Police Product Test: Velocity Systems Boss Rugby Long Sleeve Shirt
Unlike the traditional version, the Boss Rugby's sleeves are sleek and flexible, designed to contour to the wearer and provide great ventilation as well as protection from the elements.
Velocity Systems was forged with the mission of providing high-quality armor to the military and law enforcement without the long wait times typical of most custom armor manufacturers. They understand the "need for speed" and deliver not only body armor, but a variety of other products designed to make the armor wearing experience that much better.
The company's Boss Rugby shirts are a departure from a traditional combat shirt and designed to work well in a variety of applications, including as an armor base layer. Available in either long or short sleeves and in your choice of six different colors, the Boss Rugby shirts are extremely lightweight and incredibly comfortable. The nylon and spandex blend fabric is highly breathable and moisture wicking to keep you cool on the hottest of days, and the athletic cut provides a sleek and clean appearance. The collar is short and soft with a V-opening and no buttons. This makes for a very utilitarian and comfortable range or tactical shirt but likely a bit too casual for uniform use.
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Mine arrived in OD green to match the rest of my SWAT uniform and I immediately swapped it in for my traditional combat shirt. I immediately noticed the increased airflow through the shirt including my torso under my plate carrier. My traditional combat shirt did a good job of pulling the sweat from my skin but the fabric did a poor job of drying until I took off my armor and exposed it to the open air. In contrast, the Boss Rugby's construction seemed to provide a natural path for airflow and was able to dry without a problem.
The sleeves are where you'll see the biggest difference between the Boss Rugby and a traditional combat shirt. Unlike the traditional version, the Boss Rugby's sleeves are sleek and flexible, designed to contour to the wearer and provide great ventilation as well as protection from the elements. Each sleeve even has a small pocket covered in loop fabric that will accommodate any hook-backed patches, even on the short-sleeve version.
All in all, the Boss Rugby is what I would consider the next generation of combat shirts and has definitely earned a place in my kit. If you want to take your kit to the 21st century take a good look at the Velocity Systems Boss Rugby shirts at www.velsyst.com for only $79 it is worth every penny.
A.J. George is a sergeant with the Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department assigned to the Technical Operations Unit, Special Investigations Section. He has more than a decade of law enforcement experience in patrol, field training, and traffic enforcement.
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