SHOT Show 2019 | CORE Survival
Let’s take a closer look at the new products from CORE Survival showcased at SHOT Show 2019.
With a very close relationship between the company and the Special Operations community CORE Survival is able to design products that solve specific issues operators face during MFF, night operations or other activities.
By carefully and accurately gathering feedback from operators these products are designed, brought to life and thoroughly tested.
HEL-STAR 6 Gen 3 | Lead Jumper Light
During HALO or MFF ops there are times in which it is necessary to mark the lead jumper to achieve a safer and overall more smooth jump.
Because of the highly dynamic environment and the amount of lights that are usually visible in the jumper’s sight it is very difficult to distinguish to follow the lead jumper.
Beacuse of this issue CORE Survival has created a variant of the ubiquitous Hel-Star 6 that features a distinct D-pattern morse code to designate a specific jumper, usually the lead jumper. This feature is applied both to the overt settings for training or high altitude (visible light) as well as to the covert setting with a D pattern morse code IR strobe for operative use.
As you can see from the images below the Lead Jumper variant features a unique colorway (Tan + Black) to immediately and easily differentiating the device.



The HEL-STAR 6 Lead Jumper variant is available with the following filed programmable modes:
A1 = Green (Flash)
A2 = Green + White (Bright Flash in morse D-pattern strobe)
B1 = IR Steady
B2 = IR Strobe in morse D-pattern
Agilite & CORE Survival Guardian

HEL-STAR 6 SWIR
The HEL-STAR 6 Gen 3 devices are now available in the IR Strobes in the SWIR spectrum, with the following filed programmable modes:
A1 = Green (Steady)
A2 = Green (Flash/Bright)
B1 = IR 1064nm (Flash/Bright)
B2 = IR 1550nm (Flash/Bright)

HEL-STAR 6 Law Enforcement Variant
The LE Tactical model comes with very specific features and modes that are designed for the growing tactical Law Enforcement community. With much more night vision devices fielded everyday to officers all over the world there is a growing need for IR/visible devices able to recognize and organize officers during a tactical operation, especially when aerial overhead assets are involved.

Red/Green flash: Label separate teams in open area team movement (woods, parks, etc.). Valuable for real-time TOC intelligence.
• Flashing red during warm zone triage care of personnel who cannot self-extricate but are stable – RTF Teams can easily ID on approach.
• Green flash on Initial containment to indicate command post location.
• IR – easy team tracking using NODS, sniper NV overwatch or overhead helicopter cameras. Substantial improvement over past options (IR reflective patches) due to its 360-degree visibility.
Field reprogramming option is available with the purchase of a Programming Interface Module (PIM).
SHOT Show 2018 | ESS

Influx Cold Weather Goggle
Velocity Systems | Light Weight Plate Carrier
The LWPC is designed with maximum versatility and speed in mind. The ability to conceal this plate carrier allows the operator to maximize the effectiveness of this platform even in uncertain environments where low-profile is the number one priority. The possibility to unzip a Jacket and attach a placard with all the mission specific equipment really makes the transition from low-profile to high-profile just a matter of seconds. The ability to change configuration in a brief period of time allows the end user to quickly adapt to the specific situation as the environment changes. The biggest feature of this plate carrier, aside from its incredible light weight, is the versatility and modularity provided by the SwiftClips. Velocity Systems and MayflowerRC have, for a long time, believed in the concept of a modular armor and load bearing system that shared the same support structure. For many years we have seen great redundancy in the operators’ equipment; a popular set-up used to be a standard chest rig worn on top of a low profile armor carrier. At the time the only alternative to this system was the bulky PALs webbing/MOLLE plate carrier (which required a lot of time to reconfigure pouch by pouch) but it would not provide the ability to quickly change set-up (from 5.56 to 7.62 or to mission specific role) like the chest rig and plate carrier combination.
To this need Velocity Systems and Mayflower RC have responded with modular placards and chest rigs that would provide the operator with the comfort of a single piece of equipment while having the versatility of multiple pre-configured modular set-ups.
In our opinion, there is a substantial difference in the set-up of this product in the various applications of agencies and civilian use.
For a military or agency type of application this product would be suited for some sort of low-profile operation in which the operator would be required to constantly wear armor, comms and, perhaps, a medical kit. The low-profile nature of the carrier would quite possibly be unnoticed but would offer protection and the ability to attach a fully equipped chest rig placard within seconds.
As for the civilian use, we think that this system could offer much more versatility that a standard MOLLE vest. The use in a civilian application would, hopefully, be for a shorter period of time and it would not require the user to wear comms and med kit on a closer level. In an event in which the civilian should respond with armor the medical kit and radio would probably store within the placard itself. The MOLLE version allows to carry 6×6” armor side plates and offers 6 columns of PALS webbing attachment.
This is why we find the MOLLE version of the cummerbunds more suitable for low-profile operations and the elastic (lighter and slicker) cummerbunds for civilian use. Off course, the interchangeability of them will allow the user to configure it to the mission requirements. The low profile nature of the elastic cummerbunds would also allow a concealed carry citizen to use his/her inside the waistband holster at the three o’clock position without any interference with the plate carrier itself.
The lower half of the front of the plate carrier is covered with loop Velcro, stitched right into the front flap. On the sides of the upper portion are the two SwiftClips, which can be removed. There is a low-profile admin pouch, also stitched with a loop Velcro panel. If you happen to have the Multicam version of this plate carrier, as we do, the “admin” and back loop Velcro panels visible from the outside are matched with the camo pattern.
It was a pleasant surprise to see that this Light Weight plate carrier has all of the features of “Standard” plate carriers. Often times, due to the weight reduction, companies tend to “lighten” the adjustability and user-configurability, not Velocity Systems and Mayflower R&C. The cummerbunds can be adjusted both from the front and from back panel. For primary fitting, it is possible to regulate on the back panel the position of the cummerbund, the end of which is provided with both hook and loop Velcro on each side; this ensures the stability and the overall ruggedness of the product. For field adjustment (or secondary adjustment), it is possible to fit the size by lifting the dedicated front panel. On the market it is usually is rare to see two fully spec’d adjustment points on such a lightweight platform.
The top straps are also adjustable, allowing fitting the perfect height of the plate carrier (on a side note, please stop wearing your plate carriers low, you know who we are talking about…). The top strap is provided with a cushioned sleeve, for load bearing comfort and cable routing. We only wrote cable and not hydration tube routing on purpose, this plate carrier is meant to be lightweight and therefore used in atypical (or asymmetrical warfare) type of scenarios such as urban and low-profile application in which there should not be the need of “field” requirements like continuous hydration on the move. If the possibly of attaching a panel or an hydration bladder is an important characteristic we suggest checking out the other plate carriers from Velocity Systems and Mayflower R&C like the SCARAB.
Both the stitching and the material used are impressive. The attention to details and the well thought design differentiate this product from a market full of plate carriers that have become almost a commodity without any peculiar feature. Velocity Systems uses 500-denier Cordura fabric for the outer layers; this provides high mechanical properties while still maintaining a low-weight discipline.
Velocity Systems and Mayflower R&C proudly use materials and workmanship that are 100% made in the USA.
For more information, please visit: VelSyst.com
Steiner Optics: T824 Tactical Binoculars | Review
Steiner Optics is one of the most reputable optics companies on the market; they have been manufacturing some of the finest glasses for decades. With great attention to quality and detail, Steiner stands behind their product with extensive field-testing and quality control.
In many situations, being able to see beyond the human eye capability is key for planning and decision-making. Even if we have great-magnified optics mounted on rifles and carbines it’s not always possible to point them in any direction; especially in urban environments, where a long weapon may not be available and the binocular may be the only vision enhancement available.
Other than in surveillance and navigation, a compact 8 x binocular could be used for many other defensive tasks. From a civilian point of view, items like the Steiner T824 could be easily
carried in a EDC backpack or sling and it could be very helpful in dangerous contingencies. In an active shooter situation occurring in a public location, after having deployed the concealed carry weapon and having assessed the situation (and the distance from the shooter), a compact binocular could be utilized to provide precious intel on suspect to the first responders and the authorities.
The Steiner T824 is one of the most rugged binoculars on the market. The body is entirely covered with a rubber mold for shock absorption, while the N2 filled lenses proved waterproofness and antifogging. Quality of sight and toughness are just mandatory when dealing with companies like Steiner.
The most impressive feature of the T824 was the size of the whole product. Keeping in mind all the features that we have listed above this product is incredibly small; and furthermore easily deployable to many different situations and environments.
In the world of optics you often have to finder a compromise between size (lightweight and compact) and optical performance; the Steiner T824 provides a crystal clear 8x image in one of the smallest and lightest binocular system on the market.
The ruggedness and quality of the T824 is exceptional; after more than six months of hard everyday use it does not show any sign of weakness or failure. The rubberized coating makes this optic is almost indestructible, it has fallen several times from various heights and it did not break or scratch. The N2 filled optics are very effective against fogging, even during high intensity activities (in both freezing winter and humid summer) they keep a crystal clear transparency.
On the range this compact pair of tactical binoculars have showed to be more useful than we thought. When you are working on carbines and handguns on a flat range, you usually tend to leave the spotting scope at home; unless you are focusing on specific long-range shooting sessions. The Steiner T824 are compact and lightweight enough to be always included in your range bag and they can be very useful for some quick check on the target without having the whole range going cold.
The Steiner T824 is the smallest model (in both price and dimensions) of the line of tactical binocular. The Tactical series of Steiner binoculars include optics from 8 x 24 up to 10 x 42, available either with or without reticle.
For more information, please visit the Steiner Optics website
Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit Now! Product Review
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! is an emergency access medical kit that can be quickly deployed. It is designed to hold the medical contents of the Armed Forces IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) but it can also be customized by the user to be suited for every environment.
The medical pouch is one of the most important pieces of equipment that an operator can carry. It has to withstand hostile environments, be rugged and easily accessible so high-quality is the first priority.
For many years there have been different types of medical kits on the market but most of them are not, in our opinion, suited for emergency situations. Most of these kits are organized kits designed to be attached to the webbing of backpacks or vests.
The biggest issue with internally organized medical pouches attached with PALS webbing is the difficulty with the application and the handling of the medical components. Usually, when attached on a full kit, the medical pouch tends to be mounted at the 6 o’clock position on the battle belt or on the sides of the plate carrier; sometimes in this position it is hard to look and access directly the content under the stress of an emergency.
The alternative for a long time has been to carry a standard pouch with all the medical content loose inside, which does not ensure success in finding what needed.
This new philosophy of use applied to medical kits seems to have caught the eye of both military personnel and civilians.
Blue Force Gear has decided to utilize the “blowout” system for their Trauma Kit. What sets this product apart from others similar on the market is the ruggedness and the lightweight of the pouch. After the release of a version made of standard 500 denier fabric they have decided to apply their patented Helium Whisper material. The inner supply carriage has been redesigned and constructed out of laser cut ULTRAcomp to reduce the thickness of the fabric while maintaining shape and strength.
One though shared throughout the military and firearms community is that the medical kit should be the first to put on and the last to take off. It is obvious that with this mindset the light weight and the comfort for prolonged use is ideal.
The kit can be quickly and easily deployed with the external pull tab, which contains a small weight. The medical sign color can be changed from red to black within seconds to ensure the perfect requirement for every situation or environment. It is extremely important that the content is secured to the pouch during the deployment, to ensure this Blue Force Gear has applied a very robust high quality elastic keeper.
In the assortment of the medical content we took in consideration both the needs of the standard IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) and those of a Combat Trauma Kit. This specific pouch can be also utilized as an extensive and enhanced EDC medical kit. The internal blowout kit can be closed on itself without using the external MOLLE pouch, making it even more compact and lightweight. In the middle section is applied a panel of loop Velcro, in which we have attached the SWAT-T Tourniquet with a small piece of hook Velcro and some glue.
(1) SWAT-T Tourniquet
(1) Fox Chest Seal
(1) Quick Clot Hemostatic gauze
(30) Band-Aids (4 Sizes)
(10) Band-Aids Backup (Vacuum Sealed)
(25) Vacuum Sealed Gauze Pads
(1) Combat Elastic Bandage
(3) 3M SteriStrips
(2) Pairs of Nitrile Surgical Gloves
(1) 3M Medical Tape
(1) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (20cmx20cm)
(2) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (10x 10 cm)
(3) Burn Gel
(2) Antibacterial wipes
(1) Emergency blanket
(1) aLokSak 3″x7″ waterproof bag
(1) Hi intensity 30′ Red ChemLight
(1) Fine Point Surgical Tweezers
Medical Substances
(2) Ketoprofene
(10) Ioperamide
(2) Paracetamole
(2) Amoxilline (Antibiotics)
(2) Antihistamine
(2) Antidiarrheal
(4) Electrolytes
(4) Aspirin
(4) Ibuprofen
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! Is available in Multicam, Tan, Black, Wolf Grey and OD Green.
ShotShow2016: KRISS USA
For Shot Show 2016 KRISS has released the Gen 2 Vector, now also available in 9 x 19 mm. The Vector Gen2 has a Cerakote finish available in many different colors: Black, FDE, OD Green, Alpine and Combat Grey. The KRISS Vector GEN II is more ergonomic with a redesigned trigger, a short throw ambidextrous safety lever, and a more comfortable pistol grip.
The caliber change between the .45 ACP to the 9 x 19mm doesn’t require any tools, and it takes a few seconds. After releasing three pins the whole lower receiver assembly come apart and you simply swap it with the other one.
KRISS Vector GEN II SMG in 9mm FDE and KRISS Vector GEN II SDP in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SMG in 9mm BLK and KRISS Vector GEN II SBR in 9mm FDE.
KRISS Vector GEN II CRB Enhanced in 9mm Combat Grey and KRISS Vector GEN II CRB in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SDP with stabilizing brace in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SBR in 9mm Black and KRISS Vector GEN II SDP in 9mm Olive Drab Green.
Throughout 2016 KRISS will also release the Vector Gen 2 in other calibers. The lower receivers and the complete firearms will then be available to the public in .45 ACP, 9×19 mm, 9×21 IMI, .357 SIG, 10mm and .40 S&W.
For more information please visit KRISS USA Website.
ShotShow2016: Blue Force Gear
Last year we published a brief article about the release of the Dapper Organizer kit from Blue Force Gear: urbansurvivorblog.com/2015/10/23/blue-force-gear-dapper-kit/
Here are some picture of it from Shot Show 2016.
The Dapper Organization mainly revolves around the Jedburgh pack. This medium-small sized pack is very discreet and well thought. It comes in different color variants: black, coyote brown, od green, multicam and wolf with an MSRP of $ 140.
The inside of the pack is almost completely covered with loop-Velcro which allows it to be extremely versatile and customizable by the user. Blue Force Gear offers a very wide line of accessory for this platform (or any other pack with loop velcro) both for tactical and everyday applications.
After the wide success of the Ten-Speed MOLLE pouches Blue Force Gear has decided to expand this technology to the belt system, and we are very glad to see it. This relatively new line is dedicate both to covert and overt shooters that like to run a minimalist belt system.
The latest innovation in sling-attachment technology is the U-loop. It allows the sling to be attached to virtually any weapon system out there (even the more exotic ones) with a silent and reliable system. Forget tools and screws because the U-loop doesn’t require much effort to be attached/detached, it’s a quick one hand operation.
BFG has now expanded the color lineup to the new Multicam patterns Arid and Tropic.
ShotShow2016: Oakley SI Alpha
We are very excited for the release of the new Oakley SI Alphas. At Shot Show we had the chance to get a close look at this new Eco-System.
The Alpha™ Eco-System consists of three parts: the SI Ballistic M Frame® Alpha™, SI Ballistic Halo™
Goggle and the Helo Gasket with a single lens working across all platforms. The Ballistic M Frame® optimizes
the most crucial elements of performance with flush-mount surfaces to help prevent fog buildup. The SI Helo-
Alpha™ Gasket is a lightweight rubber component designed for rapid deployment in situations of sudden high
wind or dust. The SI Ballistic Halo™ Goggle is specifically engineered to optimize the two things that matter most
in eye protection: a comfortable fit and equipment compatibility. It comes with multiple strap options including a
split strap, full strap and rail strap adapter. The SI Ballistic Halo™ Goggle is also compatible with all helmet and
O2 mask systems.
Equipped with the most advanced technologies in Ballistic Impact Protection and Lens Optics, the
Alpha™ system is Oakley’s most advanced platform to date. Both the SI Ballistic M Frame® Alpha™ and the
SI Ballistic Halo™ Goggle meet or exceed High Mass and High Velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1-
2003/2010 as well as Ballistic Fragmentation impact standards per MIL PRF-32432. These tests have been
developed to simulate real life combat situations. Prizm™ Lens Technology is a complete advancement to our
lens performance which perfectly tunes contrast to make targets stand out against foliage, dirt and sky. This is
made possible by using a proprietary combination of dyes that strategically block specific wavelengths of light
that interfere with vision, while emphasizing ranges of the color spectrum where the eye is most sensitive to
detail. Ultimately, reducing the need to carry multiple replacement lenses to change as lighting conditions
change.