Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1308154
M a c i e k I was a little bit hesitating when the FRAG OUT! buddies asked me to test and review the Direct Action Vanguard Combat Uniform. Honestly, I had no idea if I really needed such stuff. I am a weekend warrior, I like the Sunday trips to the range with the full kit but I prefer the "kosher" one, worn by particular units. This was kind of unexpected…. Vanguards are tactical uniforms, but something between the combat uniforms and tac- tical pants. Combat Pants are loosely based on the idea of horribly expensive Crye Precision Combat Pants, but for me these looked like bit more "beefed up" version of the Helikon UTP tactical pants. Well, you can wear them for a visit to the mall when you have too and they won't stand out of the crowd. Of course, when these are solid colors. Definitely, these are not the low-pro pants. Combat shirt is nothing else but a combat shirt. Cut is definitely neat. The bicep pockets have quality vertical zippers and the collar with zipper, perfect for warmer days. They paid attention to the details: zipper pull seats in the "garage" to avoid snagging. The Direct Action branding is almost invisible. There is a tiny embroidered logo on the pants and the shirt. There are also care and use labels but you can just remove them. Comfort and quality? Absolutely positive. Both pants and shirt are comfortable. The siz- ing is well-matched – my 34/32 pants were exactly 34/32. Maybe 33/32 would be a perfect fit but such do not exist. If you plan to use an IWB holster, some extra space will be just fine. The waist of the pants are well done. Belt loops are wide and solid so you can use them with an inner belt and even fully loaded outerbelt without the risk. The front closure is flat Velcro, so there is no pinching as it could happen with a button or snap. Vanguard Combat Pants do not restrict the movements. They are somehow slim-fit cut with narrowed legs. The flexible inserts in the knee, butt and the inner side of legs increase the overall comfort. There is a bit of adjustment possible, as there are Velcro flaps below the knees – they are meant to stabilize pants with protective inserts placed. Pockets are easily accessible but there was nothing ground-braking about them. There are eight pockets, well-placed and designed. Personally, I don't like carrying many things in the cargo pockets (two are available) or in the front thing pockets (also two). I don't see any use for calf pockets (maybe for boot bands or matches?). Anything heavier or bulkier makes them uncomfortable. I really dig the Cordura reinforcements on the knees. They are a bit stiff, but work perfectly with knee inserts. I didn't have the DA inserts, so I've decided to trim my Drifire pads. Comfort is the same. After almost a year of use, I don't see any signs of wear in this area. Combat shirts have European sizing, so the Large one is US Medium. It is comfortable to be worn stand alone or under the body armor. The moisture wicking fabric works well, but I think that some other shirts I have been using before were drying faster. There are slots for optional elbow pads, but since I don't like them, I didn't use them at all. I was testing the Vanguard pants even in winter time, when temperatures dropped below zero. They were comfortable with L1-style long johns. I didn't have a chance to make them dirty. The combat shirt I have been using only in the hot weather, but since the cut is very close fitting, there is not much space for any base layer for colder day I didn't have many opportunities to get the Vanguards dirty. Maybe it is also because of their Adaptive Green color which matches the environment nicely. Direct Action Vanguard is a great choice. It is quality made, so if you need a good tactical uniform, you might be satisfied with it. I am CLOTHING