Category: Phantom Archive

There are a wide range of “tactical pants” available on the market today. Almost every manufacturer of outdoor clothing or military uniforms has their own line of “tactical pants.” As a result it can be difficult to sort through everything that is available on the market and find the best pants available for your money. However, 5.11 is without a doubt the original “tactical pant” and as a result the standard by which all others are measured. OE Tech has recently come out with their own model of tactical pants. I set out to see how they measured up against the 5.11 pants I have been using for years. I will start by comparing the features they share and then point out their differences.

Elastic Waistband

Both pants have what their manufacturers refer to as a “self-adjusting waistband” but what that really means is they have an elastic waistband. The elastic allows the pants to remain comfortable and not restrict the wearers range of motion. I prefer the OE Tech pants in this regard as the design of the waistband does not leave judgmental lines on my waist.

Rear Pocket

Each pant has a unique rear pocket design but frankly I greatly prefer the OE Tech design and that is solely based on personal preference. The 5.11 design has slanted rear pockets that edge’s meets the edge’s of the front pockets on the side. The edges of the rear pockets are reinforced like the front. The plus of this design is a wide pocket “mouth” that allows for the quick insertion of items and multiple items can be carried clipped onto the pocket edges for quicker access. For example, I can carry my flashlight and folding knife on my right side (my strong side) as shown below.

Cargo Pocket

Both pants have similarly sized cargo pockets on each leg. Both use hook and loop closures. Also, the pockets have inverted pleats so they remain flat when empty. The OE Tech however has a more elaborate design. The flap is slanted allowing for easier one handed opening. It also features two smaller magazine pockets inside so the wearer can carry two M16 (or similarly sized) magazines inside without them flopping around or shifting.

Front Pocket

The edges of the front pockets on each pant are reinforced to help prevent wear. Anyone like myself who carries a folding knife everyday will appreciate this feature. The pocket clip of a folding knife will routinely wear out the edge of pockets after the repeated insertion and removal of the knife from the pocket. The OE Tech pants have a smaller “coin” pocket inside each front pocket for the carriage of smaller items (such as coins) like you will find on most jeans. A feature that is not shared by the 5.11 pants.

Cell Phone Pocket

Both pants feature dedicated pockets for a cell phone but the pockets can be used to carry similarly sized small items. For example, I routinely use the pocket on my 5.11 pants for a spare pistol magazine when at the range. The difference being the OE Tech has 2 such pockets; one on each side. Also, the flap of those pockets can be tucked and secured out of the way with hook and loop closure on the inside of the pocket if you prefer unobstructed access. The pocket on the OE Tech is wider and allows the carriage of smart phones, whereas the pocket on the 5.11 is slimmer and more limiting. That can also make the phone difficult to remove.

Misc.

There are additional features shared by each model that I will not go into specific detail about as they are not significantly different between brands. However, they are as follows; the use of authentic YKK zippers, built in openings for blousing strap / 550 cord, and reinforced belt loops.

Despite the numerous features that each brand of pants shares the OE Tech has additional features that are not shared. Those features include:

Knife Pocket

In addition to the reinforced front pockets the OE Tech Tactical Pants have two dedicated folding knife pockets, one on each side. Although intended for a folding knife they could also be used to hold pens, markers, a small flashlight, or anything of similar size and shape.

Calf Pocket

The OE Tech Tactical Pants also feature a small utility pouch on each pant leg about where a person’s calf would be. Personally I do not imagine most people using these pockets much but if you need them these pants have them. These pockets are about the same size as the “cell phone pockets” but given their location I do not imagine them carrying anything of significant weight effectively as the pant leg will be flopping around as the wearer walks or runs. However, I suppose it would be fine for something relatively small and light weight like an Israeli bandage.

Rip Stop Nylon
The 5.11 pants do use a sturdy 8.5oz cotton canvas but the OE Tech Tactical Pants use lightweight nylon rip stop that has been DuPont Teflon treated for enhanced stain and fade resistance. The fade resistance is a real plus. In my experience 5.11 pants will rapidly fade, especially on the edges; even when properly washed.

I have been using the 5.11 Tactical Pants for years and have numerous pairs. I am not likely to rush out and replace them all with OE Tech pants. However, I will probably supplement them with a couple pairs of the OE Tech. Anyone looking for a good pair of tactical pants would do well to purchase the OE Tech Tactical Pants. At a fraction of the price ith added features they are a contender in the large market of tactical pants.

Best Regards,

Phantom

P.S. It should be noted for a fair and impartial comparison that the 5.11 pants do have several features not shared by the OE Tech but I did not go into detail.

Not quite…

For those that remember Airsoft G.I. carried a line of gear licensed and sold under the HSS trademark. Although we still carry some HSS products on our website the complete line of HSS Tactical Gear products has been discontinued. The remaining in stock items being what is left of our HSS inventory. However, we have continued to receive inquires about HSS products and the HSS Chest Rig specifically.

Many of you will recognize the HSS Chest Rig as the primary rig Tim has been using over the last year or so; probably one of the reasons we receive so many inquiries. That aside I can vouch for the chest rig as I own and use one myself. It has a range of features that make it a valuable addition to any collection. The combination of 8 internal magazine pouches and a face covered in MOLLE webbing gives it the potential to carry a large number of magazines so I use it for mil-sim events that require mid capacity magazines.

Those interested will be happy to know that we will be carrying the same chest rig from J-Tech, the OEM manufacturer for HSS. The sample we received from J-Tech actually has a better color; leaning more towards the brown side of the “tan color spectrum”, instead of yellow. Plan on seeing it available on the Airsoft G.I. website in the near future along with new J-Tech products.

Best Regards,

Phantom

** UPDATE: The above chest rig is now listed as the “J-Tech 1000D Cordura CP-4 Combat Chest Rig” on our website. **

That was the initial thought that went through my head when I picked up the “J-Tech / SOCOM Gear Mesh Plate Carrier”. It is made up almost entirely of nylon mesh. I was stuck on the question “why would someone make a plate carrier almost entirely out of mesh?” But, I quickly came to a realization that I often forgo the use of a plate carrier and use a chest rig because frankly plate carriers get hot, especially in the summer. The use of mesh will certainly allow the vest to “breath” more easily and allow for better airflow. Additionally the use of mesh will result in overall weight savings.

My mind then moved to the next important question, “what about durability?” A light weight material like mesh will not hold up as well as 1000D Codura but it doesn’t need to. There is already precedent for the use of lighter weight materials being used to save weight. More recently many high end U.S. gear manufacturers have begun producing their products in 500D Nylon instead of the coveted 1000D Cordura to save weight with a decrease in long term durability. J-Tech just takes that a step further.

Aside from nylon mesh the remainder of the vest is made up of 1000D Nylon and uses YKK buckles. All MOLLE webbing appears evenly and properly spaced. The edges of the carrier are reinforced to prevent wear and fraying. The features of the “J-Tech / SOCOM Gear Mesh Plate Carrier” breakdown as follows:

Front and Back Panel:

The front and back panel have an internal suspension system for holding a plate. Instead of letting the plate bottom out in the pocket as many plate carriers do the suspension system ensures the plate is raised to the top of the pocket regardless of its size. That also has the added benefit of creating dedicated space for soft armor plate backers. The rear panel also has a drag handle for buddy aid.

External Cummerbund:

The external cummerbund is made up primarily of mesh like the rest of the vest and attach conventionally, under a flap in the front. The cummerbund has 3 rows of MOLLE nylon webbing for the addition of MOLLE pouches. Also, the cummerbund has an internal pocket for 6×6 or 6×8 side plates.

Internal Cummerbund:

The internal cummerbund allows for a tight and secure fit. I have found an internal cummerbund useful as weight added to the front of a plate carrier in the form of magazines and equipment can cause the whole vest to shift as you move. The internal cummerbund allows the front of the vest to move “somewhat” independently. I would however prefer an elastic cummerbund as I like to have the inner cummerbund tight but I also like to breath.

Cummerbund Adjustment:

The adjustment for the cummerbund and the primary adjustment for the plate carrier is located on the rear panel. The adjustment is quite simple. Just open the flap and tug on the ends of webbing shown to make it smaller. The center straps are for the internal cummerbund.

Shoulder Pads / Straps:

The shoulder pads are also made of mesh albeit unnecessarily as they are wrapped around pieces of 2″ wide nylon webbing. Each shoulder pad, unlike many on the market, has some padding so the width an padding of the shoulder pads will help comfortably distribute weight. Although each shoulder strap has adjustment it is realistically almost non-existent.

So, if you are looking for the modularity of a plate carrier without the draw back of being sweaty then the “J-Tech / SOCOM Gear Mesh Plate Carrier” is an option worth considering. For airsoft the mesh will not be a large drawback in terms of durability but it saves weight and the user from heat stroke.

Best Regards,

Phantom

P.S. “J-Tech / SOCOM Gear Mesh Plate Carrier” is a tentative title as this item is not yet listed on our website but expect to see it in the near future along with other J-Tech / SOCOM Gear products.