Technology

We use advanced materials to construct all the items we offer.

What is Cordura^®?
Cordura^® is an air-textures, high-tenacity nylon made only by DuPont^®. The real-world definition translates into some of the most used and abused products being lightweight, abrasion-resistant and durable.

What is KEVLAR^®?
KEVLAR^® is an aramid fiber that possesses a remarkable combination of properties. The KEVLAR^® technology enhances lightweight flexibility, strength and flame resistance. KEVLAR^® ounce for ounce is five times stronger than steel yet, at the same time, offers excellent wearing comfort. Ordinary products that utilize KEVLAR^® technology become extraordinary ones. KEVLAR^® - It's the power of performance.

What is Schoeller®-Keprotec®?
Schoeller®-Keprotec® is a high-tech fabric that meets the highest requirements in terms of tear resistance and durability in the field of safety at work and play. This top of its class product offers maximum protection by means of high-quality materials such as KEVLAR® and superior technology.

What is NFPA 1971?
The NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting outlines the requirements for Firefighter's PPE for structural as well as proximity fire fighting.

CROSSTECH® DIRECT GRIP® GLOVE INSERTS
CROSSTECH® DIRECT GRIP® glove inserts are a combination moisture barrier and thermal liner, which results in a thinner, more streamlined insert for structural fire-fighting gloves. Firefighter gloves with CROSSTECH® DIRECT GRIP® glove inserts provide the best liquid penetration resistance against blood, body fluids and NFPA common chemicals. This superior liquid performance and innovative combination allows you to complete tasks that take fingertip control and still keep your gloves on for protection, with better fit and increased dexterity.

• Thermally Stable and Flame Resistant
  • Waterproof after a 500°/5-minute exposure
  • Did not shrink or degrade after a 500°/5-minute exposure
• Faster Glove dry out - Moister Vapor Breathable Excellent Durability
  • Durable liquid and abrasion resistance
• Liquid Penetration Resistant
  • Water, blood and body fluids
  • NFPA common fire ground chemicals

GORE™ RT7100 GLOVE BARRIER FABRIC
GORE™ RT1700 Glove Barrier Fabric is compliant to NFPA 1971 requirements as an alternative to polyurethane barriers. Its key technology feature, thermal stability, results in a product that will not melt or degrade, as typical polyurethane or polyamide-based moisture barriers are prone to do. The GORE™ RT1700 Glove Barrier Fabric provides thermal stability, product integrity, and the reputation of the world leader in barrier technologies behind it.

• Thermally Stable and Flame Resistant
• • Waterproof after a 500°/5-minute exposure
  • Did not shrink or degrade after a 500°/5-minute exposure
• Faster Glove dry out - Moister Vapor Breathable Excellent Durability
  • Durable liquid and abrasion resistance
• Liquid Penetration Resistant
  • Water, blood and body fluids
  • NFPA common fire ground chemicals

Carbon Shield™
Carbon Shield is a flame resistant fabric breakthrough based on carbon fiber technology. Considered the ultimate high-tech fabric for thermal protection and comfort. During the torch test, after about 5 seconds, traditional FR fabrics combust, severely shrinking and charring. Carbon Shield remains dimensionally stable even after 90 seconds, giving you the extra time you need to get out safely. Properties of Carbon Shield include:

• Non-flammable
• If exposed to extreme heat or flame fabric glows but won’t burn. It retains a certain tenacity at temperatures exceeding 2300°F for over 90 seconds.
• Non-melting
• Absolutely melt-proof and doesn’t become stiff. It remains soft to the touch after being exposed to fire.
• Arc Resistant – ATPV 23.3 HRC 2
• Superior Protection from Welding Sparks and Molten Metal
• Resists pin-holing from welding sparks and splatter. Sheds most molten metals and will not melt, ignite or burn even in the most severe levels of exposure offering unparalleled protection from molten metal splash.
• Non-Shrinking
• The space between the clothing and the body reduces and protects against burns. Carbon Shield™ is almost totally non-shrinking when exposed to flame and heat.
• Forms No Openings
• If an opening should form, fire comes into direct contact with the body and increases the possibility for burns. Because fabric doesn’t melt or stiffen and is non-shrinking, it develops no openings.
• Deposits No Tar
• When clothing melts or stiffens and decomposes in a fire, it deposits a by-product tar in the form of a liquid, which has a similar effect as melting increasing the risk of burns. Carbon Shield™ deposits no tar.
• Low Heat Conductivity – (Disburses Heat Energy)
• In order to ensure the time to escape from fire, clothing must possess the property of delaying the transmission of heat. PGI’s Carbon Shield™ has a low heat conductivity.
• Infrared Non-Reflective
• Excellent for police/swat teams as well as military applications.
• Natural Black Color Hides Soil
• Lightweight Yet Excellent TPP
• Weighs only 6.5 oz. /sq. yd. which is over 20% lighter than most NFPA compliant hoods, yet still has excellent Thermal Protection Performance (TPP) rating of 28.
• Excellent Stretch & Recovery Properties
• 1 x 1 Rib knit construction. Knit to allow 200% stretch for maximum stretch and recovery.
• Comfortable
• Fabric has an excellent moisture regain (approx. 8%) and wicks moisture away from the skin to the outer shell, enabling it to evaporate at a rapid rate. The aspect of wicking moisture off the body not only offers a more comfortable garment but also improves protection.
• Chemical Resistance
• Excellent resistance to organic solvents, weak alkalis and weak acids.
• Excellent Shape Retention
• Unlike some hood fabrics which don’t hold their shape after laundering, Carbon Shield™ has extremely low shrinkage and looks virtually unchanged after repeated washings and dryings. Also, after laundering fabric showed no change in flame resistance or thermal protection.
• Odor Absorbing Qualities

• Has ability to absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors, a considerable advantage when opportunities for washing are limited.
• Resistant to Ultra Violet Rays
• Will not fade or weaken when exposed to UV rays.
• Highest Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI)
• Flame resistance is commonly measured by LOI, the amount of oxygen needed to support combustion. The higher the LOI value, the more flame resistant the material. Carbon Shield™ has an LOI which is over 50% higher than Nomex and 33% higher than PBI FR Rayon blends.
• Meets NFPA Requirements
• UL Classified to meet the current hood requirements of NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting (Classic, Ultimate and Elite Styles).
• Meets CAL-OSHA REQUIRMENTS
• Passes Fed. Test 191, Method 5903.2: CAL-OSHA Sections 3406(d)
• Complies with OSHA Rule 29 CFR Part 1910, 269
• Compliant with NFPA 70E – Current Edition.
• Meeting the performance specifications of ASTM-F-1506 (On double ply hoods)

Para-Tek FR™ Tri-Blend Black
Para-Tek FR™ is PGI’s proprietary Tri-Blend that leverages the benefits of three fibers – High Strength Para-Aramid, Lenzing FR®, and High Tenacity Nylon. PGI solution dyes all three fibers. The main benefit of solution dyeing is that the dye pigment is added to the polymer before the fiber is extruded into yarn. The color, therefore, is an inherent part of the yarn itself making it the most permanent dye method possible. Fading due to sun exposure is virtually eliminated. Color loss from abrasive cleaning agents is also highly unlikely. For those concerned about chemicals and the environment, the solution dyeing process itself is eco-friendly, using little water or energy. The end result is a lightweight, breathable hood that offers exceptional flame and heat resistance and a high arc rating – 32 (Level 3).When tested for vertical char length the Para-Tek FR fabric had the lowest char lengths we’ve ever seen averaging 9mm (.36”) in the wales direction and 12mm (.48”) in the courses direction after five launderings. For comparison purposes, 100% Nomex has more than four times longer char lengths in the wales direction and over three times longer char lengths in the courses direction. Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) results were equally impressive with a TPP rating of 34.8 after five washings. Only the PBI/Lenzing FR blend with our Comfort Plus™ liner – 38 TPP rating, had a better rating.  Other properties of Para-Tek FR include: