Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Tweets Keep the Sharks Away

Shark attacks are rather rare, but when they do occur they can be deadly. Now researchers in Australia have developed a system that could use social media to not only warn when a shark attack is imminent but actually monitor the movement of sharks near beaches.

It could be the next best thing to having the sharks sign up on Twitter to announce their presence. Since that would be difficult – as sharks don’t have mobile phones or the thumbs to type out tweets – the researchers have attached transmitters to more than 320 sharks, including great whites. When the sharks get close to the beaches the sensors trigger an alert, which is picked up on a computer.

From this a short message on Surf Life Saving Western Australia’s (SLSWA) Twitter feed is posted giving details on the approximate location of the shark, as well as its size and breed. This might just make it safe to go back into the water.

[Via Sky News: Australia: Sharks Use Twitter To Warn Swimmers]

SHOT Show: Hit the Bullseye

At this week’s SHOT Show Bullseye Camera Systems showed off its iPhone/iPad application that builds on its Bullseye Target Manager Software. This is the first-ever software-supported, wireless target camera system that shows shooter’s their last shot flashing on a screen no matter how many times the target has been hit.

This unique patent-pending system provides a wireless target camera to be placed two to eight feet from a target and allows shooters to view the shots wirelessly from their shooting location, up to one mile away, directly on a laptop, iPhone or iPad. The Bullseye Target Manager software provides shooters with easy viewing of each last shot blinking on the screen, whether shot individually or in groups, safely from the firing position.

In addition, the software allows developing of shooter profiles, to include information such as: particular firearm and ammunition, hand-loading data, and measuring shot groups. This data is stored with each shot and can be retrieved at any time for later review. Video after the jump

SHOT Show: Wiley X Changes Up

Our friends at Wiley X are changing it up again with their Changeable Series eyewear family for hunting and shooting enthusiasts. The new style is making its debut at SHOT Show this week in Las Vegas. Designed to be comfortable for all-day wear during even the most strenuous outdoor activities the WX Vapor features an ultra-lightweight, double injected frame that provides increased comfort by reducing pressure on the nose of the bridge and ears.

The eyewear system is thus perfect for shooting sports, and it meets the stringent ANSI Z87 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety standards, providing occupational grade protection. As a member of Wiley X’s battle-proven Changeable Series, the WX Vapor also meets the updated MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) MCEP Standard (superseding the GL-PD 10-12 MCEP Standard) for ballistic eye protection and EN-166FT for high velocity impact standards at temperature extremes. It also offers 100 percent UVA/UVB protection and distortion-free clarity.

Wiley X Changeable Series protective eyewear is designed so wearers can easily switch lenses, for optimum vision and accuracy in changing light conditions, situations and environments. The new WX Vapor is offered in four configurations. Shooters can choose a Matte Black Frame packaged with changeable Grey and Clear lenses or changeable Grey, Clear and Light Rust lenses. A Tan Frame is also offered paired with changeable Grey and Clear lenses or changeable Grey, Clear and Light Rust lenses.

Wiley X Official Website

SHOT Show: Stormr is Coming

STORMR brand clothing is ready to take the outdoor world by storm with its line of foul weather gear. These provide warmth and mobility and at this year’s SHOT Show the company is looking to go clandestine of sorts with its STEALTH Series.

STORMR products use Neoprene Core Technology to adapt the benefits generations of divers have used to fight the elements to land-based and amphibious activities. STORMR is owned by Henderson Sport Group, which has manufactured neoprene for half a century and understands the material’s unique abilities. The resulting gear provides maximum comfort and maneuverability, along with superior thermal benefits, in a thin, soft, flexible, windproof and waterproof shell which also provides positive buoyancy.

While it is unlikely the next trip to the woods will require such protection from the elements you’ll be glad STORMR has you covered.

STORMR Official Website

Touching a Nerve

Booq has touched a nerve so to speak with its new Boa nerve messenger bag. It features water-repellent 1680 denier ballistic nylon exterior that will protect the value contents inside. With intelligently designed pocket-packed interior everything will have its proper place during a daily commute to work by bicycle – or just a ride on the subway. The interior is further lined with herringbone nylon to optimize storage space and keep gear from getting scratched, while a magnetic strap system shifts from a loose to secure fit in a cinch, so you won’t feel a pinched nerve from having this pack on your back.

Booq Boa nerve Official Website

Crafty Gloves

When cycling in the winter you need to have your hands covered but still have ample dexterity in the digitals. Craft has you – or rather your hands covered – with its line of new Hybrid Winter Glove that is actually a hybrid of a glove and mitten.

The glove is made of warm yet stretchable polyester with a brushed interior that keeps the fingers warm yet still allows you to use a touchscreen device such as a smartphone. When the wind picks up or the temperatures drop you can add a waterproof mitten cover to the mix.

Craft USA Official Website

CES: Clip it On

Bracketon has introduced its new GoPro-friendly camera mounts at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas. These include the Vented Helmet Strap, which can attach to almost every helmet on the market. The strap’s ball joints allows for a complete 360-degree rotation, so riders can capture the experience from any direction.

For those who take adventure in their hearts, the Xventure Chest Harness secures a GoPro camera safely to the torso to capture any excursions. This system features two durable side clips on either side for easy mounting and removal, along with an adjustable shoulder and side strap, making this harness a one-size-fits-most accessory.

The new Xventure Xlip Mount is also compatible with any GoPro camera and it allows any action camera to be clipped on, while the 360-degree rotation and adjustable neck allows users to take photos from almost any degree. The smooth, rubberized clamp makes it easy to attach to almost any stable surface.

Bracketron Official Website

CES: Get On and E-Go

At CES this week some may have been possessed to skate (as the 1980s punk rock anthem once proclaimed), and took a ride on the E-Go Cruiser, the world’s lightest electric longboard at just 13.9 pounds. It is powered by one of the most powerful yet high capacity batteries, which allows users to travel 18 miles on a single charge.

The company claims the E-Go Cruiser is safe for beginners or experienced boarders, and provides an attractive alternative to urban transportation. Video after the jump

CES: The Aqua Man’s Speaker

Electronics and water don’t often mix, but at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas we’re seeing more devices that can stand up to nature. NYNE introduced the Aqua, the first IPX7 waterproof, floating, Bluetooth 4.0 portable speaker. While ideal for a pool, it could also be a great go anywhere speaker as it can be fully submersed in one meter of water for 30 minutes. It also features a built-in waterproof microphone to answer incoming calls, listen to voicemails and hear text notifications. It has a 2200mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for an optional wired connection or non-Bluetooth devices.

“Aqua answers the need for a portable, high-quality audio speaker that can play music outdoors and withstand the elements,” said Arman Arami, president of NYNE. “With up to 10 hours of playtime, the party can last all day at the beach, pool, lake, campsite, or backyard, even when an unexpected rainstorm hits. Aqua plays music from any Bluetooth-enabled device within a 33-foot range, without a wired or dock connection, so your phone or tablet can stay easily accessible and dry.”

It offers 10 watts of power and is equipped with an EQ button that delivers four preset equalizer settings.

NYNE Official Website

SHOT Show Preview: System to Survive

A disaster is by definition a “disaster” but that surviving one doesn’t mean being prepared for the end of the world, it just means being prepared. At SHOT Show next week SOLKOA Survival Systems will unveiled its latest consumer survival products line.

The company, which makes a line of products for the military, knows a thing or two about surviving. In fact, the company gets its name from the Latin SOL as in solus or solo, and from the Koa for the ancient Polynesian for warrior. Combined you have SOLKOA or the lone warrior and ready to take on the world.

SOLKOA Survival Official Website

Ride in the Sky

The roads of London can be dangerous for cycling, but the designers have Foster + Partners have a solution: ride in the sky! Instead of building new roads for cars, the firm along with Space Syntax has looked to develop the SkyCycle, which could follow existing suburban railway corridors and provide bicycle only roads to ride throughout London. By following the rail network this could provide more than 220 kilometers of car-free cycle route, which could be accessed via more than 200 entrance points. Each route could accommodate 12,000 cyclists per hour and improve journey times by as much as 29 minutes.

Foster + Partners: SkyCycle, proposals to create safe new cycle routes throughout London

January: The Month of Trade Shows

The holidays are over and it is time to get back to work! Whether you like it or not now ‘tis the season of trade shows and for KineticShift that means CES, SHOT Show, North American International Auto Show and SIA Snow Show, where we’ll be seeing all the products that will help you keep those resolutions this year.

Check back all month for our reports from these shows!

CES Official Website
NSSF SHOT Show Official Website
North American International Auto Show Official Website
SIA Snow Show Official Website

2014 Archery Trade Association Tradeshow Preview: Prois Hunting & Field Apparel for Women

January is truly a month of trade shows, which begins week with CES and continues next week with the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and SHOT Show in Las Vegas. While SHOT Show is where we expect to see the latest and greatest in hunting and shooting sport equipment, the 2014 Archery Trade Association Tradeshow will take place later next week in Nashville.

We’re not up for yet another show (and will be heading to Vegas), but have been hearing news of what attendees will likely see. This includes new products from Prois Hunting and Field Apparel for Women, including the new 2014 Women’s Artemis Competitive Archery Shooting Shirt from Prois (above left), and the new Archtach Down Jacket by Prois Hunting. So whether it is competition archery at the range or a day in the woods it sounds like Prois will have women archers covered this year.

2014 Archery Trade Association Tradeshow
Prois Hunting Official Website