T H E
T A C T I C A L
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M A G A Z I N E
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TA C T I C A L FOOTWEAR TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION BUSHCR AFT FIREARMS MEDICAL
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P U B L I C AT I O N !
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GEAR UP THE TRADE TACTICAL GEAR MAGAZINE
GEAR UP MAGAZINE
TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING Gear Up Magazine is the worlds first business to business publication for the tactical gear industry, aiming to bring all of the relevant parties to the same table. With such a huge range of products on the market, knowing what to invest in, and more importantly, what to supply your customers with, can be a hard task. Gear Up Magazine aims to make this process easier, allowing you to enhance your understanding of the industry, allowing you to make smart purchases. With Gear Up Magazine, you’ll have a better understanding of the tactical gear and equipment on show, who buys it, and what they use it for. We’ll introduce you to the evolution of each of the ‘tools of the trade’, from ballistic helmets to boots, giving you the knowledge needed to traverse the tactical gear market with confidence.
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EBCON PUBLISHING
OVER A DECADE OF PUBLICATIONS Ebcon Publishing was launched in 2004 with one simple goal – to create a range of successful publications, which combined informative content with a high level of up to date design to match. Over the last 14 years, Ebcon Publishing has done exactly that, launching a number of publications that have won a number of awards in their respective sectors and continue to be dominant in their chosen area of operation. Ebcon Publishing has set up a fantastic portfolio and now the company’s next step is to further improve that portfolio by releasing Gear Up into the wild. All the staff at Ebcon Publishing work tirelessly to bring its readership a range of comprehensive editorial across its various magazine titles, providing thier readers with the best information available, along with high design values and inspiring imagery to suit.
how it works Broken into seven key sectors that drive the tactical gear market, Gear Up Magazine aims to bring you a selection of the finest products in each of our carefully deliberated sections. Whether you’re looking to procure items at a battalion level or are an individual in charge of bringing a plethora of tactical equipment to your customers, Gear Up Magazine aims to do the hard work, so you do not have to.
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TECHNOLOGY Due to various advances in technology, the ability to utilise said technology on the battlefield is imperative to the success rate of dangerous missions. Our technology section will look to those advances in tech, highlighting some of the most innovative items to hit the market.
tactical
PROTECTION
The tactical gear market is forever evolving, and with that evolution comes the necessity of adapting to it. Our ‘Tactical’ section aims to make that process as easy as possible, bringing you a number of key components, allowing you to equip the modern warfighter to the best of your ability.
Ensuring your customers can count on the protective equipment you supply them is of the utmost importance. Our ‘Protection’ section endeavours to provide you with numerous options, enabling you to best serve your clientele, allowing them to operate in the harshest environments known to man.
firearms
BUSHCRAFT
The firearms market is slowly becoming inundated with equipment that simply isn’t up to the task it was created for. With a plethora of optics and accessories on the market, Gear Up Magazine will ensure that you are providing your customers with products that will withstand the test of time.
The modern warfighter is often dropped in hostile locations, and ensuring the equipment they’re carrying is capable of dealing with the numerous areas of operation is key. Ranging from a variety of tools to sleeping bags, our ‘Bushcraft’ section aims to provide to cover the very best in outdoor equipment.
UK Based Kydex Holster and Equipment Manufacturer for Police and Military Personnel Around the World CAN BE MOUNTED ON A SINGLE ROW OF MOLLE
MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
FIXED RETENTION
MADE OF GENUINE 2MM KYDEX
LOW PROFILE
VERTICAL + HORIZONTAL MOUNTING
KYDEX CAT TQ CARRIER Price from £29.99
FOOTWEAR
medical
It is no secret that military and law enforcement personnel spend long periods of time on their feet. Due to this, it is imperative that the options you have on offer provide unrivalled comfort, protection, and support, allowing them to fight harder, for longer, with no unwanted issues.
Medical equipment by design is created to save lives. Our ‘Medical’ section aims to look at a range of equipment that is best suited to this role; from full-blown medical kits through to Individual First-Aid Kits, making sure your clientele is amply prepared for a worst-case scenario.
Available from ‘kydexcustomsuk.com’ Trade/bulk prices available upon request Can be wrapped in 500D Cordura Fabric Molle or Belt mounting available
Email: Sales@kydexcustomsuk.com
kydexcustomsuk.com
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GEAR UP
ISSUE #18
EDITORIAL MEET THE TEAM PAUL MONAF
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR paul@ebcon.co.uk With a track record of launching a number of successful magazines and experience working within business-tobusiness sectors, Paul is the driving force behind Gear Up.
CONNOR JAMES EDITOR connor@ebcon.co.uk
Having worked within Ebcon Publishing for ten years, Connor brings a wealth of knowledge to Gear Up Magazine. If you need any information regarding editorial, he’s your guy.
BEN DICKIE art DIRECTOR ben@ebcon.co.uk
Ben started working for Ebcon Publishing nearly a decade ago now and has been a vital member of the team since. The self-proclaimed Rambo of shapes and colours.
CONTENTS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 009 FEATURE NEW IN FROM HALEY STRATEGIC
012 TACTICAL TNVC NVG POUCH
015 TACTICAL SIONYX AURORA BLACK
018 TACTICAL ATTACKPAK REAPER BELT
022 TACTICAL HSGI POLYMER AVAILABLE IN LE BLUE
025 TACTICAL HIGHER GROUND GEAR
029 SHARON MONAF
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR sharon@ebcon.co.uk Beside every great man is a great woman, and Sharon is most certainly the Bonnie to Paul’s Clyde. Sharon looks after all of the administrative work within the company.
FOOTWEAR MARCORSYSCOM WINTER BOOTS
033 PROTECTION PICATINNY ENGINEERING GUNNER ARMOUR
036 BUSHCRAFT PDW INVICTUS IBL
038 FIREARMS MISSION FIRST TACTICAL BATTLELINK STOCK
042 FIREARMS ZEV TECH SIG SLIDES
044 FIREARMS RAVEN CONCEALEMENT VANGUARD 2
ebcon
047 TECHNOLOGY GPS COMPARATIVE REPORT
publishing ltd.
Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles in this magazine and the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors contained in material from independent sources or authors. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustration in any form without permission from the publisher/editor is strictly prohibited. We welcome articles, photographs or artwork for submission through the appropriate channels. Gear Up Magazine cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to unsolicited material. Please enclose a SAE if you wish your for your goods or material to be returned.
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055 TECHNOLOGY GANTZ MOUNTAIN 5-R
058 TECHNOLOGY SAFARILAND LAUNCH SIZING APPLICATION XPERTFIT
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PREVIEW
WHAT DO FORCE RECONNAISSANCE, MAGPUL DYNAMICS AND HALEY STRATEGICS ALL HAVE IN COMMON? TRAVIS HALEY. TRAVIS HALEY IS A VETERAN FORCE RECONNAISSANCE MARINE WITH 15 YEARS OF DEDICATED REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE INCLUDING: COMBAT TOURS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND CENTRAL ASIA. AFTER LEAVING THE MILITARY, MR HALEY SERVED AS A SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND SECURITY CONTRACTOR BEFORE PARTNERING WITH MAGPUL AS FOUNDER AND CEO OF THEIR TRAINING DIVISION, MAGPUL DYNAMICS. MR HALEY ALSO SERVED AS CEO OF THE PARENT COMPANY, MAGPUL INDUSTRIES, BEFORE BREAKING OFF TO FORM THE ENDEAVOUR THAT WOULD BECOME HALEY STRATEGIC PARTNERS.
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PREVIEW
SINCE THE COMPANY’S LAUNCH, HALEY STRATEGIC HAVE PRODUCED A RANGE OF PRODUCTS THAT ARE CENTRED AROUND THE IDEA OF ‘LESS IS MORE’; FOCUSING ON EQUIPMENT THAT IMPROVES YOUR ABILITY TO SHOOT. OF THOSE PRODUCTS, THE HALEY STRATEGIC DISRUPTIVE ENVIRONMENTS™ RANGE HAS BEEN RECEIVED THE BEST, WITH OPERATORS AROUND THE WORLD MAKING USE OF SOME EXAMPLE OF THE RANGE OF CHEST RIGS. AND NOW, HALEY STRATEGICS HAVE INTRODUCED MORE GEAR TO OFFER THEIR USER BASE.
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NEW IN!
While it’s been a while since we’ve seen any new releases from Haley Strategic, it would seem the company has been working hard behind the scenes on a range of new products in time for the recently passed Black Friday. Among the products are the FlatPack 2.0, the Multi-Utility Pouch and the Anything Hook. As always, it’s clear that every item within the new range has been purpose built for its specific usage – incorporating a range of innovative design techniques and high-quality materials to create a range of products that honour the Haley Strategic legacy. While it would be very easy for us to skim over all three new products, instead we’ve chosen to focus in on the FlatPack 2.0, giving the item the justice, it deserves.
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FLATPACK 2.0
Built on the same frame as the original (OG) FlatPack, the new FlatPack 2.0 maintains its original compact size prefered by many, but now includes updated features previously only available on the FlatPack Plus. The design update incorporates a full peel open design and an interior with full field of Velcro, setting the necessary foundation to add FlatPack accessories when needed, allowing the user to build the pack around their specific mission. At its core, the new FlatPack 2.0 is still is an assault pack that can go from an almost flat profile when compressed to 600 cubic inches when completely expanded utilzing a unique expandable gusset system. In its compressed state, the D3 FlatPack 2.0 can run a 1 liter hydration bladder in the main compartment with additional small items like batteries, energy gels and chem lights stored in the dedicated admin chamber. Expanded, the main compartment can fit a fully loaded D3CR™, a helmet or a jacket while the admin can fit electronics and/or small binoculars. The FlatPack features a new chest strap to add stability and comfort while under load. The FlatPack 2.0 integrates with a D3CR™ or D3CR-H™, replacing the H harness with the pack straps, to create a light reconnaissance, patrol or an EDC worst case scenario rig. The FlatPack will also molle into any PALS based nylon system including plate carriers, assault vests or other packs with external PALs webbing.
ALTHOUGH DESIGNED WITH THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS END USER IN MIND, THE D3 FLATPACK 2.0 ALSO MAKES AN EXCELLENT EVERYDAY PACK FOR CIVILIANS LOOKING FOR A VERY COMPACT CARRY BAG THAT DOESN’T SCREAM MILITARY. ABLE TO SAFELY TRANSPORT ELECTRONICS SUCH AS THE IPAD, MACBOOK (12”) OR ANY LAPTOP OR TABLET UP TO 8” X 12”, THE PADDED INNER CHAMBER CAN ALSO HOLD A NUMBER OF ITEMS RANGING FROM ANTHING FROM BOOKS TO DIGITAL CAMERAS. CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about the Haley Strategic range of products through the following lines of contact. CONTACT ■ Email: customerservice@haleystrategic.com ■ Contact Form: haleystrategic.com/contact
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PRODUCT
BASED IN CALIFORNIA, TACTICAL NIGHT VISION COMPANY, OR TNVC FOR SHORT, ARE EXPERTS IN THE REALMS OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES. WITH A STAFF BUILT ENTIRELY OF FORMER AND CURRENT WARFIGHTERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS WHO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING DEPENDABLE GEAR WHEN GOING INTO HARM’S WAY, TNVC WILL NEVER COMPROMISE IN THE EQUIPMENT THEY BRING TO THEIR END-USERS – STRIVING TO BE THE MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE COMPANY IN THE NIGHT VISION INDUSTRY. While TNVC mainly operate as a retailer, providing a range of equipment they would, and I quote, ‘bet their lives on’, they also work closely with numerous military and law enforcement agencies to develop innovative and practical products that best serve their clientele.
TNVC NVG POUCH
The TNVC NVG Pouch, Padded Expandable (NVG-PPE) is a new solution to an old problem–a modern, practical, and useful update to the classic green “lunch sack” NVG Carrying Case, and designed in-house at TNVC. One of the most common yet baffling accessories usually included with night vision devices is green soft case, issued by the thousands with USGI AN/PVS-14s and often provided with many night vision systems. While the “lunch sack” undoubtedly does do its job of carrying night vision devices, it doesn’t really do much to protect the device or keep the contents of the case and basic issue items (BII) organized–as a storage, shipping, and carrying case, causing many users to seek alternative solutions.
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In their continuing efforts to improve not only existing products, but their accessories, TNVC decided to take another look at the NVG carrying case and re-design it from the ground up. In examining other solutions and alternatives on the market, they found that carrying cases and pouches tended to come in either one of two main categories: ■ Hard-sided cases of varying quality that were primarily designed for shipping and administrative storage, but were often far larger than they had to be and not very useful in the field ■ Too small and/or overtly specific in and that they either only fit a single device or type of device, but none of the common accessories or BII that some users might want to keep with their NVGs, or that would only support one specific application/method of carry Moreover, in many cases, NVG-specific storage and carrying solutions tended to be surprisingly expensive for what they are.
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THE TNVC NVG POUCH, PADDED EXPANDABLE WAS DESIGNED TO NOT ONLY BE A USEFUL OEM CARRYING CASE SOLUTION FOR SHIPPING AND STORAGE OF TNV NVG SYSTEMS, BUT ALSO TO AN ADAPTABLE AND PRACTICAL NVG POUCH THAT COULD REALISTICALLY BE USED IN THE FIELD BY A WIDE RANGE OF END-USERS WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF UNITS, ACCESSORIES, AND CONFIGURATIONS AT A LOWER COST THAN MANY OTHER NVG-SPECIFIC CASE/CARRYING OPTIONS. The TNVC NVG-PPE has multiple zipper-secured compartments with multiple ways to access them, allowing you to not only securely carry and transport your single or dual tube night vision device, but any accessories you might need as well. The main pocket can support a dual tube night vision device with an ECOTI, or even dual PVS-14s and a FLIR Breach, while the secondary compartment can hold ancillary equipment and can be accessed either from the main compartment or from the outside. The NVG-PPE also has a large Velcro loop panel on the lid, allowing ID/Callsign patches or placards to be placed on the pouch to identify individual or team pouches, as well as a rapid closure/compression/cinch strap with a Fastex buckle.
THE SECONDARY COMPARTMENT IS ALSO EXPANDABLE WITH ZIPPERED 4-WAY STRETCH TWEAVE MATERIAL, ALLOWING YOU TO SECURELY CARRY SMALL ACCESSORIES SUCH AS SPARE BATTERIES, CLEANING SUPPLIES, ETC., WITH THE COMPARTMENT COLLAPSED, OR LARGER ITEMS SUCH AS MOUNTS, EXTERNAL BATTERY PACKS, OR ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP WITH YOUR NIGHT VISION DEVICE WHEN EXPANDED. THE SOFT-SIDED POUCH IS ALSO SIZED SO THAT IT CAN BE CARRIED INSIDE OF A HELMET FOR EXTRA PROTECTION AND TO KEEP YOUR GEAR TOGETHER. The TNVC NVG-PPE pouch isn’t designed to be the be-all, end-all of night vision cases, but rather to be a value-added alternative to some of the more useless alternatives that come with many night vision devices— even if you don’t use it for your night vision, it’s a highly adaptable general purpose pouch that gives you a lot of options for different mission essential gear that provides some protection for the contents, but is not overly bulky or difficult to transport.
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PRODUCT
NIGHT VISION IN ASSOCIATION WITH THOMAS JACKS TWO MONTHS AGO, WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF GETTING OUR HANDS ON THE SIONYX AURORA PRO ALL THANKS TO THE GUYS AND GIRLS AT THOMAS JACKS AND QUITE FRANKLY WE HAD A BRILLIANT TIME WITH THE PRODUCT. FROM THE BUILD QUALITY THROUGH TO THE SHEER JOY BEING ABLE TO RUN AROUND IN THE DARK WHILE SEEING EVERYTHING, WE DUBBED THE AURORA PRO AS ONE OF THE BEST PRODUCTS WE’VE RECEIVED IN A WHILE. THIS MONTH WE’RE BACK WITH THE AURORA BLACK, LOOKING TO SEE IF SIOYNX ARE TWO FOR TWO IN 2020!
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PRODUCT
SIONYX
SiOnyx is a silicon-based photonics company that develops and manufactures proprietary ultra-low-light CMOS image sensors and high-performance night vision camera systems. These sensors dramatically enhance the performance of light sensing devices commonly used in commercial, industrial, medical, and defence related applications. Best known for their work in the military market, SiOnyx have done a great deal of work with the United States Department of Defense – providing the US Government with advanced imaging and camera technology. Recently the company was awarded a $20 million contract by the United States Army for the delivery of digital night vision cameras for the highly publicised IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) program – a program started following the potential threats highlighted in the 2018 National Defense Strategy. With that said though, we’re not looking towards military-grade night vision; mainly because anything above Gen.2 is often illegal to own as a civilian, and some countries completely inhibit the use of non-handheld variants of night vision devices. Taking this into account, why exactly are we mentioning SiOnyx to you then? Well, because thankfully SiOnyx have seen the need for high-quality digital night vision for the outdoors market in their Aurora range.
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AURORA BLACK
The SiOnyx Aurora Black falls under what is the company’s commercially available and award-winning night vision camera developed for consumer use. Dubbed the ‘Aurora’ range (likely due to the word’s relation to a spectrum of light) this small, lightweight and all digital camera system can perform in moonless starlight conditions, similar to Gen II tactical night vision analog optics. Aimed firmly at the outdoor market, the Aurora range is most commonly used by outdoorsmen, law enforcement, search and rescue, executive protection and mariners around the world. What SiOnyx have achieved with the Aurora range is bringing night vision to the masses in a very cost-effective bundle – making it perfect for those who wish to utilise NVGs in all walks of life!
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PRODUCT INFORMATION
The Aurora Black is a colour night vision camera, capable of day-time, low-light and night-time recording in colour or greyscale through SiOnyx’s own patented Ultra Low-Light Sensor Technology. This technology transforms the viewing experience. Designed for fast setting changes, the Aurora Black features an intuitive switch and dial set-up. The scene ring allows for a custom viewing experience for different times of day and the settings dial allows for fast operating mode changes. Users can also adjust the lens focus and diopter. The camera has on-board recording, with up to 60 frames a second for video in HD and still photos with shutter speeds up to 1/8000th of a second. The Aurora Black also features Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) which helps to minimise blur and compensates for camera shake. The device includes a variety of camera recording modes, including: burst mode, time-lapse, panoramic view, self-timer, loop mode, slo-mo (shutter control) and HDR (High Dynamic Range). Furthermore, SiOnyx have included on-board WiFi capabilities, meaning the Aurora Black can be remote-controlled, live-viewed and can share captured images & videos with the SiOnyx App via a smartphone or tablet. The Aurora Black’s compact size and robust bodyshell make it the best tool for outdoor action and weighing in at less than 227 grams (under 8 ounces) make it even easier to carry. As we mentioned in the Aurora Pro article, while airsofters will do their best to imitate real world soldiers, the more weight you can drop from your load-out, the better, and 227g definitely keeps said weight down. Finally, the Aurora Black comes with a range of features that make it insanely airsoft-friendly, with a built-in lens protector, 6000j shock-resistance and IP67 rating for dust-resistance, splash-proof and water-resistance of up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. One of the biggest gripes a lot of airsofters tend to have is build quality compared to money outlaid, and you can rest assured that the Aurora Black is manufactured to a high standard. Would we suggest driving over it in a monster truck to see if it still works? Well, no, probably not. Are we certain that it will survive the average day of airsoft though? Most certainly.
MOUNTING OPTIONS
One of the biggest selling points for the Aurora range within airsoft is the ability to mount each night vision device in a number of ways. When it comes to night vision, you’ll generally see it used one of two ways in the real-world – either weapon mounted or helmet mounted. Thankfully, you can do both of these! The Aurora Black can be mounted using a Picatinny Mount. The combination of the Aurora Black with the Quick Release Picatinny Rail Mount, image invert & angle settings and loop mode means you can mount the camera anywhere on your rifle (rail permitting), as well as capture photos & videos without upset. Furthermore, the Aurora Pro can be paired with a red dot sight, and with some tinkering you’ll find you’re able to make use of your red dot AND your shiny new night vision. When it comes to helmet mounting the Aurora Black, then you’re going to need to employ the help of a relatively new face to the market – Lion’s Gear Solutions. Based in Romania, Lion’s Gear Solutions went to market in 2018 with nothing more than a FDM 3D printer, looking to produce a range of accessories for the SiOnyx Aurora. Company owner Lucian had kept an eye on the development of the Aurora since the very first day, supporting the company’s Kickstarter project in the process. Two years on and Lion’s Gear Solutions are now well on their feet, creating two main products for the Aurora – lens protectors and dovetail mounting options. While the lens protectors are useful, we’ll skip over them for now, purely focusing in on their dovetail mounting options. The chances are if you’re trying to helmet mount the Aurora, you’re going to have a dovetail mount attached to the front of it. With Lion’s Gear Solutions range of mounting options, you now have the ability to actually make use of said mount instead of just sitting aplomb on your helmet! Dubbed the ‘Hyperion’, the ‘Fast V2020’ and the ‘M.A.C.H.O.S. V2020’, each option mounts the Aurora in a slightly different way, and comes in at a slightly different price point. Should you want something very much on the cheaper end of the scale, the Hyperion comes in at IRO £55, while the M.A.C.H.O.S. comes in at a much steeper £248, however offers the ability to adjust the rapid pupillary distance and makes use of pivot arms to reduce the stress put on your neck when the cameras are folded on top of your head.
TECH SPECS: AURORA BLACK
OPTICAL
■ Sensor: Ultra Low-Light CMOS ■ Lens: 16mm;f/1.4 (night), f/2.0 (twilight), f/5.6(day) ■ Focus: Manual & Auto ■ Shutter Speed 1.5, 1.0, 1/2, 1/4, 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/120, 1/240, 1/480, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000 & 1/8000 second ■ Video Frames Per Second: 7.5, 15, 24, 30, 60 ■ Photo Resolution: 0.9MP ■ Photo Files: Jpeg ■ Video Resolution: 720p ■ Video Files: .MOV ■ Viewfinder: Micro OLED Display ■ Display Modes: Colour, Greyscale ■ Zoom: 3x ■ Image Stabilisation: Yes ■ HDR (High Dynamic Range): Yes ■ Scene Control: Night, Twilight & Day ■ Diopter Control: Yes ■ Gain Control: Yes ■ White Balance: Auto
OTHER ■ Storage: Micro SD Class 10 or UHS-1; 4-32GB (not included) ■ Connectivity: WiFi, USB 2.0 ■ Recording Modes: Burst, time-lapse, panoramic, self-timer, loop, slo-mo (via shutter speed), HDR (High Dynamic Range) ■ Built-In WiFi: Yes ■ SiOnyx App: iOS & Android ■ Remote Access: Via SiOnyx App (photo & video transfer, live feed, control and alter device settings) ■ Audio: Yes ■ Date & Time Settings: Yes ■ On-Screen Gallery: Yes ■ Protection: IP67 (dust-tight, water-resistant: against condensation, droplets, water spray, water jets, immersion up to 3 feet for 30 minutes) ■ Shock-Resistance: Tested against 5.56mm & .223 (6000 joules) ■ Dimensions: 118.55 x 63.2 x 52.5 mm ■ Weight: <227g (<8 oz) ■ Operating Temperature: -10 O C to 40 O C at 90% humidity
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PRODUCT
SINCE THE 1980S, ATTACKPAK HAS BEEN BUILDING BACKPACKS FROM SUPER-DURABLE MATERIALS TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF RESCUE WORKERS, HUNTERS, SKIERS, HIKERS AND MOST RECENTLY MILITARY AND TACTICAL. THE ATTACKPAK PRODUCT STRATEGY, IN PLACE FROM THAT FIRST STITCH, HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO KNOW WHAT WILL FAIL, REINFORCE IT SO THAT IT DOES NOT, AND PLAN CONTINGENCY SYSTEMS. THE CREW AT ATTACKPAK CONSTANTLY PUTS ITS EQUIPMENT TO THE TEST, USING NEW GEAR ALL OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS TO ENSURE EACH PRODUCT IS UP TO STANDARDS. WITH EVERY DESIGN THEY MAKE COMES A DEDICATION TO ENDURANCE, VERSATILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY.
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P. Alex Klein, AttackPAK creator, spent many years volunteering with the Alpine Rescue Team in Colorado. Klein also served on the Berthoud Pass (Colorado)Ski Patrol for 5 years. At an elevation of 11,306’, on the Continental Divide, Berthoud Pass is an extreme skiing environment – testing the skills and equipment of every Patroller. The inspiration for the AttackPAK patented contoured frame along with the modular component concept was inspired by this experience. Rescuing lost and injured people in the Rocky Mountains took his operations team into rugged territory where weathers conditions consistently change on a dime. In this dangerous mix of topography, injured/distressed evacuees and severe weather, each minute is critical. Additionally, every rescue mission had unique equipment requirements. Klein developed the modular pack-frame-belt concept in direct response to fill the requisite versatility requirement.
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REAPER GUN BELT
The Reaper Gun Belt is the future of the duty belt design. Our proprietary 16 layer thermoplastic and fabric laminate is built for rigidity, long life, and comfort. Laser cut parts ensures precision that reduces weight by about half. Ergonomic shape makes this belt super comfortable for all day wear. Gone are the days of heavy, stiff, straight webbing that cuts into your hips after hours of wear, and has been the industry standard for gun belts. The Reaper is made with IR compliant 330D Cordura aesthetic on the exterior that is synonymous with legit looking tactical gear. Robust on the inside, the sexy exterior is backed by 500D Cordura and 13 layers of high strength reinforced thermoplastic. We always push the envelope to make gear that works with your body and not against it. The Reaper sets a new standard. The feature set on this product delivers everything you need. It accepts MOLLE, 1.75” belt mount and velcro wrap accessories. Lined with hook Velcro™ to mate with your Viper inner belt and negate the need for keepers. Available with low profile 1” AustriAlpin™ kettle buckle, or 1” AustriAlpin@ load rated buckle to tie into a helo or harness.
THESE BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED FOR FALL RESTRAINT PURPOSES AND SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THAT CAPACITY. THE USER ASSUMES ALL RISK TO LIFE OR LIMB. ERGONOMIC, RUGGED, AND LIGHTWEIGHT, THE REAPER GUN BELT RAISES THE BAR FOR TACTICAL BELTS.
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STRETCH PANTS BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: £69.95
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VX BUCKLE UP GUN CARRIER BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / VCAM / SRP: £79.95
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PREVIEW
HIGH SPEED GEAR®, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS HSGI®, ARE AN AMERICAN-BASED TACTICAL GEAR MANUFACTURER WHO PRODUCE THEIR PRODUCTS ENTIRELY IN THE USA. DEDICATED TO THE MANUFACTURE OF ‘BATTLE-PROVEN TACTICAL GEAR™, HSGI HAVE CONSTANTLY LOOKED TOWARDS THE INNOVATION OF THEIR PRODUCT RANGE, CREATING SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC PIECES OF TACTICAL GEAR IN RECENT HISTORY IN THE TACO® AND THE SURE-GRIP® PADDED BELT. THEIR PRODUCTS ARE DESIGNED FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMFORT, FUNCTIONALITY, AND VERSATILITY, AND ARE SO SURE OF THEIR PRODUCT RANGE THAT EACH ITEM COMES WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTEE AGAINST MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP DEFECTS. What very few people know though is HSGI come from humble beginnings, and have not always been the tactical gear stalwart they are known to be now. Founded in 1999, HSGI began life as a custom shop, making products for United States Marines based at Camp Lejeune. Over a period of twenty years the company has grown to become one of the most renowned tactical gear companies in the world, and in turn has grown to be the largest full-time employer in Swansboro, N.C.
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LE BLUE POLYMER TACOS High Speed Gear® has added LE Blue to the colour offerings for most of its Polymer TACO® family at the start of 2021. This new polymer colour was based on their LE Blue nylon and will allow customers to match existing LE Blue nylon and Kydex® loadouts with Polymer TACOs, Polymer Pistol TACOs, Polymer Double Decker® TACOs and Polymer X2R® TACOs.
“We are constantly expanding our product lines to meet the growing needs of our users,” explained Allison Mitchum, HSGI® director of marketing and sales. “In the last year, we added LE Blue to the majority of our catalog and now we’ve extended that to our polymer TACOs, making that style of pouches available to our law enforcement agencies that require blue gear for their vests and belts. We know that blue equipment options for these units can be very limited, so we’re proud to offer them American-made solutions.” HSGIs line polymer TACOs® function much the same as their nylon counterparts. The body and brackets are made with our durable and flexible, proprietary polymer and are laced together with bungee cord for the same versatility our customers have come to expect from the TACO® brand. As with the originals, these pouches grip and retain a wide variety of pistol magazine styles, calibres and small tools, like pocketknives, multitools and small flashlights.
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HISTORY CAN OFTEN BE MISINTERPRETED AS A SERIES OF BATTLES THAT FAVOUR THE SIDE WITH THE SUPERIOR NUMBERS, AND WHILE THERE ARE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THIS, IT WOULD BE SIMPLER TO REFER TO THE VICTOR AS ONE WHO HAS GAINED AN ADVANTAGE OVER THEIR ENEMIES. AN ADVANTAGE IN NUMBERS, FOR EXAMPLE, OR IN WEAPONS, LOGISTICS, TECHNOLOGYâ&#x20AC;¦ OR SIMPLY BY HAVING AN ADVANTAGEOUS POSITION. THIS IDEA IS WHAT GAVE BIRTH TO HIGH GROUND GEAR, WITH THE PRODUCTS OFFERED BY THE COMPANY GIVING THE END-USER THE ADVANTAGE ON THEIR OPFOR. W W W.GEARUP-MAG.COM
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Located in Philadelphia, USA, High Ground Gear is the Tactical Systems branch of Ehmke Manufacturing, a company that have been producing products for the Aerospace, Defence, Industrial and Commercial markets since 1929. To allow for the best results, High Ground Gearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology has been directly influenced, and at times, created, by former operators, allowing High Ground Gear to bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the creation of their equipment.
RIGID-FRAME MODULAR TRAUMA PACK One thing we have noticed since first introducing our readership to High Ground Gear is that their product development is impressive to say the least. Most, if not all, of their product range push the boundaries of design, leading to a product range of unique equipment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something you
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cannot say about a lot of tactical gear manufacturers. The Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack is a fine example of this ingenuity; combining the quality High Ground Gear have become renown for, while offering the end-user with something they simply cannot find elsewhere. High Ground Gear paint the Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack as the answer to the combination of excellent weight distribution and the need for instant aid. Designed to enable the end-user to respond to large casualty scenarios such as IED explosions, the Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack offers the end-user two large casualty pouches which can be removed from the frame in an instant. These pouches are definitely on the large side, making them perfect for those who need more medical equipment than your standard Individual First Aid Kit. Furthermore, the Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack comes equipped with six modular trauma pouches to allow for perfect storage of medical equipment, an assault strap to allow for the attachment of blow-out kits and a quick-release waist belt system that offers great weight distribution properties.
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The Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack from High Ground Gear offers the end-user two large casualty pouches which can be removed in an instant thanks to the hook and loop attachment system.
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The quick-release waist belt system found on the Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack offers brilliant weight distribution, which is an absolute must for a product of this size. Furthermore, due to its quick-release nature, the end-user can don and doff the pack within seconds.
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The Rigid-Frame Modular Trauma Pack comes packed to the rafters with a range of other features, including – an assault strap to allow the end-user to attach a blow-out kit, six modular trauma pouches and a drag/carry handle found towards the top of the pack.
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A rather simple but effective feature that we are definitely a fan of is the ability to store important items on the side of each of the large casualty pouches. The pictures supplied here show a pair of medical shears to the side of the pouch, however they are large enough to fit an assortment of items such as glowsticks or small bandages.
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CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about High Ground Gear products directly through the following lines of contact. AMERICA ■ Contact Number: +1 215.324.4200 ■ Web: www.highgroundgear.com
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THE GEAR TO COMPLETE ANY MISSION. PERIOD. The Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ In the field, on duty, or totally off the grid, accidents happen everyday. You can’t predict where it’ll happen, but you can be ready when it does, with the Micro Trauma Kit Now! ™ Quick, one-handed deployment of critical first aid supplies means you’ll be there to provide life-saving care to yourself or anyone you come across. Things don’t always go according to plan. Be prepared for any situation with the Micro Trauma Kit Now!™ Get yours today at BlueForceGear.com/prepared. MADE IN USA
877.430.2583 • WWW.BLUEFORCEGEAR.COM
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International sales Contact: Doug Duggan Email: DDuggan@blueforcegear.com Phone: 1 (912) 225-1262
09/08/2019 14:00
NEWS
MARCORSYSCOM FIELD NEW COLD WEATHER BOOT THIS FISCAL YEAR, MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND PLANS TO BEGIN FIELDING A NEW BOOT THAT PROTECTS MARINES IN COLD-WEATHER CLIMATES IN AN ATTEMPT TO NOT ONLY INCREASE THE CAPABILITIES OF THE MARINE CORPS, BUT ALSO TO ENSURE THE BEST EQUIPMENT FOR ONE OF AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST CAPABLE FIGHTING FORCES.
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NEWS
MARCORSYSCOM FIELD NEW COLD WEATHER BOOT The Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Boot is a full-grain, leather boot designed foruse in temperatures as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ICWB allows Marines to complete various missions that might involve hiking or skiing in arduous, cold weather environments without having to change boots.
However, Marines have said the TWMCCB does not provide enough warmth in sub-zero temperatures because the boot is not designed for such environments. They often have to switch to the Vapor Barrier boot, which can cause excessive sweating if worn extensively in environments above -20 degrees Fahrenheit, said Towles.
“In order to effectively conduct your mission in a cold weather environment, you need to be warm,” said Todd Towles, project officer of Cold Weather Gear with the Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at MCSC. “This boot helps to accomplish this goal.”
The ICWB fills a capability gap left by these two boots. The ICWB will be used in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Towles said the boot can last up to 18 months or longer if cared and maintained correctly.
The Marine Corps currently employs a temperate and an extreme cold weather boot. The Temperate Weather Marine Corps Combat Boot is designed for employment in conditions between 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Extreme Cold Weather Vapor Barrier Boot is intended for use in environments between -65 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
“The Intense Cold Weather Boot is not going to have the same insulation capabilities that the Extreme Cold Weather Boot provides, so the foot shouldn’t sweat as much,” said Towles. “It’s also less bulky than the Extreme Cold Weather Boot.”
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From 2018 to 2020, MCSC held several user evaluations involving an early version of the ICWB, made of suede, in Iceland, Norway, Alaska and Montana, as well as at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California. Curtis Johnson, a logistics management specialist with MCSC, said Marines felt that the suede boot was well-constructed and durable but also thought it was bulky and did not dry well once wet. Leveraging this feedback, MCSC then acquired a full-grain boot in 2020. Marines indicated the full-grain boot dried well but didn’t provide enough warmth in below-zero temperatures. CWO2 Christopher Latham, an infantry weapons officer for 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, assessed the updated boot at Bridgeport earlier this year. “When the temperature dipped into the negative-degree range, your feet became very cold,” said Latham. “I believe that we need more insulation in the boot to get down into the negative temperatures.” The program office then added an additional 200 grams of insulation to the boot. If a Marine is wearing the boot for extended periods of time in sub-zero temperatures, MCSC provides a protective overboot for additional warmth if needed. The improved ICWB is also less bulky than the earlier prototype and comprises a black, leather boot to repel moisture. “The first prototype ICWB we tested received mixed reviews, but the second prototype with the added insulation has been well-received by Marines thus far,” said Johnson. “The boot is similar to the boots they wear every day.” The program office expects the ICWB to begin fielding in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021. Towles believes the ICWB will serve the warfighter well in the coming years.
“THE ICWB LIGHTENS THE LOAD FOR THE MARINES BY THEIR NEEDING ONLY ONE BOOT FOR FIGHTING AND SKI MISSIONS, AS OPPOSED TO IN THE PAST WHEN MARINES HAD TO MAINTAIN TWO BOOTS,” SAID TOWLES. “I BELIEVE THESE BOOTS WILL FURTHER SUPPORT MARINES IN COLD WEATHER ENVIRONMENTS AND HELP THEM ACHIEVE MISSION SUCCESS.”
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NEWS
PICATINNY ENGINEERING DEVELOP NEW GUNNER PROTECTION ARMOUR
ENGINEERS AT PICATINNY ARSENAL HAVE DEVELOPED A UNIQUE GUNNER PROTECTION TURRET, QUICKLY FOLDABLE TO A REDUCED HEIGHT, WHICH WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE U.S. MARINE CORPS TO TRANSPORT THE TURRET IN A NUMBER OF SCENARIOS.
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NEWS
PICATINNY ENGINEERING DEVELOP NEW GUNNER PROTECTION ARMOUR THE VERSATILITY AND COMPACTNESS OF THE TURRET EVOKES COMPARISONS TO THE “TRANSFORMER” SCIENCE FICTION MOVIES, WHICH FEATURE ROBOTS THAT CAN TRANSFORM THEMSELVES INTO COMMON MACHINERY, SUCH AS VEHICLES. In its reduced configuration, the new turret allows for more efficient transportation aboard naval vessels, aircraft and ground transport systems. Designated as the Reducible Height Gunner Protection Kit (RHGPK), the turret can quickly fold to nearly one-third of its original height, thus allowing for adequate clearance within tight transportation decks. Moreover, the reducibility feature is ideal for limited deck spaces aboard Naval amphibious transport dock ships and Maritime Prepositioned Force ships without the need to remove the RHGPK from the host vehicle. The new turret is undergoing test and evaluation with the Marine Corps System Command on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Heavy Guns Carrier (HGC) variant.
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“The RHGPK essentially is an armoured Transformer,” said Thomas Kiel, who leads the engineering design of gunner protection kit (GPK) turrets within the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center, located at Picatinny Arsenal. “The turret is unrecognizable once it’s reduced for transportation purposes,” Kiel added. Marine Corps expeditionary operations use fully amphibious platforms, such as the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) to transport weapons systems, equipment, and personnel within assault elements from ship to shore and across the beach. The RHGPK turret will be mounted on tactical vehicles being transported on amphibious ships entering hostile regions. “Marines need to be able to focus on the mission during a beach landing, and not be concerned with how to prepare a turret for the operation,” said Kiel. “The RHGPK has been engineered to allow Marines to raise the turret and mount the weapon in a matter of minutes, while on a moving landing craft.” The turret is the latest addition to the portfolio of Objective Gunner Protection Kit (OGPK) family of protective armour kits for tactical vehicle turret gunners.
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GPK turrets are protective structures that mount to a rotating bearing ring on the roofs of tactical wheeled vehicles. A turret typically is considered to be defensive weapon system due to its inherent opaque and transparent armour, which is configured to maximize the protective area surrounding the gunner. In addition to enhancing survivability, the turret is the primary weapon station for the vehicle platform, enabling the gunner to deliver firepower on targets. “The voice of the warfighter is critically important when developing a new weapon system,” Kiel said. “Restrictions during the pandemic forced us to conduct our initial user evaluations with virtual models instead of physical prototypes.” Also located at the Armaments Center, the Gaming, Interactive Technologies & Multimedia team worked closely with the GPK engineers to generate fully immersive, virtual reality scenarios. That made it possible to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the design, from the perspective of space requirements, protection, situational awareness and weapon functionality. The RHGPK enables the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, Medium/ Heavy Tactical Vehicle Replacement and Logistics Vehicle System Replacement, to be transported in the lower vehicle stowage areas of Landing Platform/Dock (LPD 17) and Landing Helicopter Dock class ships. The turret’s reducible feature will also facilitate transportation by rail and air. “The backbone of our design is the solid model,” said Kris Mayer, turret design engineer at the Armaments Center’s Prototype Integration Facility. “It is the source for manufacturing data and many other engineering functions,” he added. The solid model feeds all aspects of the design life cycle, including cost estimating, structural analysis, weight predictions, platform integration and weapons interfacing.
“When things are done properly, the fabricated hardware will look exactly like the computer model with no surprises,” said Mayer. Proper configuration management allows future design updates to be incorporated seamlessly. Project Manager Soldier Lethality, located at Picatinny Arsenal, has primary responsibility for Gunner Protection Kit turret development under the Gunner Integrated Protection and Restraint System program. It also manages the procurement of turret systems within the Department of Defense. “There are a wide variety of tactical vehicle platforms within the DoD,” explained Narayan Bhagavatula, Program Lead for Gunner Protection Systems. “Many of these require unique turret solutions because of specific user requirements and weapons that must be mounted,” he added. The GPK turret designs are generated in-house at the Armaments Center by Army civilian engineers. Each turret within the portfolio of OGPKs has its own specific configuration. However, many components are shared among the various designs. This results in more affordable products and a smaller logistics footprint for sustainment. Also, because the designs are owned by the U.S. government, competitive production contracts can be sourced among small and large businesses throughout the United States.
PICATINNY ARSENAL, LOCATED IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, PROVIDES A WIDE VARIETY OF GUNS, AMMUNITION, PRODUCTS AND RELATED SERVICES TO ALL BRANCHES OF THE U.S. MILITARY. THE ARMAMENTS CENTER IS PART OF THE U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND, OR DEVCOM, WHICH IS UNDER THE ARMY FUTURES COMMAND.
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PREVIEW
THE PROMETHEUS DESIGN WERX TEAM IS AN ECLECTIC AGGREGATE OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ALL INTRINSICALLY SHARE IN THE MISSION AND ETHOS OF THE BRAND. THE COMPANY IS COMPRISED OF FORWARD THINKERS, DESIGNERS, CRAFTSMEN, FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS, REBELS, AND ADVENTURERS. WHEN NOT COMMITTED TO THEIR WORK AND ASSISTING CUSTOMERS, ANYONE OF THEIR STAFF CAN BE FOUND SOMEWHERE IN THE MOUNTAINS, IN THE WATER, BLAZING A NEW TRAIL, IMPROVING THEIR AIM, DISCOVERING AN EXCELLENT BURRITO JOINT IN A HIDDEN CORNER OF THE CITY, HONING A PARTICULAR SKILL, OR RESEARCHING A NEW HORIZON.
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Prometheus Design Werx believe in discipline, but make up most of their own rules. That you should know how to start a proper campfire without a match and also safely extinguish it. The difference between a lager and an ale, and packing out what you pack in. Being able to hit a target at 300 yds using iron sights, and knowing that a wild strawberry tastes better than anything bought in a store. How to read a 7.5’ USGS topo map, and helping others to help themselves. When to use a 6pt vs a 12pt socket, and set a broken bone. Working to be responsible stewards of our land and wildlife so that our children may also enjoy them. How to sharpen an axe, tying a figure 8, changing your own oil and properly recycling it, and making a pot of chili from scratch. Knowing that the “golden rule” and a handshake still count for something, and understanding that the true spirit of adventure is a state of heart and mind. Prometheus Design Werx is represented by their distinct logo. It is comprised of 3 and 6 sided polygons. Each of the elements has a particular meaning. The triangle found in the center of their logo is the strongest of all shapes, it is the core, hearth, and the alchemical symbol for fire. The three intertwined modified hexagons represent the interconnectivity of both the planned and often unexpected directions in life and enterprise. The outside frame is a six sided polygon and a hybrid shape representing the strength of your “House,” and also the shared efficiency of a six sided polygon as found in nature and replicated by man.
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INVICTUS IBL The Invictus-IBL folder design represents years of development, working with numerous manufacturing partners, and many prototypes to arrive at this point. This variant of their signature Invictus design features a handle machined from a solid block of titanium. With the addition of scales to the solid block handle, this Invictus is described as an “Integral Bolster Lock” type folder. Each bevel, curve, contour, angle, chamfer, area of jimping, component and part has been meticulously detailed. It is the most production intensive version of the Invictus PDW have ever built and reflects an apex of our purpose driven, refined, functional tool aesthetic, design and production ethos at Prometheus Design Werx. This is a precision made, EDC folder at its finest. PDW used titanium billet in the handle, pivot collar, and the pocket clip. The Böhler M390 stainless steel alloy blade runs on ceramic bearings for a smooth action. Dual thumbstuds with dive watch grade glow-in-the-dark inlays deploys the blade quickly and decisively. Rounding out this Invictus-IBL are the G10 scales which are perfectly matched to the handle. No flashy, big logos or graphics or marks, just a subtle logo laser etched on to the pocket clip. For those who adhere to the philosophy of form follows function, find beauty in finely made, useful tools, and demand precision made mechanical objects, the Invictus-IBL is made for you. MATERIALS ■ Böhler M390 ■ 6AL-4V Titanium ■ Ceramic ■ Bronze ■ Approx. Dimensions: OAL: 8.125” ■ Blade Length: 3.50” ■ Construction Type: Integral Bolster Lock ■ Approx. Weight: 4.4oz / 12.5g FEATURES ■ Handle Machined from a Solid Block of 6AL-4V Titanium ■ Premium Böhler M390 Stainless Steel Blade ■ SS Lock Bar Stabilizer Insert ■ Dual Thumbstuds with Dive Watch Grade GITD Inlays ■ Satin SS Hardware ■ Matched G10 Handle Scales ■ Titanium Pivot Collar, Bronze Races, and Ceramic Bearings ■ Ceramic Ball Detent ■ Fine Jimping on Blade and Handle “Backstrap” ■ Lanyard Pocket for Type 1 ALSE Cordage ■ Low-Ride Titanium Billet Pocket Clip ■ Fine Matte Bead Peened Industrial Finish ■ US Design Patent: US D752,411 S ■ Marks: Laser Etched PDW Logo on Pocket Clip
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PREVIEW
SUCCESS OF THE MISSION IS WHAT EVERY BRAVE INDIVIDUAL OPERATING IN HARM’S WAY STRIVES FOR. SUCCESS OF THE MISSION IS SO FUNDAMENTAL TO MISSION FIRST TACTICAL THAT THEY NAMED THEIR COMPANY AFTER IT. MFT DESIGNS AND DEVELOPS SELECT U.S.A. MADE RIFLE/CARBINE ACCESSORIES AND KYDEX-STYLE, BOLTARON® MATERIAL HOLSTERS HANDMADE BY VETERANS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND CIVILIAN MARKETS. THE MFT TEAM HAS OVER 75 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE IN TAKING CONCEPTS TO FRONT-LINE DEPLOYMENT. FROM THE BEGINNING, MFT’S MISSION IS TO DEVELOP LEADING-EDGE PRODUCTS FOR INDIVIDUALS OPERATING IN HARM’S WAY. SUCCESS FOR EVERY OPERATOR’S MISSION IS MISSION FIRST TACTICAL’S PRIORITY. DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED ENTIRELY IN THE U.S.A.
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TACTICAL BATTLELINK ALUMINIUM STOCK Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to introduce the MFT Battlelink™ Aluminium Minimalist Stock. It is the lightest collapsible aluminium stock of its kind on the market, while still maintaining the strength and dependability you rely on. The MFT Battlelink™ Aluminium Minimalist Stock is the lightest collapsible aluminium stock of its kind on the market, while still maintaining the strength and dependability you rely on. Manufactured from 6061-T6 Aluminium, billet and extruded hard coat anodized to mil-spec, the stock is completely adaptable to the needs of the environment and operation by utilizing custom accessory mounts, interchangeable butt plates, and accommodating a new custom sling configuration. All done without sacrificing any of the functional requirements.
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THE BATTLELINK ALUMINIUM MINIMALIST STOCK IS A SLIDE-ON REPLACEMENT FOR A COLLAPSIBLE BUTTSTOCK. THE ANGLED, NON-SLIP, CHECKERED BUTTPAD ALLOWS FOR FASTER PRESENTATION, EVEN WHEN DONNING BODY ARMOUR. IT HAS REAR-MOUNTED SLING SLOTS WITH SINGLE POINT MOUNT POINTS, WITH THE QUICK DETACH SLING MOUNTING POINT POSITIONED FOR OPTIMUM USAGE, INCLUDING AMBIDEXTROUS SHOOTERS. IT COMES EQUIPPED WITH A MILSPEC BUFFER TUBE SPEC SIZE 1.148” DIAMETER RECEIVER EXTENSIONS, A REMOVABLE BUTT PLATE FOR INTERCHANGEABLE CONFIGURATIONS, AND THE UPPER SECTION PROVIDES AN ENHANCED CHEEK WELD. ■ Slide-on replacement for collapsible butt stock ■ Angled non-slip checkered buttpad allows faster presentation, even with body armour ■ Rear Mounted Sling Slots with single point mounting ■ Quick Detach Sling mounting point is positioned for optimum usage ■ Suitable for Ambidextrous shooters ■ Upper section provides enhanced cheek weld ■ MilSpec Buffer Tube Spec ■ Removable butt plate for interchangeable configurations
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COVERT BOOT
BLACK / BROWN / TITANIUM / SRP: £49.95
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PREVIEW
ZEV TECHNOLOGIES WAS VERY MUCH STARTED AS A HOBBYIST COMPANY, WITH FOUNDER ALEC WOLF HAVING A DEEP FASCINATION WITH PISTOL MODIFICATIONS. TO BEGIN WITH, HE SIMPLY MADE CUSTOM MODIFICATIONS TO PISTOLS, RANGING FROM ADJUSTING TRIGGER BARS THROUGH TO CREATING PARTS FROM SCRATCH, FROM THERE HE SAW A GAP IN THE MARKET, LIKENING THE GLOCK PLATFORM TO THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AR PLATFORM AND THE MARKET PRESENT FOR AFTER-MARKET PARTS. Z365 OCTANE The new Z365 and Z320’s are an official collaboration between ZEV and Sig Sauer®. ZEV’s P365 offerings include PRO Barrel, Combat Sights, and the optics ready Octane slide. Available in three configurations, the Z320 XCOMPACT, Z320 XCARRY and Z365, each offer a different package for SIG’s latest pistol offerings. Each offering comes equipped with the Octane slide. The Octane slide was designed by founder Al Wolf and is the perfect storm of end user driven features. Aggressive slide serrations help with manipulations and create a lighter slide allowing the pistol to shoot flatter and maintain sight picture more easily during follow up shots.
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TECHNOLOGIES 1 ZEV Z320 XCOMPACT OCTANE GUNMOD The Z320 XCompact gun-mods come standard with an X series trigger, Octane Slide with Trijicon RMR compatibility, PRO Barrel and Zev’s fiber optic Combat Sights. The grip module utilizes our diamond pattern, laser cut grip to keep your hands secure, regardless of environment, while still maintaining comfort in hand.
TECHNOLOGIES 2 ZEV Z320 XCARRY OCTANE GUNMOD The Z320 XCarry gun-mods come standard with an X series trigger, Octane Slide with Trijicon RMR compatibility, PRO Barrel and Zev’s fiber optic Combat Sights. The grip module utilizes our diamond pattern, laser cut grip to keep your hands secure, regardless of environment, while still maintaining comfort in hand.
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TECHNOLOGIES 3 ZEV Z365 OCTANE GUNMOD The Z365 Micro-Compact gun-mod chambered in 9mm comes standard with the ZEV Octane Slide and RMSC optic cut compatible with the Shield RMSc, SIG Romeo Zero, and Holoson HS407K, PRO Barrel and Zev’s fiber optic Combat Sights. The grip module utilizes our diamond pattern, laser cut grip to keep your hands secure, regardless of environment, while still maintaining comfort in hand.
According to Tom Taylor, SIG SAUER Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales...
“WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS COLLABORATION BETWEEN SIG SAUER AND ZEV. THE DESIGN OF THE Z365 IS EXCELLENT, MAKING IT A HIGH-PERFORMANCE CARRY GUN.”
3 CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, you can inquire about the Zev range of products through the following lines of contact. UNITED STATES ■ Direct line: 805-486-5800 ■ Email: zevtechnologies.com/contact
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PREVIEW
AFTER WHAT FEELS LIKE A LONG TIME OUT FROM THE AMERICAN-BASED HOLSTER COMPANY, RAVEN CONCEALMENT SYSTEMS HAVE RETURNED WITH A BANG WITH THE NEW VANGUARD 2 SYSTEM. RAVEN CONCEALMENT SYSTEMS IS THE LEADER IN INNOVATION, DESIGN, AND MANUFACTURING OF PROFESSIONAL-GRADE CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS AND GEAR. ALL OF RAVEN CONCEALMENT SYSTEMS’ EQUIPMENT IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PROFESSIONALS AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS WHO NEED TO CARRY A FIREARM AND OTHER TOOLS THROUGHOUT THEIR DAILY ROUTINE.
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VANGUARD 2 The first new model fits both models of the Modular Handgun System, the M17 and M18. This model features a two-tone colour scheme, with a black overhook and modular claw, which contrasts nicely with the trigger guard cover that is colour-matched to the Coyote Tan frame of the M17/ M18 family. The second new model fits all P320 X-Frame pistols and has a black trigger guard cover to allow it to be easily distinguishable from its MHS-compatible brother. “As a holster manufacturer, it was an exciting experience to work so closely and directly with a pistol manufacturer – especially one as large and influential as SIG SAUER – to bring these holsters to market. Unveiling our new modular claw — in conjunction with the debut of the VG2 for the MHS — just seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce the world to this innovative product,” said Michael Goerlich, owner of Raven Concealment Systems. “The support we received from the Sig design staff made it possible to produce these holsters to such high standards, and the e-commerce team at SIG helped us ensure that the whole Sig customer base had access to these brand-new products on day one.”
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The VanGuard 2 Advanced Kit is a capability upgrade to the venerable VanGuard 2 minimalist IWB holster. Unlike traditional IWB holsters, the VG2 covers only the trigger guard of your weapon. This unique design eliminates the bulk of a traditional holster, while providing a level of safety and security not attainable by simply sticking a pistol in the waistband of your pants. The VG2 Advanced Kit’s inclusion of the RCS CLAW takes this system’s concealability to the next level, by leveraging the grip of the pistol close to the body, while still allowing for a clean, repeatable draw.
THE VANGUARD 2 ADVANCED KIT WITH THE RCS CLAW CAN BE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER A TUCKABLE STRUT WITH OVERHOOK OR TUCKABLE STRUT WITH SOFT LOOP, TO ALLOW YOU TO CHOOSE THE BEST BELT INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR YOUR CARRY AND MISSION TYPE. THIS COMBINATION IS ADJUSTABLE FOR RIDE-HEIGHT AND CANT, IS FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS, AND IS THE ULTIMATE IN DEEP CONCEALMENT TECHNOLOGY WHEN COMBINED WITH OUR PROPRIETARY TUCKABLE STRUTS.
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ULTIMA JACKET BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / SRP: £89.95
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11/11/2019 15:51
GROUP TEST
HANDHELD GPS PORTABLE GROUP TEST
OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS, GLOBAL POSITIONING DEVICES HAVE COME ON LEAPS AND BOUNDS, AND THE WORLD OF ACCESSIBLE SATALITE NAVIGATION NOW OFFERS A VARIETY OF VERY PORTABLE, VERY ACCURATE AND FOR THE MOST PART, VERY INTUITIVE DEVICES OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES THAT YOU CAN CHOOSE TO CARRY IN A POCKET, STASHED IN YOUR BAG OR EVEN ON YOUR WRIST.
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GROUP TEST
HANDHELD NAVIGATION
FINDING YOUR WAY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!
HANDHELD
In todays technologically driven world, very many people have forgotten the skills of old - how to light a fire, how to hunt and most importantly how to navigate with or without a map. And whilst it may be very advantageous to anyone to have some basic knowledge of these skills, technology does make it very hard for people to even want to spend the time to do so. You then have to take into account that people work very hectic hours these days, so the last thing they want to do is to make their hobby of enjoying the outside into a chore with spending hours upon hours learning these ‘basic’ skills. Whilst lighting a fire and learning how to hunt will never fully be replaced by technology, the advances in satellite navigation devices certainly leave questions to be asked as to whether map reading is slowly becoming an extinct skillet.
GLOBAL POSITIONING
So just what are satellite navigation devices? Formally known as GPS or Global Positioning Systems, these are space-based satellite navigation systems that provide location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on the Earth. They do have their limitations though. For example have you ever been sat in your car with your GPS saying ‘Waiting for valid connection’? This is purely down to the fact that in your current location you are not in an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites, and the more satellites you are able to communicate with, the stronger your GPS signal will be. Originally GPS was a device you’d very rarely see in a commercial form, but over the years technological advances have made them more affordable, allowing them to be released to the civilian commercial market. And as time progressed, these devices slowly became smaller and smaller, eventually allowing for handheld GPS devices for use in the outdoors.
LET US BREAK DOWN THE BASICS FOR YOU...
SO WHAT EXACTLY MAKES A ‘GOOD’ GPS? 1
SATELLITE RECEPTION
2
EASE OF USE
Having a GPS that picks up reception regardless of where you are is the most important thing. Whilst there are plenty of GPS devices out there with all kinds of bells and whistles, we’re very much fans of the age old ‘don’t fix what isn’t broke’. Whilst all GPS in this review are capable of picking up signal, some done it faster than others, which in times of need can be a huge advantage.
Again, whilst having an all singing, all dancing GPS is great, if it’s a complete pain in the backside to use, you’re going to get very frustrated, very quickly. When we pick up a GPS the first thing we look at is how easy it is to quickly perform certain key functions such as setting markers and waypoints, creating and editing tracks, navigating to said waypoints and following a route.
3
SPEED
4
BUILD QUALITY
Whilst not necessarily a make or break topic, having a GPS that boots up quickly is definitely a plus. On top of that the speed at which the GPS is able to calculate our position, draw maps and change from one function to another are things to take into consideration
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This is something we take very seriously here at Gear Up. What you’ve got to
remember is that 9 times out of 10 when using something like this, you’re not going to be in the most forgiving places. So whatever your using needs to be able to take a beating. On top of that you would hope your device is water resistant for when the heavens open as well. Generally we’d love something that was bomb proof, but I think that’s a while off yet!
5
DISPLAY QUALITY
6
MAPS
Having a display that you’re able to see regardless of the weather is a big plus. You need something that isn’t going to glare when the sun is out, as well as something you’re able to see clearly when the darkness starts to set in.
This is probably the most important thing a GPS needs to have, seeing as it’s generally a digital map. Having a GPS that displays maps perfectly is going to help massively when planning trips, as the last thing you want is to plot a course to then realise you weren’t able to see all kinds of steep hills when originally plotting the course. Having something that is easy to update as well plays a huge part for us. The last thing you want to happen is you not wanting to update maps because it’s a pain in the arse, for when you get to your location to realise than a ton of new houses been built, or an old bridge being closed down.
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11/01/2021 11:17
GARMIN
OREGON 600
PRICE: IRO £255.00 For a long time outdoorsman/woman have been waiting for handheld GPS touchscreen displays to catch up with the general trend of smartphone displays and finally Garmin have managed to answer the masses with the Oregon 600. Whilst absolutely no GPS display actually matches that of the absolutely outstanding smartphone displays on the market, Garmin have come pretty damned close with their 600 series, offering the sharpest and most vibrant sunlight readable colours, and it’s a lot more responsive that various other offerings on the market. When we talk about responsiveness, we’ve not come across anything as responsive whatsoever. Also the way you’re able to manipulate the touchscreen of the Oregon 600 is very much akin to smartphones. For example you have the ability to pinch and expand to zoom in and out as well as being able to twist two fingers to rotate the map - all very good additions, especially for those who are used to manipulating smartphone displays. With these features, ease of use is boosted significantly. Lets be honest here, for those people who aren’t up to date with modern technology, well they’re more likely to be using a good old map and compass as opposed to something computer driven, so on the whole, these features will transfer to what they’re used to on a day to day basis when reading emails or text messages on their phones. Being a touchscreen device, the only two buttons are located on the upper right hand side of the device. One of these buttons simply power the device on and off as well as acting as a display brightness/lock screen window that appears when the device is powered on. The other activated programmable one-touch shortcuts. These shortcuts are easily changed as well.
SOMETHING THAT MADE US FALL IN LOVE WITH THE OREGON 600 WAS THE FACT THAT IT WAS USABLE WITH GLOVES ON. WHILST BIG CHUNKY GLOVES WON’T WORK, YOUR LIGHTWEIGHT, RUN OF THE MILL GLOVES WILL CERTAINLY WORK. THIS IS A HUGE BONUS FOR THOSE USING THIS DEVICE IN COLDER CLIMATES. Speed and reception were on the whole good. It’s not as good as some other devices on the market, but for it’s size we were pleasantly surprised. Whilst handheld GPS is only accurate to within more than 50ft, we found the Oregon to do a good job, and generally got us to where we were heading! Whilst it was relatively fast at booting up and bringing maps to display, there were some short delays when rotating the maps and some maps took a while to load. Our advice should you purchase the Oregon 600 would be to only load up maps you need. What we do like about all Garmin products is Basecamp. Basecamp is a simple but powerful free software tool that is used to plan routes and manage waypoints, track and maps. Basecamp is both user friendly and provides the user with all the basic tools needed for planning trips or analysing routes.
OVERALL THE OREGON 600 IS A VERY POWERFUL, VERY EFFICIENT AND VERY USER-FRIENDLY DEVICE THAT WILL LEAVE BOTH SEASONED VETERANS AND BEGINNERS PURRING AFTER SOLID USE. IT’S UPDATED SCREEN AND INTERFACE MAKE THE DEVICE HUGELY USER FRIENDLY AND IT’S GENERAL FEEL AND OPERATION MAKE IT A TOP COMPETITOR.
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GROUP TEST
MAGELLAN
EXPLORIST 710
PRICE: IRO £295
As to not come off as a complete Garmin fanboy, we scoured the market for various other handheld GPS devices that offer the same kind of functionality and level of excellence that the Oregon 600 did. After a long hard search we finally come across Magellan and their eXplorist 710. Now as much as I hate random capitalisation in the middle of words, the eXplorist 710 was just too much of a contender to ignore. The eXplorist 710 is Magellan’s top-of-the-line handheld GPS and it boasts a ton of features to put it in such a position. Designed to be an all-purpose unit, the 710 wouldn’t look out of place in a variety of locations and for a variety of persist such as hiking or biking, as well as being useful for use at faster speeds in cars or ATVs. When talking about features, the 710 literally has them all - an electric compass, barometric altimeter, a 3.2 megapixel camera and several additional features such as a pre-installed 24k U.S. topo, video capabilities, a built-in speaker and a brilliant display possibly the best we have on show here.
WHAT WE FOUND MOST IMPRESSIVE ABOUT THE 710 THOUGH IS IT’S FUNCTIONALITY. THE 710 HAS TWO COMPLETELY CUSTOMISABLE HARD BUTTONS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE UNIT. UNDER DEFAULT CONFIGURATION THESE BUTTONS SET WAYPOINTS AND TAKE PHOTOS; WHAT WE’D CLASS AS THE TWO MOST USED FUNCTIONS WITHIN THIS UNIT, HOWEVER THEY ARE COMPLETELY CUSTOMISABLE. On top of that you’ve got a hugely easy to navigate ‘One Touch’ menu, allowing for quick access to commonly used functions and profiles. this One Touch menu sits in the bottom corner of the screen and changes dependant on what mode you’re in or what function you’re using. Overall the eXplorist 710 is a hugely capable navigation tool. But; and there always is a but unfortunately, there are several drawbacks that stop the 710 from being a top competitor within it’s market. Firstly, the eXplorist 710 is chunky. We’re not talking KitKat Chunky here, we’re talking 1990s phone chunky. At 5 inches thick, the eXplorist feels like you’re carrying around a brick, and is in my eyes unnecessarily bulky. Whilst we could get over this, the general design of the chassis doesn’t help the cause. For example the 710 has massively raised edges, and whilst this is done in a bid to protect the screen, it also makes touching the edges of the screen difficult. The touchscreen is also hugely infuriating. In a bid to hide the impreciseness of the touch screen, many features are spread over two pages, with the most annoying of these being the keyboard. Having to toggle between two pages of letters can become a royal pain in the backside, and something we never want to have to do again. Whilst all of these are very minor gripes, one thing we couldn’t overlook is the general sluggishness of the 710. Zooming in and out can take a lot longer than it should and booting the device up is very akin to watching paint dry in the computing world. The sluggishness of the device is most noticed when rotating maps though, which at times took up to a full second more than the Garmin 600 series. Overall the eXplorist 710 is a device a few steps away from being the ultimate handheld GPS unit, but with so many niggling gripes appearing after extended periods of use, we could see people falling out of love with the amazing features very quickly. Bare in mind though that the eXplorist 710 came out some time in 2013, so if general rule of thumb is applied, Magellan should be in the process of working on something new and if they can work on the flaws of the 710, they could very well be onto a market leader!
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GARMIN
FORETREX 401
PRICE: IRO £114.00
The Garmin Foretrex 401 is what I’d call the middle ground between your conventional handheld GPS and your all singing all dancing watches of today. The Foretrex is marketed towards the tactical paramilitary market, serving as a navigational aid rather than a complete navigational solution like some other devices in this feature. However we’ve spent a lot of time with the Foretrex 401, hence it’s inclusion within this comparison. We first got our hands on the Foretrex 401 a good 3 years ago now when we were primarily a military publication, with Garmin eager to promote their product to the military market. Being the prime military publication at the time, Garmin kindly gave us a handful of these to get to our guys on the field for review and they were very much impressed with it.
ESSENTIALLY THE FORETREX 401 IS VERY MUCH A NAVIGATIONAL AID THAT IS CAPABLE OF STORING UP TO 10,000 POINTS OF YOUR JOURNEY, DISPLAYED AS A DOTTED TRAIL ON THE SCREEN. IT FEATURES A DUAL-POSITION READOUT ALLOWING YOU TO VIEW YOUR CURRENT LOCATION IN MULTIPLE FORMATS, A LATITUDE/LONGITIUDE READING, A TRIP COMPUTER, SUNRISE/ SUNSET INFORMATION AND HUNTING AND FISHING INFORMATION. THE FORETREX 401 ACTIVELY MONITORS AND STORES YOUR ROUTES, TRACKS AND WAYPOINTS, ALLOWING YOU TO QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY RETRACE YOUR STEPS IN A HURRY SHOULD YOU EVER NEED TO. After playing around with the Foretrex 401, it’s very obvious as to why it is labelled as a navigational aid as opposed to an all bells and whistles GPS unit. Simply put you’re going to struggle to navigate solely using this. The best use for the Foretrex 401 is when you’ve got a predetermined route that you’re able to plot out prior to your trip, allowing you to quickly follow set waypoints to get to your destination. What we were told from years gone past when we shipped these out to Afghanistan was that they work brilliantly if you were separated from your unit and needed to get back to camp in a hurry. Whilst having a map and compass in such situations is handy, you’ve got to bare in mind that if you’re detached from your unit then the chances are you’ve made contact with enemy forces, meaning stopping to read a map could be a very bad move for wants of a better saying.
In terms of ease of use, the Foretrex 401 is very much a fool proof device. Controlled using 4 buttons along the bottom of the device, you simply navigate the display with these 4 buttons - it really can’t get much more simple than that. Unfortunately the Foretrex 401 is powered solely by batteries; 2x AAAs. These will give a running time of 14 hours, but if you’re smart you’ll use it as a stopgap to turn on every half hour or so to get a baring on your position and then switch it off. Disregarding the military market, the Foretrex 401 is a great device for those of you who are keen outdoors types who spend a lot of time hiking trails that you’ve already discovered or been recommended. Simply spend some time setting the device up prior to your excursion, and you’re set for the trip. But make sure you pack extra batteries!
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GROUP TEST
SUUNTO
AMBIT 2
PRICE: IRO £175.00 Some people just want something simple to keep with them just incase the world goes to pop and they’re left in a situation where they need to get from A to B without taking ridiculous detours on their journey. Whilst having a conventional handheld device is all good and well, it’s not exactly something you’re going to carry around with you on a day to day basis. With that in mind the guys at Suunto went around incorporating a usable GPS device into one of their award winning watches. And whilst they not be the first company to think of the idea, they have certainly done the idea justice. What you’ve got to understand is the Ambit 2 isn’t just a GPS, and if anything the GPS feature is very much a fancy add-on to get people talking about it, but with that said it’s a very strong, very powerful GPS device, but we’ll get onto that a bit more later. The Suunto Ambit 2 is a real powerhouse of a device with features coming out of it’s backside. Obviously being a watch, it tells the time, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Firstly you’ve got an altimeter and barometer built in, giving you measurements for elevation in three-foot or one-meter intervals. It does this in real time and does it extremely well. You’ve then got a compass which as you can imagine is hugely useful for when you’re outdoors. Whilst we may be looking at GPS devices here, having a built in compass is hugely useful should you ever need to plan a different route in a hurry. You’ve then also got a thermometer, which again is a hugely useful device when stuck out in the wilderness. A quick change in temperature can go un-noted if you’ve been outside for long enough, so having a device that will alert you of such changes is a huge bonus in our eyes.
THE AMBIT 2 REALLY DOES EXCEL WHEN IT COMES TO WATCH BASED GPS DEVICES. WITH A FULLY FUNCTIONAL BUILT IN GPS, IT’S CAPABLE OF STORING UP TO 100 WAY POINTS, SHOW SIMPLE GRAPHS OF ROUTES AND HELP NAVIGATE. WHILST IT’S NOT EXACTLY THE MOST IN-DEPTH GPS DEVICE, FOR WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO BE USING THIS FOR IT IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE. One gripe we did have about the Ambit 2 was it’s sheer number of features. With such a small device, navigating the obscene amount of features can be hugely overwhelming at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes a lot easier to get your head around. Another huge drawback of the Ambit 2 is it’s battery life. Thankfully Suunto have realised that such a device will have such a huge power draw and have implemented two different settings - Training Mode and Outdoor Mode. Training Mode lasts up to 15 hours and uses a shorter GPS tracking interval (around 1 second). Whereas Outdoor Mode will last you a good 50 hours but uses a longer GPS tracking internal (around 1 minute). You’ve then also got Watch Mode that lasts you 30 days but you don’t have use of the GPS or the compass. Overall the Suunto Ambit 2 was very, very impressive and is certainly something to consider as a last form of defence should you ever find yourself stranded with no way to get home. Whilst it has it’s drawbacks and it will never be as accurate as a conventional handheld device, it’s certainly a step in the right direction for watch GPS, and whilst a tad on the expensive side I can see a lot of people warming to the Ambit 2 very quickly.
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PERSONAL CHOICE
SMARTPHONES
PRICES VARY
Phone technology over the years has come on leaps and bounds, and with the current crop of smartphones, you really do have an all-in-one answer to many of life’s problems. Most smartphones come built in with simple features such as calculators and compasses, and others have apps for literally everything. And with more and more companies latching on to the idea that the smartphone may be the future, we’re seen a huge upturn in various navigational apps. When you take a look at the various app stores, you have a huge number of navigational aids at your fingertips, with programs such as google maps and a number of phone providers taking a stab at it as well; but many of these apps are more suited for your everyday, run of the mill commutes. You’ve then got actual navigation companies such as Garmin producing their own navigational software for smartphones, and these are where you want to be looking. Unfortunately though, smartphones are still a long way off from being the perfect navigational tool for a number of reasons. First off you will find that smartphone GPS chips aren’t anywhere near as sensitive as the ones used in standalone GPS devices, and rightly so. Having spent various evenings stumbling home drunk, you’ll find these apps tend to have a habit of losing track of their current positions very easily. This generally boils down to the fact that many apps rely on cellular data to download route maps during navigation, so when you hit a blackspot or an area with very poor signal you’ll end up losing your way which can lead to many wrong turnings taken.
DESPITE THEIR FLAWS, SMARTPHONE GPS APPS ARE DEFINITELY ON THE RISE, AND ARE MOST CERTAINLY HERE TO STAY. MANY INDUSTRY ANALYSTS HAVE NOTICED A RAPID DECLINE IN THE SALE OF STANDALONE GPS DEVICES, AND THIS IS OBVIOUS WITH COMPANIES LIKE GARMIN LOOKING AT ALTERNATIVES IN THE FORM OF WATCHES. Whilst it may be a long time before smartphone GPS apps are anywhere near as in-depth and functional as standalone devices, you need only look at the rapid development of phone technology and realise that in the not so distant future the standalone market could well dissipate and you could be looking at smartphone plug ins to help with the current issues they have, really making the smartphone an all in one device for a number of everyday struggles.
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PREVIEW
US ARMY E VALUATING GANT Z-MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT AS PART OF THE ONGOING ARMY EXPEDITIONARY WARRIOR EXPERIMENT 2021, THE UNITED STATES ARMY ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH THE MINI TACTICAL 5-R – A SMART SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM WHICH COMBINES THE USE OF GROUND SENSORS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. PRODUCED BY GANTZ-MOUNTAIN, THE COLLABORATION LOOKS TO BE AN INTERESTING ONE.
The world’s toughest Warriors and First Responders deserve custom built expeditionary surveillance technology with Artificial Intelligence and Behavior Analysis at-the-edge to guarantee success. Gantz-Mountain Intelligence Automation Systems (IAS), Inc. has pioneered revolutionary turn-key smart-edge surveillance and intelligence automation systems to answer this call. This rapidly deployable technology pushes artificial intelligence and behavior analysis to the tactical edge to provide manpower savings, improved decision making and enhanced early warning during surveillance and security applications.
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PREVIEW
US ARMY EVALUATING GANT Z-MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT Based in Monterey, Canada, Gantz-Mountain look to design revolutionary systems for user-defined automated alerts, intelligence automation and evidence file generation. In doing so, they hope to become the standard of excellence for real-time automation of human intelligence with advanced technologies for automating the functions of Special Operations Forces, intelligence analysts, and their communities, who have the responsibility for detecting, predicting, and preventing malicious or terrorist acts within their operational spheres to achieve their peace and safety. Additionally, Gantz-Mountain is using this revolutionary technology to make other cameras smart by developing Intelligence Automation System (IAS) Adapters for pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras along with other tactical camera systems. This technology has received sponsorship from and is currently employed by a variety of USG organizations.
MINI TA C T IC A L 5 -R
Gantz-Mountain’s MT-5-R is a Tactical Surveillance System with Artificial Intelligence and Behaviour Analysis at-the-edge for tactical applications. Revolutionary rapid-deployable tactical surveillance systems feature Artificial Intelligence and Behavior Analysis capability that delivers reliable user defined intelligence at-the-edge in any environment. The MT-5-R is a turn-key expeditionary smart multi-mission tactical surveillance system. It features unique multi-camera capability that delivers unmatched all-weather surveillance capability with Artificial Intelligence at-the-edge. Includes stand-alone multi-option communications infrastructure with both relay and Over-the-Horizon (OTH) backhaul.
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KEY COMPONENTS
G A N T Z- MOUN TA IN
INTELLIGENCE SENSOR NODE
Revolutionary packaging of a unique multi-camera capability that delivers unmatched all weather surveillance capability featuring at-the-edge intelligence in the right form factor and low-power envelope.
KEY HARDWARE FEATURES ■ Revolutionary packaging of onboard mico-sized supercomputing for real-time AI processing at-the-edge ■ Multiple HD Cameras : Thermal, Day and Low-light Cameras – shown with the FLIR Boson 640 Thermal Camera ■ GPS and Acoustic Array ■ Multiple Radios for flexible stand-alone communications backhaul (RF/WiFi/IP-PoE)
G A N T Z- MOUN TA IN
LONG-RANGE INTELLIGENCE SENSOR NODE (LR-ISN)
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Need a true long-range surveillance capability with Artificial Intelligence at-the edge for your surveillance applications? Our our new LR-ISN delivers with ruggedized packaging of motorized C MOUNT long range lens for both Day and Thermal cameras. This capability uses the same communications infrastructure found on our standard ISN and plugs and play with your MT-5 or can be offered as a stand-alone system.
G A N T Z- MOUN TA IN
RELAY INTELLIGENCE MASTER NODE
Revolutionary packaging of a unique multi-option communications relay capability that delivers unmatched flexibility and over-the-horizon (OTH) backhaul capability for tactical applications
KEY HARDWARE FEATURES
SOFTWARE/HARDWARE FEATURES
■ Revolutionary onboard mico-sized supercomputing for real-time AI processing at the edge ■ Multiple Radios for flexible communications backhaul (RF/WiFi/IP-PoE/Cell) ■ Plugs and plays with MANET/Tactical Waveform Radios ■ GPS
■ Server/Viewer software for real-time AI processing at-the-edge ■ Ruggedized Getac Laptop ■ Easy to use GUI interface for user defined intelligence/alerts ■ Mission Planning, Geospatial Mapping and Forensics Modes ■ Over-the-air re-tasking of deployed Intelligent Sensor Nodes
G A N T Z- MOUN TA IN
G A N T Z- MOUN TA IN
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT-THE-EDGE SEVER/ VIEWER SOFTWARE ON RUGGEDIZED LAPTOP
INTELLIGENCE RADIO BOARD (IRB)
Revolutionary packaging of server/Viewer software for real-time AI processing at the edge that delivers unmatched flexibility for tactical applications.
Revolutionary packaging of stand-alone programable tactical radio system for real-time AI processing at the edge that delivers unmatched flexibility for tactical applications
KEY HARDWARE FEATURES ■ Programmable radio in 900 MHz Frequency ■ Ruggedized enclosure ■ Supports multiple antenna options
KEY FEATURES ■ Turn-key tactical surveillance system with Intelligence Automation System software ■ GEN7 Intelligence Sensor Nodes (ISN) ■ Day, Low-light and Thermal Cameras ■ “Edge Computing” for automated object detection, AI and behavior analysis ■ GPS & Acoustics* (*software in development) ■ Data Exfil: Tactical RF, WiFi and PoE Capable ■ Flexible Power – Battery, Commercial, Solar ■ Relay-Intelligence Master Node (R-IMN) for local RF and Over the Horizon (OTH) communications via Cell, WiFi and IP connector for external radios and devices ■ Geospatial Server/Viewer with GUI for user-defined inputs and real-time alerts
OPTIONS INCLUDE ■ Fixed Site Installation System (FSIS) for long-term employment applications ■ Tactical WiFi System (TWS) for increase refresh rates and data through put ■ Long Range Intelligence Sensor Node (LR-ISN) for long range surveillance capability
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SAFARIL AND L AUNCH VIRTUAL SIZING TECHNOLOGY
THE SAFARILAND GROUP, A COMPANY WITH A RICH HERITAGE IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SPORTING MARKETS, ENCOMPASSES A GROUP OF RECOGNIZED AND WELL-RESPECTED BRANDS KNOWN FOR THEIR INNOVATION AND QUALITY. SAFARILAND ARE COMMITTED TO FOCUSING ON THE CUSTOMER FIRST IN ALL THEY DO. THEIR MISSION, TOGETHER, WE SAVE LIVES, IS MUCH MORE THAN A STATEMENT; IT IS A CREED THE COMPANY LIVES BY. THIS YEAR, THE SAFARILAND GROUP CELEBRATED 55-YEARS OF PROVIDING TRUSTED AND INNOVATIVE LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY, OUTDOOR RECREATION AND PERSONAL PROTECTION MARKETS.
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The Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland® armour, duty gear and communications, Bianchi®, Break Free®, Hatch® and Nik® to name a few. With a product range that spans four different sectors: Tactical, Military, Law Enforcement and Recreational Shooting, you can rest assured that there will be a Safariland variant on the market to fulfil a specific need.
VIRTUAL SIZING TECHNOLOGY Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products, along with Flying Cross, a Fechheimer Brothers Company brand and global leader in public safety uniforms, announced today their collaborative launch of phase one of a new virtual sizing technology called XpertFit. This virtual sizing technology revolutionizes the process in which individual officers are sized for body armour and uniform apparel. XpertFit offers a touchless, self-measure method of capturing body measurements right from a mobile phone.
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“This new sizing service really sets apart the level of innovation and depth of resources available to our customers as two leading industry brands,” said Bob Getto, President/CEO of Fechheimer Brothers Company, the parent company of Flying Cross. “XpertFit will provide our dealers and end users value and efficiencies they have not previously experienced up until now. In addition, XpertFit is the perfect solution during this heightened time of social distancing.” XpertFit takes the guesswork out of onsite measuring by providing instant and accurate measurements from a smart device. The process takes less than 2 minutes to complete
from initiating the technology until the time you are provided with product sizing. Individuals will simply access the technology from a mobile device and choose their path to fit either body armour or uniforms. Next, the technology will gather general information and then take a front and side profile picture. This is then used to calculate measurements based on its uniquely developed algorithm, and determine a recommended size for Safariland body armour, or Flying Cross uniform apparel. The new XpertFit technology will enter phase one of its release in early December to a select group of dealers and customers and
will be ready for a full launch in Q2 of 2021. This first-to-market technology is an exclusive for Safariland and Flying Cross through their participating partnering dealers. XpertFit was created in partnership with 3DLOOK, the global leader in AI-first contactless body measuring and fit solutions. “The proper fit of armour and uniforms is essential to duty and safety personnel, and our collaboration with 3DLOOK has allowed us to revolutionize the process.” said Brad Williams, President of Safariland. “Convenience and accuracy of measurements is a growing concern. XpertFit will allow the reflection of this urgency and efficiency to change the procurement process in an effort to save time and increase consumer confidence.” “We’ve worked hard to bring this level of service to our customers,” said Getto. Every detail has been vetted from the algorithms, use in market, process flow and privacy of customer information. Being able to partner with Safariland to incorporate body armour makes this even more powerful. We are excited to see what this will do for our top customers, retailers, and internal teams as well.” “We’ve had the pleasure of working with the amazing teams at both Fechheimer and The Safariland Group to deliver this first of a kind simple and accurate fit and sizing solution that delivers a contactless and safe measuring experience. This is a major step in digital transformation for the whole global uniform manufacturing industry,” said Vadim Rogovskiy, Co-founder and CEO at 3DLOOK.
CONTACT INFORMATION You can inquire about Safariland Group’s products directly through the following lines of contact. AMERICA ■ Contact Number: 800.347.1200 ■ Website: www.safariland.com
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