SAFEgaiter™ Results from ISOF Range 2026
Source: Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), April 2026 ISOF Range Event – Weapon Demonstration Survey Results.
Following Watchbird's participation at ISOF Range 2026, SAFEgaiter™ was demonstrated to special operations personnel from the international SOF community. Participants were invited to evaluate the product through a structured feedback survey conducted by ISOF covering fit, functionality, compatibility with existing equipment and suitability for combat use.
The demonstrations took place in warm conditions, making the feedback on hot-weather performance particularly relevant.
Strong feedback from operational users
The feedback was highly positive.
Across the survey, no respondents reported dissatisfaction with SAFEgaiter™. Responses were concentrated in the two highest categories: “Mostly Satisfied” and “Completely Satisfied.” For overall satisfaction, around 81% of respondents selected one of these two categories, with approximately 44% rating their overall satisfaction as “Completely Satisfied.”
The results were particularly encouraging in areas important for operational use, including fit, compatibility and integration with existing equipment.
Users described SAFEgaiter® as:
“Great fit and very convenient for quickly donning a face cover.”
“Easiest filtration mask to wear in my experience.”
“Fits under or around other equipment.”
“There is no current alternative for this solution that I am aware of.”
“I’m sold”
Other participants highlighted the product's simplicity and compatibility with equipment already in use. One user specifically noted that it “does not interfere with clothing,” while another described the product as a useful addition to the face coverings they already use.
Relevant to real operational needs
The feedback also gave us valuable insight into where SAFEgaiter® can provide particular value.
Several participants described potential applications in emergency situations, breaching and confined spaces, as well as environments where conventional respiratory protection may be difficult to use. One participant described the solution as something they had “needed ... a lot for breaching and confined spaces.” Others highlighted its potential for regular forces that may not have the same level of specialist respiratory protection equipment and training.
This feedback supports the idea behind SAFEgaiter®: providing a low-burden form of respiratory protection that can be quickly integrated into existing equipment and carried as part of the user's normal kit.
Feedback that will guide the next development
The feedback was not only positive — it was also constructive.
The clearest development point was hot-weather performance. Several participants asked for a lighter-weight material option for hot and humid environments. One participant noted that the current material is heavier than desirable in these conditions during intense physical activity. Others independently suggested a dedicated hot-weather version. Considering the warm test conditions, this feedback provides particularly relevant and valuable input for our continued development.
“These are exactly the kinds of observations we want from experienced users. They give us a clear direction for continued development, with a hot-weather version being one of the areas we can look at. ”
From demonstration to development
For Watchbird, the value of ISOF Range goes beyond demonstrating SAFEgaiter®. It provides an opportunity to put the product in front of experienced users, listen to their feedback and use that insight to improve the solution.
The results from ISOF Range 2026 give us confidence that SAFEgaiter® is addressing a real need, while the constructive feedback gives us a clear path for the next stage of development.
We would like to thank the participants at ISOF Range for taking the time to test SAFEgaiter® and share their experience with us.