Warrior Expo | Military Times GearScout

Peltor and Ops-Core team up- We’re all ears

By: Rob Curtis

17-07-2010

Peltor released a new version of their Comtac headset that attaches directly to the Ops-Core/MSA accessory rail. The new ComTac ARC commo earmuffs were on display inside Ops-Core’s booth at the ADS Warrior Expo this week.

Instead of a headband running beneath the your helmet, or around the back of your neck, the Comtac ARC setup just attaches to the outside of your helmet. Each side of the band-less headset slides on to the accessory rail and locks into place anywhere along the length, accommodating the shape and position of most non-mutant ears. The headset uses a AAA on each side and its operation and performance are both identical to the banded models.

After getting them installed, use is a matter of snapping the wire earcup holders shut with the palm of your hand so the earcups themselves seal around the ear. Reverse the procedure when you want to take the helmet off. The earcups can also be rotated back behind your head when you don’t need comms.

We snapped it on, and it felt the same as a regular set of Peltors. It also provided the same level of ambient noise protection, even with some bonus head gyrations thrown in. The concept is adapted from the industrial side of the Peltor house. They have been making hard-hat compatible earcups for a while.

The ComTac ARC is only available through Ops-Core. Pricing depends on options, but as an example, a dual comm ComTac for an MBITR/PRC-148/117/150/152 will run you $1084 with one PTT adapter. That’s about the same as the over-the-head style. So, there’s no price penalty for going strapless.

And before you ask, no, you can’t retrofit your old kit because there is a new wire that runs between the earcups. Darn.

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Accessories

By: Rob Curtis

21-08-2009

Product Announcement

Casio G-Force Series Watches

Available now, $99-$350

Casio released limited-edition, blacked-out versions of four of G-Shock models. They call them military inspired and each claims stealth, matte black cases & bands, including buttons finished in black IP (ion plating) and undecipherable model nomenclature. Models and details from Casio on each:

G-9000MS-1: the classic G-Shock Mudman is built to survive the most extreme environments. Features include a molded back cover and variable durometer urethane covered bezel and buttons to prevent foreign particles, such as mud, sand or oil from entering the watch or accumulating between the back case and wearer’s wrist. The Mudman features 200M water resistant, world time, dual auto EL backlight with afterglow, twin stopwatches, and count down timer. MSRP $110

DW-5600MS-1: Reminiscent of the original G-Shock, the DW5600MS-1 features include shock resistance, 200M water resistance, EL backlight with afterglow, multi-function alarm, 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, flash alert and 12/24 hour formats. MSRP $99

DW6900MS-1: Classic in form, yet modern in style, the DW-6900MS-1 features shock resistance, 200M water resistance, EL backlight with afterglow, multi-function alarm, 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, flash alert and 12/24 hour formats. MSRP $99

GW-200MS-1: The exclusivity of the G-Shock Frogman makes it the perfect addition to this covert series. As part of G-Shock’s Master of G series, the amphibious Frogman is the only model certified ISO200M water resistant. Visually stunning, yet stealth in its appearance, the Frogman GW200MS-1 utilizes Non-Stop Tough Solar Power housed within an asymmetrical titanium case design with a deep wave band. MSRP $350

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Equipment

By: Rob Curtis

19-08-2009

Product Announcement

Blue Force Gear DAP Covert Insert

Available now, $30

The DAP Covert Insert drops into a briefcase style bag and instantly makes it a fully configurable tactical go-bag using BFG’s line of “dapper” Velcro backed inserts. Choose from mag holders, pistol holsters, admin sleeves and lots of other attachments to make your own covert carry system that suits your mission. The insert replaces most 15″ laptop sleeves and folds up to measure about 15.5 X 11″ X 3″.

London Bridge Trading LBT-6142 Kangaroo Kit

Available now, $52.50

LBT showed us their new line of hydration sleeves and we were most impressed with the little guy in the family. The 27 oz Kangaroo Kit adds straps to the side of a vest and holds enough water for a short mission while keeping it cool using reflective thermal insulation. The kit includes the 27 oz Source hydration sleeve and insulated hose. It’s available in UCP, AOR-1, coyote, tan and green, though you might have to send an email to get the part numbers for those colors. Their specs:

• #2 Grommet in the bottom of the pouch for drainage
• Berry Amendment (DFAR 252.225-7012) compliant
• 5”L x 2”W x 8”H

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Packs

By: Rob Curtis

18-08-2009

Product Announcement

Mystery Ranch
Longbow and Kingcab

Longbow, Fall 09, $189
Kingcab, Fall 09, $285

Mystery Ranch showed us a couple of new packs. The first is a new take on their Crew Cab, open bay load carrier. The Kingcab combines the heavy duty NICE frame with the versatility of the Crew Cab and adds a large, rigid PALS field on the back that will carry another pack. MR suggests a medic might use this arrangement to carry a litter in the Kingcab while strapping an assault pack to the back for fast access to medical supplies.

The Longbow is a thin, tall 2200cu in 3-zip pack that attaches to a MR NICE frame. The outside of the Longbow is mostly clean with one lid pocket and 6 compression straps and a large amount of organization on the inside with 2 long reservoir pockets and 4 internal detail pockets. The longbow would be a good choice for attaching to the Kingcab, because then you could have a large ruck that you could break down into an assault pack by taking the Kingcab off and attaching the longbow directly to the NICE frame. The photo shows a Longbow attached to a Kingcab on a NICE frame.

The Longbow is $189 weighs 2lbs 4oz w/o frame and 6lb 8oz with a NICE frame
The Kingcab is $285 and weighs 3lbs 9oz w/o frame and 7lbs 13oz with a NICE frame

Eagle Creek Cicada 28L

Spring 2010, $150

The Cicada is a freshly designed bag that will keep your stuff dry thanks to the raincover-like top. It’s even got a lock to prevent casual theft during TDY travel.

Split Wing cover that’s weather/theft resistant with a Ratchet Lock buckle
Hold’s a 17″ laptop
Zippered top/panel load main compartment access
Padded laptop compartment/hydration sleeve
Smart Travel Security organization
Two pockets for electronic chargers/cords
Dual access padded/fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or electronics
Exterior compression straps for managing the load
Molded foam back panel with contoured shoulder straps and sternum strap
Internal HPDE frame sheet with aluminum stay
Tuck-away waist strap
Water and abrasion resistant Bi-Tech™ material on bottom

Arc’teryx Aerios 7

Spring 2010, $89

The Aerios is a superlight trail running pack at 14 oz that offers 425 cubic inches of storage. Enough for a water bladder, snack, first-aid kit and some raingear bungeed to the outside.

Rigid mesh backpanel and perforated straps for airflow
Panel loading
Waistband can be positioned on chest to control bouncing
Side stretch-mesh pockets
Made with 100d & 420d coated fabrics

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Camp

By: Rob Curtis

17-08-2009

Product Announcement

Pacific Outdoor Peak Oyl Elite

Spring 2010, $115

Looking at the selection of sleeping pads on the market it seems most are variations of the same foam design. Foam thickness, weight and size are all important, but Pacific Outdoors differentiates their latest, the Peak Oyl Elite, by using different densities of foam, gel and air channels intelligently placed to maximize 4 season warmth and comfort. The gel insulates better than foam, but weighs a bit more. Even so, the regular sized pad (20″x72″x1.5″) is 27 oz, is still among the lightes 4 season pads on the market. They’ve also used palm oil to make their foam which is a more environmentally friendly material than petroleum based foams.

Therm-a-rest Ventra Down Blanket

Available Now, $200

The Ventra is a home run for cot sleepers. Therm-a-rest made the down comforter for family campers, but the single sized, 650-fill down comforter can be combined with a foam mattress to give a crappy cot the footloose feel of a single bed. You can use a set of adhesive-backed snaps to keep it from sliding off the side of your cot or mattress. It’ll keep you warm down to 40°F while giving the ventelation and freedom of a blanket. Available in regular 2 lbs, 48″x76″, and large 2.5 lbs. 58″x80″. Sadly, the two colors are red and yellow-green. Since this won’t see a lot of tactical use, the lack of subdued colors isn’t a huge issue.

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Gadgets

By: Rob Curtis

16-08-2009

Product Announcement

Surefire M300 Mini Scout Light

N/A, $N/A

Details are admittedly sketchy on this one. Surefire gave us a look at this little burner while we were at the ADS Warrior Expo in July. It’s half the size of the popular M600 Scout Light, runs at about 80 lumens for 1.3 hours on a single CR123. That’s enough light for tactical use and a more-than-respectable runtime. But the reduced weight may not be worth half the performance of the already svelte M600. We’re sure this is an issue Surefire is investigating as they gauge reaction to the light at military industry shows. The M300 could be out within a year, or that prototype could just as easily end up a paperweight on Dr. John Matthews’ desk.

Leupold RX1000

Summer 2009, $429

At 4″ long, Leupold’s newest compact rangefinder delivers 6x magnification with 1000 yard max range and a trick variable brightness OLED display that you can adjust like an Aimpoint to prevent the display from overpowering the predawn light. The unit offers a choice of three reticles and has a continuous measure mode that displays the distance as you scan a scene. It’s also pretty tough, as it’s made from a single block of billet aluminum. The only downside, and it’s minor, is the battery. It uses a CR2, which is a little harder to find than CR123 or AA/AAA cells.

Black Diamond Titan Lantern

Fall 2009, $79.95

BD’s smaller lanterns racked up a few accolades from the backpacking magazines last year with their personal sized Orbit and Apollo lanterns. So, their latest battery lantern should rate a strong buy if you are in the market for a camp lantern that reaches a 45 ft diameter area.

250 lumens (max setting) and frosted globe produces a bright, ambient light
Dual reflector system captures and maximizes light output
Power meter displays battery level of 4D alkalines
adjustable brightness
Folds to 200mm (7.9 in)
extended height is 250mm (9.8 in)
Collapsible hang loop

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Footwear

By: Rob Curtis

15-08-2009

Product Announcement

Feelmax Panka

Available now, $70

Barefoot is getting traction. As running has become more and more a technical sport, athletes are revolting in the face of footwear manufacturers dictating the way their feet hit the ground. Some runners complain that heel cups, cushion zones and arch support are all crutches that run counter to the body’s natural biomechanics. They feel barefoot training is healthier and more effective.

Aside from training, going barefoot casually can have similar health benefits. There are a few shoes that appeal to the barefooter. Among them is a European brand called Feelmax. Thier Panka is one of the lightest shoes on the market, weighing hardly more than a sock. The soles are 1 mm thick Keprotec, a rubber-like fabric used in high abrassion areas of outerwear and luggage. The upper is mostly mesh with some thin leather and a slight cushion that lets air move around the foot. The whole effect feels like wearing a sock that looks like a black sneaker. The Panka protects your foot from the ground and gives you the benfit of going barefoot.

Salomon XAPro 5

Spring 2010, $140

If it ain’t broke, tweak it; So says Salomon referencing their stalwart XA Pro line. The beloved trail-runner gets updated with an air mesh upper, a TPU toe cap, heel guard and a new lacing system. The upper is 2 layers, an open breathable mesh over mesh lining. Size 9s clock in at 12.9 oz.

Vasque Wasatch

Jan 2010, $150

Vasque is releasing a non-Gore-Tex version of the all-leather Wasatch hiking boot next year. The membraneless boot will breathe better and be less clammy for desert hikers. The protos are being worn within a few military units around the world and Vasque claims they’re doing well with some of our friends in the Negev.

Peltor and Ops-Core team up- We’re all ears

GearScout Spring Preview Extra- Accessories