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Archive for February, 2020

Good Luck Sock – Men’s Rambo Underwear

Tuesday, February 25th, 2020

Who better than 80s action hero icon John Rambo to valiantly display on either thigh, in constant vigilance directly on your skivvies?

As a bonus, the underwear itself, made by a company called Good Luck Stock, seems pretty nice. It’s made of a modal-viscose fabric blend that is moisture-wicking, and three times softer than cotton. It’s also tagless, with a flatlock stitch to remove potentially irritating seams, and a contour pouch with no fly, for maximum support.

https://goodlucksock.com/products/mens-rambo-underwear

NERF is releasing Halo-themed Blasters for 2020

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020

NERF is no stranger to video game licensing for their blasters, but considering that Mattel’s BOOMCo line of blasters already held the Halo license, it’s kind of surprising that NERF would follow suit with their own Halo blasters. All the same, there are 100% licensed Halo NERF blasters coming out later this year, and, honestly, they’re pretty cool. Based on three of the most iconic weapons from the Halo franchise, the initial line of Halo blasters will consist of the following:

MA40 Assault Rifle

Unarguably the coolest of the new blasters, the MA40 is based on the latest iteration of the UNSC’s mainline MA5 series assault rifle (inexplicably chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO in the lore). This particular blaster features a battery-powered flywheel action, where darts can be fired semi-automatically from the included 10-round ‘clip’. This blaster is powered by four “C” batteries, and for those looking to play the upcoming Halo: Infinite, you’ll also get a code to unlock the MA40’s color scheme as a weapon skin in the game.

SPNKR Rocket Launcher

Reportedly part of NERF’s Micro Shots line, the SPNKR is more nominally based on its namesake, as this is just a handheld blaster, while the in-game version is a rocket launcher. The fact that it’s not a full-sized NERF rocket launcher is a bit disappointing. However, like the SPNKR, the NERF version chambers two darts, and fires them one after the other.

Needler

Finally, there’s the Needler, designated the Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher by the UNSC. In-game, the Needler is a Covenant weapon that automatically fires strange crystalline projectiles with an inexplicable IFF function that hone in on enemies and explode after embedding in their flesh. As a NERF blaster, it’s part of the Micro Shots line, and fires a single dart at a time. At least this one is also a handheld weapon in the game it’s based on.

The Halo line of NERF blasters is slated for an October 2020 release, in line with the scheduled release of Halo: Infinite.

nerf.hasbro.com/en-us

Chef’s Creations – Colonial Marine USCM BDUs

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Chief’s Creations is a UK-based maker of expert-quality, highly-detailed props and costumes, and with the motto ‘Building Better Costumes’ and their Wayland-Yutani inspired company logo, you’d be safe in assuming they’re pretty big on the Aliens franchise.

So proven by their Colonial Marine USCM BDUs. And, right of the bat, it’s worth mentioning how dedicated Chef’s Creations is to living up to their motto: they went through the effort of accurately recreating the ‘Frog Leaf’ USCM camouflage from scratch, based on a swatch of screen used fabric. A British Army textile contractor prints the camouflage onto sheet, from which the BDUs are constructed by hand, made to order.

The BDUs are also patterned accurately after those seen in the film, as the prop house had the opportunity to study a set of ‘screen used’ BDUs; every pocket, seam, and button was studied in detail to create as accurate a reproduction as possible. The BDUs are made using heavy weight cotton drill material, sewn with strong thread, and reinforced “beyond the screen used items for longevity.” Simply put, if you want to make as accurate a USCM cosplay as possible, these are the guys to contact.

https://www.chefscreations.co.uk/portfolio-item/colonial-marine-uscm-bdus/

They also make a kick-ass set of Colonial Marine USMC M3 Armor, and a few other movie-accurate accessories, if you want to complete the look.

Star Wars The Vintage Collection – The Mandalorian Imperial Troop Transport Vehicle

Monday, February 17th, 2020

The Mandalorian is considered by many to be a return to form for Star Wars, so it’s appropriate that it gets a retro-inspired vehicle playset from Hasbro under their Kenner Star Wars Vintage Collection series. Based on the original 70’s Kenner Imperial Troop Transport, this new version is inspired by the troop transport featured in The Mandalorian Disney+ series, and features an impressively-detailed weathered paint job, along with opening doors and top hatch, a removable top, and a detailed interior.

Speaking of the interior, this is a troop transport, and it’s designed to carry a number of 3 3/4 inch scale Kenner Star Wars figures. While the product description itself doesn’t reveal the exact number of figures the set is designed for, a cursory glance implies up to 14 can be carried: two in the cockpit, six on the side carriages, and up to six in the rear bay, provided all six seats fold down. That’s pretty impressive, considering the original Troop Transport held up to 11 figures.

The Mandalorian Imperial Troop Transport Vehicle is currently up for pre-order on Entertainment Earth, with a March launch.

www.entertainmentearth.com/product/HSE7547

5.11 Launches Revolutionary New 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Footwear Collection

Thursday, February 13th, 2020

Irvine, Calif. (February 13, 2020) – 5.11, the global innovator of technical, purpose-built gear, debuted its biggest product launch of 2020, the all new 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. footwear collection last month during the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Tactical Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the name implies, the All Terrain Load Assistance System footwear series features three styles: an eight-inch Boot, Mid Hiker and Trainer.

Several years in the making, the 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. footwear series was designed with professional end users who carry considerable loads while on duty in mind. 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. footwear enhances agility and stability while at the same time adding cushion support, which is increasingly important when adding considerable weight to a user’s frame.

“Listening to our end users and solving problems to allow them to perform better is at the heart of why we design our products,” said Brendan Rynne, Footwear Category Manager for 5.11. “We heard our guys complain about ‘work weight’ over and over again, and after several years, we are really excited to be giving them the answer to their footwear support and stability problems in the new 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. series.”

The 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Boots—available in 8-inch and mid heights—featuring 5.11’s new Echo (high rebound) and Force (high impact) foam midsole with the 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. plate for turning and stability control, while carrying additional weight. 5.11 utilized a key engineering partner to help create these new foam formulas. In addition, the 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Boots and A.T.L.A.S Mids also feature a new Ortholite® foot bed, slip and oil resistant outsoles, and highly breathable uppers for maximum comfort. MSRP for the 8-inch Boot is $149.99 and MSRP for the Mid is $139.99.

A.T.L.A.S. Boots by 5.11

The 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Trainer takes its functionality cues from the All Terrain Load Assistance System Boots and Mid and is designed to withstand the toughest training sessions – from hitting the gym, to hitting the pavement, hiking through the backcountry, or hauling around your property. The 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Echo Lite (high rebound) foam midsole enhances agility and can be paired with an optional A.T.L.A.S. plate for better stability. MSRP for the 5.11 A.T.L.A.S. Trainer is $119.99.

www.511tactical.com

The New F.A.B. Gradus Pistol Grip Offers Exceptional Control

Sunday, February 9th, 2020

Northbrook, IL (Feb. 4, 2020) – The Gradus is a revolutionary pistol grip with exceptional attention to detail and an incredibly durable design. It uses an ergonomic model that increases grip strength, control, and overall comfort. Made for long-range and close contact accuracy, the Gradus is versatile and mission-ready.

The grip uses a relatively straight profile with a 15-degree reduced grip angle that increases stability while creating excellent grip security. The design is slim, with a curved back strap that significantly improves comfort. It even comes with the option for a beavertail or flat configuration design.

The Gradus is constructed from a reinforced polymer core that delivers incredible durability. The textured rubber over-mold adds an additional layer of security while providing an outstanding grip for shooters. The combination of materials provides pressure relief by equally distributing force placed on the grip. The level of control increases as a direct result of the materials used and the ergonomic design.

The Gradus pistol grip is available in Black, Olive Drab Green or Flat Dark Earth. The MSRP pricing is set at an affordable $28, making the grip available for a large market. The Gradus has a beautiful design that performs at the highest levels. It’s made to last while delivering a stable and comfortable grip at any range.

www.fab-defenseus.com

Soldier Helps Pave the Way in Army’s First Tabletop Wargame Team

Wednesday, February 5th, 2020

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — When 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Command Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, Capt. Ivan Cho, first started playing tabletop wargames in eighth grade, he never would have thought he’d be playing his favorite games while wearing the Army logo.

Cho, and three other Army active duty and reserve Soldiers, did just this as the U.S. Army eSports’ Warhammer 40,000 Team at the Las Vegas Open on January 24, 2020, which hosts the largest Warhammer 40,000 Tournament in the world.

“It really opens up avenues for civilians and other parties to see that the United States Army has opportunities within it if you are willing to branch out and try new things,” said Cho.

The U.S. Army eSports Team is a competition team of the U.S. Army and pulls its members from the Regular Army and Army Reserves. The Team has various sub-teams that fall under the Army eSports Team, including the Army eSports Warhammer 40,000 Team. Members play competitive Warhammer 40,000, a tabletop wargame where players enact battle by using miniature models of warriors and combat equipment on top of the layout of a battlefield.

“For a lot of veterans, Warhammer 40,000 is considered great for morale and therapeutic because of the vast hobby aspects that come with it including building the miniatures, painting them, then being able to compete against other players and hobbyists,” said Cho.

Cho and his teammates competed against over 750 players and played more than six rounds of games. Each round was roughly two and a half hours long, totaling about 15 hours of gaming over the course of two days. All four team members made the top 25 percent of players, competing with some of the best players in the world.

“I think it will have a lot of benefits for future Army players to know they have the backing of the United States Army to play and compete in a hobby they love to do,” said Cho.

The Army eSports Warhammer 40,000 Team consists of six active members from across the Nation: Capt. Red Powell of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Capt. Ivan Cho, Capt. Matthew Talley of U.S. Army Forces Command, Master Sgt. Justin Pizzoferrato of the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Staff Sgt. Shane Watts of Defense Information Systems Agency, and Staff Sgt. Jason Rider of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

“At this time, we are in the works for opening up more slots on the active team and create a second team to encourage more growth in the Warhammer 40,000 community as well as show the rest of the world that you can be a Soldier and still do your normal hobbies,” said Cho.

By Rebecca Nappi, 20th CBRNE

SIG SAUER Introduces New SIG AIR Reflex Sight

Monday, February 3rd, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 22, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the new SIG AIR Reflex Sight for fast and accurate target acquisition.

Designed to fit the SIG AIR M17 pellet pistol and ProForce M17 airsoft pistol, this low profile 1x23mm reflex sight features a wide field of view and 3 MOA red dot. The manual brightness control, located on the front of the sight, has six illumination intensity settings making it easy to see the red dot in all lighting conditions. The sight features easy to use windage and elevation adjustments, and the lightweight aluminum housing and shock-proof design ensure durability.

“We have seen strong demand for reflex sights on our SIG AIR pistols,” said Matt Handy, Director, SIG AIR. “With an increasing number of law enforcement and recreational shooters now using red dot sights, our new SIG AIR Reflex Sight delivers rapid target acquisition for those training with our SIG M17 pellet and airsoft pistols. The sight is also designed to fit future SIG AIR pistols.”

The SIG AIR Reflex Sight comes with a 1CR20 32 battery and two optic mount plates – one for airguns and one for airsoft.

SIG AIR Reflex Sight Specifications:

Magnification: 1x23mm

Height: .98 in / 25mm (without picatinny mount)

Width: 1.53 in / 39mm

Length: 1.88 in / 48mm

Weight: 1.41 oz / 40g

Overall Elevation Adjustment Range: 40 MOA

Overall Windage Adjustment Range: 40 MOA

Battery: 1CR20 32

Battery Life: 100 hours under max brightness

2000 hours under min brightness

Rainproof

MSRP: $59.99

The ProForce M17 is available for purchase at the sigsauer.com/store.

For more information on SIG SAUER airguns, visit sigsauer.com/airguns.