April is finally here – and that means it's almost time to hang with everyone in Indy! But even more exciting for us hosers, we're also that much closer to officially launching our new LPX Technology.
By now, we've given you an idea of WHAT it is: LPX Technology is a reinforcement of the nozzle-end of the small diameter line to add stability and minimize whip or kinking during low pressure attack.
But let’s back up and look at the WHY… We asked Kevin Pfluger to explain what challenges LPX is engineered to address. Watch below – and keep scrolling for a bonus throwback with Kevin Moul (VP, TheFireStore) during our R&D...
FROM FIREGROUND PERSPECTIVE TO ENGINEERED PURPOSE
From our perspective, the way you spec attack packages needs to match the realities of the fireground. That shouldn’t be a hot take… But we know change in the fire service is always an ongoing process. And it is never without its hurdles, from budgets to opinions and everything in between.
When it comes to spec'ing fire hose, there is no one-size-fits-all solution... but there are standards and best practices to consider. And there are real challenges for departments to address.
In the last decade, NFPA standards changed. UL research gave us clearer direction—timing & precision matter more than volume. Staffing has continued to be a challenge. Crews are expected to do more with less. Stretches need to move faster, cover more distance, and get into position with fewer hands supporting them.
Fire hose that worked well for a different era, with different staffing and different tactics, may not be the best option today. Just as the fireground evolves, so should the tools.
INNOVATION DELIVERED – FOCUSED WHERE IT MATTERS
At Mercedes Textiles, we believe the hose we engineer needs to match the realities of the fireground. Afterall, our mission is to support YOUR mission.
From the moment the line leaves the rig, everything matters. How it deploys. How it moves. How it feeds into the advance. How it feels in your hands. And most importantly, how it delivers water on the fire.
That is where our focus has been:
- Paying attention to what is actually happening on the fireground.
- Understanding the current research and tactics.
- Listening to how crews are stretching, advancing, and operating under pressure.
- Then engineering hose that supports those realities.
Innovation needs to solve a real challenge to benefit the fire service. And sometimes that solution might be deceivingly simple…
We engineered LPX Technology as a targeted innovation—only reinforcing the last few feet behind the nozzle. Minimal change for maximum effect to address a specific challenge. That is part of what we mean when we talk about Leading with Precision.
WHY REINFORCE JUST THE NOZZLE END?
We'll let Kevin Moul, VP of TheFireStore / Witmer Public Safety Group, explain...
He has been part of the Mercedes Textiles' innovation team for years. Moul was the driving force behind our oversize 2" line—KrakenEXO SUPER II—that launched 4 years ago and he didn't stop there. Over the past two years, he pushed us to enhance our small diameter lines to work for the modern fire service.
Here Kevin Moul explains what drove our innovation into LPX – back in 2024 before we even had an official name for it!
A SOLUTION, NOT THE ONLY SOLUTION...
We understand that LPX lines are not a one-size-fits-all perfect fit across the fire service. And that's ok...
Because we are also confident LPX provides a working alternative for departments prioritizing lighter weight, agile attack packages. For departments looking to catch up to meet the NFPA minimum flow standards without weighing down their crew. For departments needing to balance limited hands without limiting their attack.
Capt. Matt Boyce of Hannover Fire Company (PA) leads such departments. They recently added KrakenEXO LPX 1-1/2" onto their engines. We're proud to have them pulling our lines.
"With the KrakenEXO LPX 1-1/2", we can get the line into position faster and not compromise on the flows. The weight is easily manageable for two firefighters on the handline. And because of the smaller diameter, our firefighters can get a good grip on it with their hands. The reinforcement lets us get that nozzle out in front and it stays straight. Doesn’t droop, kink or whip around. We're really impressed with it."
Capt. Matt Boyce, Hannover Fire Company (PA)
LPX OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES AT FDIC
Join us in just a few weeks at FDIC 2026 to celebrate the launch of LPX Technology. There will be plenty of opportunity to get hands and talk to our field experts to see if LPX might fit your department's needs. This is Innovation Delivered. This is Leading with Precision. Let's go!