PMCI - May 2016

with and thank them for their input into, and their faith in, PMCI
Magazine.
I’m very lucky indeed that many of the manufacturers work
directly with me and in many cases when I ask for an appointment
to meet with them at IWA I get a simple response which is just
“No need for an appointment, just come see us and we’ll have
time for you”. This to me shows that our reputation within the
industry, even as a relatively new publication, is a solid one,
and that people truly appreciate what we do in terms of gear
reviews; we give honest and well-rounded reviews, and that’s
what we’re known for, so without further ado I’ll crack on with
the “gucciness”!
UNIFORMS, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
First up was a visit to my very good friends at UFPRO to check out
what they had to show; their clothing is a personal favourite of
mine and they are constantly adding new models in their range
and refining existing ones. Everything they produce is absolute
quality using the best designs, latest fabrics and components,
and absolutely first rate manufacturing processes. New for 2016
was the new addition to their Striker combat range, the Stealth
Smock. This design is a classic smock with a new twist, which
will allow you to stow everything you need for a 24 -36 hour
mission in it, without the need to carry an additional backpack
or a chest rig. It has an integrated air permeable load-bearing
system into the jacket, which fixes the pockets onto your hips
and helps to distribute the weight evenly. There were also
updates to their excellent Monsoon waterproof jackets, and their
updated Striker XT Gen III combat pants and shirt, which should
be available by the end of May. One of the biggest updates with
the new generation of Striker XT pants is that the camouflage
version is going to have the stretch panels in camouflage as well.
This was until now only the case with the Striker HT pants in
MultiCam, where UF PRO combined the MultiCam NyCo fabric with
the Schoeller dynamic stretch material in SloCam. I’m certainly
looking forward to getting my hands on some of the new models
with reviews to follow.
Helikon-Tex are a major player at IWA each year, and 2016
was no different as they certainly had a LOT to show! Helikon are
well-known as a manufacturer of a top quality combat uniforms,
waterproof and windproof jackets, fleece jackets, underwear,
headgear, and tactical gear and have been for some considerable
time, but this year saw them offering a number of completely
new lines which were very, very focused indeed. Broken down
into a number of new categories, “Range Line, Outback Line, and
Urban Line”, there were updates to some of their classic designs
and new models such as the Stratus, Cumulus and Blizzard jackets,
Blizzard, CTP and HTP pants, a great Hoodie, and even a tactical
Skirt! In terms of the gear they had a number of new pouches and
a superb range mat called the “Backblast”; all of the clothing and
gear looked absolutely first rate and the new models are already
beginning to filter into store as I write. You’ll see more detail on
what Helikon-Tex have been up to in a separate, dedicated report
in this issue.
As you’ll have seen from last months issue I’ve been working
quite closely with the excellent people from Austrian brand
Clawgear and had an invite from them to visit their stand as
they were unveiling some new models to add to their already
impressive lineup. The Operator Combat pant sets the focus on
fit and versatility. In comparison to Clawgears excellent Raider
MK.IV pant it has been pared back to the essentials of a mission
pant. The Field Short has been especially designed for use in
very hot conditions and closes the gap between comfort and
functional capability in this area; these are spot on and would
be ideal for wear in “base areas” during the summer in Europe
or in hot weather climes. Clawgear also had some new firearms
accessories for both the AK and the AUG which looked very tasty
indeed and are well worth a quick mention!
IWA TACTICAL GEAR REPORT
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