Latest news with #Kevlar
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
For real off-roading or navigating potholed Canadian streets, this SUV brings it. It really can go anywhere
GATEWAY, COLO.—The ultrafine dust — it's so fine, it's caked our vehicle and made for a dangerous particulate in the cabin, forcing me to switch to recirculated air — swirls off the vehicle ahead, and, mercifully, just to the right, thanks to some favourable winds. As a result, we aren't completely blinded; just partially. The clay-red dirt below forms a stark and beautiful contrast with the blue sky above and while cloudless, the horizon is punctuated by fortress-like buttes as far as the eye can see. In my hands is the gorgeous two-tone leather-wrapped wheel of the all-new Defender OCTA performance SUV. It's a no-holds-barred take on the latest incarnation of the famous Land Rover Defender off-road vehicle. Defender tested the OCTA in conditions just like this over hundreds of thousands of miles during its development and all that sweat equity has brought us here — to beautiful desolation. We'd put it through its paces on sub-five-mph rock crawls, a fast off-road circuit and a water crossing or two. There would also be some 'normal' highway driving, but when you consider the spec, it becomes tough to focus on how well it tracks through a gentle right-hander on a divided highway at 100 kilometres-per-hour. While the OCTA is clearly a Defender 110 variant, there's so much more going on underneath it all. For starters: just look at those wheels and tires! Defender turned to Goodyear to develop an extra-durable tire for the OCTA, and they answered the bell by embedding Kevlar, a material used in everything from boat sails to bulletproof vests, into the tires' sidewalls. That makes it very hard for sharp rocks to punch through, which is a big deal when off-roading or navigating potholed Canadian streets. Under the hood things get more interesting still. The OCTA is the first Defender model to get a new 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It's good for 626 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet (motive force) of torque, both healthy increases over the 5.0-litre, supercharged V8 the Defender currently uses. It's an incredible engine that revs quickly and gives you its full slug of torque at just 1,400 rpm. That's the kind of quick power delivery you want when off-roading, as it helps pull you through steep, rough terrain. To prove its worth, we went for a 4,000-foot climb on unforgiving mountain trails littered with rocks (average size equals a softball), loose gravel and jagged outcroppings poised to tear many a tire's sidewall and gash many a fender. Even the desert bushes are foreboding, their lives hard lived in harsh, dry, hot conditions, forcing them to develop branches with arthritic tendrils that sound like nails on a chalkboard as they 'brush' — if you can call it that — against the fenders, doors and roofs of our OCTA. With a selection of drive modes (we chose Rock Crawl for this jaunt) and an all-new '6D Dynamic' suspension system that provides massive wheel articulation, the OCTA clambered over everything with no complaint. To help further instil confidence, the central display inside can be set to show a camera that looks over each front wheel. That's handy when you have a panel-shearing rock wall on one side, and about a foot between said wheel and a 100-foot drop on the other. Even through a three-foot-deep river crossing in 'Wade' mode, the OCTA plowed on, the powerful engine having no problem neutralizing the water resistance. Defender says the OCTA can wade in up to a metre of water and I have no reason to think otherwise. The fast off-road course did have me holding on that much tighter only because I wanted to see what the OCTA could do, how far I could push it. One of the drive modes is called 'OCTA,' and it allows for just a little more slip, and a little more ability to control the rear end with the throttle. Back on the road — surprisingly quiet and comfortable, even with knobby off-road tires — I had the chance to enjoy the interior environs of this most hardcore of showroom-spec Defenders. The OCTA has heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats (cooled if you spec the captain's chairs), Meridian audio, digital rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, 11.4-inch infotainment display and the very unique Body and Soul Seats (BASS). More than just being heated, cooled and providing a massage feature, BASS seats, developed in conjunction with Subpac, a Toronto-based company, are tuned to vibrate with your music. Or, they can use the seat's built-in actuators and heating controls to help provide a relaxing environment if you need a break. Through all of this I never noticed my knuckles whitening or my brow sweating (even with ambient temperatures rising to 40C) because the OCTA is so darn good at what it does. With the hardware on-hand, the computers that aid with traction and the cameras, you just don't need to think as hard to progress. I am no off-roading expert, but that just didn't matter so much here. Indeed, few people buying an OCTA will ever make full use of all that. But if you're dealing with harsh Canadian winters or pockmarked gravel roads to the cabin, it's nice to know that you can. Type: Five-door, four-wheel-drive, mid-size SUV Engine: Twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre V8; 626 horsepower, 553 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Fuel: TBA Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Cargo: 786 litres, or 27.75 cubic feet; 1,875l, or 66 cu. ft. with rear seats folded Towing: 3,719 kilograms, or 8,200 pounds Price: $200,884, as tested
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Leather vs Mesh Motorcycle Jackets: What to Choose?
Ever caught yourself glazing in heat on a blazing summer ride and shivering when the breeze sweeps in at dusk? Asking whether you should lean into rugged, tried‑and‑true motorcycle leather jackets or opt for breezy motorcycle mesh jackets designed to beat the heat? If so, you're in good company. Roughly 70–75 % of riders still trust leather for its top-notch abrasion resistance and all-around durability, but a growing number are turning to mesh for its unrivaled ventilation in hot climates. What's more, crash‑injury data reveals that wearing certified armour, whether in leather or mesh can reduce hospitalization risk by up to 23 %. Yet a thread in r/motorcycles cautions: mesh fabrics offer minimal slide resistance, some mesh zones are only required to withstand 25 km/h for one second in test labs, hardly realistic road conditions. This blog takes you on an in-depth ride through the pros and cons of Leather vs Mesh Motorcycle Jackets. You'll get real rider quotes, expert data, a comparison chart, and authoritative references. By the end, you'll know exactly which jacket fits your climate, riding style, and personal priorities, so you can ride safer, cooler, and smarter . When it comes to protection, leather remains the gold standard. High-quality cowhide or kangaroo leather scores highest in abrasion resistance and durability, capable of enduring real-world slides far better than mesh or textiles . Leather jackets often come with built-in or upgradeable CE armour in shoulders, elbows, and back, offering proven impact absorption . Textile jackets, including mesh have closed the gap a bit through reinforced fibers like Kevlar or Dyneema and integrated armour, but they still lag behind full leather when it comes to slide protection and long-term abrasion performance. Living in a hot or humid region? Mesh riding jackets are purpose-built for breathability. Their large woven panels allow massive airflow, dramatically reducing heat buildup and preventing sweat overload or worse, heat exhaustion on long rides. Most mesh jackets are lightweight, comfortable out of the box, and easier to wear in traffic or stop-and-go city riding. By contrast, leather, even perforated types cannot match mesh's cooling power, and often feels stifling above 25 °C (77°F) or in congested traffic situations. Leather is great at resisting cold wind and light rain, offering natural insulation and better protection from the elements than mesh or lightweight textiles. It's ideal for cruiser touring, cooler temperatures, or transitional seasons. Mesh jackets shine under clear skies and stable warm weather, but they offer limited resistance to rain or wind unless paired with liners or over‑shells. Many models include zip‑in thermal or waterproof layers to slightly extend usability into cooler or damp conditions, but they remain fundamentally summer gear. Durable leather can last decades if cared for: it just needs regular cleaning, conditioning, and weather treatment . Over time it molds to your body, becoming more comfortable and personal . Mesh jackets require less effort to maintain, simple wash, dry, and occasional armour check suffices but their lifespan is shorter, and they wear faster under abrasion. Real-world feedback offers nuance. One mesh user said: 'Mesh is better than not having any gear… leather offers the best slide protection, but you overheat in hot and humid places.' Another shared a crash story: 'I crashed in a mesh jacket with armour at ~80 km/h. The jacket shredded but I walked away with only minor abrasions. The armor saved me.' Contrast that with a seasoned rider from Melbourne: 'Leather jackets and pants are really not the best gear… anything below 10 °C is too cold and above 25 °C too hot. Textile handles that range way better.' Feature Mesh Motorcycle Jackets Leather Motorcycle Jackets Abrasion Resistance Moderate CE armor helps but panel weak Excellent full-grain leather withstands slides Ventilation Outstanding, ideal for hot weather Limited, even perforated leather warms quickly Weight & Comfort Very light, breathable Heavy, break-in time required Weather Resistance Poor rain and wind need liners Better wind/rain resistance Durability & Lifespan Moderate wears faster High can last decades with care Style & Fashion Sporty and technical Timeless and iconic biker aesthetic Price More affordable Higher upfront cost If you ride mostly in hot weather, spend time in traffic, or race summer miles; Mesh is your winner. It's the go-to for daily commutes and tropical climates, especially when CE armour is well-placed and quality materials are used. If you prioritize slide protection, rainy or cool weather rides, touring, or style longevity: Leather stands tall. It handles crashes better, resists wind and rain, and ages like fine wine with care. Many riders choose a season-based rotation: mesh for summer, leather for spring/fall, and waterproof textile or layered kits for rain or cold . That combo offers the best of comfort, protection, and practicality . Choose gear certified to CE standards EN 1621‑1 & 2 for elbow, shoulder, spine protection, EN 1621‑2 Level 1 or 2 is preferred for back/spine safety . Pick leather jackets made from full-grain or top-grain hide, with vents or perforations only if used in warm climates. For mesh, look for AA-rated textile jackets with reinforced abrasion zones and high-density armor pockets. Ensure a snug fit so armour doesn't shift during impact or sliding . Automatically the choice hinges on your riding lifestyle and climate: mesh offers unbeatable airflow and comfort in the heat, while leather delivers superior protection and durability across varied conditions. The safest gear is the gear you actually wear, so pick the option that suits your rides best, and don't forget certified armour . Ride smart, stay safe and suit up right. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Wall Street Journal
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Wall Street Journal
It's Time to Let Go of the Let
Robots, not line judges. Rackets of graphite, Kevlar and titanium, not wood. Yellow tennis balls, not white. Synthetic fiber strings, not gut. We've had many changes in tennis as the game has grown in popularity ('A Robot Riot at Wimbledon,' Sports, July 9). One more update the sport needs: Let go of the 'let.' Change the rule such that any serve that touches the net but still lands in the service box is considered a legitimate, playable service. Matches would move more swiftly, and the unpredictable bounces off the top of the net would enliven the games. Merrill Horne
National Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
New Flood-Resistant Pool & Spa Covers Released by Flood Risk America
Article content LAKE WORTH, Fla. — Flood Risk America (FRA), a leader in custom flood protection products, has officially launched its newest innovation: Pool and Spa Hurricane Covers. A first-of-its-kind, this system is designed to prevent flooded swimming pools, sand buildup, and debris accumulation during severe weather events. Article content This new product responds directly to a problem shared by many of FRA's coastal clients. After hurricanes, swimming pools were left flooded, contaminated, and filled with sand and debris, leading to costly damage to pool drains and filtration systems. 'Our clients came to us with a clear issue,' said a flood expert from Flood Risk America. 'Standard pool covers weren't cutting it. They weren't built for hurricane-force winds. We knew we had to design something better.' Article content Flood Risk America's Pool & Spa Covers are fully custom-designed and manufactured in the United States, using materials proven in harsh marine and coastal environments. The system includes durable Kevlar fabric, custom anchoring mechanisms, and a reinforced design that can withstand wind-driven rain and floodwaters – something traditional covers were never built to handle. Article content Unlike standard options, which are often loosely secured and made for light debris, FRA's covers are engineered to remain firmly anchored, preventing the cover from lifting and becoming a hazard. The result is a secure, reusable flood protection solution that not only keeps pools and spas clean but also safeguards pump systems, pool structures, and surrounding property from long-term damage. Article content 'These covers are an essential part of any coastal property's hurricane plan,' adds the spokesperson. 'It's not just about reducing cleanup. It's about protecting high-value assets before the storm ever hits.' Article content The Pool and Spa Covers are now available, with assessments and custom installations provided by FRA's expert team. Article content Article content is a team of flood experts specializing in custom flood protection products and services. From high-quality flood barriers to flood risk assessments and customized emergency response plans, FRA helps businesses and communities safeguard their properties against the risk of flood damage. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Model prisoner' Luigi Mangione whines about wearing handcuffs, bulletproof vest — makes request to judge
Luigi Mangione doesn't think he should have to appear in court with his hands shackled together and wearing a bulletproof vest. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's alleged assassin has been a 'model prisoner' at his Brooklyn lockup and thus should be allowed to wear 'court-appropriate clothing' when he's back in Manhattan court June 26, his lawyers say. Forcing the 27-year-old accused killer to continue appearing with his hands cuffed and sporting the Kevlar vest will 'perpetuate a false narrative that Mr. Mangione is an unusual danger requiring extraordinary security measures' and 'prejudice' him in the eyes of the jury, his lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo wrote in a legal filing. Mangione was characterized as a 'model prisoner' in his 167 days in pre-trial detention — never being cited for misconduct, requiring no special accommodations and even qualifying for an undisclosed work detail as a member of the general population at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, according to the filing. The University of Pennsylvania graduate is unrestricted during daily visits with his legal counsel at the MDC's common visitor area — a large open room with no barriers between people or groups, which include children and babies, lawyers wrote. Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting Thompson, 50, in the back on a Manhattan sidewalk on Dec. 4, 2024, poses no threats to these people and thus should be 'treated just like any other pre-trial detainee, not like someone who is a heightened security or flight risk,' the filing argued. The alleged killer has further been 'a model defendant in court' who has been cooperative and respectful of law enforcement officials during the trial, counselors stated. Judge Gregory Carro was initially inclined to accommodate the defense's request to uncuff Mangione during court proceedings on Feb. 21, the court papers noted. 'Go ahead and uncuff him,' Carro said at the time, according to the filing. A court officer then approached the bench for an off-the-record conversation with the judge, who then denied the request, stating, 'For security reasons, they want him cuffed,' according to the filing. Court officers previously expressed concern for their safety when one googly-eyed groupie managed to sneak a heart-shaped love note into a pair of Mangione's argyle socks. 'Luigi, we are rooting for you! Keep your head held high and know there are thousands of people wishing you luck,' the note signed 'r/Free Luigi' read. Prosecutors warned at the time that future contraband smuggled into court could pose a risk to court officers. Lawyers for Mangione are not asking for his legs to be unshackled to 'provide reasonable compromise,' according to the filing. Uniquely forceful security is not new for Mangione, who Manhattan prosecutors claim killed Thompson as 'an act of terrorism.' Mayor Eric Adams was on the helipad alongside machine gun-toting NYPD and FBI agents in a show of force as the accused killer arrived in Manhattan for his first court date. Like most defendants on trial for murder, Mangione appeared without a bulletproof vest when he pleaded not guilty last year — wearing a red sweater, which quickly went viral online.
