Police Product Test: 5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex Jean
These comfortable, rugged dungarees are designed from the ground up to be anything but your stereotypical tactical pants.
Photo: 5.11 Tactical
5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex Jean
If you're anything like me you've got a ton of 5.11 Tactical gear in your closet. They make quality gear at affordable prices and have been outfitting emergency personnel for years. It wasn't until recently that they really started to capitalize on the off-duty or undercover market. One of their offerings that fit this bill is the Defender-Flex Jean(s). Yes, I used the words jeans and 5.11 in the same sentence and yes, 5.11 got them right.
The Defender-Flex jeans are designed from the ground up to be anything but your stereotypical tactical pants. Made from durable 10-ounce mechanical stretch denim, the Defender-Flex are as comfortable as they are rugged and feature the classic 5-pocket styling that you'd find on your favorite pair of Levi's. Throw in a couple hidden hip pockets for things like additional magazines or a cell phone and they bridge the gap between discreet and utilitarian.
Photo: 5.11 Tactical
Available in both straight leg and slim fit, regular and dark wash indigo blue, the Defender-Flex jeans come in a variety of sizes to fit just about everyone. They're even dyed to give them the appearance of a worn-in pair of jeans. My pair fit true to size and were incredibly comfortable right off the rack. The mechanical stretch fabric allows for incredible freedom of movement and eliminates binding when kneeling and crouching. The pockets are a bit shallow but perfectly functional and the YKK zipper is robust. All of the stitching is reinforced to greatly minimize rips and tears.
After a few weeks of wear I have to say these jeans only get more comfortable with age. My only complaint about the Defender-Flex was the residual dye that rubbed off on my hands and seats of my truck. After a couple of washes, however, that problem was solved. I'd recommend you run yours through the wash a few times before you put them on. In the grand scheme of things that's small potatoes.
5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex Jean
Five-pocket styling plus two rear hip pockets
Double-needle construction with bar tacks in high-stress areas
Fitted waistband
Button top fly with locking YKK zipper
Dual back patch pockets
10 oz. mechanical stretch denim (76% cotton / 24% polyester with Lycra T400 Tough Max)
GSA/TAA compliant
Style: Slim or Straight
Colors: Rinse Wash Indigo or Dark Wash Indigo
Price: $69.99
The Defender-Flex Jean is available directly through 5.11 for just under $70, which puts them right on par with any good pair of jeans. If you're looking for something a bit more comfortable and functional than traditional jeans I'd recommend you pick up a pair. Take a look at www.511tactical.com.
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.
More Patrol
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →