Oakley M-Frame Alpha | Now Available!
The new Oakley M-Frame Alpha is now available for purchase through OakleySI website. We have written a short preview of the product shortly after ShotShow 2016 (OakleySI Alpha). If you haven’t seen it, the Alpha consists in an Ecosystem of eyewear mounting frames that share the same lenses, this product allows the same lens both to work on a “sunglass” type of frame and on a mask. This allows great flexibility for the operator, especially with the introduction of a new, patented, quick inter-change lens system.
Of the Alpha Ecosystem it is possible to purchase the whole kit or even just a single item. There will be two main packages a soft and a tough case with many different lenses and the two mounting frames. As always Oakley will also allow to order frames, lenses, cases and the gasket separately. We really like to have the option of building our own custom kit and we appreciate the effort made by the company to let us do it.
As far as pricing goes we are not still 100% sure of the prices of each single item, but we know that the M-Flame glasses should be around $110 and the full hard-case kit should be around $300.
For more information please visit: OakleySI.com
ShotShow2016: Salient Arms
SAI Glocks
Salient Arms International works on Glock models. Here they have applied:
- Slide cut + RMR cut
- Stippled polymer frame with trigger guard cut for higher grip
- Threaded barrel coated with TiN
- Drop-in trigger
SAI 2011-1911
SAI AR-15
Salient Arms AR-15 with JailBreak muzzle device and SAI handguard with M-lok slots. The bolt is coated with TiN finish and Magpul furniture.
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.
ShotShow2016: Daniel Defense
2001-2016 Daniel Defense has been manufacturing high-quality firearms for 15 years, both for military and civilian markets. This year at Shot Show they have launched their anniversary rifle to commemorate this milestone. This product will be available in 223 for around $ 3000.
Along with the “Fifteen Years” rifle they have released the brand new DDM4 V7. This rifle comes in 5.56 NATO with a 16″ cold hammer forged barrel and 1:7″ rifling twist. The V7 features also the new MFR x5 rail systems with M-Lok and QD sling attachment points. On the range this rifle seems perfectly balanced. The mid-length gas system, the DD improved flash suppressor and the weigh just over 6 lb really deliver an incredible shooting experience.
The other new rifle that has debuted at the show was the DDM4 ISR Gen2 in 300 Blk. The Integrally Suppressed Rifle features a 9″ barrel with a pistol length gas system and 1:8″ rifling twist. Although the barrel length is under 16″ the ISR is not to be considered an SBR due to the fact that the suppressor installed is welded in position; so instead of a two tax stamps it needs only one. The rail system is MFR XL with KeyMod interface and it covers almost the whole barrel+suppressor length providing better control for weapon manipulation and more space for accessories. The MSRP of the ISR Gen2 in 300 blk is $3050.
Daniel Defense has also introduced a foldig-stock version of the MK18.
The MK12 and the DDM5 V1 were also at the booth, and we couldn’t resist the temptation of taking some photos.
Oakley Cerakote™ SI Ballistic Det Cord
Eye protection is probably one of the best precautions to take both on the field and on the range. After lots of eye injuries suffered by many during deployment, the DoD has decided to take measures against this big issue. Companies like Oakley have revolutionized the materials and the manufacturing process in order to meet these ballistic requirements. It has been many years since the US Gov. has issued the first Oakley Ballistic protective goggles and since then Oakley has produced different variants for different missions.
The SI Ballistic Det Cord sunglasses are the latest addition in Oakley SI’s line of eye protection. The low-profile design meets the requirements of many covert operations, while still having that “Oakley DNA” for aggressive environments and when things go south.
With the constant presence of threats in high risk environments, asymmetrical warfare seems to be the keyword of this century. In the last few years brands like Oakley SI, who have always equipped armed forces, have found themselves designing and manufacturing more discreet products for the tactical market.
The lens placement on the Det Cord is slightly different from the usual sunglasses (aside from the ballistic protection). The frame design allows the lenses to sit very close to the user’s face, providing a very wide field of view. It also shields sunlight from any direct contact with the eye, above or beneath the lenses.
This design seem interesting also when speed is involved; with the lenses positioned so close to the user’s face the Det Cord appear to give some very good protection also from dust and wind.
Oakley has designed these glasses with the tactical operations in mind. The thin construction of the ear stems allows the glasses to be comms compatible (or ear pro). Not having this feature would lead to the loss of the seal of the muffs, causing them to lose any hearing protection capability. A thinner design of the frame is also very important if an helmet is worn. If you are carrying a ballistic helmet with night vision, lights and accessories attached you will end up with quite some weight; so it is important to have a secured and comfortable fit.
The DetCord are manufactured to conform to the ANSI Z87.1 – 2010 requirements. To meet the ANSI Z87.1-2010 rating the eye protection must exceed specific high mass – high velocity tests and provide continuous lateral coverage. Most competitors on the market don’t provide lateral coverage; the presence of a “+” after Z87 will assure the lateral coverage compliancy.
The DetCords high purity optical-grade polycarbonate also meet the ballistic fragmentation MIL-PRF-32432 required by NATO forces and DoD.
To enhance the performance of the product under stress Oakley has applied a very interesting material for the nose-piece. It’s always annoying when, under stress, sunglasses (or even worse eye pro) slip down on the nose because of the presence of liquids on the skin. To solve this issue Oakley has applied a rubberized material on the nose piece, and even after some pretty hard use it does not seem to come off.
Another issues that, with other optics, appears on similar activities is fogging. This phenomenon is due to the body heat and moisture condensing in small drops on the lens itself. When shooting it’s usually frequent to have fogging in the winter when utilizing a rifle or a carbine; usually after some sort of dynamic action. We have had the opportunity to test this product from late summer until now and, due to the coating applied to the lenses, we haven’t had a sigle issue.
The this version comes with Cerakote applied to the entire frame. This superficial finish enhances the anti-reflection capability of the Det Cord and it also provides longevity to the surface of the frame. When used in conjunction with helmet systems and comms usually eye-pro and sunglasses get scratched a lot, the application of Cerakote prevents this from happening.
Arc’teryx Blade24 EDC Backpack Loadout
What you carry on your person everyday (or at least accessible close to you) may dictate the success or the failure of a difficult situation.
Whether it is a medical, practical or defensive scenario carrying basic or advance equipment is really important.
If you live in an urban environment and you are not always close to your vehicle it’s suggested to build an EDC kit in a backpack or a sling-bag.
In our opinion your self defense tools and equipment should be at all times on your person. We only use our backpack to store extra mags, but not our primary firearm. If the situation does not allow us to reach for our EDC backpack we sill have a concealed-carry handgun with mounted light and extra mag, a folding blade, a smartphone, a wallet, a tactical flashlight and a tourniquet. Keeping our EDC defensive tool in the same location will also provide efficiency and accuracy to the situation.
We like to divide by priority and importance our daily-carry equipment into different levels.
Level 1: the EDC items carried on your belt and pant’s pockets.
Level 2: items in your bag directly accessible from the outside.
Level 3: items organized in pouches and dividers inside the bag.
About the backpack:
One of the key features that we really like of the Blade’s design is its side-access. This allows us to open and extract the content without dropping the bag or revealing what’s inside. Arc’teryx has padded this bag like a tank, it is comfortable, light and extremely protective towards electronics or fragile items.
The Blade has many pockets, some visible and some hidden. On the top, next to the handle, there are two pockets: one specifically designed for eye wear and one for GP items. On the side there are three pockets: the admin pocket (with stitched organizers for admin tools), the main compartment and the laptop (or even ballistic plates) compartment. All the internal parts of the bag are made of hi-viz nylon for better efficiency. The hidden pocket is located on the lower back close to the body, and it is intended for documents, extra cash, copy of conceal carry permit or passport.
Even on the road this backpack is really handy, in case of an accident (especially at night) you can grab it, exit the vehicle and move towards a safe location without keeping any valuables in the car. In the admin pocket we have placed two S&S Precision V-Lites and a Manta strobe to mark our presence to other drivers or the authorities until we have access to roadside flares.
This backpack is efficient and feature-rich without screaming “tactical”. We like the adaptability of PALs webbing and we like Camo but in most urban environments it just stands out too much. The clean design of the Blade 24 allows to be “undetected” or just not to stand out too much.
Bag, Pouches and Cases:
Arc’teryx Blade 24
Maxpedition Fatty Organizer
Maxpedition Mini Organizer
Salewa Med Pouch (With personal kit)
6×6 Pals Multicam Pouch
Thule 13″ Laptop Case
Items directly accessible:
Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
Outdoor Research Halberd Sensor Tactical Gloves
Princeton Tec Remix MPLS Headlamp in Multicam
AKG Headphones
Boker VAT tool
Princeton Tec Switch light
S&S Precision V-lite Green
S&S Precision V-lite Blue
S&S Precision Manta Strobe
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Space Pen
Oakley SI Ballistic DetCord in Cerakote
Surefire E2D Defender Ultra
Pick Lock Kit with Tecnora and Kevlar Strings
Vapur 0.7 Water bottle
Items stored in pouches:
Pelican 1010 Case
Samsung 250gb T1 SDD
Storacell 123 Battery holder
Gerber MP1 Multiplier
550 Paracord
Gerber Shard Multitool
Surefire EP-1 C Ear Pro
Bic Lighter
Steiner T824 Compact Binoculars
Altoids Tin with basic Survival kit
Inforce 6vx backup Flashlight
Rite in the Rain notepad
Cyalume 6″ green
Samsung 13000mAh Battery Bank
Sharpie
Chargers for electronics
Med Kit:
1 x QuikClot Combat Gauze
2 x Gauze Pad (4″x 4″)
1 x Elastic Bandage
1 x Tourniquet
3 x Pharmaderm Antibiotic wipes
3 x BurnFree Gel
10 x Normal Band Aids
8 x Special Shape Band Aids
3 x 3M Steri-Strips
1 x Aluderm Gauze Pad (8″x 8″)
2 x Aluderm Gauze Pad (4″x 4″)
1 x 3M Micropore Tape
1 x Surgical Tape
2 x Sterilized Gloves Nitrile
2 x Ketoprofen
10 x Ioperamide
2 x Paracetamole
2 x Amoxilline (antibiotics)
4 x Aspirin
4 x Iburofen
1 x Fine-Point Metal Tweezers
1 x Space Blaket
Inside Altoids Tin:
3 x 3M Steristrips
2 x Bandaids
2 x Iboprufen
4 x Antihistamine
4 x Water tabs
1 x 3M Ear Pro Backup
1 x Pencil w/ 1ft of tape and 20 ft of floss
4 x Stormproof matches
1 x Exotac firestarter
1 x Clip Compass
2 x BurnFree gel
1 x Alchool wipes
SureFire E2D Defender Ultra
SureFire is the leader in military-grade illumination tools. One of their most versatile products is the E2D Defender Ultra flashlight. This light is made in the United States and is designed to meet the standards of the military professionals.
The E2D Defender Ultra is a 500 Lumen compact multipurpose light designed both for everyday carry and tactical operations.
Like most other SureFire lights it also feature a lockout tail cap, which prevents accidental activation during storage or transport.
With a maximum output of 500 Lumens, the virtually indestructible high-performance LED and the Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens provide a level of light than can be effectively utilized to overwhelm an aggressor or identify a threat. In an outdoor environment this light can be effective for hundreds of yards. The TIR Lenses are designed to with versatility in mind. The 500 lumens LED combined with the lenses allow this flashlight to be effective both during tactical operations (for example entering a dark room) and for long-range urban/rural tasks or engagements. The light has both a very good throw and spill; the central hot beam has a very good range while still maintaining an optimal peripheral vision. 500 Lumens seem also a very good compromise between close quarters and long range engagements. You really don’t want to have more than that for CQB operations while still maintaining a punch for the great outdoors.
Light beam at 90 yards
Light beam at 25 yards
The flashlight has two output levels: 500 lumens high for maximum light and 5 lumens low for extended runtime and for admin tasks. This allows the E2D Ultra to be effective even in everyday outdoor applications. The low output setting is just enough to be able to see in the close proximity without interfering with our night vision.
The light is built with heavy duty in mind. The E2D is made of aircraft grade anodized aluminium which feels solid and tough as soon as you grab it. Because of its aggressive design, the bezel can be used as a striking tool or even to brake glass, in case things go very south. The light is also provided with a built in two-way clip, for easier carry when a sheath is not available.
For the pure tactical application (CQB, even weapon mounted) we prefer to have a momentary only switch. But this product still does a very good job for personal defense scenarios. In all these months that we have been using this product (and we didn’t treat is very well) we have never experienced a failure of any kind. We have accidentally dropped this light for quite some distance and everything was fine, and even underwater it worked magnificently.
We recommend this light for its adaptability, and as soon as the sun goes down this light is in our pockets. The E2D Defender Ultra’s adaptability and versatility make it a tool you must have. The fact that you can utilize this light for personal defense, search and rescue and general outdoor/tactical applications definitely make this flashlight probably the best we have ever owned.
We really think that if you are a professional or an enthusiast of the defense/tactical industry you must own at least one SureFire, and we think this could be the one. In the past years we have owned many SureFire flashlights; they are just the toughest! But even if they break don’t worry they are covered by a lifetime warranty.
This flashlight is made in the USA, MSRP $265. This is probably the best multiple-purpose illumination tool you can find on the market, but if you don’t want to pay this amount for a flashlight Surefire also makes some really interesting less expensive simpler models .
For more information please visit the SureFire website: surefire.com/
Gear Review | Gerber MP1
The multi-tool is the most versatile and useful piece of equipment that can be carried, whether you’re in a urban area or out in the country you should never leave the house without one. The multiplier is the updated and more complex version of this tool and it’s usually equipped with a set of wire cutters and needle nose pliers.
Urban Survivor Blog 