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This is the Crye Precision CAGE (Crye Assault GEar) Armour Chassis, which is the central component of the CAGE product line. The CAGE Chassis is an evolution of the original (Gen I) Armour Chassis that was arguably the most innovative ballistic vest design that most of us had ever seen when it was first introduced. With its distinctive tire-tread molded shoulder panels and Crye-shaped plates, it is still one of the most unique-looking pieces of body armour produced to date.

The CAGE Chassis has a more conventional look from the outside at first glance, but actually retains much of the original Chassis’s design heritage and features. The predecessor to the CAGE Chassis was seen at the 2007 SHOT Show, and is commonly referred to as the ‘Gen 2 Chassis’. Note that there always have been numerous variants of the chassis, with only a few making it into the public eye. The CAGE Chassis is essentially the same as the Gen 2, with minor differences/updates. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a ‘Gen 3′, but more of a Gen 2.5. Anyways, Crye calls it the CAGE, so that’s what it’ll be.

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Diamondback Tactical has updated their BattleLab line of tactical nylon for 2008-2009, which includes a complete re-design of their tactical vests, like the BattleLab Advanced Warrior F.A.P.C., reviewed previously. Shown here is the R.B.V. Predator ballistic vest, 2nd Gen, which incorporates these upgrades and new features.

The Predator is essentially the non-cutaway version of the Praetorian Rapid Cutaway Ballistic Vest, which is designed for over-water operations. The Predator is for users who do not have a need for the cutaway feature. It is designed to meet the operators’ need for a versatile, modular tactical vest with increased load-carry capacity, mobility, speed and ease of adjustability. It is currently being fielded in the govt, LE and military arena.

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Originally designed for ice climbers and telemark skiers, the Arc’Teryx Military Kneecaps are now available in a tactical black/grey-green colour from the Arc’Teryx LEAF division. At only 5.4oz a pair, there are possibly the lightest hard-shell tactical knee caps/pads on the market. They provide low profile protection for the patella that can be worn over or under a set of trousers.

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With the introduction of their new vest platforms, Diamondback Tactical has introduced their BattleLab Accessory Platform Pouches which are designed specifically for use with those platforms (Praetorian, Predator, AW-FAPC and FAPC Gen 2). All of these platforms have an accessory pocket that comes standard on the front panel. This pocket is inside the flap which lifts up for attachment of the FAR cummerbund. The opening is kept closed by velcro and two snaps. There is additional hook velcro lining the inside front of the pocket. The velcro and snaps provide the mounting base to which the Accessory Platform Pouches attach to, which greatly increase the utility of the pocket.

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Diamondback Tactical has introduced not one, but two new versions of their Battlelab Fast Attack Plate Carrier (FAPC) previously reviewed above. One is the Gen 2 FAPC which is a more basic version like the original FAPC, and the other, shown here is the Advanced Warrior FAPC. The main difference between the Gen 2 FAPC and the AW-FAPC is that the AW-FAPC features special padding and open mesh lining for additional comfort, and is also available with integrated soft armour packages. The Gen 2 FAPC is just the plate carrier, available without any inserts. The new FAPCs are still a low-profile plate carrier designed as a high-mobility platform that’s expandable with the Fast Attack Rack (F.A.R.) cummerbund for additional load-bearing capability.

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To match the ballistic elbow guards , and if the user does not have knee pad pockets on his pants, TACARM offers a converted Alta knee pad with ballistic insert.

The foam insert has been replaced with a Kevlar insert (5″ x 9″, 24 layers, Level II, 5 1/8 ounces) with a Gortex outer shell. A Velcro closure has been sewn into the top of the knee pad so that the insert can be removed and also used in the knee pockets of the ACU and TRU. The Alta knee pads before modification weigh 6.5 ounces each, and 10.5 oz each after conversion.

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As a former enlisted soldier and later as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army (now retired after serving 23 years), Matt Sonner realized the difference ballistic protection can make against IEDs and shrapnel.
Matt started his own company, TACARM (Tactical Armor and Equipment) and offers ballistic upgrades to a soldier’s uniform not normally covered by ballistic protection. TACARM offers ballistic panels which can be inserted into the current issue uniforms, and also developed a modified Army Combat Uniform that holds additional ballistic panels called the BCU (Ballistic Combat Uniform).

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Avon Protection Systems Inc. in Cadillac, Michigan is a U.S. subsidiary of Avon Rubber PLC in the UK, which has been around for over 120 years. Avon has been in the respirator/gas mask business since the 1920′s, so they’ve quite a bit of experience under their belt, to say the least. Avon is widely regarded as a market leader in the manufacture and design of NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) respirators for the military, special forces, police and civil defense sectors.

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