Phantom Lights

SHOT Show – LBX Camo

January 14th, 2014

1C LBX Camo Patterns

For SHOT 2014 LBX Tactical is disrupting the commercial camouflage market with the introduction of four highly effective patterns designed for Winter/Urban, Desert, Woodland and Transitional environments. Working in cooperation with Leading Edge Ventures and HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation, the goal of the LBX Camo project was to improve upon the vulnerabilities of several of the most popular brands of camouflage and offer the improved capabilities of patterns previously only authorized for use by special mission units within the US Military.
 
LBX- features the latest advances in camouflage research for reduced signatures to allow for enhanced survivability. Current Uniform Digital Patterns such as MARPAT, CADPAT and AOR1/2 use similar square and rectangular pixels but the smaller size of the larger Macropattern (or Spatial Frequency  – blotches) tend to blend into one color as distance from the target increases.
 
The proprietary 3-dimensional pattern was added to the larger Macropattern regions to subdue to the large Spatial Frequency of the pattern and allow for different aspects of the pattern to work at different distances. This added feature also creates a semi-horizontal natural flow texture and the illusion of depth and more than seven colors from a distance. The horizontal flow of the pattern will help to mask horizontal movement at various tactical distances.
 
LBX Camouflage addresses these limitations providing one of the most advanced tactical camouflage pattern sets in the world. Using a large Macro pattern, LBX Camo colors are selected with optimum hue and contrast to allow the configuration to have distinct contrasting arrays, which will blend with the natural background while causing the adversary to look past or look through the pattern. Special proprietary algorithms were applied which creates an illusion of 3-dimensional layering. Additionally Sniper Instructors from Naval Special Warfare and the US Marine Corps were consulted to ensure the operational effectiveness of the patterns were validated and optimized.
 
SnowRaptor ™  (LBX SnowRaptor)

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Mantis™ (LBX Mantis)
1A Mantis

See the patterns on display at SHOT show booth #31307

SHOT – Blue Force Gear

January 14th, 2014

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Make sure to visit Terry Clausen, the new sales rep at Blue Force Gear, Booth #31209.

www.blueforcegear.com

SHOT Show – Elite Defense / Patagonia

January 14th, 2014

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In addition to the commercial PCU which includes Level 3A, Level 9 and the Jungle Uniform, Patagonia is also introducing a version of the M10 jacket and pant in Gore-Tex Light and Fast. Com medical PCU is offers in MultiCam, Black, Alpha Green and Retro Khaki.

It’s a very simple design intended for use while active. The jacket features a single chest pocket and stowable hood. Additionally, there is a two-piece overlap to protect the main zipper but you won’t find pit zips due to the breathability of the material.

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The trousers also feature a simple design with full length side zips for donning and doffing as well as integrated, removable suspenders and waist belt. Additionally, the cuff will accommodate even larger size boots.

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Look for this new garment late Spring.

www.elitedefense.com

SHOT Show – Crye Precision

January 14th, 2014

Once you see what Crye has on hand as well as their Six12 project, some will just throw their hands up in defeat and wonder why they even bothered to show up. But most will accept the challenge and up their game.

Crye Precision has delved into new areas and continues to remain out on the cutting edge.

First off are the new patterns. On the left you have Arid pattern and on the right Tropical.

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Next up, three new jackets for Spring.

FieldShell 2

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They’ve redesigned the fit lock on the fieldshell.

Loft Jacket

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The loft jacket is an insulated softshell with stretchy side panels and thumb hole cuffs. It also features a stowable, low-profile hood.

LWF Jacket

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The lightweight fleece jacket is the first use of this new printed softshells with fleece interior.

LEO1 Pants

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The LEO1 Pant was created to offer a low-cost alternative to the combat pant for law enforcement. While the stretch panels are not on this pant, the fit block is said to be well suited to mobility. The LEO offers the Crye knee pad and the front and side cargo pockets are integrated into a single piece to lower cost.

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Hitcoat

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Hitcoat is a two component system designed for LE that incorporates a vest and a sleeves. You may note that the vest offers an offset zippered, front closure.

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The sleeve component is a single, integrated unit that offers armor and shoulder and elbow protection.

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Sizing will be similar to the combat shirt.

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SmartPouch Suite

This is a real gem. Crye Precision looked at the Operator’s load and designed a suite of pouches that can be used for several different purposes.

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For attachments, each pouch has a sleeve for use with AVS that will also accommodate a 2″ belt as well as PALS compatibility.

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More on these soon.

AVS

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They updated the yoke for the Adaptive Vest System.

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Fieldsuit and Combatsuit

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The Fieldsuit and Combat suit were designed for airborne operations,

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They found that by offsetting the front zipper, they could keep the suit from riding up.

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Airframe ATX

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The Airframe ATX is an aramid option for the helmet.

And now what you’ve all been waiting for…Six12

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Six12 is a modular, compact shotgun system that utilizes a rotary magazine ala a revolver.

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Designed as an answer for the breacher, the patent pending system can be used standalone or attached to a carbine. As it is, the bull pup design a perfectly legal length. However, there is a short barreled NFA variant available for use with SBRs.

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The compact design gives the breacher additional breaching rounds in a package that is integrated into his carbine, increasing both lethality and survivability.

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Here, you can see the removable magazine.

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Look for it by Christmas.

www.CryePrecision.com

SHOT Show – It’s On Like Donkey Kong

January 14th, 2014

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And away we go…

Opinion & Order – Kevin Brittingham and Lynsey Thompson v. AAC & Remington

January 14th, 2014

If you’ve been waiting for the big SHOT Show, industry insider buzz, I’d say this is it.

We recently informed you that Advanced Armament Corp founder and his associate Lynsey Thompson and won their two-year-long court battle with AAC’s new owners Remington ask Freedom Group aka FGI. Now, we have full access to Judge Katherine Forrest’s opinion. It’s quite the read and she didn’t pull any punches in reaching her verdict or explaining it.

Interestingly, the judge issued the document on Brittingham’s 40th birthday. Talk about a birthday present. Based on conversations with him the judgement could be in excess of $14 Million, but considering the amount he was still owed couple with what he has paid out in legal fees and personal pain, I’d say that it isn’t outrageous. It also lifts any non-compete restrictions, so for Kevin Brittingham, it’s “game on!”

Read it all for yourself by downloading it here: Brittingham Opinion & Order.

Awesome News – Massif NAVAIR Elements Jacket and Pant with Battleshield X Fabric Authorized To Wear By NAVAIR

January 14th, 2014

ASHLAND, OR, JANUARY X, 2014 – Massif® NAVAIR Elements™ Jacket and Pant with Battleshield X™ fabric has been authorized to wear by NAVAIR, adding sage green shade for rotary and fixed wing non-ejection seat pilots and aircrew.

“It has been less than a year since Massif and Gore announced the commercial introduction of this revolutionary new fabric for the Elements line of softshell garments, so we’re very excited that it’s now tested and approved by NAVAIR,” said Dave Bywater, VP of Government Sales at Massif. “The new fabric in these garments represents a real leap in innovation, ultimately resulting in better performance and protection for our troops.”

Massif Battleshield X fabric, featuring GORE® FR stretch technology, is a flame-resistant, water-resistant laminate developed specifically for the military and tactical markets, with a US patent-pending nylon face fabric. While nylon garments have a long history of performance in the outdoor market, it has never before provided adequate FR protection. Massif Battleshield X fabric offers a shift in flame resistance by combining filament nylon-faced laminates with exceptional FR protection. The result is an extremely durable, highly breathable fabric with a superior warmth-to-weight ratio that is highly water resistant and flame resistant.

Massif Battleshield X has been rigorously field tested in some of the world’s harshest conditions, and has proved itself over and over. In high-activity situations, Massif’s unique fabrics with Gore’s breathable stretch membrane reduce overheating and chilling from moisture retention and reduce user fatigue, keeping soldiers dryer, safer, and more effective in a wider range of situations and temperatures. What’s more, Massif Battleshield X meets the stringent requirements of ASTM F2302/ASTM D6413 and shows extremely low Burn Injury Prediction when tested on a manikin per ASTM F1930.

“Even after a more than a decade of providing garments and fabrics to the US Military, it’s still really gratifying to get another approval. It’s our mission to increase comfort and durability, improve life cycle costs, and provide the best flash-fire protection possible for our troops,” added Bywater.

The approved Massif® NAVAIR Elements™ Jacket and Pant with Battleshield X™ are available as a commercial off-the-shelf product. In addition, NAVAIR has rigorously tested and approved all products in Massif’s Fire and Ice Layering System for use by Navy and Marine Corps aviators, and fifteen of Massif’s products are included in NAVAIR’s State-of-the-Art Survival Items (SOASI) list, ensuring that Navy and Marine Corps aviators have access to the world’s most technologically advanced FR equipment.

www.massif.com

2014 Smith Elite Catalog

January 14th, 2014

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(Click on cover to access catalog.)

www.smithelite.com