Rigs, vests and other carriage solutions

Externally, we've had a couple of quiet Fridays but rest assured, we've been hard at work. With the new academic year fast approaching and the convention season in full swing, we've needed to reassess a few of our product lines.

Currently, we have our Tactical Chest Rig designed for HvZ players and the like but it does have its faults. The nature of the rig makes it difficult for our production team to efficiently manufacture it and mistakes are frequently made in the production leading to frustration and longer than necessary build times. The fundamental design is sound, there just need to be some tweaks made to make things a little more efficient. We've found that our new approach of using AirTex polyester mesh and foam instead of a second layer of Cordura fabric is lighter and much more breathable than the original so we're planning to rejig the back panel, shoulder strap and belly plates to be built of that. Closed cell foam in the shoulder straps and belly plates for maximum strength while a softer, mesh foam in the back plate will maximise breathability.

Beyond that, we've the designs and pattern down for our new vests. Actually producing a prototype is proving difficult, however. We're a little busy right now so it's a case of getting the machine time to do it. The new pattern is aimed mostly at LARPers and the seriously committed HvZ player. Its development has involved looking at sources as diverse as Starship Troopers and Black Hawk Down. The thing we're looking for, and it's something that's lacking at the moment, is a proper LARP safe armour for the future warrior. The Juliet Pattern is what we've come up with and we're hoping that it fills that nice.

The Tactical Chest Rig and the 'Juliet' pattern Tactical Vest will serve as a the top end of our carriage systems. Our Lightweight Shoulder rigs form the middle and our bandolier and belt systems the bottom. All of our kit is interchangeable so you'll always be able to use your old kit in conjunction with our other equipment. We will consider offering things like the TCR and Juliet without their respective belts so you can use your belt if you're upgrading from a belt system With the new website,that sort of thing ought to be trivial.

I can't do photos because all we've got is patterns on paper and paper mock ups (no, really) but imagine US Army IOTV meets Eagle Industries plate carrier meets Battleship Troopers armour.Never fear, we're working to get you shiny new things in the coming weeks, just watch this space and we hope you like it!