Gents
I was asked if we could pop along and answer some questions on these tins. I understand there has been and there is some continued confusion on them.
Essentially their are two companies in the US permitted to manufacture these tins to the US military. They are essentially exactly the same product,however, one is slightly more refined and the most popular. The SUMA version is the one with the additional panel under the gasket. This material is for signalling, marking etc. Its incredibly reflective. SOLKOA manufacture in two sizes, with a range of colors, most of which are not specified by the US military.
The tins are made from aircraft grade aluminium billets for each half. The waste on those alone runs into thousands of dollars per month. Each tin is waterproof, but the military prefer the term water resistant. This is how we describe them. Having left my own personal tin in a river for 24 hours, everything inside was perfectly fine.
The cost of the material, the cost of the waste it produces from each billet, the anodising, the final flourish of parts required does drive the cost up. This should be regarded as a long term investment, not a one off item.
If I can answer any of you gentleman on specifics please ask. I cant promise all answers but I can at least try. The final reason we dont have any on the store is, as soon as they arrive they sell. Have a fantastic weekend, no matter what you are doing