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SPARTANAT: MyRPM App By Tactical Measurements

Wednesday, February 1st, 2017

“Pew! Pew! Pew!”, everyone wants that. And like with techno music, everyone wants to know how fast the beat booms. “Beats per minute” is the correct term for that in music, “Rounds per minute” in the military. And that‘s exactly the name of the new App by TACTICALMEASUREMENTS: MyRPM. It will be released on the 31st of January and is available for Download on the Google Play Store. A version for iOS is already on the way. We from SPARTANAT have already been on a shooting range – and let our guns rattle.

That‘s the sound of music… To generate the tunes that are analyzed by MyRPM we have used two boom boxes: a M16 and a MP5. In the photo above you can see the magazine with 5.56 ammunition. The second magazine – not in the picture – is much slimmer and is filled with 9mm ammunition.

And that’s our measurement device. Up to now the measurement of the Rate Of Fire has been complicated and inconvenient with special hardware required – expensive and with varying accuracy. With MyRPM everything works on a smartphone. The App is activated by pressing a button. We will explain the rest to you in a jiffy – it pays off to watch the video. It shows how astonishingly simple it is to measure the Rate Of Fire.

…3, 2, 1 – record. Whilst getting you firearm in the shooting position, a countdown allows you to get ready for the measurement. MyRPM can be used in- & outdoors. Keep in mind that wind, voices and other shots should be avoided during a measurement.

Rock‘n‘Roll! – Like you can see in the video, this is the sound of a M16. When you are satisfied, just press Stop or use the automatic record timer. A few seconds are enough to achieve a result.

Now you can proceed to the analysis: First, the record taken by MyRPM is documented. The sequence is displayed in a graph and can be saved for further use.

But first of all the concrete result is of interest: 756 Rounds Per Minute are fired by this american boomstick.

Data saved until infinity: The result can be saved effortlessly. That‘s interesting because it helps the user to check how different types of ammunition affect the Rate Of Fire of his gun. The powerful algorithm of MyRPM makes it possible…

That’s the result of the MP5 with the used ammunition next to it. Also taking this measurement was uncomplicated and fast, precise and effortless.

MyRPM is an affordable and reliable tool for gunsmiths, marksmen and everyone who wants to know more about their firearm. It shouldn’t be missing on any smartphone. It´s an affordable and reliable tool that allows you to analyze and control your weapon system. We are excited about what´s coming next from TACTICALMEASUREMENTS.

MyRPM is available on Android in two versions (iOS is coming soon):

– MyRPM – Limited functionality (save max. 3 results, contains ads). The free version gives everyone the possibility to try out the product.

– MyRPM Pro – Full functionality. The full version allows you to save as many results as you want and you are not getting bothered by ads. The full version is available for just $ 20.99.

MyRPM Pro
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tacticalmeasurements.myrpmpro
MyRPM
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tacticalmeasurements.myrpm
Instagram
www.instagram.com/tacticalmeasurements
YouTube
www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJMoJmIJzzt7lf3t0QA9vg
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/TACTICALMEASUREMENTS
Homepage:
tacticalmeasurements.com

Article by SPARTANAT: spartanat.com

Tags: Spartanat
Posted in Tac Apps | 3 Comments »

SPARTANAT – Gear Made in in Germany: Tactical Watches by BOMBFROG

Saturday, December 17th, 2016

Dirk a German Navy EOD Technician (Masterchief). His passion are watches. The result is BOMBFROG. He offers small charges of tactical and reliable watches for every mission. We talked to Dirk Assmann about BOMBFROG.

SPARTANAT: Dirk you are an active duty Navy EOD soldier, in civil life BOMBFROG. How did you started making military watches?

Dirk Assmann: I am an Navy EOD Technician since 21 years now and before I joined the Navy I was a big fan of pratical watches. After I finished dive school I got a IWC Porsche Design issued. A watch I had to use. Technically a complete desaster. It looked pretty, but keeping the time was not possible. As a dive supervisor I am responsible for my men. If my watch or I fail during dive operations or demolition, dead will be around. I needed an accurate watch and started making my own. This lead us to our brand.

SPARTANAT: What is characteristic for a good watch?

Dirk Assmann: You need to make a difference. Watches for land based operations need different functions than watches for dive operations. The perfect watch on the ground is a digital watch with a lot of useful tools. As a survival specialist you learn a lot at that school, but being country side as an civilian guy, you would love to have a compass, altimeter, count down or stopp watch function. At dive operations you don´t need all of that. You need a watch with a clean face and good lighting. You need to rely on the accuracy even in dark water

SPARTANAT: What models does BOMBFROG offer? What is your target group of customers?

Dirk Assmann: We get new watch models from year to year. We are very proud of that fact that we still grow, even that we are a small family operated business. You can view all our watches on our website. This year we made our first digital watch (DW-15). The response on that watch is awesome. Our target group service men and women who work in the Law and enforcement, Security or military branch. We also focus on outdoor and dive addicted people, who are looking for an affordable reliable watch.

SPARTANAT: You customize your watches. Who is wearing BOMBFROG watches?

Dirk Assmann: We personalize watches for our customers. This starts with the case color, goes over the face style and ends with a personalized case back. The biggest numbers on personalized watches are sold to different SWAT, police and military units around the world. As an example I can tell that we delivered to US Navy Seals, US Navy EOD Technician, SWE Army EOD, BEL Army EOD, SEK Berlin, Kampfschwimmer, Minentaucher, MEK Hamburg.
It is important to know, that this sold watches were not ordered officially by the governments. They were ordered by members of the units.

SPARTANAT: In private: What are you wearing yourself? What is the mother of all tactic watches?

Dirk Assmann: I am switching between 2 watches. During my day to day work I wear the DW-15. If I do my job in 150 feet deep water, I wear my BT25 version 4, because I need a watch I can rely on for 100% .

Name: Dirk Assmann
Alter: 43 years old
Job: Minentaucher (Navy EOD Technician)
Family: Married, 4 kids
Hobbys: Eishockey / Inline Skaterhockey

BOMBFROG in the INTERNET: www.bombfrog.eu

SPARTANAT: spartanat.com

Tags: Bombfrog, Spartanat
Posted in International, Watches | 23 Comments »

SPARTANAT – outer-limits EXPERIENCE WEEK 2016

Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

Each year in autumn the international maritime Special Forces-Outfitter outer-limits organizes its EXPERIENCE WEEK for Special Forces taking place at a mountain lake in the Austrian Alps. The reason for this may not only be related to the fact that the members of international maritime special forces from almost all continents need to test the specialized equipment in bad conditions but also that it simply has to be cold and wet for the frogmen to jump into the water. SPARTANAT.COM was with them and had a close look at the gear.

This image depicts the optimum conditions fairly well. Also, you can spot one of the latest products, the Rebreather MK1 – a product of the company SIEL/OMG – which was thoroughly tested. We will soon give a comprehensive introduction into the functionality of the device, which is available as a military, antimagnetic model and a civil version.

Frogmen do not have to rely on their physical condition exclusively: SUEX provides a variety of DPVs and DPDs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles and Diver Propulsion Devices) as well as DTCs (Dry Tube Containers). With these devices it is possible to approach targets located at a distance of up to 25 kilometers.

Also, sufficient equipment can be transported: these diving containers hold 50 or 100 liter and are moved by frogmen using DPVs. SUEX is the worldwide leader regarding the development and production of these special military devices. Outer-limits is the Senior Consultant of SUEX and responsible for all international public administrations well as training and education.

Who prefers to stay above water, can rely on this classic product: The folding boat Commado 545 – produced by the company Klepper – allows for quick and silent above water movement and can easily be transported dismantled.

We always knew that frogmen are the beach boys within the military. The new thing is that they can get surf boards now. The surf board of the company Lampuga is inflatable and motorized, it can be used for approaches on the surface and reaches speeds of up to 50 kph.

At the EXPERIENCE WEEK you can also come across many classics, such as the company Poseidon, which in terms of diving equipment has much more to offer than just masks

and of course you can find Draeger, which provide Rebreather, diving masks and practical tests of new amplifiers.

Moreover, the X-Shut system offers stunning technical solutions. The mounting arms of the system can equally be used for the HAHO/HALO parachuting as well as for diving. Or it can even be combined, which is not unusual for triphibians.

Outer-limits also offers its own Tactical Dry Suit collection. Everything can be custom-build: a variety of breathable laminates, camouflage patterns, IR and heat-absorbing materials, sealing seams, which are particularly tear-resistant, MOLLE applicator and so on. All of these suits are manufactured only in Europe and exclusively for outer-limits. This guarantees quick, individual solutions, which are adapted to the specific requirements.

Those who get wet feet, also need special shoes: Together with the company HAIX outer-limits has launched SEA EAGLE. The boots are also availabe in Tan now.

When exciting the water under potential bombardment, ballistic protection is essential: the SAPI plates from outer-limits are one of a kind. Even .338 Lapua AP cannot puncture the plates.

The base camp, where the annual meeting of amphibian Special Forces takes place, shows itself from its best side, even when it’s rainy.

Outer-limits is the international sales partner of all the companies presenting their products at the EXPERIENCE WEEK. The entire equipment presented as well as the compatible training are available at outer-limits.

Outer-limits on the web: www.outer-limits.at

SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Tags: Haix, Klepper, Lampuga, outer-limits, Siel/OMG, Spartanat, Suez, X-Shut
Posted in Industry, International | 8 Comments »

Spartanat Interview With Rustick Knives

Saturday, September 17th, 2016

Knives Made in USA: RUSTICK KNIVES, LLC

INTERVIEW WITH JACK STOTTLEMIRE, RUSTICK KNIVES, LLC SPARTANAT

SPARTANAT: What is the idea behind Rustick Knives? What is you motivation?

Jack Stottlemire: As a Craftsman I made Archery equipment (Longbows and Recurves) for 17 years while in the Military. After retiring I picked up knife making and it became an overnight success. The name Rustick comes from my nickname “Rusty” and the “Stick” bows that I used to make. Combine the two and you have Rustick. So when I began knife making I switched the names from Rustick Archery to Rustick Knives.

SPARTANAT: If you had to pick a Rustick knife for military duty: Which would it be and why?

Jack Stottlemire: That’s a hard question. I would carry a 6” bladed Kraken and a Ripper Flipper tactical folder. A knife to a Soldier today is a working tool, not a killing instrument like you see in the movies. A knife is used to open meals, ammo cans, cut brush, cut paracord, etc… It must be strong and be able to keep a keen cutting edge. My knives are built to take abuse, keep a cutting edge and to be easily resharpened in the field. In fact, my youngest Son is an Infantryman in the US Army and carries a Kraken and a 4” Utility/Fighter on his kit.

SPARTANAT: What differs Rustick Knives from other tactical knives/brands?

Jack Stottlemire: Every knife that I make is hand ground by me. I do not farm my knives out to a machine shop to do all of the work or have CNC milling machines in my shop to do all of the work. A Rustick Knife is truly a handmade cutting tool. Also every person that is involved with the making of each knife is a Combat Veteran to include my leather maker Donnie Harper of Harp Leather.

SPARTANAT: How did you come into knife making? Which knifemaker/brand inspired you the most?

Jack Stottlemire: I have always made things with my hands. It was natural after serving 30+ years as a Soldier, Marine and Government Contractor to start my own business working with my hands. I apprenticed with Chris Williams of Wilmont Grinders/Knives for about 6 months. Chris said that I was a natual, gave a grinder and told me to go home and make knives. So I did! I love the old bone and antler handled hunting knives that were sold in my hometown outdoor store as a kid. Those are my favorite to make.

SPARTANAT: Which knife did you carry in duty/combat?

Jack Stottlemire: I carried the tried and true Marine Combat Knife (KaBar) for just about my entire time in the Military. For about the last 10 years I also carried a Horrigan Fighter that was handmade and given to me by my dear friend Robert “Bob” Horrigan who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005.

SPARTANAT: Please tell from your own experience, what are the jobs or the main purposes of a tactical knife carried by soldiers in the field today.

Jack Stottlemire: As I stated before, a knife to a modern soldier is a cutting instrument, a prybar, a shovel, a hammer, it is used daily for a myriad of chores. In my opinion daggers and other killing knives are useless on today’s battlefield. A Soldier needs a strong cutting tool that can be called upon to complete any task and not fail.

SPARTANAT: Whats the role of Rustick knives and Conflict Forge in helping veterans batteling ptbs (the projects and the mission)?

Jack Stottlemire: I started Conflict Forge with Chris Williams of Wilmont Grinders/Knives. He and I served in combat together and are close friends. We wanted to give back to the Veteran community by making functional art out of steel from our Nation’s Battlefields. All monies raised from our artwork goes to benefit Veteran Charities.

Rustick Knives is a one man shop run by Jack Stottlemire. Jack served 26 years as a US Marine, Army Paratrooper and Special Operations Soldier retiring as a Sergeant Major at Fort Bragg, NC. He uses military experience along with 12 combat tours to design what works and is practical in a hard use blade. Each blade is handcrafted over a long process by Jack, 100% Combat Veteran made in the U.S.A.

Website: www.rustickknives.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RustickKnives
SPARTANAT: spartanat.com

Tags: Spartanat
Posted in Knives | 6 Comments »

SPARTANAT – Gear Made in Germany: Zentauron

Sunday, August 14th, 2016

INTERVIEW ZENTAURON

ZENTAURON is popular with the regular German Army (Bundeswehr) and Police. They also produce some civilian outdoor gear. Situated in Northern Germany they are a growing company producing all their gear locally, „Made in Germany“.

SPARTANAT: Paul, Zentauron has produced tactical equipment for several years. For which customers are your products intended?

ZENTAURON: We build mostly tactical gear for military and police as well as in the field of tactical emergency medicine and special rescue services such as high-altitude rescue or for the offshore industries, but we have become more and more robust for the outdoor sector since it has its fans.

SPARTANAT: How did you get into producing equipment???

ZENTAURON: Since I’ve had interest for bags and backpacks in particular since my childhood, it was obvious to me that this is we here I was headed. At 12 years of age, I sewed my first bag out of a green sheet; then my mother bought me a sewing machine and on it went. During my military service I made some modifications to my equipment and that of my comrades. Initially, the sewing was only a hobby and in various forums my work found more and more attention, so I decided to try it in order to abandon my initial livelihood. Luckily, I found Adrian was mad enough to support me and to realize this dream with me. It began with a sewing machine in my basement where I developed and produced the gear and Adrian ran the sales and storefront. Today, after 6 years, there are 20 industrial sewing machines and 12 employees who help us manufacture all our products.

SPARTANAT: You have a large customer in the Bundeswehr, but also to the police. What are the most sought after Zentauron products???

ZENTAURON: In relation to the government, we are participating in the tender process where we have only limited influence on issued equipment. But, there are often special products that are not manufactured in very large quantities from us. The large part are customers who want to equip themselves well for their service with protective vests, backpacks and plate carriers as well as small belt pouches from us and our trading partners . In addition, there are services in prototyping and production of product lines for other brands.

SPARTANAT: Many international companies produce gear and are serving the German market. How is it to operate as a German company???

ZENTAURON: I think the German market is very difficult. The requirements in the relevant local sector are very high and decisions such as innovation need a lot of time considering the many isolated applications and regulations of the police and military. Here we have the advantage of being able to keep the lines short and to work together with the customer on projects and quickly get them into their hands without the need to cross language barriers and national borders.

SPARTANAT: Production costs are very high in Germany. Why have you ever considered producing in neighboring countries or Asia?

ZENTAURON: I do not think that we can maintain this forever. There are essentially two reasons which I see: capacities in Germany are very limited, and there are not enough young people in the textile sector. The first reason is why my partner and I have made us want to offer as much product value as possible in our country. We want to live in a functioning state and I also want my kids have opportunity. The main components of our products even here are from our region, where the straps come from Gütersloh and the Cordura from Bielefeld. We can’t locally source all of our materials, unfortunately that does not work, but we will try as much as possible.

The second reason is purely economic. We have – if we add all colors, sizes and colors – around 3700 products which we produce here locally. Often in quantities of less than 500. This product variety requires a highly flexible production and just isn’t possible even in neighboring because the logistics would simply be too complex.

One can also imagine that we can not keep all of these products in stock , and of course Murphy’s Law dictates what will be ordered is always what we don’t have in stock . Nevertheless, we try to provide the products always just in time to the customer. With the move to our new location, we have doubled the warehouse space and try to gradually deliver a larger part of the orders „from stock“.

SPARTANAT: A special message to your customers???

ZENTAURON: Yes, I want to thank those who accompanied us on our way with words and deeds, forbearance and pressure. Our success is only possible because of our customers, partners and supporters.

Website: www.zentauron.de
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Zentauron

SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Tags: Spartanat, Zentauron
Posted in Industry, International | 1 Comment »

SPARTANAT – GEAR Made in Italy: FROG.PRO

Monday, June 27th, 2016

This is the second in “GEAR Made In” series featuring European kit manufacturers by the guys from the Austrian gear blog, SPARTANAT. I checked out FROG.PRO during IWA so it’s cool to get a more in-depth look.

Some guys love what they call „Gucci Gear“. It is all about high quality and a price not too low. FROG.PRO is a small company from Italy and the manufacture what we would call „Armani Gear“. Also high quality, but with style. We talked with Fabio Casali, the founder and owner of FROG.PRO.

SPARTANAT: Why FROG.PRO? What is the Frog in your companies name?

I always loved frogs. They are tiny animals that seem harmless but some of them can produce toxic secretions from their skin. They have a well colored skin, from bright red or yellow colors to camouflage pattern. They are amphibious, and this is certainly one of the reasons because they became the symbol of some SF raiders. We have a great tradition of SF units and this is in a certain way a tribute paid to them and honor what they do.

SPARTANAT: FROG.PRO origins from Italy. What kind of gear is manufactured by you?

FROG.PRO: We produce high-end equipment for Military forces, Security operators and Outdoor activities. FROG.PRO products are made from the selection of the best high tech materials and fabrics available. The major part of these materials are sourced from the USA, the world leaders in military equipment innovation, and they exceed all United States MIL-SPEC requirements. Studies of the design during the different phases of development allows us to make concealed stitching with a protective second layer of material. Furthermore all points liable to wear, through friction or stretching, are sewn with special attention. Our modus operandi may not be the least expensive, however each article that leaves our workshop is a milestone in our company mission to provide the best that money can buy.

SPARTANAT: How long have you manufactured gear?

The FROG.PRO brand was born in the second half of 2011 to better represent our customized products, once made as a hobby. We officially launched FROG.PRO, as a proper and registered company, in May 2013. Since that day we never stopped working on new designed products.

SPARTANAT: Who puts on FROG.PRO gear?

We are in contact with our SF/SOF r&d teams on a daily basis to develop and test new products based on their special requirements. The past year Italian Air Force raiders choose FROG.PRO to meet their needs and at the moment they can rely on some high tech innovative products such as our LC Hagakure. Our products are not only military personnel related, in fact we provide gears to PSC Operators, anti poaching units operating in Africa, serious amateurs for tactical activities and outdoor enthusiasts. That’s why we decided to set different categories on our website.

SPARTANAT: You have a very special style. Some people say it is „Armani gear“. Where does your feeling for design come from?

Well, to be honest I do not have any design studies in my background like probably somebody else has. My studies as a youngster were directed completely in the opposite way, but I am very meticulous and I always applied myself to reach the best results both in major and minor projects. Anyway, the aesthetic side is not the priority when I design a new product. Functionality and comfort come first. When these standards are satisfied I start working on the design, often introducing new materials or new features that make our products unique.

SPARTANAT: Anything you want to tell costumers?

We are currently working on a new line of products that will introduce some cool innovation in tactical gear. Visit our website, like our Facebook page and follow us to be always updated!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FROG.PRO
Website: www.frogpro.it

SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Tags: Frog.Pro, Spartanat
Posted in Industry, International | 1 Comment »

SPARTANAT – GEAR Made in Denmark: VERDANDE.EU

Saturday, May 14th, 2016

During IWA I met the guys from the Austrian gear blog, SPARTANAT. They mentioned that they had been conducting interviews with various European gear manufacturers. They thought SSD readers might be interested and I agreed. Please let us know what you think.

GEAR Made in Europe: VERDANDE.EU

SPARTANAT: Verdande is a small gear manufacturer from Denmmark. What do you specialize in?
Verdande: Verdande specializes in designing and producing custom products for Military, Police and EMS persons/units. We are starting slowly to design standard products, in preparation to sell to international dealers, but most work we do is still custom based.

SPARTANAT: How long have you manufactured gear?
Verdande: As a company we started aprox 2014. But the footwork started around 2006 when we was in the Danish infantry and had reached a point when the gear we needed to get the job done, either was very bad or did not excist. So started to learn how to sew on a old Pfaff 230 sewingmachine. And then learning everything by ourself and slowly getting better and better machines to make the gear.

SPARTANAT: You have a significant feeling for design. Where does this come from?
Verdande: It is a mix of our personal experience from deployments to KFOR, Iraq, ISAF and seeing the different needs to different missions ranging from a Police mission to combat. Trying on your own body to walk with gear that you could easily remove 40% of the weight if it was made in a different way.

But it is also a mix of our customers idea when they come with an idea that will make their job easier so they can focus on keeping themself and their collegues alive.

SPARTANAT: Anything you want to tell costumers?
Verdande: Our design goal is to make products that are lightweight, because the heavier your gear is the less ammo you can bring to the fight. Our products is also lowprofile because its hard to attack through small compound doors if your kit is to bulky. And we try to make things to the highest level of quality as possible because people lifes depend on it. In the Danish infantry we are being trained to be transparent and tell new soldiers from your own mistakes and experinences to make each other better. This is something we have also taking with us into our company and we know there is a lot of new gearmakers around Europe and while other companies might not be willing to share information how to do things then you are always velcome to ask us a question. We see a lot of european gearmakers that are still on a hobby based platform but have potential to something bigger. We are just a message away 🙂

SOLSYS: Why Verdande?
Verdande: The name Verdande was chosen because we wanted something from the Norse mythology because this is a part of our country’s history and we chose the Norse name Verdande and our logo is the tree Yggdrasil.

VERDANDE on the Internet: verdande.eu
VERDANDE on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Verdande.EU

Interview by spartanat.com

Tags: Spartanat
Posted in Industry, International | 5 Comments »

SPARTANAT Limited Deployment Bag in PenCott GreenZone

Monday, March 21st, 2016

SPARTANAT is a relatively well known gear blog in Europe. The 72 liter SPARTANAT Limited Deployment Bag is their first foray into goods, after writing about them for many years. It is being manufactured by Berlin’s Green Ant. GreenZone camouflage is quite popular in the Germanic speaking countries. It was all over the floor at IWA.

The SPARTANAT Limited Deployment Bag in PenCott GreenZone goes on sale this Wednesday. Look for details soon.

Tags: Spartanat
Posted in International, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »