Army – Navy – Air Force – Marine Corps – Coast Guard

The 2010 SHOT Show kicks off tomorrow and will be bursting at the seams with product debuts and, of course, all sorts of gear goodies. For those not familiar with the annual trade show, SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show. The four-day show is a must for gear lovers across the board, specifically those military equipment aficionados. This year show organizers expect more than 60,000 attendees from all over the United States as well as from 75 countries.

Not going to the SHOT Show? Follow all the action on its official Twitter site. Although the only tweets are counting down ’til the show’s launch, we hope to see some twitpics and other interesting tidbits.

1. EOTAC’s Emerson Knife Collaboration

EOTAC will be showing off its new knife produced by Ernest Emerson, the world-famous custom knifemaker. The knife boasts a custom blade 154CM premium Stainless Tool Steel hardened to 57 Rockwell with a partial serration, reports Soldier Systems. In addition to the knife, EOTAC will be showcasing all sorts of awesome things at booth #11456.

2. SHOT Show Survival Kit

We don’t even care what’s in this sucker. We just like the fact that it’s free (if you mention the ad in the SHOT Show’s tracker book) at Sports South’s booth #15931. But if you actually care, the kit includes a dice stress reliever, a travel mug, computer screen cleaner, a pull-apart key ring, a notepad, an ink pen, a first-aid kit and a water bottle. Do note that supplies are limited and you get one kit per retailer badge.

3. Colt Tactical

Also mentioned on Soldier Systems, military equipment manufacturer Colt will be launching its tactical line along with an interactive website that will eventually include an online store. According to a company release, its mission is to “provide the most sophisticated, reliable and capable tactical carbine packages available, period, to today’s most demanding tactical shooters.”

4. Blackhawk Packs

Blackhawk will be showing not one but five new backpacks at Booths #13760 and #13769 for its tactical nylon line. Four are built with military specifications and one is especially for off-duty time. The Sling Backpack ($109.99), pictured below, features a single ambidextrous padded sling with swivel buckle for easy removal, a MP-3 pocket, two-mesh storage pockets and a water bottle pocket.

5. Dennis Miller

Oh, how we love tactical celebrity appearances meant to heighten the excitement to OMG! levels. Scheduled on Tuesday evening as the comedic dessert after a filling industry cocktail reception, dinner and multimedia presentation, five-time Emmy award winner Dennis Miller takes the stage likely sending at least one SHOT Show attendee into an autograph-this-for-me, let-me-take-your-picture frenzy.

6. Remington ACR

Its promotional video was leaked earlier this month (via Gear Scout). So, to confirm this video was indeed meant for SHOT Show, check Remington’s ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) in all its modular glory as it makes its debut at booth #14020. This brand new sniper is said to have “surgical precision” and be “designed by operators for operators.”

7. Bonnie

Trade shows (no matter the industry) are relentless at supplying not only exciting new products but also importing attractive females (or booth babes) to stand next to said products. Trade show models run the gamut from professional sales associates to bikini-clad babes, who typically garner more attention than the items they’re peddling. Pictured below, Bonnie will be at Booth #15744. We’re not sure what she’ll be standing next to, but if you show up early, you can get a free autographed poster. That’s incentive enough, right?

(Images via Wikimedia Commons and Soldier Systems)

We tapped the wires, bugged the phones, implanted tracking devices … all of which was pretty pointless because unearthing the best tactical gear video reviews this month was simple. All the usual suspects — Gear Geeks, Tacticalgearhead, Mil-Spec Monkey — uploaded homemade reviews to YouTube during December. Some, like Survivalist31, made a triumphant review return after a four-month hiatus.

And yes, we’re reviewing reviews. It’s the holidays, so give us a break!

Mil-Spec Monkey: Maxpedition 2009 Jumbo Variants (LEO, EDC, Mongo)
The Monkey really impresses us by reviewing three bags at once (or is it two?). Talk about mad multitasking skills. He’s rocking a sparkling white, super-professional presentation area and a well-trained cameraman that clearly blows away the competition. His insightful breakdown, especially when he uses props to demonstrate what goes where, is helpful to those who are freaked out by the sheer number of pockets on most tactical gear.

Favorite Monkey quote (at 5:09): “You gotta really make sure you know what you are doing. I don’t want anyone out there to be all blowing holes in their legs because ‘oh Mil-Spec Monkey did this.’”

ITS Tactical: 215 Gear Enhanced Rigger’s Belt
Firstly, watch out for the intro music. It’s a little jarring, especially if you have your headphones up a little too loud (like we did). It’s so nice to see side-by-side product reviews, especially for those not-so-savvy gearheads out there.

You know what else would be nice? We’d like to see the reviewer’s face. The camera is angled so that the focus in on the belts and the reviewer’s chest and arms. There’s so much that can be lost in translation when you hear someone’s voice, but you can’t see their face. However, the ultimate bonus to this video is the concise and easy-to-read written review, which you can check out here.

Tacticalgearhead: Jura Impressa F8 Automatic
The most random review, by far, came from our friends at Tacticalgearhead. Decidedly tired of the typical tactical products, they investigated a “tactical” coffee maker instead. You’ve got to love the natural setting in a fancy, granite counter-top kitchen. And it’s amazing that this machine is able to keep track of how many cups it brews (in this case, more than 500 in a year!).

The fact that the reviewer has used this machine almost every day for a year makes him basically an expert on this machine. Quote that sums up the entire review: “I have a preference for pressure-brewed coffee. I think it’s great.” Obviously he likes this machine. A lot.

Survivalist31: Maxpedition Falcon-II
With help from his dad, Survivalist31 was able to piece together an excellently edited review on Maxpedition Falcon-II (his new school book bag!) as well as an assortment of tactical items (including an Altoids case fire kit and a bright orange spork). With four months in the making, he does admit that he’s a busy guy, being a sophomore in high school and all. He also makes a mention of having family trouble, which we do appreciate the candidness, but perhaps a little TMI for backpack review? Maybe that’s just us.

We also love you, S31, but slow down. You are talking way too fast! On the other hand, we commend you on your Red Bull-esque enthusiasm. It’s obvious you were born a tac gear fan. S31 on sporks (at 4:15): “Best of both worlds: You got that spoon on there, and you’ve got that fork on the top. You can even draw a little face on there, and you’ve got spork men. You can play around with them, and have spork fights with your friends.”

Gear Geeks: Concealed Carr Holster by Maxpedition
For the first few seconds, Gear Geeks’ video review doesn’t disappoint with an edgy, compelling intro that obviously took more than a few seconds to put together. While the intro is highly impressive, it makes the muffled audio on the rest of the review that much more obvious.

Nevertheless, ShakyJake makes it up with his information-packed video and written review. And the camo background, which is similar to his theme on YouTube and his blog, provides an added layer of excitement to the review.

Now there’s no way to avoid that ubiquitous (but oh so comfy) Snuggie. It’s now available in a pattern most in the military find irresistible — camouflage.

If you’re unfamiliar with the fleece blanket with sleeves, it’s gotten pretty, well, cozy with the masses. The infamous infomercial shows a reenactment of the modern woman’s struggle to stay warm. When she goes from too cold to just right after wearing the one-size-fits-all sheet, it’s easy to be hypnotized by the promise of endless comfort.

But when the Air Force Times referred to the new style as the “Tactical Snuggie,” one must wonder in what strategic operations it would be worn. As suitable armor when battling the drafty house? As a quick disguise from enemy attackers attempting to liberate the couch?

With more than 4 million sold in 2009 alone, it was only a matter of time before the Snuggie infiltrated the military world. Along with camo, the makers of Snuggie added more limited-edition colors including zebra and leopard print, midnight black and passion purple. So, snag your own designer Snuggie ($14.95) while supplies last. And hold on to your hat, because like with any crazy informercial offer, they’ll throw in a state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line reading light for FREE.

Once you obtain your camo Snuggie, wear it all over town (the official site suggests pub crawls, office buildings, movie theaters and sporting events!), and you’ll likely wind up on this website.

Watch the tactical Snuggie debut at New York Fashion Week in September.

5.11's Tac-A Gloves

On Monday, glove-maker Ironclad Performance Wear and 5.11 Tactical announced a long-term partnership to create new task-specific gloves for law enforcement, firefighters and military.

Through the agreement, Ironclad will exclusively design and manufacture the glove line with 5.11 Tactical marketing and distributing the gloves. While the new gear will be branded by 5.11 Tactical, it will also say “Built Tough By Ironclad.”

“Hand protection and grip enhancement are very important needs for police, fire, first-responders and the military,” said Ed Jaeger, Ironclad’s founder and head of business development, in a prepared statement.

“By combining Ironclad’s technical expertise in designing task-specific gloves across a wide range of industries with 5.11 Tactical’s superior understanding of the end-users’ needs and industry requirements, we will be bringing the best, most advanced products to this market.”

The new gloves will join 5.11’s selection of gloves in early 2010, the companies said.

The video below showcases Ironclad’s General Utility Gloves — the first type of gloves Ironclad ever made!