The Essential Space Marine Loadout

Let's start off with the basic uniform:

The Digital Urban pattern is the official pattern for the USSMC for TerrorWerks, and it is also used by law enforcement, special forces, and private security. We recommend the Tactical Response Uniform (TRU) style - $39 each piece, or if you prefer the BDU cut, the Digital Combat uniform is only $28 for each piece. For a belt, choose either the Riggers Belt ($29) or Range Belt ($17) in black. We don't keep a backstock of these Tactical Side-Zip Boots, but we would be happy to order them in your size. For the price ($45) - these are an excellent deal. They kept my feet dry in a very marshy outdoor game.

These Knee Pads will change your game considerably. You won't hesitate to drop down on your knees to dodge the enemy or crouch in ambush.

The Tornado Tactical Leg Holster ($30) is also a good idea for carrying a sidearm. It adjusts to fit almost any pistol, and is one of the most comfortable leg rigs I've ever worn.

The Devgru throat mic ($150):
- Be the coolest Space Marine on the block!

There are a number of options for body armor, such as this Interceptor Armor ($100):

Or, you could go with this sleek Modular Operator Plate Carrier ($70; pouches sold separately).

Of course, protective eyewear is essential, but this Save Phace BC7 mask ($74.99, comes with extra lens and stuff bag) looks incredibly cool! These masks have a very sleek profile, excellent peripheral vision, they don't fog up, and they don't get in your way like some other, bulkier paintball masks can. The Phantom style mask ($49.99) would also look good on a Space Marine.



We also carry MICH-style helmets, similar to these here -


A few last details...

Patrol cap; training knife($12) for those close-quarter melee kills; and NOMEX flight gloves($22).

All of these items are available by ordering directly from www.darkthreads.com, or sending a message to sales@darkthreads.com. We offer special pricing for TerrorWerks staff.

[DVD] Generation Kill

Generation Kill

Was browsing the videos as I usually do at Sam's club, and what do I find? Generation Kill, an absolutely brilliant HBO mini-series, is out now and I couldn't resist picking it up. It's about the First Recon marines who were sent to Iraq when the war first began. A reporter from Rolling Stone magazine was embedded with them, and the story is based on a book of the same name that he wrote about his experiences there.

When it first aired on HBO, I DVR'd it, and I watched each episode several times. It truly was a ground-breaking, innovative series, based on a true story. There aren't really any good guys or bad guys in this; the characters are real, believable, fallible people, and in some cases, the actors are actually the real people that the story is based on (they consulted with marines in the First Recon to work on the film). It certainly depicts modern "warfare" from a different, very realistic perspective.

So guess what I'm doing on this Christmas Eve...totally checking out the extra features...

Originally posted on mirvana.vox.com

New Shopping Cart!

I just finished replacing all of the e-Commerce forms on the darkthreads.com site to point to the new shopping cart. They went directly to Paypal before, but now when you click that Add to cart button, you go to a feature-rich cart that offers more options for shipping and using coupons and discounts. Speaking of which, we are currently offering special discounts to groups, and those of you who will be attending The Zone or WHFO2 events, and for Space Marines participating in TerrorWerks at MegaCon or Origins. Please contact sales@darkthreads.com for more details.

Gearing up for Events

I haven't posted here in a little while and I have some catching up to do! DI and I are looking forward to the events we have planned for next year and we are ordering in stock and working on our own loadouts.

Firstly, there's The Zone, Jan. 10, at Wayne's World of Paintball, Ocala, FL - a unique experience you won't want to miss! We donated some very cool prizes from our store to be given away at this event.

Then, there's The Shot Show, Jan. 14-19, 2009, Orlando, FL - uh, not an airsoft event, but we'll be there!

Next, When Hell Freezes Over 2, Feb. 7-8, 2009, at Battlefront Paintball, Hubbard, OH - This looks like its going to be really awesome. The site is the ruins of an old factory from WWII. We will be vending at this event. DI and I are working on our multicam loadouts for this one.

MegaCon, Feb. 28 - March 1, Orlando, FL - Terrorwerks! - Help save humanity, and see the universe, as a United States Space Marine! The Space Marine loadout is very high-tech and sophisticated in order to deal with the aliens and zombies and whatever else threatens our very existence! Check out the new Gallery space on our Web site with photos from TerrorWerks events that we did this year.

...and we're also planning on being at Origins, DragonCon, and maybe even GenCon next year, too.

Multicam loadout, CA Sportline M15A4 Carbine

Multicam loadout, CA Sportline M15A4 Carbine
Originally uploaded by mirvana

Multicam loadout, CA Sportline M15A4 Carbine, Save Phace mask (BC7 - the "predator"), and NOMEX flight gloves. We currently have some multicam BDUs in stock, a few of the sportlines, the gloves, shemagh, and the mask. I think I'm going multicam for WHFO2. The uniform restrictions are Tan vs. Green, so that would put me on the Tan side, but I'll probably be in the vending area most of the weekend.

Do you have everything you need for your loadout for WHFO2? If not, let us know and we'll try to get you hooked up in time for the event. Just ping me or DI.

LOL

more animals

Social networks for airsoft

I recently joined http://www.socialskirmish.net/ - an international social network for airsofters
(My profile).

And, upon discovering Twitter groups, I just created this one - http://twittgroups.com/group/airsoft .

On TV: Shadow Force

DI and I have really been enjoying this show on the History Channel lately:

Shadow Force

Shadow Force showcases the history of unconventional military operations through the eyes of an elite team operating in the modern day and offers one of the first real insights into the high-stakes world of private military operations. The Special Forces soldiers do what governments and aid agencies cannot—from combating piracy in Liberia, to stopping illegal forestation and saving rare mountain gorillas in the Congo, to setting up an alert system to help stop tribal wars in Kenya, to tracking illegal ivory into the black market.

Oh, and just in case I forget to mention it, tomorrow is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1941).

Event Announcement: The Zone

DarkThreads is proud to be a sponsor of:

The Zone
January 10, 2009
Wayne’s World of Paintball, Ocala, FL
9am - Midnight (?)

visit www.mindgame-productions.com

Download your Players Pack!
Full of event details, factions and life in the Zone!
http://mindgame-productions.com/playerpack/thezone.pdf

The Zone Forums now open!
http://mindgame-productions.com/forums/

Event Registration now open!
http://mindgame-productions.com/store/

The Zone is a unique airsoft experience drawn from the Russian novel “Roadside Picnic”, the “STALKER” film, and video games based on the novel. Set in the contaminated wastelands of the Chernobyl Zone of Alienation, Ukrainian troops, paramilitary factions and lone stalkers fight to control or reveal the secrets of the Zone and seek fortune through scavenging scraps of classified technology and strange, unearthly artifacts. The Zone is a grim and deadly place, full of radioactive pockets, unexplained anomalies, mutated horrors and ruthless killers. But it is said that within, a man can find treasure beyond his wildest dreams…

Mindgame Productions Presents its first event of 2009 and we are kicking it into high gear. From book to movie to video game now we bring the action to life as you enter the ZONE! So break out the old MOPP suits, Geiger counters and yourself for our must intense and immersive event yet. Help us start 2009 with the biggest bang yet!

Store Update

Decided to close the eBay store. No worries! We are still very much in business. It's just that when we first started out, I thought we could use Ebay if not for our main selling channel, but for marketing and promotion, and we just haven't been using it as much as I anticipated. So, perhaps I'll investigate Amazon marketplace as an alternate channel.

I have an exciting announcement and a bunch of updates to roll out on the DarkThreads.com Web site on Monday, so stay tuned!

Straight from Iraq

This looked interesting. US soldiers deployed in Iraq answer your questions in a series of webcasts. Go to goarmy.com where you can ask your own questions. Watch some video clips there now.

When Hell Freezes Over 2

DarkThreads is proud to be a co-sponsor for:

When Hell Freezes Over 2

A Milsim Productions Event

Saturday Feb. 7th and Sunday Feb. 8th, 2009
Location: Battlefront Paintball
5600-5724 W Liberty St
Hubbard, OH 44425

This is a milsim, airsoft event.

"Civil War isn't over yet, It's just beginning.

After the government was pushed back by The C.A.L. (Coalition for American Liberties) C.A.L. armies popped up all over the east coast. The War is spilling over into neighboring states, but where will the next attack take place? Find out in the next few weeks as we release more Intel on the growing tension between what's left of the U.S. Government, and The C.A.L."

Uniform restrictions:

Tan (CAL) vs. Green (US)
No ACU is permitted at this event!
No winding mags.
There will be one support gunner per 12 players.

Player classes:

Rifleman - 400fps /w .25g
Grenadier - 400fps /w .25g
Support - 425fps /w .25g
Sniper - 550fps /w .25g

Camping permitted on Friday, Feb. 6 and Sat. Feb. 7; there is a limited number of indoor camping spaces available to pre-registered players.

There are also several hotels, food, and Walmart available within five miles of the site.

The first 100 people registered will we receive an event T-shirt and Patch.

Raffles, and on-site vendors:
Amped Airsoft
DarkThreads

Pre-registration: $50
Walk-on: $65

Pre-reg here, or just look for the button on the DarkThreads.com Home page

Registration will be closed at 11:59 pm on Jan. 18, 2009.

More details TBA - http://milpro.wpairsoft.com/

Email: darkthreads@gmail.com

DIY "raid" mods

Modifying off-the-rack clothing is nothing new to me. I've been doing it since I could reach the foot pedal on my mom's sewing machine. So, when one of my airsofting buddies wanted me to move the pockets around and add some velcro onto an old BDU jacket of his, I thought nothing of it. Same goes for when DI asked me to install a "secret" inner pocket in his pants...woops, maybe I wasn't s'posed to share that, doh! Anyhoo, I keep getting requests for these sorts of modifications and it got me curious. I eventually stumbled upon some companies offering "RAID" mods to ACUs and BDUs. To get an idea of what I'm talking about, take a look at http://prostores2.carrierzone.com/servlet/emdomusa/Categories?category=BDU

I would like to offer some of the same types of services, because, well, I am already fully equipped and capable of doing so, and I would be interested specifically in what modifications you would be most interested in.

How would you describe a "raid" mod to a jacket? to pants?

What sorts of modifications would you find most useful?

Would you prefer to buy clothing that has already been modified, or would you be more interested in having your existing uniform modified?

Currently, I am offering a special for a 4-pocket BDU jacket mod that includes the following features:

Remove chest pockets and re-attach on shoulder/sleeves
Remove lower pockets and re-attach on chest (angled in towards center, if you prefer)
Add velcro closure to the inside of all pocket flaps

$20

Basically, this makes it more like the TRU. I can think of lots more mods to do, and I'm working on a price sheet, but in the meantime, please let me know what you think. Thanks!

Correction:

Correction: the gas pistol is actually KWA, not Classic Army, sorry my bads. ~MIRV

New products

I have to say that I'm really impressed with the performance of the new Classic Army Sportline M15A4 Carbines that we just got in. I find this rifle very easy to handle, easy to access the battery, and I think it would make a great "starter" rifle, if not a good value for someone on a budget. It's also very accurate, consistent, and reliable, so far. We've got six of these in stock right now, and we'll be at Airsoft Assault this Saturday. $175 including tax. Link to our Web store page.


Some other new items we'll be demoing:

Devgru operator throat mic


KWA Glock 17 gas pistol

Congrats, Gen. Dunwoody!

Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man. ~Ann E. Dunwoody

Dunwoody becomes first female four-star general

WASHINGTON – Call it breaking the brass ceiling. Ann E. Dunwoody, after 33 years in the Army, ascended Friday to a peak never before reached by a woman in the U.S. military: four-star general. At an emotional promotion ceremony, Dunwoody looked back on her years in uniform and said it was a credit to the Army — and a great surprise to her — that she would make history in a male-dominated military.

Read more.

Congrats to Airsoft Assault on reaching the 1k mark!

I know first-hand how hard it can be to start a new business and keep it going through these difficult times, so congrats to Airsoft Assault for reaching the 1000-player mark!

In celebration of this milestone, they just announced a pricing change: repeat players only pay $15 now, and $5 off all rentals. First-timers still pay $20, afterwhich they get the repeat-player deal. More details on their Web site.

Veterans Day

The history of Veterans Day

Formerly known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day in the US is a time for Americans to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans. It's also a day to contemplate peace. This would be a good time to honor and thank any veterans you know, both living and deceased, for their service to this country.

Today, I will think about my grandfather who served in the army during WWII, and who just passed away this year. He was a kind, decent, and honorable man.

What does Veterans day mean to you? How will you celebrate it?

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day
http://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.htm

Veterans advocacy:
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ - Wounded Warrior Project
http://www.saveourvets.com/
http://www.iraqwarveterans.org/ - Iraq war veterans
http://www.kitchentablegang.org/ - helping veterans in VA hospitals

Update

I had alot of fun at airsoft assault yesterday. I was there at 9 am to participate in a Firefight theme game hosted by the Ghost Walkers, and we also brought the DarkThreads store to vend our wares.

The theme of this game was GI Joe. The Firefight ruleset makes it more of a LARP than just a skirmish. Players get points and certain attributes to play with, and in addition to fighting off the enemy, they might have other problems to solve. In this particular game, a smoke machine simulated "toxic gas" and the players had to wear gas masks while searching for components to repair the ventilation system. They also had to "hack" into a computer system in order to turn on the lights (we started the game with lights out), and they had to fend off mooks, henchmen, robots, and a remote controlled "tank." I was a mook/henchman on the Cobra team, so my job was to harass the Joes and thwart them from their objectives. It was fun, yeah. Maybe next time I'll play a Joe. So far, I've earned 12 experience points for playing OPFOR.

Around 3pm-ish, AA opened up for regular play and they ran the bank heist scenario again. I wanted to play, but having already played all morning made me pretty tired, so I just minded the store and hung out in the staging area. From what I could tell, the bank heist must have been a good time, as well.

It was a long day. By the time DI and I got home last night, we were both dead tired. I feel pretty good today, tho, after soaking in a hot tub. :)

NEW DarkThreads Gear!
We rolled out some new uniform styles this weekend. We now have tiger stripe camo, and a digital version of multicam, called X-Camo (not a Crye-licensed product, but very convincing anyway). DI set up the table with a sample of each uniform and the Save Phace mask to go with it. We have a Save Phace mask for every loadout! I will blog about this in more detail later, after I get all the photos up.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Did I mention that I'm revamping the darkthreads online store? I'm hoping to roll out the new site very soon, so stay tuned.

Awesome and funny military photos

Just stumbled on this great collection of military photos, some funny, some interesting, some are just awesome. Includes images from around the world, and some really old vintage photos, as well.

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/11/awesome-military-funny-pics.html

Which one is your favorite?

We are going to the Shot Show in 2009!!!

The SHOT Show is the world's largest showcase of firearms, hunting and outdoor products. It provides a forum like no other for the industry to show off its newest products that will adorn the shelves of gun and sporting goods shops in the coming year.

http://www.shotshow.org/

Woohoooo!!!! I feel so 31337 right now.

This Saturday at Airsoft Assault

Yo Joe! and Bank Heist 2

Yo Joe!

* 9:30am to 3pm -> Cost $20

Bank Heist 2: Robber’s Revenge

* 3pm to 10pm -> Cost $15
* (Those who played during Yo Joe will have their admission already covered.)

Darkthreads will be there vending most of the day. Let us know if you want us to bring anything in particular.

In other news, I have been hard at work overhauling the darkthreads.com Web store. It will have a slick new design, better functionality, and navigation when it goes live, very soon.

Video: Interview with John Lu

How to keep warm during the cold months...

Here are a couple of items that can make those outdoor games in the coming cold months a bit less "brutal" - flight jackets and balaclavas are in!

A balaclava (pronounced /ˌbæləˈklɑːvə/), also known as a balaclava helmet or ski mask, is a form of headgear covering the whole head, exposing only the face or upper part of it, and sometimes only the eyes. (Read more on Wikipedia)

...and um, yeah I'm makin' a funny face under there! These Balaclavas have a bit of thickness to them and are great for cold weather.
* 6.6oz. Tru-Spec Performance Plus 93% Polyester / 7% Spandex
* Highly Breathable
* Moisture Wicking
* Microban® For Anti-Microbial And Anti-Odor Defense
* Extended Cold Weather System
* Quick Drying
One size fits most, even DeathIdol. We have black in stock now; tan is also available by special order. Our price: $15.

These work great under the Save Phace masks.

Flight Jackets
These flight jackets are the perfect thing to keep you warm without hindering your mobility. They are roomy in the shoulders, and close fitting in the waist to give you the most flexibility in the upper body, while keeping your core nice and toasty.

You'll find similar jackets at army surplus stores for around $65, but our price on this one is $35.
* 100% Nylon Shell
* 100% Polyester Filling
* Reversible To Orange lining
* Heavyweight
* Full Cut
* High Quality, Durable Zipper
* Knitted Cuffs, Collar and Waist
We currently have Black in stock, in sizes M, L, XL, and 3XL Regular. Also available in Navy and Sage, sizes: XSmall - 5XLarge Regular, by special order.

We'll have these items with us at Airsoft Assault this Saturday. Cash, check, and Paypal accepted. :)

Two Weeks Later...

...was interesting, playing a Zombie game at Airsoft Assault. The "post-industrial apacolyptic" feel of the place just lends itself to such a theme. Here are a couple of photos from last Saturday:

The "living" humans had to find and collect objects like this in the maze, and survive for a specified length of time...


While they were assaulted by "zombies" wearing license plates. Just one touch from a zombie and you are wounded; three touches from a zombie and you are fully "zombified." To stop a zombie you had to hit the plate (to resemble a head shot) and they went down for 15 seconds. With springer weapons, this is more of a challenge than you might think.


I love playing this game! MORE ZOMBIES! MORE ZOMBIES!

National Guard at Airsoft Assault this Saturday

This Saturday, Nov. 1, the National Guard will be at Airsoft Assault during their regular hours, noon - 10 pm. After seeing the videos from last time, I'm very excited about going this weekend. There will also be a raffle for a UTG shotgun, and they are also giving away something from Game Stop. Should be fun.

Also note that in just the last couple of weeks, they've installed more rooms, more fixtures, and more lighting features to the playing field at Airsoft Assault. It was awesome before, but now it's really awesome.

Save Phace masks are in!!!

Both Death Idol and I have been using Save Phace masks lately and we like them so much that we've become authorized Save Phace dealers.

Before I tried using a Save Phace mask, I did not like wearing full face masks at all. I had tried some of the more common, low-end paintball masks, and they felt bulky and awkward on me, got in my way, and they fogged up a lot. Luckily I found Save Phace, and what a difference good design makes! The masks are very adjustable and comfortable to wear and don't fog up. They also come in really cool designs and colors. There are four basic styles of the tactical mask, and they range in price from around $50 - $85. There are also different lens options: thermal, tinted, mirrored, and mask bags are also available.

The importance of eye/face protection
It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye

We can't stress enough how important it is to wear good eye protection while playing airsoft or paintball (or many other sports for that matter). And, considering how many people I know who have lost or broken teeth on a BB, I would highly recommend full-face protection. For the money, the Save Phace masks are the best I can recommend.

Currently in stock:


Ping me or DI if you would like to know more!

This Sunday: Decisive Horizon

Game at Airsoft Assault is canceled this Sunday because everyone will be at the Decisive Horizon event hosted by Joker. Sounds like it's going to be a really good game, so you should check it out if you can. Details here - http://www.airsoftassault.org/wordpress/archives/350

Zombie Gauntlet

Just posted over on the Firefight! network: some videos that JP shot at the Zombie Hunt last Saturday...good times, good times. I think this one is my favorite. You can check out the rest on Firefight! or YouTube.

Talk the talk

When playing at milsim events, I strive for authenticity in my appearance---appropriate loadout for the particular scenario, accurate or plausible uniform, replica weapons, and so on, but that's not the complete picture. I think that if you are going to portray a US marine (or other character in a milsim game) you should talk and act like one, too, to properly round out the character. So here are some useful links in that regard:

Spell like a marine: Military phonetic alphabet (from 1913 to the present).

Tell time like a marine: Military time
.

MilTerms - an online dictionary of US military terminology, acronyms, and slang.

A directory of military glossaries for different branches and countries.

Any other suggestions for resources on character building?

Two Weeks Later...MORE BRAAAAIIINZ!!!

So if you missed Zombie Hunt III, here's your chance to make up (clipped from the Airsoft Assault blog):

Saturday October 25th: Two Weeks Later

filed in Event Announcment on Oct.12, 2008

We are proud to announce that Airsoft Assault will be having it’s first Zombie based game on October 25th! We would like to thank the Ghost Walkers for coming up with the original idea on this type of game and for the success they have had with it during their previous Zombie Hunts.

Here are some details so far:

Admission: $20
Time: Noon-10pm
Weapon Restrictions: Springer Guns ONLY.

We are working on more specifics, details to follow soon! Stay tuned.

P.S. Sorry to those that were attending Operation: Hell Gate. It has been canceled due to lack of interest. We are planning “Two Weeks Later” to take it’s place. This event should be definitely one to remember!
###

Also, an update to a previous event announcement:

The time for Yo Joe! part 3, (Sat. Nov. 8 at Airsoft Assault) has changed to 9am - 3 pm, and if you aren't already preregistered for this event, you won't be admitted to play before 3pm. Regular play will resume at 3pm that day.

Upcoming airsoft events in Pgh. area

Operation: Decisive Horizon

October 19, 2008 at 8am – Hadax Installation, Dawson, PA
The South Pittsburgh Airsoft Detachment and Rough Riders are Proud to Present: Operation: Decisive Horizon Fee: $5 STORYLINE: In Operation: Black Fox, you helped fight the Civil War...(details here). Organized by Jeff | Type: MilSim, Skirmish

Just Announced: Two Weeks Later

October 25 at Airsoft Assault. Just when you thought the threat of zombie attack was over...here they come again two weeks later. Details TBA.

Yo Joe! Episode 3

November 8, 2008 from 9:30am to 3pm – Airsoft Assault
During Episode 2, the Joe team discovered that Cobra created an enormous, earthquake-generating robot. It is only a matter of time before an earthquake is triggered under New York City, bringing th...(details here). Organized by Julie | Type: Firefight!

Zombie Hunt, woo!

Tonight I am obliged to go shoot zombies in the woods. Actually, Darkthreads is vending for the event and I will probably be watching the table half the time. It should be fun. I wouldn't be surprised if the turnout is doubled from last year, and last year there was a really big crowd of zombies to deal with. The survival rate was very low. We'll see if the "living" can do better this year.

Airsoft on FriendFeed

For those of you who just can't get enough of me, I created a room on my FriendFeed for posting Airsoft stuff. You are welcome to join the room and post links to your favorite airsoft sites and resources. This blog feeds into the room, along with the Airsoft Assault blog.

Addicted to Airsoft

Other ways to read this feed:
On Facebook
Atom feed

Airsoft as a training vehicle

I'm impressed with the videos that Solscud shot at AA when the National Guard was running through room-clearing drills (See previous post). Wish I coulda been there. The applications of airsoft for military and tactical training are obvious, but I'm thinking that you could learn a lot of other skills that would apply to other fields, as well. For example, teamwork, communication, problem solving, focus, discipline, &etc. I think it could have far-reaching applications as a teaching tool. Any thoughts?

For me personally, I have gotten a lot out of participating in the sport in just a short time. For one thing, it challenges me physically and mentally, forces me to think fast and make decisions. Perhaps these are things that you more experienced players take for granted? What is your experience?

mirv

Video: National Guard at Airsoft Assault Pgh.

Review: Tru-Spec Uniforms

We are now carrying two different styles of uniform, and as our business grows, we'll carry more, but we think that the styles we carry now offer you the best options in price and value.

So, what's the difference between the Digital Combat uniform and the Tactical Response Uniform (TRU)? Well there's a big difference in the features, and there's also a difference in price. You can tell just by a glance at the line drawings (below) what some of the different features are.

The Tactical Response Uniform (TRU)

With the TRU, you are getting one of the best tactical uniforms that money can buy. Basically, the TRUs are a cutting-edge design, with more specialized features, like a convertable Mandarin collar, the Powerhook hook-and-loop faced pockets and closures, &etc. They are available in 65/35 Poly/Cotton Rip-Stop, in nine different colors/patterns, and come in XS - 3XL, short, regular, and long sizes.

For a full list of features, check out our store listings:
TRU Shirt
TRU Pants

Color chart

Pricing:
XS - XL: $39/each
2XL - 3XL: $42/each

The Digital Combat Uniform

The Digital Combat shirt and pants are styled more like the traditional military BDU, but with the quality and attention to detail that you'd expect from Tru-Spec, such as covered button plackets and felled seams. They only come in the desert, urban, and woodland digital patterns; Size XS - 3XL, regular and long. If you are looking for a more traditional military uniform, or you're on a budget, this is the option for you.

Check out our store listings here:
Digital Combat Shirt
Digital Combat Pants

Color chart

Pricing:
XS - XL: $28/each
2XL - 3XL: $31/each

TRU Shirt vs. Digital Combat Shirt


TRU pants vs. Digital Combat Pants

Review: G26 springer pistol

We got a bunch of these for the Zombie Hunt coming up, and I must say, for being a cheap little springer pistol, this G26 (metal edition) is impressive! Both DeathIdol and I are really surprised by it's performance, because, frankly we aren't expecting a lot from a springer pistol. It's not Tokyo Marui, but it is more accurate and long-range than other springers we've used. I also like the compact size; it fits my hand perfectly, and DI is comfortable with it as well. I would carry this as a sidearm for CQB, in addition to springer games.

Manufacturer: Chinese

I know I really shouldn't, but...um...

see Sarah Palin pictures

Cold Steel

2008Sept 025
Originally uploaded by mirvana

Our first cold steel order came in today. Most of the stuff shown here is already spoken for, but we'll be ordering from them again. They have some very VERY nice products. For myself, I got what DI calls a "people beatin' stick."

A stack of springer pistols

2008Sept 021
Originally uploaded by mirvana

...for the Zombie Hunt! Are you gonna be ready?

Of the two models we got, I like the little G26, but for the price, you can't beat that CYMA P.813A2. FUN!

DI & Angus at Airsoft Assault Pgh.

2008Sept 012
Originally uploaded by mirvana

Angus makes the funny face.

DeathIdol at Airsoft Assault

2008Sept 006
Originally uploaded by mirvana

Posing with his M4.

Army at Airsoft Assault last weekend

2008Sept 001
Originally uploaded by mirvana

MIRV posing with Army recruiters at Airsoft Assault, Pgh.

Airsoft Event: Zombie Hunt, Oct. 11

I went to this event last year, and it was a great time. Looking forward to it this year! -MIRV

Airsoft based Zombie Hunt ~ Oct. 11th

October 11th, Ghost Walkers & Company is presenting a night of Zombie hunting, killing and if you're good enough, survival. For those of you who've watched all those Romero's movies and thought, "I wouldn't have gotten killed doing that, I could have made it thru the night"; here's your chance to prove it.

The Zombie adventures will begin at sundown. Now these aren't "28 Days Later" or "Dawn of the Dead" zombies, these are old school, rambling, kill by sheer numbers, one shot to the head to kill Zombies. And while we might start one or two scenarios ala Dog Soldiers, it all usually comes down to a couple of pistols, maybe a shotgun, and a handful of ammo to make it to safety.

To this end, most of the night action will be limited to springer weapons. Weapons used in the zombie games will be limited to less than 325fps with .20gms. Standard ammo is acceptable (i.e. biodegradable are not required at this site).

The game will take place at the Weckoski Farm in Coal Center, PA.

330 Grange Rd
Coal Center, PA

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...09656&t=h&z=17

Also, DarkThreads (http://www.darkthreads.com/) will be vending for the event. We'll be selling guns, gear and ammo on site. We will also be raffling off a brand new UTG Multishot shotgun! Keep in mind that you will need to be 18 or older to participate in the raffle or purchase guns from DarkThreads.

Some additional talking points:
- Check-in for the Zombie Hunt will start at 4PM and skirmishing started by 5. Player enthusiasim and weather will determine how late we play but say 11PM for now?
- Everyone will have to play a zombie at least once.
- Facemasks are strongly encouraged (face and crotch shots increase dramatically in night CQB)
- We're requesting that players dress in anything other than camouflage BDU, black is OK if you anticipate playing a zombie a lot.
- Horror masks and any other Halloween props & costumes are STRONGLY encouraged.
- Price: $3

So, care to test your nerve hunting Zombies at night with 25 rounds of ammo and spring pistol?

----Itinerary----

4pm - Players begin arriving onsite. Check-in/Chrono
5pm - Starting Gauntlet runs
6pm - Break
7pm - Starting first scenario
- Second scenario
- Third
- Fourth
- Fifth
After Fifth (Est 10-11pm) - Can replay scenarios, can do more gauntlet runs, play until most of the people want to go home

---UPDATE---

A waiver will be required to play and anyone under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by a participating adult.

http://firefight.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=956998%3ATopic%3A2922

For more info sign up for the DarkThreads forum and post any questions you have.

Click the below to get there and become a member

http://darkthreads.ning.com/

Multicam Ts, and more!

multicamTmirv
Originally uploaded by mirvana

We just got these in---Genuine Crye Precision MULTICAM(R) T-shirts, mens L and XL in stock, other sizes available on request...this is a good qualtiy t-shirt! 100 percent cotton, tagless, nice neck band, and extra long. I don't have it listed on darkthreads.com just yet, but if you are interested, ping me or Deathidol.

We also got a bunch of uniforms in: BDUs in black, marpat/digital woodland, and urban digital. These are True-Spec brand items and very high quality---not the typical BDUs you find in the army surplus store. I will be updating the store shortly with more photos and information on these products, but I just couldn't wait to blog about it!!!

20 airsofters vs. car window

Online Videos by Veoh.com

UPDATE

So I've been a busy little bee, working on the Web site.

After seeing how cool the Firefight! forums are on Ning.com, we decided to move the Dark Threads forums to Ning also. It was soooo much easier setting up Dark Threads on Ning than it was to configure it on forums-free.com. Ning also has lots of cool features for posting photos and video, which I likey.

I also added a little slideshow of products to the darkthreads home page, and I've been filling in the product descriptions little by little. I don't have any fancy software that automatically generates things for me, so I'm DIYing the whole thing, basically. And, I have a day job, so I'm doing this in my "spare" time.

GOOD NEWS: we placed the order for uniforms and should have the first batch in hand soon. That's where we would like to focus our efforts, so if you have any special uniform requests, please let us know! We will be able to carry a very wide range of products in that area so don't hesitate to tell us about your needs there.

IN OTHER NEWS: I am working on designing a uniform for the "Future Warrior" or "Space Marine." I hope to roll out some prototypes next year. What is your vision of the Future Warrior? Any thoughts? Discuss.

Ning badge for Dark Threads Forums

Find more photos like this on Dark Threads

Firefight

View my page on Firefight!

My MULTICAM wishlist:

I actually don't have a MULTICAM loadout yet. I've been using my woodland camo for playing outdoor games, and that works well for the type of woodland we have in Pennsylvania during the summer. All of my black accessories work with it. At least, I'm happy with the performance of my side-zip tactical boots. I was running around in the wet muck, and they kept me dry.

However, multicam is just a more versatile camo and I would like to build a multicam loadout more suited to outdoor games, and keep the urban digis for indoor/urban play. Here's my MULTICAM wishlist (if an accessory doesn't come in multicam, I would get tan/coyote, or OD green to go with multicam; anything except BLACK):

Baseball cap
Shemagh
Desert goggles
TRUs, top and bottom
Belt
Chest Rig
Hydration pack
Mag pouches
Radio pouch
Thigh rig pistol holster
Dump pouch
Gloves
Knee pads
Desert boots
Magnifying scope with integral rifle mount

Some other things I need to remember for outdoor games:

Telescope or binoculars
Compass
High-cap mags

...and leave behind the flashlights, green laser, red/green dot sight that I usually bring for CQB. The training knife I carry was also useless because it's not that easy to get close enough to an opponent in dense underbrush without them hearing you crunching through all the leaves and twigs.

-MIRV

Schooled!

I totally got schooled today at an outdoor airsoft game. I hadn't played outdoors since last fall, at the zombie game, which was on a farm with trees but not as much underbrush, and a lot of rusted out junk and old buildings---what they would call "open woodland". It was also fall, so there wasn't as much foliage for cover. Today's game was in a JUNGLE by comparison. The play area was huge, and mostly dense woodland/underbrush. Thorns everywhere. Poison ivy---everywhere. There were no discernable trails to my eye. There were many steep slopes. My first challenge of the day was just trying to maneuver through the brush, let alone try to find the opponent. I kept getting caught in the stickers. The foliage was so dense that visibility beyond a few yards was nill. The dynamics of the game were very different from what I was used to. The other folks playing today were familiar with the territory. In the first game, I got my ASS HANDED to me. I didn't even fire a round. However, I did learn a lot about playing this kind of field. After a couple more games, I found my footing, and learned how to work with my teammates to find the objective. I suspect that with practice, it will become easier, but today I was totally challenged. I also realized that I need a totally different loadout configuration for playing that kind of game. A lot of stuff I normally use for CQB was useless (flashlight, green laser, etc.). My little telescope or monocular, and my compass would have come in handy, but I forgot to bring'em.

What the fashionable Space Marines are wearing this season...

P1030184
Originally uploaded by mirvana

This is my urban-digi loadout for CQB. The photo was taken at Airsoft Assault in Pittsburgh last Monday. We do in fact have most of this stuff available right now for sale, or we will have it in the very near future. From top to bottom:

MICH-style helmet
Shemagh
TRUs in urban digi camo
Chest rig
Rigger's belt
8" tactical side-zip boots (got cut off in this photo)

Feel free to ping me if you have any questions or you are interested in any of these products.