PMCI June 2020 | Page 20

pmcimagazine.com HELIKON-TEX HELIKON-TEX NEW DIRECTIONS FOR 2020 At SHOT in January one of the more exciting meetings of the week for the entire PMCI review team was a chance to get together with the folks from Helikon-Tex. International readers may already be familiar with the name, and this Polish manufacturer of tactical gear and clothing has been on our team radar from some considerable time! The PMCI crew have been evaluating their latest garments and designs and now report back. By Bill Thomas. When it comes to creating a hard wearing and functional clothing system you really have to work with manufacturers you can trust and for many of us one of the “go to” brands for this is Helikon-Tex from Poland. Trousers and shirts, waterproof and breathable jackets, fleece jackets and headgear are all available within their range. Helikon-Tex was established in 1983 and has been producing clothing for the military, emergency services and the police since then. When Helikon-Tex was established their business was mainly concentrated on military surplus sales. However, changing trends and a fast changing market in the mid-nineties demanded a new direction for them and in 1999 they decided to start their own military and security clothing production. The range that they now offer is proof that their decision was the correct one as they now offer a really comprehensive, and ever-expanding, selection of uniforms, tactical and outdoor clothing, backpacks, boots and equipment that have gained recognition amongst professional users, soldiers, law enforcement officers, survival and outdoor enthusiasts all over the world, and each and every year their offering drives forward with new designs. I always look forward to visiting their stand at trade shows as undoubtedly there will be something improved or even brand new to see. The range is absolutely huge these days and they offer all their clothing and gear in multiple colourways; should you need camouflage they work with some of the most up to date, cutting edge patterns available but if you AO is such that you need to run “low key” then you’ll also find muted hues ideal for tactical situations. 20