High Ground Media, LLC

As part of its “Greyman” product line, the Tactical Jeans by Helikon-Tex was released in mid-2020 as a means to provide shooters with a low-vis denim trousers with real-world application. The Tactical Jeans are made from a 10oz. denim (69% cotton, 27% polyester, 3% rayon, and 1% elastane), and provides a number of lightweight elements intent on providing comfort as well as function.

Starting at the waist, the Tactical Jeans have five 50mm (or 1.96in) wide beltloops (two in the front and three along the back) with an elastic waistband at the rear yolk. These features improve comfort when conducting dynamic movements, with extensive bartack to maintain durability of the materials. The cut of the Tactical Jeans is available as a regular (featured) or slim fit, in a mid-rise waistline. This accounts for a comparable profile to many common civilian denim trousers.

The Tactical Jeans have a hook-and-loop closure, and single-shuttle YKK zipper fly whereby the zipper line itself has a sufficient amount of excess material under it to protect the more sensitive skin areas (i.e. frank and beans) from any accidental pinching.

The two front pockets are a standard pattern, with additional bartack and double line stitching for reinforcement and to account for retention clip items (such as pocket knives). Below each standard pocket (on each thigh) is a smaller 4” wide accessory pocket fitted for smaller items, such as rifle magazines that can be easily accessed while sitting in a vehicle. A smaller coin pocket is on the right side and above the standard pocket. Lastly, a small interior/concealed pocket is on the inside of the right front pocket.

The two rear pockets are divided to allot for a dedicated rifle magazine pocket, separate from the standard rear pocket with a wide 9” opening.

The crotch gusset is articulated, with a four-way, flexible panel that provides flexibility to accommodate a variety of shooting stances.

Each pant cuff is single line stitched for reinforcement, and to prevent/limit any fraying or compromise to the material.

The Greyman Tactical Jeans come in denim blue (featured) and sizing runs from a XSmall to XXXL with variance between small, regular, and long inseam.

Vendor’s Note: The Indigo dye process used can cause color to bleed and may transfer to lighter colors, skin, upholstery. It also fades over time. The very first thing you will want to do when you bring that product home is to wash it alone.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At the current list price of $67.00 USD, the Tactical Jeans are Helikon-Tex’s take on a low-profile, tactical jean trouser that also omits some of the more flamboyant “operator” trademarks; such as external knee pads, hook-and-loop straps, or extravagant fabrics. For the price users get a very durable and functional set of 10oz. denim trousers for the every-day professional life or on the range. Market alternatives to this type of clothing would be the Operatus Tactical Jean ($115 USD) by Viktos, or the Defiance Jeans ($76.99 USD) by Vertx, or the McQuade Lightweight Tactical Jean ($67.99) from Tactical Distributors. Obviously there are innumerable market alternatives that very in price and material, but these were trousers that did not have similarities in denim material, stitching, or design. Among the market, this gave the Tactical Jeans from Helikon-Tex an excellent level of affordability when considering what it brings to the table from a reputable overseas vendor.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Worn for a 30 day period, and on several iterations to the range in a variety of stressors, the Tactical Jeans remained extremely flexible and very comfortable. The denim material throughout the trouser proved soft and supportive, and didn’t restrict range of motion. While often the crotch is the point where trousers bind in more extreme movements, the Tactical Jeans had a sufficient flex in the gusset to allow for a comfortable range of motion. The one minor negative issue from a comfort aspect to the Tactical Jeans was the hook-and-loop segment above the fly, with some of the hook/loop fabric or corners irritating the underlying skin if not entirely aligned. Perhaps reducing the dimensions of the male-hook material slightly (and not the female) would give more play in spacing. Otherwise, the genuine YKK zipper moved easily and did not bind or cross-thread.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The Tactical Jeans were made from a blend of denim and elastic fabrics that gave the trousers an good level of durability and stiffness. The conditions tested in included every-day wear, in water, mud, on rock, and on concrete—and aside from usual wear, the material showed little abrasion effect. The trousers were put through four wash cycles and no loose threading or material was noted. Final examination revealed that the jeans had bartack stitching at high-stress points (typically in corners along stitch lines), belt loops, and along the pockets. These all ensured that there was no compromise of the stitching or fabric, and if it were to ever become so then it would be limited to the effected area. The only concern was the hook-and-loop segment above the fly, which began curling at the corners (most likely attributed to the heat of the dryer) . It could be recommended to Helikon-Tex to run stitching along the perimeter of the segment, and again at the edge to prevent this effect. Additionally, end-users could also allow the jeans to air-dry and possibly avoid the issue as well.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the number of pockets on the Tactical Trousers were extremely useful, re-enforced, and well placed. Most could easily accommodate odd-sized items up to/similar to a rifle or pistol magazine, and it was noted the mid-pockets (on the hip) and rear pockets allowed for good alternative locations for such items. Having no button at the top of the fly was a definite improvement as it alleviated any concern over tearing the button off, or it digging into the stomach from a battle belt. The fly itself had a single shuttle, and would have been a good feature to have dual shuttles for ease of access while wearing gear. As noted in the Comfort section, the elastic material woven into the gusset of the jean’s ensured the material remained flexible during movement, but not so much as to detract from the jean’s lower profile. Perhaps one suggestion for Helikon-Tex to improve the Tactical Jeans would be to add some measure of padding along the waistband in addition to the elastic segments. One negative functional aspect end-users should note is the hook-and-loop segment above the fly; ithas the hook (male) fabric oriented outwards (probably to avoid chafing the skin), but it is very grabby and will snag/pull shirts, coats, gear, and even the lint in the dryer. Be sure to put the hook-and-loop fabric together before placing into the wash.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 1.37 pounds, the Tactical Jeans had a good amount of blended denim and elastic material that afforded for full range of motion through the waist and thigh. The chosen density of denim gives the jeans added resistance to abrasion that could be expected on the range or in daily wear, and limit potential tears to the stitching. In comparison, the Operatus Tactical Jean (1.63 pounds) by Viktos, or the Defiance Jeans (1.48 pounds) by Vertx, or the McQuade Lightweight Tactical Jean (0.73 pounds) from Tactical Distributors. These alternatives illustrate that the Tactical Jeans by Helikon-Tex are placed very well amid the market, and have a good overall weight for their design and fabric.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.helikon-tex.com/en_usd/sp-gtj-dd-greyman-tactical-jeans-denim-mid.html

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Introduced in 2019 at SHOT Show, the EdgeTec clothing line by Propper Apparel is designed for professional and civilian use, and offers weather resistance and comfort in a low-cost option.

The EdgeTec pants come in three different styles to meet different needs: slick, tactical, and EMS. The “slick” pants are intended to give the wearer a low-profile appearance while still offering the necessary coverage, flexibility, and storage. Constructed of a 4.7oz polyester ripstop, the material will offer a large degree of abrasion and water resistance be it on the job, at the range, or just as an every-day wear.

At the waist, the EdgeTec slick pants have seven 1.5” wide belt loops (four on the front, three on the back) with an elastic slide adjuster on both sides that adds for an extra 2” in the waist line to both sides. Inside the waistline the EdgeTec has two beads of silicone that run the entire length and act as a shirt stopper.

The cut of the EdgeTec slick pants offer a wide pant-leg from hip to ankle that maximizes maneuverability. It also has the standard four-pocket layout at the waist, with the front pockets having a re-enforced lining that accommodates for clip-items (such as a pocket knife or flashlight). In addition, there is a 4” wide low-profile pocket on the right thigh that will fit most modern smartphones.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $29.99 the EdgeTec line is meant to represent a balanced blend of no-frills, budget friendly tactical clothing. Its slick pants achieve that with design simplicity, while still providing a low-profile tactical pant. In comparison to the rest of the market, the price point of the EdgeTec slick pants is comparable.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): Given its 100% polyester, the slick pants are amazingly light and comfortable. An added plus is they are also very breathable, which will be of great benefit in hot climates or the summer months here in the Midwest. The elastic slide adjusters on the waist are a proven plus with any tactical pants.
• Durability – Good (4/5): While in a ripstop weave pattern that will improve longevity of the pants overall, it has been my past experience that the silicone bead on the inside waistband will be the first point of failure if proper cleaning instructions are not adhered to. Propper maintains that while this has never been an issue, you should take care to clean the clothing per instructions. Otherwise the silicone provided good retention of the shirt regardless of prone, kneeling, or standing.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the slick pants accomplish exactly what they are intended to be, a low-budget tactical pant. With plenty of room in the leg, groin, and waist, the polyester fabric easily repels liquids (such as rain) to a point. There is no gusset in the groin, nor means of securing the rear pockets. I would recommend that consumers consider ordering at, or one size below, their actual pant sizes as Propper seems to run a little on the plus side in measurement. I physically have a 36” inseam, but prefer a 38” to allot for boots and extra leg room when kneeling or other leg movement. In these pants that was unnecessary, and there is a little excessive length in the back of the leg when standing.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): Its polyester construction means that overall the pants feel amazingly light, even when saturated with water. Persons needing that ultra-light performance wear would be well served with this material.

Overall Rating – Very Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.propper.com/spotlight/edgetec/propper-mens-edgetec-slick-pant.html

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Introduced by True North Concepts as a supportive accessory to handgun manipulation, “The Racker” is intended to support end-users with a hardened point on which to manipulate a handgun.

Made from a proprietary blend of polymer selected for its rigidity and non-marring surface, The Racker is a 3.25” tall, singular-point belt accessory that provides a fixed point on which end-users can action a handgun slide or manipulate a magazine when one-arm manipulation is the only option.

The Racker is similar to the Modular Holster Adapter in that it has a mounting bar that can be threaded through most popular MOLLE/PALS webbing style belts, or mounted directly across any gun belt (up to 2.25” wide).

The Racker is available in Black (featured) or Earth Brown.  

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With its list price of $29.99, The Racker was a minimalist support accessory for use in assisting one-hand actioning of the handgun (be it from injury or necessity). Made from a non-marring polymer blend, The Racker enabled the end-user to use something other than the holster itself, which can result in damage or marring of surfaces. The Racker has the unique place in that it does not have a market alternative, so there is no measure to evaluate cost—but given that similar True North products of similar materials and size are of approximate (average) cost, this would validate that for tis price The Racer is also appropriate for a small belt accessory.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, The Racker was of an approximate size to the standard range belt and not excessively bulky. The profile was neither obtrusive or heavy enough to sag on the belt line. When using The Racker, it retained enough good rigidity to effectively action the handgun slide.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of The Racker owed itself to the polymer blend of the product whereby it was of similar durability as other market products—such as polymer magazines, pistol grips, etc. This made The Racker very durable to the hard contact edges of the handgun, while still remaining a non-marring surface. Drop testing of the product onto hardened concrete only yielded surface blemishes and without any movable or connected parts, The Racker was unphased. It is possible that should, over the course of time and use, The Racker’s edge is lost as a contact surface but it can be easily shaved down to re-establish that contact point.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, The Racker is a simplified alternative to actioning a handgun vice using the hard edges of a holster, or other tool to action the slide via single-hand use. In use, The Racker’s rigid design and reinforced backer allowed it to have that posture whereby the end-user could press their pistol-mounted optics against or the rear iron sight. The downside, unrelated to The Racker itself, was if the belt and its materials lacked corresponding structure. In belts that were very flexible/mailable (often only outer belts worn over the hip), such as the Wilder Tactical Cobra Belt, the downward pressure when The Racker was used caused the entire belt to curl over and thus delayed effective manipulation of the handgun. Oppositely, belts with more rigid materials and structure (often with corresponding inner belts or wider belts), such as the Wilder Tactical Urban Defender Belt had that strength to hold up while The Racker was used.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): Weighing in at 0.8 ounces (with mounting hardware), The Racker was of a very minimal weight, for a functional accessory that didn’t add bulk or sag to the overall belt. It neither unbalanced the overall belt, or was obtrusive to the end-user. In contrast, while there was no direct comparator to The Racker, often end-users will utilize pistol pouches for storage or to provide similar pressure points against, and pouches like G-Code’s Scorpion Pistol Pouch (3.3 ounces) illustrate that The Racker is at an excellent light weight for a functional tool on any belt.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://truenorth-usa.com/product/the-racker/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.