Lightweight tactical pants and standard weight
When we first got into this business we were mostly dealing with 5.11 tactical products. 5.11 tactical has pretty much held the market on tactical clothing, but now that they’ve grown so big it seems pretty obvious that there is a large customer base that became tired of the clothing company from 3 different countries and the fit was varying to much people started looking elsewhere. Tru-Spec and Vertx are the two tactical clothing companies that have really grown some legs even in this bad economy.
Tru-Spec has beat out 5.11 on tactical clothing because the prices can be very close and you basically get a better quality product. We’ve already noticed that returns and complaints on Tru-spec tactical pants was very low. There are always preferences and things people would like to change that would suite them more but shrinkage and pricing is very important. Vertx is on the higher end of the spectrum but according to what we are hearing from people, they want us to carrying the product line.
Most handguns blow holes in targets, a good .223 Carbine with a fragmenting bullet is going to tear up a BG. I strongly suggest putting a white light on any carbine just incase you need it to identify a target. Many of the people we see on the training courses always think that handguns are for home defense and never really thought too much about keeping a Carbine available. You may have some problems finding a safe to lock up your rifle, but there are things you can do to keep it away from children and still have quick access. One of the most common things we still see with new operators is dropped gear. Guys show up with holsters for sidearms that don’t retain the firearms, and spare pistol mags end up sitting somewhere in midrange after a quick running scenario. The first time I wore a pair of Style 201 pants, I loaded up 6-30rd AR mags and ran around the neighborhood. I wanted to see if the lightweight material secured the mags in place. I was blown away at how well they were secured and I didn’t feel lop sided if I ran. The Style 201 pants are now available in Digital camo and coming later this fall they will be available in the new Direct Action A-Tacs pattern.
Eotac pants have an elastic waistband that give some versatility to users especially for those carrying a firearm IWB. The pants sizes from Elite Operator Tactical are consistant with regular clothing sizes. The shirts and vests are all gun generously to give a little more room. Eotac lightweight pants have a gussetted crotch that give them superior durability. The Style 204 Concealed carry pants have side zipper pockets that can hold a small firearm, wallet, keys or something like a Kimber Guardian Angel. The most tactical of the are the Style 201 Lightweight Operator pants that are based on the Army Combat Uniform Pants. These pants can hold up to 6 30rd M16 or AR 15 magazines as well as other gear. The new Style 702 Womens pants is a big step forward for Eotac and we’re waiting to hear from our Female Operators on what they think about them. These pants should be available in March of 2010.