PMCI September 2016 | Page 26

pmcimagazine.com MANUFACTURERS PROFILE - FIRST TACTICAL The team at PMCI are always on the lookout for emerging brands, and although they are well known and respected in the USA First Tactical launched in Europe at IWA 2016 and are really making some inroads! 26 B efore the team and I left for IWA in Germany earlier this year I was contacted by a PR company with details on a brand new to me that would be having their European launch at the show. The PR company told me that they would be happy to send me some products from US Brand First Tactical for me to check out before the show, and these duly arrived in my office. Once I’d had a chance to look the products over, and commented favourably on their design and quality I was then offered a chance to meet First Tactical at the show; this offer I gladly accepted. What I discovered was that First Tactical are focused on providing the end user with product that is specific to their requirements, guided by innovation and reliability. Their design process combines both advanced technical materials with state-of-the-art components. First Tactical products are built to offer fully functional gear precisely created for professionals in the military, emergency and police services. Working with real users from the tactical world, First Tactical strives to fully understand customer demand through a circular development process: Listen, Engineer, Field Test and Deploy. First Tactical listens to its customers through regular product development sessions with real users in the field. First Tactical also ensures it engineers cutting-edge product to transform common gear into incomparable tools for professionals. Through the use of Field Testing, First Tacticals products are put under scrutiny in the most demanding conditions to ensure they withstand a variety of environments. I managed to get hold of one of the first of their products to come into the UK and have been subjecting the Tactix 1 Day Plus Pack to some of my very own “Field Testing”. Available in Black, Coyote or Green, at 40.5L this is a well-sized pack that gives you more than enough space for one days-worth of gear; in fact with careful packing if could be used for multi-day use if you’re going to be re-supplied in the field. The Tactix Pack benefits from a Lynx™ Laser Cut Platform compatible with MOLLE/PALS, First Tactical’s Hook & Hang Thru™ System, and repositionable or removable compression straps with side release buckles. There is a divided front stash pocket for longer items, concealed drop pocket with hook/loop lining for utility pouch or holster, interior dual use hook/loop and a web platform for unlimited pouch placement. There’s an innovative removable internal backboard with a posture-conforming aluminium stay that may be used as splint, shovel or paddle, positional shoulder straps for the right fit, HD spacer mesh with dual density foam shoulder straps and back panel, and a fleece- lined eyewear pocket.