High Ground Media, LLC

The Vanguard Combat Trousers were introduced by Direct Action Gear circa mid 2019 as the company’s entry to the tactical trouser market. Made overall from a 39% Cotton and 60% Nylon  Cordura NYCO blend, the Vanguard offers the wearer a wide degree of flexibility while sacrificing none of its durability.

Starting at the waist, the Vanguard has six 2.25” wide belt loops (two in the front, two on the sides, and two at the rear yolk). The waistline is secured by a hook-and-loop tab, with a YKK zipper at the fly. The use of a hook-and-loop tab over push-through button eliminates any pinch or pressure created from the button when wearing a riggers or gun belt. Furthermore, the gusset and other panels include a four-way Elastine stretch material that allow for extreme flexibility and maintain comfort when performing more dynamic movements.

The Vanguard has an adjustable fit with hook-and-loop tabs at the knee and ankle that allow the user to modify the amount of material when needed. The trouser uses a traditional two pocket layout at the front of waist (reinforced to accommodate clip-on items, such as pocket knives, and a mesh bottom for ventilation), with none at the rear (considering rear pockets are inaccessible when sitting in a vehicle).

The front of each thigh includes a zipper-secured accessory pocket, with internal organizer, that uses a YKK shuttle and is ideal for notebooks or other immediate-need necessities. Directly behind the front thigh pocket is a cargo pocket that uses hook-and-loop panels on the outside and inside of the pocket to utilize it as an impromptu dump pouch.

The knees are reinforced with 500D Cordura nylon panels and include bottom-up access for the inclusion of Direct Action neoprene pads (sold separately).

Lastly, at the calf there is a small, second set of accessory pockets that are similarly secured via hook-and-loop flap.

The Vanguard Combat Trousers are available in Multicam (featured), Adaptive Green, and Black. Their sizing runs from a Small to a 3XL (with variance between a Regular or Long inseam length).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At a MSRP of $199 USD (keep in mind Direct Action also offers sales overseas in the Euro) the cost of the Vanguard is very well priced considering its features, volume of reinforced stitching, and quality of material. In comparison, other market alternatives that run similar designs in tactical trousers are Crye with its G3 ($273) and G4 ($279) Combat Pant, Massif’s Hellman Combat Pant ($349), the Special Operations Pant ($139.70) by The Requirements Group, or the 24-7 Tru-Spec Xpedition ($123.95) trousers. So, while $199 may seem (and feel) like a lot of money to invest into a single pair of tactical pants, other vendors (who cater to defense contracts) are obviously more expensive whereas civilian branded attire is less. In addition, a lot of the cost is dictated by where the manufacturing of the trousers is done, in this case the Vanguard is produced overseas. It is left to the consumer to determine if that cost is appropriate for its moderate (or average) cost within the current market.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): The main emphasis of the Vanguard, per the manufacturer, was the comfort of the wearer, and to that point Direct Action did an excellent job in designing a very comfortable pair of tactical trousers. The Vanguard’s inner waistline held a lining of nylon and closed-cell padding that hugged the waist. It also had the added benefit of padding a riggers belt or gun belt if worn. The four-way stretch panels in the rear, yolk, and gusset gave a great deal of flexibility in more dynamic movements that included; shooting from the knee, bending over barricades, and entry/exit of a vehicle. The use of neoprene knee padding (sold separately), slid into the knee panels, did mitigate some impact to the joint; however, larger rocks were still less than comfortable to come down on. It should be noted that sizing between European and US sizing is different, and consumers should choose the appropriate fit for their needs based on Direct Action’s sizing chart. The Vanguard Combat Trousers run true-to-fit so the size you order will be the dimensions you receive. It would be a recommendation to Direct Action that in the future it consider adding a waistline slider panel on both sides to maximize on the waistline’s comfort (although that may not be possible in its current design).
• Durability – Good (4/5): Direct Action invested a lot of effort into making the Vanguard as durable as possible. This included extensive bartack and double line stitching at all key stress points, as well as all joining lines between the four-way stretch material and the Cordura NYCO material. During rifle drills and physical stressors, this reinforced material handled the various dynamics movements well and neither pulled nor separated during evaluation. It should be noted there has been issues with four-way stretch materials in other brands, with it separating from other fabrics due to poor stitching, however at no point was this encountered with the Vanguard during its 30-day evaluation. Other notable aspects of the Vanguard’s durability were its reinforced Cordura panels to the pocket and knees, both of which held a good level of abrasion resistance. The adjustment tabs at the knees held X-type stitching, and it would have been nice had the ankle tabs held that added reinforced stitching as well.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the Vanguard performed very well as a tactical trouser; maintaining a comfortable fit while giving the utility need for the field, in a vehicle, or on the range. The pockets provided readily available access with their hook-and-loop enclosures, while the YKK zippers at the fly and thigh pockets slid smoothly and was crisp in opening/closing. The reinforced areas of the front pockets ensured pocket knives or other clip items didn’t fray or tear at the stitching or material over time. The reinforced knee panels were a nice feature, but despite adding the neoprene padding, didn’t extensively mitigate impact to the knee or soft tissue from debris (i.e. rock or branches). The panels resisted abrasion well (which is to say friction), but to truly protect the knee Direct Action should consider adding polymer or other removable knee pads similar to what Crye or Masstif does for their tactical trousers. Often this feature is what separates tactical trousers in many of today’s modern elite military units, to those for law enforcement or civilian markets. It should be noted that often by including this feature there is a corresponding impact to cost and may explain why Direct Action opted not to include that in the Vanguard so as to keep it as a more marketable alternative.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 1.32 pounds (or 21.12 ounces) the Vanguard was very lightweight and breathable given the amount of material involved, something attributed directly to the choice of Cordura over other traditional materials available. In comparison, the market alternatives noted above came in at a variety of weights to include; the G3/G4 and Hellman Combat Pant (3 pounds each), and the Xpedition (1.7 pounds). These all demonstrate the variance in weight between trousers directly supporting defense contracts (with their strict regulations), or those supporting law enforcement or civilian. While the Vanguard is of a very light weight overall, its features and materials lend itself more to supporting the latter in any environment the mission (or training) takes you. If Direct Action were to add the protective knee pads to improve the Vanguard’s functionality, it would have a corresponding increase to weight but still keep its weight comparable to other tactical trousers.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://us.directactiongear.com/vanguard-combat-trousersr#MCM

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.

 

Intended as a means to transport your valuable gear, firearms, or anything that needs to be protected – the 1650 Protector Case is part of Pelican’s Protector series that provides significant storage, and maximum padding. Pelican has long-established itself as the leader in protective hard cases that come in varying dimensions to meet any mission need. The 1650 now comes available with the newly released option of adding an EZ Click MOLLE Panel to the lid and thereby expand on the case’s storage and function.

1650 Protector Case

As with all Pelican cases, the 1650 Protector Case is made from Polypropylene to deliver a watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that provides a significant amount of external protection and stackabiliy. The 1650 Protector Case itself has six locking and four support cleats designed on the bottom to interlock onto the lid’s design and reinforce its stacking strength.

Exterior 

With an overall exterior dimension of 31.59” (L) x 20.47” (H) x 12.45” (W), the 1650’s exterior is comprised of Pelican’s traditional open-cell polymer construction for maximum strength and an impact resistant shell.

The 1650 Protector Case includes seven C-clamp throw latches that secure the lid to the bottom. In addition, there are three double-wide, foldable handles (one on either end, and a third on the side) to aid in picking up and stacking. A collapsible tote handle helps aid in transport of the 1650 when fully loaded.

Several protective features built into the 1650 Protector Case are its stainless-steel padlock protectors, and its one automatic pressure equalization valve.

The 1650 Protector Case has four polyurethane wheels to aid in smooth rolling and easy transport of the case and its fully packed weight.

Interior 

With an interior space of 28.57” (L) x 17.52” (H) x 10.65” (W), the 1650 has an overall internal storage capacity of 3.08 ft³.

A one-piece, rubberized O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space.

The 1650 Protector Case comes with two layers of open-cell pick-n-pluck foam that is customizable to meet storage needs, in addition to the convoluted lid foam and protective base layer.

Specifications:

• The Protector series comes with Pelican’s Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence

The 1650 Protector Case comes in Black (featured), and Desert Tan.

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/protector/1650

EZ-Click MOLLE Panel

Intended to easily attach into anchor points inside the lid of select Pelican Protector cases, the EZ-Click™ MOLLE Panel is new for 2021 and intended to augment other case accessories.

Made from the same rigid Polypropylene as Pelican’s hard cases, the EZ-Click MOLLE Panel has the spaced, grid pattern needed to mount any pouch, holster, or other accessory using the associated mounting style. The panel has the same performance specifications as a hard case and can withstand temperature variations between 0°F – 140°F.

The six twist-cam locking mechanisms allow for rapid and easy attachment or removal, while also allows for easy access to the rear of the panel for accessory adjustments.

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/accessory/cases/ez-click-molle-panel/1650mp

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $299.95 the 1650 Protector Case is among the larger (and more expensive) firearm hard cases offered by Pelican, shy of its multi-gun weapon lockers. As such, it is one of the larger legacy consumer cases within the Pelican line. Pelican acquired its closest competitor Hardigg in 2017, and as such many of its mid/larger products don’t even have direct peers with the same attention to strength, reinforcing Pelican as a world leader in hard polymer cases. The 1650’s closest peer would be the 3019-12 iSeries case ($266.99) by SKB, or Nanuk’s 965 case ($329.95) given the closest similarity in size and included foam. Given the legacy of Pelican’s performance, the lifetime warranty of its Protector series, and the cost to storage volume ratio – then the 1650 is a very good quality product for its cost. The EZ-Click for the 1650 itself is $59.95, which has only one closest comparator, and that being the 27.25×19 RMP ($122.50) by Grey Man Tactical. But the EZ-Click was still significantly cheaper, with integrated mounting hardware that made it an excellent accessory for the case. Perhaps the only limiting factor for the EZ-Click is that it is only available on so few Pelican cases at the time of this review.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): At just over 31” in a rough cube design, the 1650 was a bit awkward to pick up, unless using opposing side handles. The third handle in the middle made picking the case up from either of the other two points of contact much more comfortable. As is, once fully loaded with gear or firearms, the 1650 was much heavier than its initial 28.06 pounds, and thus necessitated either being picked up by two people comfortably, or being shifted into the vehicle it was being transported in by the wheels and tote handle. The deep locking cleats provided a secure anchoring point for stacking and gave the overall shell a good amount of added rigidity. The EZ-Click mounting hardware moved smoothly and securely, and gave no hint of inability to support the panel when fully loaded.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Made from Polyethylene a type of high-density plastic similar to high-density polyethylene, the principle material of the 1650 (and indeed almost all of Pelican’s hard cases) and the EZ-Click was amazingly durable and resistant to shock. The open-cell foam inserts in the case provided added protection to the equipment and firearms contained inside (more so if the user takes the time to cut specific patterns into the one-piece foam for a specific item), but the foam (by design) tore somewhat easily. The case was dragged over rocks, thrown into a truckbed a number of times, and left out in inclement weather (cold/rain) with no detrimental effect to the foam, stored contents (although some surface marring was noted), or moisture penetration.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the 1650 was like all Pelican hard cases – a protective box. Pelican has a large array of products for the consumer, military/LEOs, first responders and more to choose among that best fits their specific needs. While the 1650 was a pretty straight-forward case (it’s a box – it opens, it closes, it has foam for added padding), it really is more left to the imagination of the user for use and to expand on the functionality of the case. Features like the rolling wheels and pressurization valves were essential as part of the design for long-term use, transport, or carrying. The stainless-steel protectors and hinge pins likewise filled an essential aspect of design in that it ensured forced entry (shy of cutting) wasn’t possible. Users could custom cut a pattern or design into the included foam to add protection of the specific contents. The downside is then it had to be specific to that item (unless you make the cut pattern very generalized). Pelican further expanded on the function of its 1650 case by developing the EZ-Click Panel, that allowed for mounting a variety of accessories directly to the lid, rather than in the storage space. The EZ-Click itself was easily removed, configured, and reattached multiple times without any excessive wear on the hardware. Thus, by saving the included lid foam, the end-user had further availability to configure the case per the required needs. It should be further noted that Pelican minimized any potential sag in a fully loaded EZ-Click Panel when mounted to the lid by having evenly spaced anchoring points—but some flex in the panel was experienced. This could be resolved by adding a seventh EZ-Click anchoring point in the middle of the lid rather than only the outer edges. Alternatively, Pelican could consider making the panel more rigid using a blend of material as noted elsewhere in similar panels from Grey Man Tactical.
• Weight – Average (3/5): For its size, and the volume of Polypropylene material, the 1650 case weighed in at 27 pounds with foam (or 22 pounds w/o foam) and had a storage capacity of 3.08 ft³. This made its bulk slightly cumbersome given its larger dimensions, but the multiple handles and tote handle mitigated that to a manageable degree, and made it easier to pick it up when fully loaded (something to keep in mind, the more you add the heavier it will get). In comparison to the market alternatives noted above, 3019-12 iSeries case (28.62 pounds at 4.06 ft³) by SKB, or Nanuk’s 965 case (25.05 pounds at 4.33 ft³) illustrate the 1650 has a slightly smaller internal storage space as other vendors for a slightly heavier weight ratio, but those alternative designs did not reflect the reinforcement cleats, polymer, and integral hardware attributed to Pelican’s longstanding Protector product line. The EZ-Click Panel for the 1650 itself weighed in at just 2.5 pounds, which would vary in weight as compared to other EZ-Click configurations simply due to variance in dimension and overall volume of polyethylene utilized to produce the MOLLE-compatible panel. The closest comparator to the 1650’s EZ-Click panel would be the 30.25” x 17” RMP from Grey Man Tactical at 2.0 pounds. The minor added weight of the EZ-Click would be directly attributed to the inclusion of mounting hardware and places the overall product within the average range of the current market.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/  

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.

The next generation of Hexmag’s AR-15 magazines offer improved features and performance that elevate the product’s reliability, regardless of condition or platform.

Hexmag Incorporated debuted its magazines in 2013, taking manufacturing of Series 1 live the following year. The magazine’s first foray to market had its stumbling, with some platforms not freely ejecting the magazine, but Hexmag was committed to bringing the best product to market. In late 2016, Hexmag released the Series 2 of its magazine with revised features and improved functionality. By 2017, SENTRY Products Group purchased the Hexmag line and continues to drive Hexmag’s innovation.

The Series 2 magazine is made from PolyHex₂™ Advanced Composite, a proprietary fiber-reinforced polymer that delivers improved strength, with minimal weight. It also features Hexture™, a patented hexagonal surface pattern similar to that found on Hexmag’s grips, that have a pronounced ribbing on the front and back. This pattern ensures a solid grip on the magazine regardless of environment.

The revised Series 2 feed lip and upper magazine are now thinner than the Series 1, enabling for greater versatility, while resolving some of the platform performance issues. Also revised on the Series 2 is a more pronounced magazine latch catch and “ramp” on the side to also improve compatibility. New on the Series 2 is a guide for stripper clips to allow for rapid loading.

Inside the Series 2 magazine, the Anti-Tilt Follower has equal length legs that prevent tilting and provide for reliable feeding. A heat-treated, corrosion resistant 17-7 PH stainless-steel spring allows for the Series 2 to be stored long-term while fully loaded.

Each Series 2 follower comes in SENTRY orange (although can be customized in alternate colors sold separately) for immediate visual inspection of the rifle with the magazine seated. The “tool-less” floor plate can be removed to provide immediate access for cleaning or changing out the HexID follower and latch plate. This enables you to color code magazines per ammo caliber or purpose.

Specifications:

• Available Calibers: .223/5.56x45mm, .300AAC Blackout, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf and more.
• Compatible Rifles: AR-15s, SCAR 16, IWI Tavor, CZ Bren, Beretta ARX 100 and more.
• Magazine Capacity: 10, 15, and 30 round magazines in a standard size body.

Available in Black (featured), Flat Dark Earth, OD Green, and Gray. The Series 2 AR15 magazine is also available in 10 or 15 round capacity thanks to SENTRY’s patented True Riser system.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): Between $14.99 and $16.99 (color & round count dependent) per unit, the Hexmag’s direct competitor is obviously Magpul’s PMag 30s (GEN3 $14.95-$17.95), Daniel Defense’s DD Magazine ($21.00), and Lancer’s L5AWM ($21.95). Given its price and functionality, the Series 2 is extremely well priced in the current market and competitive to other major brands.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): For what they are, as a carbine magazine the Series 2 magazine is just as comfortable as any other polymer-based magazine on the market. The Series 2 was used for a period of 30 days in competition and training events. What set it apart was the Hexture™ that is now slightly deeper than the Series 1, and gives a tactile grip over the entire length of the magazine regardless of if the shooter is wearing gloves or not. This helped in stripping the magazine out, driving it home into the magwell, or manipulation in/out of pouches. The “tool-less” function was easy to manipulate and disassembly was done readily with just one fingertip.
• Durability – Good (4/5): As a range magazine, the Series 2 did a good job in retaining its durability while sacrificing none of the function. The magazines were thrown (loaded and unloaded) onto loose rock and at no point did it lose rounds or come apart. The floor plate did not come off, nor did the follower become ejected during drop testing. While the surface was readily marred, nothing was to the level that was detrimental in the performance of the magazine.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): It did what it needed to and didn’t fail to deliver. The Series 2 fed across multiple AR rifle platforms and ejected just as easily. Rounds were evenly fed with no failures-to-feed or eject, which is often 90% of all AR malfunctions. The high visibility of the SENTRY orange follower and baseplate button was an added bonus because not only did it enable for readily identifiable function while in use, but even in a dark safe stood out easily against the pile of dark PMags and Battlemags.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At 4.6 ounces (empty) the Series 2 is of average weight in comparison to the other market alternatives listed above. This is likely attributed to the consistency in the polymer materials throughout vendors used, which are the dominant element in construction.

Overall Rating – Good (22/25)

Product Link: https://hexmagstore.com/hexmag-series-2-ar-15-magazine-with-a-30-round-capacity/

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.