuted just this January at SHOT Show 2014, is now available on the Crye Precision website. Aramid-based, the ATX meets NIJ Level IIIA ballistic requirements and is intended for use with Law Enforcement. It features the AirFrame standard overlapping vented shell design for passive cooling, and an Ops-Core H-Nape Head-Loc retention system. Compatible with all AirFrame accessories and common ear-pro systems.

Yes, this is an aramid helmet meaning it is going to be a little heavier and thicker than the original PE in the AirFrame helmet. But, this also makes it less expensive for LE users. Available in Black, Tan, and OD Green. Made in the USA from US materials.

cryeprecision.com/P-HLMAX131LG0/Airframe-Atx-Helmet

Patagonia – Capilene Woodland T-Shirt

June 17th, 2014

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Patagonia’s Capilene series consists of synthetic baselayers. Made from moisture-wicking polyester that is composed of at least 35% recycled material, Capilene is designed to be quick to wick and quick to dry, has bluesign approval, and uses Polygiene technology for odor control in the garment.

The above shirt is a Capilene 1 baselayer. Featuring Patagonia’s woodland pattern called ‘Camoscape: Alpha Green’, it provides 50+ UPF sun protection and a cool, drying airflow. When paired with another layer, it wicks moisture and adds warmth.

www.patagonia.com

New Jersey State Police Selects SureFire X300 Ultra As Standard-Issue Weaponlight

June 17th, 2014

Fountain Valley, CA — After a comprehensive testing and evaluation process involving several competitive tactical lighting products, the SureFire X300® Ultra has been adopted as part of New Jersey State Police’s standard-issue WeaponLight.

X300 Ultra

New Jersey State Police have contracted with Atlantic Tactical to purchase 2,800 SureFire X300® Ultra’s to be issued to all of their sworn officers. The initial purchase of 1,765 units will be delivered within 30 days and the remaining balance to be delivered in the next few months.

The X300® Ultra delivers 500 lumens of blinding light through a precision Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. Powered by two disposable 123A lithium batteries, the WeaponLight will deliver 1.5 hours of tactical-level output on a set of batteries. Activating the X300 Ultra is achieved via an ambidextrous push/toggle switch located on the light’s rear, which provides either momentary- or constant-on activation with a push of a finger. For even more control, without the need to alter your grip on the weapon, X300 Ultra can be outfitted with an optional SureFire DG grip switch, on many popular pistol models, or with an XT07 pressure-pad tape switch on long guns.

www.surefire.com