Editing JT USA (section)

== History ==

=== Origins in motocross ===

JT originated from JT Racing USA, established by John and Rita Gregory in Southern California.

The business began selling motocross socks and accessories during the late 1960s and was formally established under the JT Racing name in 1970.

During the 1970s and early 1980s, JT Racing became a major manufacturer and distributor of motocross clothing and protective equipment.[1]

During the early 1980s, motocross racer Marty Tripes introduced the Gregorys to paintball.

The company recognised an opportunity to adapt its experience manufacturing protective equipment for the developing sport.

According to John Gregory, the business gradually moved away from motocross between approximately 1983 and 1993, concentrating increasingly on paintball equipment.[1]

=== Entry into paintball ===

In 1985, JT introduced the Whippersnapper, one of its earliest protective masks designed for paintball.

Early paintball participants frequently used protective goggles originally manufactured for other activities. JT developed equipment specifically intended to provide protection against paintball impacts.[2]

The company subsequently expanded its product range to include additional goggle systems, replacement lenses and protective clothing.

JT's development of integrated face protection and thermal lenses contributed to improvements in the equipment available to recreational and competitive players.

=== Expansion during the 1990s ===

During the early 1990s, JT introduced the X-Fire and other protective systems.

The company subsequently developed the Spectra goggle platform, which incorporated a wide field of vision and optional dual-pane thermal lenses intended to reduce fogging.

The Spectra became the foundation for several later JT products, including the Flex 7, Proshield and Proflex.[3]

Introduced in 1997, the Flex 7 combined the Spectra goggle frame with a flexible lower face mask.

The design became popular in professional tournament paintball, particularly because of its ventilation, comfort and flexible construction.[2][3]

JT also expanded into playing clothing, including jerseys, trousers, gloves and protective accessories.

=== Acquisition by Brass Eagle ===

On 29 March 2000, [[Brass Eagle]] announced an agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of JT USA, L.P., based in Chula Vista, California.

The acquisition was completed on 30 June 2000 for US$32 million in cash.

According to Brass Eagle's filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the transaction included JT's intellectual property, trademarks, manufacturing equipment, inventory, existing contracts and other operating assets.

The acquired business was incorporated into a newly established subsidiary, JT USA Inc.

John Gregory remained associated with the business as a consultant following the acquisition.[4]

=== Product development during the 2000s ===

JT continued developing protective equipment following the acquisition.

The Proteus, introduced in 2001, incorporated the established Spectra lens system with a redesigned face mask and visor.

Contemporary technical reporting by WARPIG documented the Proteus and its relationship to earlier Spectra and Flex models.[6]

In 2003, JT introduced the Proflex, combining the Spectra goggle frame with a flexible lower face section and soft ear protection.

The Proflex became one of the company's longest-running products and remained in production during the 2020s.[3]

JT also introduced the Flex 8 in 2005, offering a more enclosed protective design while retaining the Spectra lens platform.[2]

=== Subsequent ownership ===

On 16 December 2003, sporting-goods corporation K2 Inc. acquired Brass Eagle, bringing JT USA into its paintball equipment portfolio.[7]

In August 2007, K2 was acquired by Jarden Corporation.

On 8 February 2010, [[KEE Action Sports]] announced that it had purchased JT Sports from Jarden.

The transaction also included the Brass Eagle and ViewLoader product lines.[8]

On 24 July 2015, [[GI Sportz]] announced its acquisition of KEE Action Sports, incorporating JT into its wider group of paintball equipment brands.[9]

Following GI Sportz's financial restructuring in 2020, JT became part of the newly established [[Kore Outdoor]].

Kore Outdoor continued manufacturing and distributing JT-branded protective equipment, clothing and accessories.[5]