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VertX Debuts at SHOT Show

January 11th, 2009

Newcomer VertX will be sharing booth space at SHOT show with Arc’teryx. Although newcomer doesn’t aptly describe VertX who is an off shoot of Fechheimer; well established makers of Flying Cross Public Safety wear. Arc’teryx and Flechheimer are no strangers to one another and have collaborated on the Justice Jacket, an Arc’teryx design (Gamma) modified for LE use with epaulets and holstered weapon access. The Justice Jacket is an exclusive product for Flying Cross.

Flechheimer Justice Jacket

They will be debuting two new pieces; their Tactical Pant and Action Polo. We don’t want to spill the beans on the new products but we can say a few things. he name VertX is a derivative of “Covert” and their line is intended to avoid attention, not attract it. For example, several unique features belie the covert nature of the pants. To quote VertX, “In a market full of garments that scream “shoot me”, this pant is in style for “Any time, any place, any mission””. Rumor has it there will even be some of the trousers in Multicam for the crawd that must blend into a different environment.

Catch a sneak peak at www.wearvertx.com. Be sure to check out Vertx at the SHOT Show in Booth Number 6491.

Photo from Fechheimer.

Got a SHOT Show Tip?

January 11th, 2009

Soldier Systems Blog Logo

SHOT Show is this week. If you have any tips about new products debuting at SHOT Show drop us a line.

Contact us at admin@soldiersystems.net

Energizer to Launch New Lights at SHOT Show

January 10th, 2009

Last Fall we published a review of the Energizer Hard Case Tactical Light. We also posted a teaser on the new helmet light. They are being officially released at the upcoming SHOT show so we thought it would be a good time to jog everyone’s memory.

At AUSA we were able to sit down and take a look at Energizer’s new Helmet Light and as well as the Hard Case Tactical Light. Energizer is integrating state of the art technology in their line. They are using Cree lamps and Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lenses to focus the most light possible.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical 2AA Second Generation Handheld Light
Energizer Hard Case Tactical Lights
As you can see, Energizer took the lessons learned from the first generation light and applied them to the new light. The first generation light is on the left and the new second generation light is on the right.

The Second Generation Light features six light modes with high and low settings:
-Bright white, high-intensity LED (70 lumens on high)
-Red LED for light-discipline and combat conditions
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Green LED for light-discipline and map-reading
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices (880 nanometer rating)
–IR strobe for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability (Blink rate is two per second)

Additionally, Energizer has integrated two power features that greatly increase the utility of the light. The batteries are always inserted tip first, eliminating the need for polarity indicators and while the light runs on two AA batteries, it is fully functional with one AA battery. The other battery can be reversed inside the battery chamber as a spare.

Energizer Hard Case Tactical Helmet Light
Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light

The Helmet Light offers four light modes:
-High-intensity White LED (35 lumens)
-Blue LED for light-discipline and medical applications
-Infrared (IR) light for use with night-vision devices (880 nanometer rating)
–IR strobe flashes for Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) capability (Blink rate is two per second)

Energizer’s Smart Switch Technology controls intensity of all visible light sources, providing a “quick-extinguish” feature. The IR and Lockout modes prevent other light sources from operating in order to prevent “Light NDs”.

Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light
The light mounts to either side of helmet with a standard screwdriver and can be rotated in 18-degree increments and locked into place. It can also be removed from its mount and attached to MOLLE equipment.

Energizer® Hard Case® Tactical™ Helmet Light mounted on helmet
The light mounts flush with the bottom lip of the helmet preventing the light from accidentally breaking.

Finally, Energizer is launching three new outdoor/hunting lights. The Night Strike line has its roots in the existing Tactical lineup.
Energizer Night Strike LED Handheld Flashlight
Energizer Night Strike LED Handheld Flashlight

Energizer Night Strike Multifunction Compact LED Light
Energizer Night Strike Multifunction Compact LED Light

Energizer Night Strike Handheld Swivel LED Flashlight
Energizer Night Strike Handheld Swivel LED Flashlight

While we will publish more information soon one important feature that sets the Night Strike line apart from the Tactical line is that the IR features have been replaced with UV. This could prove very handy with LE and EMS professionals as well as hunters. Be sure to visit Energizer at the SHOT Show, Booth #601, West building, second level. Images of the new Night Strike line courtesy of Energizer.

Salomon Quest Boot in Grey – RPT Consulting Exclusive

January 9th, 2009

RP Tactical has commissioned a Grey version of Salomon’s Quest boot (Part number 590606) to be available for sale March 1st 2009.

Salomon Quest - Grey

The Quest is also available in Orange (Part number 278432) at most outdoor stores.

Salomon Quest

The boot is built on the same last as the Salomon XA Pro 3D running shoe; their most popular footwear model and is a beefed up “light hiker” that is intended to protect the wearer’s foot in harsh terrain, even while carrying a heavy load. The sole uses Salomon’s “4D Chassis”. The outsole has an ascending lug pattern in the front of the sole, and a braking pattern in the rear. Beneath the foot is a cushioning pad, while the “chassis” protects against twisted ankles, and then an additional cushioning pad to absorb rocks and roots underfoot (4 layers= 4D). The Quest’s upper features a full Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing. Aside from fit, what will strike you most about these boots is their ultra light weight.

Salomon Quest - Sole

As the boot is based on the XA Pro 3D and there is also an Orange version available commercially, checking the fit should be possible if you have access to an outfitter. I wear Salomons about a half size up. The toe box is generous in all sizes but I prefer just a little extra room for thick socks. Please remember these are available in Grey exclusively from RP Tactical and there is already one unit who loves them.

Here are a couple of comments from SOF testers, deployed in theater:

“They have saved my ankles on more than one occasion. I was walking the other day and I slipped off a rock right into a hole. let me tell you if i had anything else on, my ankle would be f@#$% up right now. But because of the boots I received a semi mild sprain. Well like I said how can I order 4 more pair when I get home?”

“Dude the boots are f@#$% amazing. everyone wants them. I’m afraid to leave them at the team”

For more information contact:
RPT Consulting LLC
Ph 757-963-0742
sales@rptactical.com

Photo of Orange Quest from Salomon.

USMC Prepares for Improved MTV Program

January 8th, 2009

MARCOSYSCOM is preparing to engage in a quest for a replacement carrier for the ill-fated MTV. In 2007, the Commandant of the Marine Corps halted further procurements of the bulky MTV and last summer the Marine Corps fielded a limited number of Scalable Plate Carriers. Rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater, officials at MARCORSYSCOM are formulating a plan to replace the carrier and retain the armor systems purchased during the MTV program. It looks like the concept of “Survivability Through Mobility” espoused by PM-ICE at MARCOSYSCOM is coming to fruition.

Perhaps they will make use of the upcoming SHOT Show in order to take a look at the current state of the art in armor carrier design.

Havoc Armor Carrier from TAG®

January 7th, 2009

TAG

When it comes to armor the folks at Tactical Assault Gear have been busy beavers. In addition to the Rampage and Enhanced MTV Carrier, their new Havoc armor carrier is intended for operators who prefer to use chest rigs or assault vests over their armor carriers. It is designed to carry the SPEAR/BALCS cut soft armor and has plate pockets for front and back trauma plates in addition to built in 6”x6” side plate pockets. The Havoc is made of 500 Denier Cordura Nylon to reduce the overall weight and is lined with mesh. Finally, it will accept ballistic groin protectors. Like all TAG® products it is Berry Compliant, and enjoys a 100% lifetime warranty.

TAG Havoc TAG Havoc - Rear

The Havoc is available through TAG.

Pictures from TAG®.

Mayflower Research and Consulting, LLC Website is Live

January 6th, 2009

Ramping up for a debut at SHOT Show, Mayflower has flipped the switch on their website and it is scheduled to go live today at 2 PM EST. The splash page alone has received over 5000 hits since it was published in October. Mayflower remains our go to guys for innovative load carrying and armor solutions designed by folks with recent real world experience. Their low frills approach to equipment design ensures that features are included for a reason and that the equipment will be as functional and lightweight as possible without sacrificing performance or durability.

Look for Mayflower products in booths throughout SHOT show.

To get a taste of what is to come visit them on the web at www.mayflower-rc.org.

Revision PDQ Goggle Strap

January 6th, 2009

Revision PDQ Goggle Strap

Revision introduced a new goggle strap last fall. Designed to make protective goggles and NVG mounts a bit more compatible, the PDQ Goggle Retention System snaps onto a set of Revision Desert Locust goggles, replacing the stock strap with short velcro extensions that attach to a helmet mounted elastic halo. The halo stays in place via gripper strips on the back and a rubber O-ring that mates best with the Army One-hole style NOD mount. However, you can mess with it to get it work with other systems as well.

Available in Black, Tan, Foliage and Coyote from US Cav.

Photo from US Cav.