Police gear suppliers are stepping up to the concealed-carry challenge, creating shirts and pants that don't print and provide easy access to your weapon. These same companies are also creating footwear and packs that don't scream "cop," yet meet your needs.
April 16, 2012
Duty lights have gone through numerous evolutions over the course of the last decade. We have seen the once standard one-size-fits-all flashlight morph into mission and unit specific lights.
December 29, 2010
Most civilian packs aren't up to the task of handling a cop's multitude of weapons, accessories, and random must-have items securely and without falling apart after some rough use. Read on for a selection of storage options that can fit a bunch and take a tumble with no trouble.
August 31, 2010
Scott Smith reviews the Voodoo Tactical Matrix Assault Pack, BlackHawk Warrior Wear Shell and Jacket, EMA Tactical Countdown Magazine and Grip, and Danner Striker II GTX boots.
July 30, 2010
So what did I find from the major vendors for base layers? There are base layers from cotton, various polyester/Lycra blends, wool blends, and layers for cold or hot weather. The choices seem to be endless.
December 29, 2009
While giving waterproof jackets a "test wearing," I have had input from several members of my local department and from guys I shoot with. We have found that 5.11 Tactical, BlackHawk, Blauer, Elbeco, Fechheimer, Propper, The Force, Tru Spec by Atlanco, Under Armour, and Woolrich's Elite Tactical Series serve well in a wide range of conditions.
October 30, 2009
The first thing I consider when looking at glasses is whether they will effectively protect my eyes. Don't buy eyewear where you buy your morning coffee. It is not going to protect you.
July 22, 2009
Gloves have become part of a cop's daily uniform as much as a badge or belt. The reason for this is simple: A pair of gloves protects your hands from the elements, abrasions, cuts, and punctures from needles or other sharp objects.
July 22, 2009
The S2Vs did not disappoint me. They were comfortable on the mixed hard surfaces I wore them on. And since we were in the freeze thaw of February, I was able to see how slip resistant the soles were.
May 1, 2009
So what makes a good duty light? It all depends on what you want to use it for. Obviously, you want it to illuminate an area or areas, but there are other considerations.
May 1, 2009
With all of the gear we carry on our duty belts, what we don't need is yet another bulky tool to add more weight and take up more space. The Hawkhook is one piece of gear that is small but mighty.
January 1, 2009
As we head toward the shortest day of the year, the sun is setting lower, bringing colder weather. This means it's a good time to look for a warm, comfortable, and versatile duty jacket. The Force's Enforcer Jacket fits the bill.
December 1, 2008
While they may not be the sexiest or most written about piece of equipment that we use daily, good boots can make a day more bearable and easier to deal with than bargain priced footwear from a discount store. Your boots support you, as well as all of the additional weight from your load of duty gear.
September 1, 2008
Overall, the 5.11 Tactical Aggressor is a great jacket. It fits well, has plenty of shoulder room, doesn't bind when you draw a handgun or shoulder a long gun, and it's long enough to conceal a handgun.
November 1, 2007
Over the years in police products there have been fewer and fewer items that have a high “wow” factor. We see a lot of redesigns and improvements to many current products, but precious few innovations. But let me tell you, BlackHawk Product Group’s new Night-Ops Gladius flashlight is an innovation.
September 1, 2005