My First SHOT Show

Find images and more at "A Tour of SHOT Show 2020," Officer.com/21125340.

SHOT Show 2020 marks my first opportunity to attend. As large and overwhelming as the show can be, the well laid out maps to navigate exhibitors made it easy to find each one. A few products and companies in particular caught my eye with some recent innovations that may change the tools of policing. 

Body armor

Aegix Global, a company that is versatile and offers technology, training, and equipment to law enforcement, military, and other entities, has partnered with Advanced Technology Compliant Solutions, (ATCS) to design a foldable, ballistic shield. ATCS is focused on leveraging advanced materials and technologies to develop innovative products that help save lives. The idea of the Swift Shield is that an officer doesn’t have to make room for large, bulky riot type shields. Instead, an officer can simply fold up the shield and place it in a backpack outdoor side of a unit, and easily engage it when needed. What makes this particular shield stand out—In addition to the ability to fold it up “origami” style, is it is made out of a special type of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene which makes the material durable yet light. 

“There are two aspects of the Swift Shield that set it apart from any other advancement in ballistic protection in the last 40 years,” says William Benz, CEO of ATCS. “First, its patented origami-inspired foldable design allows it to collapse down to the size of a notebook for storage. When needed, the Swift Shield unfolds instantly to provide six square-feet of ballistic protection.” Benz says the leading-edge advanced materials used in the shield allow it to be extremely light weight, weighing in at around about 6 lbs. Benz says it still delivers full NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection.

“In addition, we are also working on Level III and Level IV shields for higher caliber weapons as well." The shield is highly effective for police departments because it’s unique features make it easy for every officer to be properly equipped. Chet Linton, CEO of AEGIX Global, says, “The Swift Shield not only provides a new approach to ballistic protection, but also the spark to transform operational safety for law enforcement organizations in ways that have been previously unattainable.” Linton says according to the FBI, 67 percent of police officers shot and killed in the line of duty were wearing body armor when they were shot. “That sobering figure clearly means something new, something more has been very much needed.” The Swift Shield provides a variety of positive, effective features. “Officers can store the Swift Shield in their car door pocket, in between the front seats or in a backpack,” says Linton. “This puts it within arm’s reach anytime because it won’t be locked up in the trunk or, worse, in a cabinet back at the station, which is the only option for other types of ballistic shields.” The Swift Shield can cover active shooter situations, high-risk traffic stops, and other situations where ballistic protection may be needed. “It is easily deployed in and out of a vehicle whether an officer is sitting or standing, giving officers additional protection in virtually every situation.”

Armor Express had some of their latest and most exciting items displayed. They included the Traverse Dress which is an overt carrier designed for patrol with dress configuration and the latest BRAVO cut which offers end-users better form, fit and increased flexibility for enhanced safety and comfort. Opening with a zipper in the front, it also features a durable outer shell, added protection through internal plate pockets, as well as hard armor plate pockets in the front and back for rifle round protection. Steve Murphy, Product Line Director for Armor Express says the Traverse outer carrier was designed with the officer's needs in mind. “It was created to give the officer the option to remove excess weight from their duty belt and redistribute it across the torso, allowing for greater efficiency and a more comfortable feel.” 

Other helpful features include an adjustable cummerbund and mic tabs, as well as ambidextrous utility pockets. Murphy says the Traverse comes standard with rifle plate pockets in both the front and back, enabling the officer to wear rifle protection either full time or as needed by quickly donning on their way to a call. “Available in both MOLLE and Dress Vest versions, the Traverse has even the most demanding agencies covered.”

The Company’s Lighthawk XT 3.0 tactical carrier has a variety of standout features including the SPEAR BALCS ballistic cut, a highly durable outer shell made of 500 Denier nylon, and is designed with Armor Express’ vent system with 3D foam spacing in the front and back that allows for better airflow, as well as Upgraded Advanced Shoulder Pads which aid in weight disbursement. The Lighthawk XT 3.0 also has NextGen Accessory options such as NextGen Ballistic Throat and Groin protectors, and NextGen Ballistic Yoke/Collar assembly. Its other distinct features include a Dynamic Cummerbund with soft armor inserts, a kangaroo pouch accessory, and laser cut Hard Armor Shoulder Plates to name a few. 

Helmets by Armor Express were also on display at the show. The Busch PROtective helmet line comes in a few variations, offering exceptional protection. This series includes the AMP-1 TP and AMP-1 E ballistic helmets, and the AMH-2 non-ballistic helmet for high-impact protection. The AMP-1 TP helmet is specially made for close-quarter combat threats and is a light, composite helmet with VPAM-3 certification, which is among the highest international standards in the realm of ballistic testing. It is also certified to U.S. NIJ, DEA and FBI protocols. The AMP-1 E, made of a specialized aramid shell, is NIJ Level IIIA-certified for 9mm and 44 Magnum ammunition. All Busch helmets are provided with a rail system and Speed Connect System, offering additional tactical and modular protection. These helmets from Armor Express provide premium ballistic protection and are designed with advanced padding for comfort and an enhanced wheel dial for sizing flexibility. Accessories such as ballistic visors which offer Level IIIA protection may be added as well. 

“Armor Express takes pride and is honored to protect those who are in the field day and night protecting the Home Front,” says Murphy. “Our goal is to protect every officer, so they return safely to their family. Safety is our #1 priority and we remain committed to supporting our law enforcement community with the highest-performing, industry-certified body armor solutions they require to fulfill their missions.”

Surveillance

For surveillance needs, Zistos Corporation caught my eye with their new, wireless ZistosHD portable video systems. Zistos has a variety of high definition tactical surveillance systems. I was given a demo of the ZistosHD Tactical Surveillance System and was impressed with the clarity of the image and the distance the camera covered. These systems have excellent image detail from interchangeable cameras that include ultra low-light, dual mode thermal imaging, under door, and 10X IR zoom. The camera may be manipulated remotely on the motorized pole with the integrated controls on the HD Handle, or using a rugged tablet, allowing the user to zoom in and out accordingly, making it ideal for a live surveillance situation. Poles come in motorized or friction hinge and are available in lengths from 3ft to 35ft. Images captured include video and still photo recordings. The system provides safe encrypted digital technology and offers low-latency video. The ZistosHD Tactical Surveillance system is also compatible with ATAK external radios. 

FLIR’s Scion PTM series was another item that I was able to take a closer look at. The PTM provides investigators with thermal surveillance imaging and is able to work along with FLIR’s TruWITNESS. Using wireless networks the PTM can stream footage during events such as pursuits, or live footage of suspects in an encrypted form back to command centers giving investigators an advantage and insight to events. The PTM also keeps track of location through geo tagging while recording video and for live video footage and is able to keep peripheral views as well. (could be cut and used somewhere else later)

Tactical clothing and gear

5.11 Tactical’s women’s line has new pants that provide more comfort, durability, and flexibility with extra practical features too. The Apex Pant offers female first responders extra pockets that are low profile leaving little print, with room for magazines too. Also included are waist pockets for covert storage needs and comes in four colors. The ABR Pro Pant, though light in weight, is durable and reinforced in particular areas. Other features include a comfort waistband, and a fade resistant utility strap. With added padding in the knees and particular pockets with added Nylon 6 in them to keep those areas from tearing, these pants offer convenience and comfort.The Icon Pant shares similar features as the ABR Pro Pant in that it has reinforced areas throughout the pant. It also has twelve pockets and has a Teflon finish which is resistant to stains and soil.

In the way of accessories, 5.11 Tactical, has the Response HR XR1 headlamp is a hands-free light has powerful lighting yet is light and unobtrusive. Settings vary on the headlamp to accommodate a variety of situations including flood mode, which lasts six hours, spot mode, which has 1000 lumens and lasts two hours, and a red COB light suitable for night vision. The Response HR XR1 may also be detached from the headband or manipulated to an 180-degree angle. It’s easy to use and covers a variety of situations without being cumbersome.

LA Police Gear, or LAPG, has line of men’s jeans with pockets made for concealed carry use. Their line of Terrain Flex jeans start at a low price, are made out of a combination of cotton, polyester, and spandex. Comfortable, these jeans may be purchased in a dark or medium wash and a slim or straight fit. The Terrain Flex jeans are equipped with nine pockets, some being deep enough for extra magazines. The design and material of the jeans allows firearms and extra magazines to be securely concealed without leaving a print. They are ideal for undercover work or personal carry use. (this could be cut and used elsewhere later)

Rocky has a brand new line of commemorative boots for law enforcement and their families called the Rocky Blue Line collection. Western style boots, they feature the Thin Blue Line flag and come in juvenile and adult sizes. The Havoc (tactical style) boot has four new styles and two color options, black and coyote brown. The Havoc boots have sidewall stitching, the Rocky Air-Port footbed, and a durable rubber sole. Also displayed at the show was there Code Blue line of footwear, which was designed especially for law enforcement. Designed for men and women in public safety, Code Blue boots come in a varying options for tall or shorter boots. All are made with durability, functionality, and comfort in mind. The RKD0052/56, Brigade is a tall boot with a Vibram rubber outsole and has tactical mesh that is breathable. Both the RKD0053/57 Knit and the RKD0054/58 Sport are slip and oil resistant and a comfort track footbed. The RKD0053/57 Knit also features tactical grade knit and the KD0054/58 Sport has a high-gloss dress toe look to it. (could be cut and used somewhere else later)

Another innovation that caught my eye was the N-EAR 360, a unique, subtle earpiece, from the company N-EAR. Comfortable, functional, and affordable, the N-EAR 360 is a game changer for the communication industry in regard to law enforcement. “The N•ear product line / portfolio is built on demands from the end users”, said Mads Staerke, Managing Partner of N-Ear. Staerke said the company tried to build a state of the art accessory line that can be customized as need be. “This means that N•ear can help the department designing the general solution. But we can easily help all officers in the department one by one”.

The N-EAR 360 may be purchased or used a one way radio or a one or two wire PTT/mic solution. The one way radio only allows the user to receive information. The one or two wire option includes a Snaplock connector. The Snaplock connector may be customized to suit individual needs and the dual earpiece is made for both ears. The dual earpiece allows officers to have more situational awareness and hear radio communication clearly. Staerke says that means officers will never miss critical information from their 2-way radio maximizes officer safety. The mono earpiece is essentially a replacement for the traditional, coiled acoustic tube. Staeke says the N•ear 360 has no ear fatigue, 100% comfort, 100% situational awareness and pro audio quality,” said Stearke. The company can also customize ear pieces per each customer too. Staerke says if a police department wants entails patrolman, detectives, and special teams such as SWAT, they can all have the same PTT system but the SWAT team can have a custom made mold done to add hearing protection.

Along the lines of lights, Streamlight has updated their TLR light series. The TLR-7A has an ergonomic feel offering easy (including ambidexterous capability) use that feels comfortable. Activated with rear switches, it’s light in weight it is great for tactical use and is powered by 500 lumens. The TLR-7A has a beam distant of approximately 459 feet and is equipped with a strobe feature too. It is able to sit securely on a variety of firearms and only weighs 2.40 ounces and can illuminate for an hour and a half. The TLR-8 was also recently updated. The TLR-8 A and the TLR-8 A G have can illuminate a distance up to 459 feet and offers 500 lumens. Both are equipped with an option for a red or green laser. These lights also have a rear switch that is ergonomic with a low or high position depending on the users’ preference. The average run time is an hour and a half in certain modes such as Laser, LED, and LED-Only. Both are charged with one, 3 Volt CR2 lithium battery. If used in Laser-Only the light runs for sixty hours in the TLR-8 A model and the TLR-8 A G can run for eleven hours. Both models have a Safe Off feature that locks the use of the light so the light is only engaged when the user wants it to be. These lights only weigh 2.64 ounces and are a mere 2.58 inches long. The TLR-9 provides 1,000 lumens and can illuminate up to 656 feet. Like the other TLR lights it is made out of aircraft aluminum. The TLR-9 weighs about 4 ounces and also has a low or high switch option. It fits a variety of firearms and is ideal for many uses personal or professional just as the other TLR models are.

They also have a new MacroStream light that is chargeable via USB. It’s small size is convenient for carrying. Don’t let it’s small size-2.2 ounces in weight- deceive you, it is had powerful lighting with 500 lumens and lasts two hours before needing a charge on the high setting and lasts eight hours on the low setting. It’s a great fit for any capacity in law enforcement whether you’re on patrol, on a crime scene, or in a tactical situation.

All in all, my first experience at SHOT Show was great and I look forward to what next year’s show has in store!