Revision Military released a new video that outlines the details of the BATLSKIN for AUSA. In the video there is a brief explanation of how the system works and a few of the various accessories are seen.
Interestingly, this is not necessarily a new idea. The military has long seen the value in full face protection as evidenced by helmet prototypes of the past like the Model 8. The BATLSKIN is certainly better executed and more practical than past attempts at more broad face coverage for warfighters. A protection system like the BATLSKIN could probably prevent a number of injuries and deaths.
Blue Force Gear (BFG) is already known as an innovator within the realm of tactical gear but their next product line has the potential to fundamentally change what we think we know about tactical gear.
BFG embarked on Project Helium Whisper in order to deliver durable gear that is very light weight. The key to the extreme weight reduction is the technology that BFG uses to build the pouches. The backings on these pouches are CNC-laser cut from a single piece of extremely lightweight and strong material. By cutting the backings from a single piece, many of the challenges associated with producing (alignment and assembly) a typical MOLLE backing are eliminated. Even the markings are laser etched into the material so that the additional weight of a tag is unnecessary. The results are pouches that weigh as little as 50% of what current issued MOLLE pouches weigh.
The BFG Helium Whisper line has the potential to be nothing less than revolutionary in terms of construction and weight reduction. This is definitely something that you will want to keep your eyes on.
3-Gun competition, especially the rifle component, has really taken off recently. It was really only a matter of time before manufacturers began to tailor products specifically to this market. Stag Arms is the first production AR-15 manufacturer that I have seen market a new AR-15 specifically to 3-Gun competitors.
The new Stag Arms 3G has many features that are popular with 3-Gun competitors. the difference is that they come standard on the rifle instead of as custom additions. These features include a 18″ stainless steel fluted heavy barrel with a 1 in 8″ twist. The barrel also features a 5.56 chamber, rifle length gas system, and it is threaded for a muzzle device.
The rifle also features a Samson Evolution free float hand guard, Geissele Super 3-Gun Trigger, Magpul ACS stock, and Magpul MOE pistol grip. This is a very well appointed rifle. Users can also add an optional set of Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sights.
The rifle component of 3-Gun can be a fairly practical form of rifle completion. It often involves solving scenarios with targets anywhere from contact distance to several hundred yards. It has served as a breeding ground for many practical techniques and pieces of gear that have found their way into the military/law enforcement realms. So, it should come as no surprise that this rifle has the potential to be useful for more than just competition. It actually looks like it could be a great semi-precision or hunting set up in addition to its obvious role as a 3-Gun rifle. In fact, if you think about it, 3-Gun rifles like the 3G are not all that different from the military SPR concept.
The new Aspis Plate Carrier from Ares Armor is designed to do just two things – carry plates and accept MOLLE pouches. That is all any plate carrier really has to do. Any extra material that would complicate or hinder these two functions has been stripped away, leaving just a compact, lightweight, and functional piece of gear.
Many lightweight carriers on the market now use 500D nylon to achieve their light weight. The Aspis is made from 1000D nylon yet it still manages to weigh less (less than 2.5 pounds) than some plate carriers made from 500D nylon. The side of the plate pockets that faces the user is lined with spacer mesh for comfort.
The external cummerbund is removable and has the ability to add soft armor. It consists of two sections tied together with shock cord which allows some flex for comfort. There is also an adjustable internal cummerbund that is not removable. The internal cummerbund utilizes side release buckles for quick donning and doffing.
Fitting it’s spartan design, the Aspis shoulder straps are not padded but there will be optional shoulder pads available. There will also be an optional 3 magazines insert for the kangaroo pouch and the Aspis will work with Ares Armor’s Plate Carrier Silencer. Additional features include a drag handle on the rear plate pocket and hook material covered webbing on the top of the front and back plate pockets.
I am glad to see more options like this coming to market. As a non-military and non-law enforcement shooter, a simple carrier like the Aspis makes a lot of sense. It allows the user to carry everything they might need for a carbine course without the extra bulk or cost of more complicated plate carriers.
I am always on the lookout for patches that are low profile. Even if my favorite model of handgun is the Deathbringer 5000, I don’t necessarily want a patch on my office bag that advertises that fact. Sometimes a subtle patch, like this this Bourne Ultimatum CRI Patch, is best. You get to enjoy your patch collection without advertising to the world that you are a part time ninja.
If you are familiar with the Bourne series of movies, specifically Bourne Ultimatum, you will know that the CIA has a front business called Controlled Resources International or CRi in the film. The logo for CRi is visible briefly in the movie. This is where Usual Suspect Network user jhyphen got the inspiration for the patch.
There have been at least two runs of this patch. The first had black text on a gray background. The most recent run has gray text on a black background. Sadly, I believe all of these patches are now sold but there may be plans for another run. If they become available, I will let you know.
