Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1064315
History of tactical clothing is inseparably connected with 5.11 brand which became a precursor and was a role model for others. 5.11 Tactical brand's history has begun in 1999 when Dan Costa, Californian businessman and owner of chain of restaurants, bought 51% of long-standing Royal Robbins' outdoor company shares. Whole 5.11 brand (without Tactical then) consisted of iconic trousers with slanted pockets on butt and patented strap above one of them. They were designed by Royal Robbins after a climb in Yosemite National Park and named after the climbing difficulty. Pants quickly became popular among FBI agents. In 2002 Costa finally bought 100% of Royal Robbins Clothing's shares and moment later he sold them back to Robbins, but he decided to keep rights to use the 5.11 brand and designs. And from that moment, history of 5.11 Tactical has begun as an independent company with enormous portfolio of tactical product. The real "one stop shop": trousers, underwear, footwear, jackets, backpack and even knives. In 2007 Costa sold his shares, it was said that he got 9 digit check for them. Soon, as a part of Innov8 Partners he created Noble Outfitters – outdoor clothing and horse riding apparel brand. In 2015 Dan Costa announced his comeback to tactical market by setting up First Tactical company (1st April 2015). In 2017 First Tactical was acquired by Point Blank Enterprises ballistic protection company. CONCEPT At the beginning, sales idea of First Tactical was to get rid of middlemen between manufacturer and end users, but practically it appeared that this model didn't work well (especially when it came to international customers). Especially when we take into consideration that clothes and footwear need trying on before purchase, mainly if we buy something from the brand for the first time. Since 2018, First Tactical started cooperating with distributors in different countries and building a worldwide sales network. Enough with sales, what makes First Tactical different from others? Right know First Tactical focuses on manufacturing comfortable and functional apparel and gear for LEO, so it is natural that they use their help and experiences in designing and testing new products. The design process begins from creating a concept of new product and research for appropriate materials and fabrics. Years of experience in business and vast network of contacts allow to get fabrics perfect for designers' needs. Next stage are trials of prototype series in field that verifies features and comfort of particular solutions in real conditions. Thanks to direct contacts with officers from different agencies and departments, such data is gathered very quickly. If some changes appear in that stage and which can improve trousers, backpack or shirt, they are implemented tight away to final design. Final products are produced in Asia. PRODUCTS Designers of First Tactical perfectly knew that 20 years ago you could conquer market with a single product as well as the knew that right now, every single one of multiple brands had hundreds of such products. That's why they decided to present complete offer for officers, firefighters, first responders and EMTs. Customer has a whole line of apparel and footwear to choose from. Even from products specially cut for women. Not to mention, of course, wide offer of gloves, belts, backpacks and bags of different sizes and purposes, knives, flashlights and watches. www.fragoutmag.com