ballistic

Ballistic to unveil LS Smooth iPhone cases at CES 2012

If you own an iPhone 4 (or 4S) you're probably already using a case. But if you're still looking for one, or want a new one, here's another to consider.

Ballistic announced today its latest case for the smartphone, called Ballistic LS Smooth. It "offers consumers an unparalleled protection" while remaining aesthetically appealing.

Similar to the original Ballistic LS cases, the new case is made of strong materials. It's now thinner and better-looking.

The LS Smooth has four removable Ballistic Corners that protect the mobile device from drops and allows for customization. The new … Read more

Should an iPhone case survive a sledgehammer?

I recently got my hands on two military-grade iPhone 4 cases--the Ballistic HC and the Griffin Survivor.

One of my first thoughts was: could either survive the extreme tests that manufacturers and consumer sites love to throw at such products? Could you drive your car over one and still make a phone call? Could either absorb a smash from a 10-pound sledgehammer and still offer up Angry Birds?

But I'm not going for silly--or for hype.

These cases are actually designed to offer elite protection in everyday use. They give you peace of mind if you drop your iPhone, expose its surface to liquid, fall and land on it, etc. They're not for use in strong-man tests at your county fair.

For sensible uses, both the Ballistic HC and the Griffin Survivor more than suffice.

That said, which do I prefer? Both offer multiple levels of protection, including a main plastic case, a protective screen, a rubberized outer covering and a carrying clip. Both are impact ready and wrap the phone up tight. They cover all ports and connectors. They're similarly priced. … Read more

Tough iPhone 4 cases duke it out

OtterBox claims you won't find a tougher case than the OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 4. But a company called Ballistic is saying its HC case--the HC stands for Hard Core--is "better" than OtterBox's, offering four layers of protection instead of OtterBox's two.

Yes, never mind all this talk of free bumpers, anyone seeking real protection wants something on the tough end of the case spectrum--a place where there's clearly a battle brewing. Ballistic has even produced a video of an iPhone 4 being thrown around while encased in the HC, which definitely proves … Read more

Blanket provides protection against dirty bombs

The first instinct when confronted with a radiological explosive device may be to turn tail and run, but the new Demron-W Nuclear/Ballistic Shield affords the opportunity to stick around and save the day.

The Demron suppression blanket provides total protection against ballistics, improvised explosive devices, dirty bombs, spills, and all types of radiological and nuclear incidents, according to Miami-based manufacturer Radiation Shield Technologies (RST).

It acts as a portable shield, tailored to reduce emissions from contained high-energy sources such as Cesium-137, and neutron sources and Americium-Beryllium. It's perfect for covering undetonated radiological dispersal devices, RST says.

The material, … Read more

Avoid sinking feeling with bulletproof lifejacket

Here's a must-have accessory for any soiree off Somalia, the ArmourFloat personal flotation device.

Not only does the Armour Float Ballistic Vest keep even an unconscious wearer afloat, but its new lightweight, hard-plate armor is designed to defeat most assault rifle threats--with no negative effect on the vest's buoyancy, according to Armour of America, a division of Arotech Corporation.

This Underwriters Laboratory-certified PFD is approved by the US Coast Guard, and the Coasties use it as well, according to AoA.

The hardy preserver comes with reflective tape on the shoulders, an emergency strobe light pocket, ammo clip pockets, … Read more

Texas Armoring: Bulletproof Cars for Stars

It is safe to assume that NFL players and other celebrities are concerned with their personal safety while out and about. According to an article on the Jalopnik website (http://jalopnik.com), in 2008 the NFL had been in touch with the Texas Armoring Corporation about supplying NFL stars with armored vehicles in which to get around in. The video below features an in depth look at Texas Armoring, armored cars, and how they are made.

This video is an excerpt from the program "Modern Marvels" on the History Channel. Beginning around the 1:00 mark, the viewer … Read more

World awaits ballistic-missile takedown over Asia

Does a "Star Wars" missile defense work? We may soon find out, if the rocket launch planned by North Korea starts to veer anywhere near Japan, instead of disappearing harmlessly into the stratosphere, as is hoped.

Japan says it will station the destroyers Kongo and Chokai in the Sea of Japan off North Korea. Both vessels will be armed with SM-3 ballistic-missile defense systems, in case the rocket malfunctions or wanders close to any of its islands, according to the Japanese Kyodo news agency.

"If it is capable of reaching Japan, then it goes without saying that … Read more

Review: Ballistic Trajectory Calculator

Ballistic is a new app written by Jonathan Zdziarski that brings a very advanced ballistics calculator to the iPhone and iPod Touch. The app comes in two versions a standard edition ( iTunes Link) for $7.99 and a Field Tactical Edition ( iTunes Link) for $9.99. This review will be about the standard edition.

Speed & Accuracy

The application is very fast at performing calculations, and it makes a great trajectory calculator. Perfect on the range, yes, but only because it is on the iPhone and portable thus fitting in the pockets of your BDU's or other favorite range … Read more