SWANSBORO, N.C. – August 27, 2026 – High Speed Gear® Products Group is proud to announce their partnership with ESSE K9 Collective, bringing together two American companies committed to developing dependable, mission-driven equipment for professional K9 handlers, operators and trainers.
The collaboration combines ESSE K9 Collective’s firsthand understanding of the working K9 community with High Speed Gear’s proven manufacturing capabilities and history of producing professional-grade tactical equipment. Together, the companies are introducing a specialized collection designed to give handlers greater control, flexibility and confidence while working with their K9 partners.
“K9 handlers operate in environments where their equipment has to work exactly as intended, every time,” said Michael Forras, Director of Sales for High Speed Gear Products Group. “What makes this partnership exciting is that Alex, and the entire team at ESSE K9 Collective, bring genuine experience and a deep understanding of the people who actually use this equipment. When you combine that perspective with our manufacturing experience and ability to turn real-world requirements into purpose-built solutions, you have an opportunity to create something genuinely valuable for the K9 community. That is exactly the kind of partnership we want to be part of.”
“This partnership brings an incredible opportunity to the table not only for ESSE K9 and High Speed Gear, but for the K9 industry as a whole,” said Alex Lausterer, owner and CEO of ESSE K9 Collective. “Whether it’s military, law enforcement, search and rescue, or general-purpose K9, combining High Speed Gear’s manufacturing capabilities with ESSE K9’s intellectual property opens an incredible number of doors.”
Lausterer said the partnership is grounded in a shared understanding of what professional handlers and working dogs actually need in the field.
“You have to relentlessly search for gaps that need filling and create hardened, purpose-driven solutions that allow handlers and K9s to execute their missions safely and effectively. The entire High Speed Gear family has supported that mission from day one with immense passion and excellence, and we’re proud to say we’re just getting started.”
The initial ESSE K9 product collection available through High Speed Gear includes:
• ESSE K9 Quick Adjust Hip Lead – A patent-pending adjustable hip lead that allows handlers to quickly change K9 positioning and lead length using High Speed Gear’s Double-Tap Slider™, with a 360-degree stainless-steel quick-release snap shackle rated to 1,000 pounds.
• ESSE K9 Adjustable Tether with Frog Clip – A quick-adjust tether equipped with a frog-style clip for handlers who prefer an alternative connection method.
• ESSE K9 Adjustable Tether – The quick-adjust component of ESSE K9’s patent-pending Quick Adjust Hip Lead system, featuring a standard bolt snap, mil-spec tubular webbing and High Speed Gear’s Double-Tap Slider™.
• ESSE K9 Standard Belt Loop – A classic hip-attachment option featuring mil-spec nylon webbing, a 2-inch belt opening and a Grade 316 stainless-steel swivel snap shackle rated up to 1,000 pounds.
• ESSE K9 O-Ring Keeper – A versatile keeper designed to cover the bolt snap and O-ring connection, support sound discipline and create a secure handle that stays in place.
• ESSE K9 EZ Belt Loop – A quick-release belt attachment that can be installed without removing or repositioning existing pouches and equipment on the handler’s duty belt.
Each component is designed to integrate into a flexible system, allowing K9 professionals to configure their equipment based on their responsibilities, working environment and mission requirements.
This collaboration expands High Speed Gear’s commitment to supporting law enforcement, military, security and training professionals with equipment built to meet the demands of real-world operations. It also gives ESSE K9 Collective access to High Speed Gear’s established manufacturing capabilities, dealer network and professional customer base.
The ESSE K9 collection is available through High Speed Gear’s website at: www.highspeedgear.com/collections/k9
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