It’s the iconic Chuck Taylor sneaker, but made into a military-inspired boot form. The upper is a non-waterproof powdered suede and it features heavy-duty laces. Pretty interesting, and cool-looking, if not totally functional as an actual boot. Comes in two colors: Chocolate (Brown) and Castlerock (Black).
You can buy them here.
Check out this reveal trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil 6. Fan favorites Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield return as the main characters along with a brand new protagonist as they deal with a world-wide zombie/BOW (Bio Organic Weapon) outbreak. Looks even more action packed than previous games in the series, which, considering 4 and 5, is really saying something.
Resident Evil 6 drops November 20th, 2012.
Yesterday Tactical Fanboy’s TANSTAAFL ran an article about what looked like a rail-mounted skull, something we picked up from keeping an eye on those Hos at Spartan Imports. I did some checking and that comes from Steel Flame. The website is www.steelflame.com. The guy behind that site is a master jeweler named Derrick Obatake who does some really cool work (you’ve seen some of his stuff in movies like the Expendables). Actually, calling it cool is a bit of an understatement. Bad ass might be a better word for it. Check him out on Facebook too.
Tactical Fanboy: Steel Flame Custom Darkness Clips on Emerson Karambits.
Tactical Fanboy: Virtus Dagger medallion on the set of Expendables 2
Tactical Fanboy: Another Virtus Dagger medallion on the set of Expendables 2.
Soldier Systems ran an article about Blue Force Gear and their new Helium Whisper kit, including a really nice little dump pouch that you could damn near tuck into a handcuff case or your pocket (were you so inclined). This is some video we took at SHOT of Blue Force Brittney (smart, capable, a great shot and pretty too…what’s not to like?) discussing the dump pouch (spent mag pouch, whatever; when I was growing up it was just a dump pouch). Check it out and maybe getcha one.
If you’re not already doing so, you should follow Blue Force Brittney and Blue Force Gear Spotted on Facebook. You can also check out Blue Force Gear on line.
Doitnowmove.
Blue Force Brittney on the range.
Along with their U.S. Army licensed paintball markers, Tippmann also has a line of U.S. Army licensed camping equipment. The two models seen above are the:
Basic Training tent
– 68d 600mm polyester construction
– U.S. Army branded zipper pulls
– 300D Carry Bag
– ACU Camo trim
– Glove Dry waterproof system
– internal storage pockets and gear loft
It measures 80″x50″x38″ with 28 sq. ft. of interior space.
Bravo sleeping bag
– 68d 600mm polyester outer shell and liner with a 3lbs solid polyester fiber filler
– Rated up to 40F
– Hood system w/ draw cord
– Hanging tab and elastic straps for two storage options
– Full length wrap around zipper
– ThermAir insulation
– 185T polyester carry bag
It measures 34″x78″ and fits up to 6’4″.
http://www.usarmycamping.com/
First, take the beloved classic ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’. Next, cut it up into 15 second increments. Then, have a bunch of fans choose the clip of their choice, and refilm it in any style of their choosing. Finally, splice the fan-clips together into a complete movie and show it on the internet. That’s the idea behind Star Wars Uncut: Director’s Cut.
You can watch it on YouTube.
http://www.starwarsuncut.com/
If the many thinly-veiled threats directed at myself through email, phone calls, and the flaming bags of poo at my doorstep are any indication, this article has been a long time coming.
I spied this pair of Chris Costa action figures hanging around the Nighthawk Custom booth. He comes equipped with an Arc’teryx beanie and pant, Costa Ludis long-sleeve t-shirt, custom Nighthawk 1911, and other real-world gear. Also, notice how the figure sitting on his imprisoned twin’s plastic case is rocking MultiCam pants and boots. A limited variant, perhaps?
http://www.nighthawkcustom.com/
http://caltekonline.com/index.php
http://costaludus.com/
Leupold is the latest company to jump into the Zombie market with their VX-R Zombie Riflescope. Based around the VX-R Patrol Scope, the VX-R Zombie has a few unique features that cater to its namesake. For starters, the power on switch is green, along with the scope’s illumination dot. The scope caps feature Zombie imagery on the inside, and the two included BDC dials are designed specifically for use with .223 REM and .308 WIN Hornady Zombie Max ammunition. The VX-R Zombie will retail for $599 with a limited production run.
http://www.leupold.com/
DTS is one of the first companies who’s products I wrote about, so I had a personal obligation to see what they had to offer at this year’s SHOT Show. It turns out they’ve added more than a few new items to their line of training weaponry, including a butcher knife, kitchen knife, fireplace poker, and two color variants of a campfire hatchet, in brown and red. Additionally, they’ve finalized the design for the broken wine bottle from the prototype seen last year.
DTS Tools are designed to mimic many of the improvised weapons that LEOs can possibly face in the line of duty. They are built with a polymer insert designed to minimize impact and enhance safety and are surrounded by a lightweight, high quality, impact resistant rubber exterior, rated for temperatures ranging from -13F to 125F.
I knew as I passed this company’s booth at SHOT that it would be among the highest levels of irresponsibility for me to not write something about them, right? Anyway, Wilderness Dreams sells lingerie, nightwear, and swimwear in three camouflage colors: Pink, Snow, and Mossy Oak Break Up. Seen above is the Baby Doll Set in Pink. They also have a smaller line, only three items so far, of menswear in Mossy Oak Break Up.
Hazard 4 had an impressive showing of new bags, apparel, and accessories at this year’s SHOT Show.
Poncho Villa
The Poncho Villa is made from a water-resistant, breathable softshell fabric with 100% waterproof seams throughout. It has large Velcro panels on the front and back for agency identification, as well as smaller panels on the shoulders and head-back. Large perimeter grommets allow the Villa to be hung as a tarp. A generous fit easily encompasses packs, bags, head wear, and other gear, and side snaps and a front to chin zipper allow the wearer to close the edges and neck in severe weather. The entire poncho fits into its own vented front pocket for storage.
Colors: Coyote/Black
Here’s a personal hello from Las Vegas to my good mate Beau Mooney in Australia!
Two new products on display at EOTech’s booth attracted my Fanboyish tendencies. The first was the MW3 Holographic Hybrid Sight II. The MW3 sight is composed of the EXPS2-2 holographic sight with 2-dot reticle combined with the G33.STS magnifier. The MW3 logo is clearly displayed on the side of the EXPS2-2. Like other kits in the Hybrid Sight family, the Quick Switch to Side (STS) mount allows the operator to disengage the magnifier with a simple lever flip, then snap it back into place as needed.
The other product is the XPS2-Z Zombie Stopper Holographic Weapon Sight. The main feature that differentiates this sight from the standard XPS2 is the use of a biohazard symbol as the target reticle, which features a 65 MOA ring with a 1 MOA aiming dot. The reticle is also displayed on the top of the sight in white instead of red. Additionally, the final product will feature a stylized Zombie Stopper logo on the side of the sight. At the very least, it’s a relatively unique concept; no other company, to my knowledge, has done a zombie themed reflex sight with a biohazard reticle before. It’ll be available in April of this year with an MSRP of $559.
The MKA 1919 is a Turkish made 12 ga shotgun imported by RAAC. It’s modeled on the AR-15 platform in both appearance and the location and function of the safety and magazine release. The model I tried at Media Day was a variant modified for competition purposes. It features a flat upper receiver with an EOTec sight, collapsible stock, modified barrel and choke, replacement pistol grip, enlarged charging handle, and enlarged mag release. Additionally, it also had a 10-round extended magazine. It’s dubbed the ‘Zombie gun’, due to its paint job.
Despite being chambered for 12 ga shells, it was practically recoilless. Definitely a good choice to consider of you’re looking for an accurate and comfortable semi-auto shotgun.
The basic model is imported by RAAC.
The MKA 1919 is a Turkish made 12 ga shotgun imported by RAAC. It’s modeled on the AR-15 platform in both appearance and the location and function of the safety and magazine release. The model I tried at Media Day was a variant modified for competition purposes. It features a flat upper receiver with an EOTec sight, collapsible stock, modified barrel and choke, replacement pistol grip, enlarged charging handle, and enlarged mag release. Additionally, it also had a 10-round extended magazine. It’s dubbed the ‘Zombie gun’, due to its paint job.
Despite being chambered for 12 ga shells, it was practically recoilless. Definitely a good choice to consider of you’re looking for an accurate and comfortable semi-auto shotgun.
The basic model is imported by RAAC.
At this year’s Army Navy Military Expo, Tippmann Sports has on display their line of officially licensed U.S. Army paintball markers and accessories. Shown above in descending order are the:
Project Salvo Tactical Edition
– .68 caliber marker
– AR15 style 6 position collapsible and folding stock
– AR15 style shroud with picatinny rails
– 11″ quick thread barrel
– Removable and adjustable front and rear sights
– All aluminum die cast receiver
– Stainless steel gasline
– High performance in-line bolt system
– Quick release feeder elbow
Alpha Black Tactical Edition
– .68 caliber marker
– M16 style 6 position collapsible stock
– M16 style shroud w/ built-in sight
– 11″ quick thread barrel
– All aluminum die cast receiver w/ built-in carry handle
– Stainless steel gasline
– Wide range velocity adjustment screw
– Magazine w/ built-in tool storage
CARVER One
– .68 caliber marker
– 8 1/2″ quick thread barrel
– High performance in-line bolt system
– All aluminum die cast receiver
– Stainless steel gasline
– Four picatinny rails
– Built-in sights
– Built-in foregrip
Alpha Black with Official U.S. Army Camo Tactical Edition
– Same as Alpha Black model, but with Camo finish instead of black
Each marker comes with a bonus training manual on teamwork and strategy.
For more info on these products and others, visit Tippmann.com.
I’ve been meaning to write about these guys for a while now. SHOT Show and assorted other real world inconveniences (however much fun, and however much cleavage has been involved) has gotten in the way. Let me just throw up some pictures for you to check out and suggest you investigate further via their website and Facebook. There will be plenty more to follow, but this guy’s work is just too bad ass to not at least pique your interest now. (This ‘hawk, by the way, is for sale now.)
I’m gonna send him a whole passel of magazines (yes, I said passel) to paint up for me. When I do, I will look way cooler than the law should allow. He’s less than a day’s drives away from me…I may just head over there and do a whole article about his shop one of these days, if you want.
Check out Hillbilly Two-Two-Three Duracoat Finishing (also on Facebook.)
(Yes, I know I may not actually need a bad-ass looking tommyhawk, but if I had one that looked like that I’d be wishing for a zombie apocalypse every day so I could use it.)
Hat tip to the Mad Duo, who’ve been on me to talk about these guys for a while.
TFB Knuckledragger: Check out this 'hawk from Hillbilly 223
One of Hillbilly 223's knife coats.
Who is TFB Knuckledragger? He’s part of the team. Vetted by Soldier Systems Daily staff, approved by Tactical Fanboy actual, well liked by Jack Bauer, Raylen Givens, Bob Lee Swagger and Gogo Yubari. Grant him your full attention.
There’s an organization based out of Chicago (though it has members across the country) called the Women’s Tactical Association.
Women's Tactical: Athena Logo
Members are mostly (though not all) law enforcement officers and military personnel. What’s interesting about these ladies is that they are able to maintain their femininity without giving up the ass-kicking capability you’d expect of an organization that includes NPRC (National Patrol Rifle Competition) shooters, specialized LE units, drug task force officers, etc.
If you’re at SHOT this week, watch for the three attractive (but dangerous) females wearing WTA apparel and get one of these patches (it’s a female shooter silhouette, appropriately labeled the Athena logo). If you know a female who is serious about improving her skills and is less worried about breaking a nail than she is about reducing her reload time under fire, then steer her towards the WTA (they are also on Facebook).
Note: we’re not interested in any stupid or inappropriate comments. These ladies are professionals and are our friends. If you want to remark on the fact that they all seem to be pretty as well as tactically proficient, well and good. Keep it classy, be respectful and don’t show your ass. We’d treat your friends and your sister the same way.
Tactical Fanboy: A member of the Women's Tactical Association.
These Woodland-esque camouflage-printed sneakers by Upper Echelon Shoes feature a side zip, rubber sole, and padded insole. They also feature ‘gold’ chains that lay over the laces, which, depending on taste, may be a positive. If not, then a good pair of wire cutters would remedy that design choice real quick.
Available for purchase here.
Sneaky Studios has designed a line of Star Wars themed target range posters. Characters include the Rancor, Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper taking Princess Leia as a hostage, and of course the man himself, Boba Fett. Each poster is a high-quality digital print on 220gsm premium paper stock, is signed by the artist, and will run you $35 a piece, so you might not want to plug holes in the originals. Luckily, this is exactly what local print shops (or office supply stores) exist for, right?
Thanks to red2alpha73 for the tip!
Casio’s latest offering in the G-Shock line of watches is the GB-6900. It’s the first in the line to use Bluetooth Low Energy Wireless Technology, which is really Newspeak for this thing will be studying your daily habits to better plan the eventual machine takeover. All joking aside, it’s a pretty useful bit of hardware.
It connects to most smartphones to automatically adjust and correct its own display time and includes an alert signal that notifies the user of incoming calls and messages. Any ring alerts and vibration can be stopped by tapping a button on the watch. Similarly, phone alarm and vibration functions can be activated with a button press if the phone is misplaced. The Bluetooth signal features a data transfer rate is abound 1 Mbps with a signal range of 2m and a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard.
As a watch, the GB-6900 isn’t too shabby either. It has five independent daily alarms, a stopwatch, countdown timer, and display options for 35 time zones in 100 cities, including Coordinated Universal Time and the option to enable Daylight Savings Time. Like other G-Shock models, it has a shock-resistant body and is rated for immersion up to 200 meters of water. A battery life of approx. 2 years is provided by a single CR2032 disk battery, assuming the communication function is used for only 12 hours per day. It’ll be available in Japan in March. The USA, and presumably everyone else, will get it by the end of the year.
I’m not gonna lie. At first, my interest was purely in the property rights this company was carrying. A Boba Fett Return of the Jedi edition MIMOBOT USB drive? Hell, yeah! But, Mimoco has come up with a useful tool in their MIMOMICRO card reader/USB drive.
MIMOMICROs allow for easy transfer of data stored on microSD cards. You know, the really small ones that almost always require an adapter since barely any computers on the market accept them as is? My camera takes them, and in case you couldn’t tell, I’m not a big fan. You simply insert the microSD card into the device, then flip out the USB plug. Simple and fast usage of the normally pain-in-the-ass microSD. Plus, Batman and Darth Vader make everything cooler. The MIMOMICRO line will be available March of this year.
The Acousticom Sound Egg is a total immersion entertainment chair lined with ‘Acoustic Isolation Foam’ that keeps out external noise while five full-range speakers and a 10-inch sub woofer deliver 5.1 HD Surround Sound to the user. Each Sound Egg is highly customizable, with options for an attachable arm with a tv/monitor, tablet/laptop, or mouse & keyboard mount, colored leather or vinyl padded covered seats, cup holder, and 11 foam colors. Standard shell colors are black, red, blue, tan/beige, green, gray, LCD chocolate, dark green, and yellow, although a color matching option is available if requested. Available direct from the manufacturer or from Amazon.com.
http://www.soundegg.com/
http://www.acousticom.com/
CTA Digital Inc. has released a line of officially licensed U.S. Army video game peripherals. Seen above is the Elite Force Assault Rifle (US-EFR). Modeled after an M4 Carbine with an EOTech holographic sight (“modeled after actual military equipment”), the Elite Force controller has every button featured on a standard DualShock 3, including the rumble effect, and connects to the PS3 using Bluetooth. The ‘barrel’ can also be removed from the Elite Force and replaced with a Move controller, turning it into a navigation controller. The controller is powered by two (2) AA batteries. Available in digital camouflage and in Olive Drab with green-grey furniture as the ‘Commando Assault Rifle’ (not pictured).
Also available is the U.S. Army Universal Gaming Headset With 3D Effect (US-UGH). The Universal Gaming Headset connects to a monitor or sound system via RCA stereo jacks (red and white cables) and directly to your console or PC via USB. This allows you to independently adjust in-game and chat volume using the in-line controller. A ‘3D Sound’ button takes advantage of the triple drivers in each ear cup to deliver realistic sound based on volume and location in-game. Other features include a 14ft cable, removable microphone, and padded ear cups.
