Buying holiday gifts for cops can be a difficult task. That's why the editors of Police Magazine are offering this quick guide to some of the best products that we've seen this year (or in the last few years) that sell for less than $200. This guide does not include any holsters because that's best left to the officer.
12 Great Gifts for Cops
Here's a great stocking stuffer. Blauer's Compression Shirt 8120X features the company's B.Cool blend of cotton and Lycra with moisture wicking treatment that wicks sweat away from the body and wears like compression gear to keep the officer cool in hot weather. Its jersey knit provides four-way stretch, while the shirt’s raglan-style sleeve with reinforced seams enhances comfort and durability. Extra-long length means the shirt will stay tucked in during the most strenuous activities. Available in dark navy, black, and white. Sells for about $15 from various merchants.
The 5.11 Tactical ARK Knives liner lock folders are a great deal. Available in a Tanto or a Recurve blade, they have great ergonomics and solid production value. The blades are razor sharp AUS8 steel with partial serrations for cutting through webbing such as seat belts. Grips are made of scaled G10, and they feel really solid in your hand. List price is $69.99, but you can find them for less than $50.
Eye Safety Systems' (ESS) Crossbow Suppressor is a new ballistic eyeshield designed specifically for use with under ear cup hearing protection and communications gear. The Crossbow Suppressor maintains the effectiveness of such devices and eliminates soreness around the ear caused by pinching and pressure. The Crossbow Suppressor One is a configuration for the tactical and shooting communities, and includes a Crossbow Suppressor with a high-definition copper lens ideal for targeting. The Suppressor frame may also be purchased separately, allowing those who own other Crossbow product configurations to upgrade and optimize their protective eyewear. Suggested price is $110, available from a variety of sources for about $100.
Smith Optics' Aegis Eye Shields come in what the company calls a Field Kit. It includes the frame, three sets of lens, a neck retention leash, a cloth storage bag, and a cleaning cloth. The lenses are easy to change, using a built-in rotating hinge system. The glasses meet Mil-Spec standards, have distortion-free and anti-fog lenses, and offer 100 percent UV protection. An Rx adaptor is available. Available from numerous merchants for about $80.
Like a lot of the latest law enforcement outerwear, TRU-Spec's Weathershield Jacket is a 3-in-1 design. This jacket is weatherproof, waterproof, and offers breathable protection against the elements. Tri-layer construction guarantees warmth and dryness in all conditions. Features include smooth operating zippers; mic loops; roomy, well-designed pockets; detachable ID tags; back yoke with detachable ID panel; and ample room for carrying a holstered firearm. Available from numerous merchants for around $160.
Danner's specially designed DFA tactical boots would make a great gift for a SWAT operator. DFA stands for Danner Flight Assault and these boots are designed specifically to assist in fast-roping vertical insertion. They feature Danner's Vertical Insertion Arrestor (VIA) technology, which helps the wearer control his or her descent and protects the boot from abrasion. When the SWAT operator is not fast roping, these boots are excellent for everyday duty. They have Vibram soles for quick acceleration and braking in all directions, moisture wicking linings, and they look sharp. List price for the 8-inch model is $190.
The Horace Small New Generation 3 Jacket has a windproof, waterproof, breathable outer shell and zip-out Primaloft liner. Features include a front zipper closure with snap storm flap, concealed chest pocket, inner pockets, inner cinch cords, and side zippers for easy access to duty gear. It will keep officers warm and comfortable without unnecessary bulk. Available in brown, spruce green, dark navy, forest green, and black. Suggested retail price is $171, available from online vendors for about $120.
The Elbeco Shield Meridian Modular Outerwear Jacket has a water-repellent nylon shell that offers wind and rain protection while retaining a high level of breathability. Telescopic sleeves allow for full range of arm movement and side zipper vents with snaps provide quick access to belt equipment. An included fully insulated zip-out Thinsulate liner features zip-off sleeves and openings that allow access to inner jacket pockets. A snap-off hood is now available free of charge. Available for about $120 from various merchants.
Elzetta Designs' ZFL Flashlight is literally tough as nails. You can even use the bezel of the light to drive nails, if you want. OK, granted, you’re not buying this thing as an emergency hammer; it’s a light, and a fine one at that. It produces 235 lumens and features optical beam projection for uniform lighting and a patent-pending heat sink to keep the light cooler in your hand during extended use. Runtime at full power is 1.5 hours. Elzetta lights can be adapted for use on long guns with the company’s mounting rings. Available for around $150 with M60 body for long gun mounting and around $100 with standard body.
Law enforcement apparel maker 5.11 Tactical entered the flashlight market several years back with its supercapacitor-powered Light for Life patrol light. At this year's IACP, the company introduced a new line of conventional battery-powered flashlights called ATAC. The five ATAC lights range in size from a 6-inch long pen light to a 5.3-inch tactical light. All except the pen light offers advanced features such as strobe mode. Prices range from $29.99 to $84.99.
Blood-borne pathogen resistant and very comfortable, Original S.W.A.T.'s WinX2 boots are a great value. For a suggested retail price of $79.95, WinX2 boots offer slip- and oil-resistant outsoles, arch ladder tread for grip on rope rappels, riveted steel shanks, moisture wicking lining, and a removable orthotic footbed. These are excellent boots for the price.
Brite-Strike makes a lot of cool stuff, but bang for the buck, it's hard to beat this company's Basic Tactical Lights. They were designed by a cop for cops, and they make great second lights for patrol officers. The Basic Tactical Light is available in two models, one with strobe and one without. Both models produce a blinding 150 lumens at max power. Battery life is about eight hours on low (80 lumens). List price is $70 without strobe, $90 with strobe. You can find them for much less.