to potential buyers. They’ve kept the price sensible, but
without cutting any corners. With the Monsoon Striker suit
you really getting huge value for money with the very top
levels of performance.
The suit also benefits from some of their own in house
innovations; the design incorporates their own HOOD/
HARNESS system. The trousers are also fully specified with
long length side zips that allow them to be put on and
taken off without removing boots.
One layer down and we have the excellent Striker XT
Combat Jacket and Trouser. Whilst they are not up to the
fully weatherproof specification of the Monsoon suit, they
are not designed to be, instead offering an air permeable
NyCo knit as the durable face fabric. These are designed
for temperate operations but feature some incredible
innovations in design in relation to their pocketing and
other features. The Combat Jacket and Trousers are
designed to be worn as an outer layer, and are bomber
tough to take all that any operating environment might
throw at them.
Recently arrived with us for the colder months is the
excellent AcE Sweater from UF PROs Delta clothing system,
and this looks like an ideal bit of kit for training during
the colder months of the year. The Delta System has
been designed from the ground up to offer a modular set
of clothing to both protect from the elements and give
comfort during physical activities. The overall system is
rated down to – 20C and comprises the fully specified
Delta Eagle Soft Shell Jacket, the Delta AcE Sweater, and
the Winter Combat Shirt.
UF PRO are masters of mixing different clothing
technologies to achieve a goal and nowhere is this more
apparent than in the AcE Sweater where they have put
several different components into one very effective
package to provide a top that is perfectly at home in
extremely cold conditions, and during tough outdoor
activities. Whilst the concept of this type of garment has
been around for some considerable time I have to say
that I have never seen it so well achieved before. The
designers have looked specifically at which parts of the
body suffer most from wind chill and have protected
the arms with 110g/m high insulation G-LOFT and a
windproof, water repellent ripstop fabric. The face of the
sweater is an ePTFE soft shell fabric whilst under the arms
and the back is an extremely breathable, and comfortable,
COCONA microfleece. Now that the weather has finally
turned we’ve been able to get the AcE out onto the range,
and although we haven’t had it down to minus 20 yet,
it has performed brilliantly so far on damp, windy, chilly
mornings. This is going to become a firm favourite in the
clothing setup for sure!
Of course no modern day tactical clothing system would
be complete without an under armour Combat Shirt, and
the UF PRO Striker XT version fills that gap admirably. With
a yolk and sleeves in various camouflage patterns and
block colours the shirt offers both Tan and Olive main body
34
areas to allow for changes in AO. In addition to this and the
features you would expect in any decent combat shirt, the
Striker XT version also benefits from the AIR/PAC inserts
along with additional elbow pockets to accommodate D30
Trio Mid protectors.
There are Striker trouser models to complement the
Combat Shirt, and most recently UF PRO have launched the
Striker HT hot weather model to help keep you cool when
it gets hot but still deliver the same levels of performance
we’ve come to expect from them. For greater wear comfort
in high temperatures, the Striker HT Combat Pants offer a
new and unique air circulation system. Simply open the
zippers in the groin area and the knee protector pocket,
and you will experience immediate cooling thanks to
increased air circulation and ventilation.
The Striker HT combat pants can also be upgraded with
two different knee protectors. The UF PRO Flex- Protectors
offer reliable and comfortable protection against impacts
and additional cushioning while kneeling. The Solid
Protectors offer protection against penetration of sharp
objects. Both layers are protected with a CORDURA® face
fabric which provides extreme abrasion resistance.
The Striker HT Combat Pants are equipped with a total
of 14 pockets. The big side pockets provide horizontal
and vertical access to the main cargo area and inner
compartments. The attached gear pocket can be easily
secured with a quiet, plastic reinforced tab. The small
gear pocket in the upper thigh area provides storage for
smaller items like a knife, light, or a spare magazine. The
spacious lower leg pocket can be tightened with a draw
cord and vertical zipper.
Adding in a good boonie and tactical ballcap the Striker
System really does have all the bases covered. Buying into
this system would really have you covered all year round
and let you operate in each and every environment you
might encounter.
At present UF PRO garments are available direct and
you’ll find even more information about the kit itself, the
technologies, and how to order via their slick and easy to
navigate website. All prices are in Euros, but conversion
online will let you know what you’re paying, although
at the time of writing more UF PRO gear is becoming
available in the UK thanks to www.hueys.com. PMCI look
forward greatly to trying more of UF PROs excellent kit,
and of course we’ll report back fully when we have!
To buy, or for further detailed information on all UF PRO
garments please visit www.ufpro.si.