High Ground Media, LLC

This summer promises to be a hot one for many on the range or in competition. But with the Kadre XP by Viktos, end-users will be able to focus more on the task at hand and not sweating through their clothing.  Initially introduced in 2018 as the Kadre Short, the Kadre XP was upgraded and released in early 2022 to provide improved ventilation and pocket storage.

The XP features a blended 92/8 Polyester and spandex relaxed-fit chassis with a 10” inseam. The chassis includes panels of four-way stretch material that allow for dynamic movement without restrictions.

Starting at the waist, the Kadre XP has a padded waistband and patterned stitch line, with extensive bartack at stress points to maintain durability of the materials. The seven, 2 ¾” wide belt loops (two on the front, one on each side, and three on the back) coincide with a Viktos branded button and YKK zippered fly with dual shuttle. The oversized gusseted crotch with laser-cut ventilation holes adds to the flexibility and breathability of the end-user.

On the leg is a zipper-secured thigh pocket (one each side, with rubberized pull tab) large enough to fit a full-sized AR rifle magazine. Above the thigh pocket are EDC sleeves (one of the left and two on the right) for pistol magazines or accessories. The main pockets themselves are 7” wide at the opening and include a nylon mesh lining.

On the back are two YKK zipper-secured rear pockets that are each 6” wide at the opening.

The Kadre XP come in waist sizes between 28″ to 44″ and is available in Ghost Grey (featured), Ranger, Black, and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): With an MSRP of $85.00 the Kadre XP shorts are made from a lightweight and breathable polyester blend of materials, that offer end-users EDC clothing for daily or range use that will keep them ventilated and protected. In comparison, alternatives to the Kadre XP include the Dart 10” ($56) or Apex ($76) shorts from 5.11, the Urban Tactical Short Flex 8.5 ($69.90) from Helikon-Tex, or the Men’s Ascent Short ($71.95) from Tru-Spec. This places the Kadre XP at the upper end of market costs for tactical shorts, and a fair price for the overall materials and length of the short.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort aspect, the material of the Kadre XP was above that of traditional cotton fabrics that are often heavier, whereas the XP had a very smooth and light feel. This was aided by the ventilation in the gusset that enabled good airflow and mitigated heat. The padded waistband also assisted in keeping any belt or gun belt comfortable on the hips and mitigated any potential chafing. The genuine YKK zipper moved easily and smoothly without any binding or cross-feeding.
• Durability – Good (4/5): With its lightweight materials and breathable design, the durability of the Kadre XP was further reinforced by bartack stitching at key stress points and double line stitching along the seams, belt line, and fly. The belt loops themselves were oversized to accommodate most 2” wide tactical or range belts and their associated bulk, but the overall width of the loops themselves were still thin and consistent to civilian attire. It would be a recommendation to Viktos in future versions to widen the width of the belt loops (much like the rear loop) to provide more robust usage for use with tactical belts.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the Kadre XP performed appropriately (or of average use) as one would expect from tactical range shorts. They remained loose fitting with its 10” inseam and spandex segments during dynamic movement, and open enough to provide measurable air circulation when needed. The zipper-secured thigh and rear pockets were efficient and deep enough for storing smaller items, such as keys or a wallet, but when a fully loaded magazine (rifle or pistol) was added, there was no sufficient support or rigidity in the material to prevent the contents from flailing around somewhat awkwardly. While the lightweight materials made the XP good as performance wear on the range for competition—that light weight as a whole made it loose to support EDC wear or usage.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 12.3 oz. (for the evaluated 42” waist) the lightweight materials and design of the Kadre XP translate to shorts that didn’t feel heavy or pull at the waistline after an extended time (4+ hours) – even with loaded pockets. In contrast, the Dart 10” (3.3 ounces) or Apex (6.4 ounces) shorts from 5.11, the Urban Tactical Short Flex 8.5 (14.6 ounces) from Helikon-Tex, or the Men’s Ascent Short (24.6 ounces) from Tru-Spec illustrate that the Kadre XP are of an average weight amid the market of alternatives and for the materials chosen.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/shorts/products/kadre-xp-shorts

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, 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.

Released in early 2022, the XR is one of the latest iterations in the FAST series of Ops-Core protective helmets. Intended to address the specific threats faced by overseas service members, the XR is tested extensively to defeat threats up NIJ IIIA profiles and 7.62×39 lead core ammunition. Made in a two-stage, non-split design, the XR has a 0.290” outer shell that incorporates a proprietary blend of carbon (for the ceramic protection), unidirectional polyethylene (a type of plastic formed in a specific pattern for distributing load), and Aramid (short for aromatic polyamide the material is a type of synthetic nylon known for its strength and overall resistance to heat).

Exterior

On the exterior, the XR incorporates a high-cut approach that utilizes the skeletonized Arc rail system for accessory mounting. This rail also integrates with Ops-Core’s other headborne solutions (sold separately) that expand on the functionality of the helmet to include other protective systems.

The XR shell dimensions extend protection to the rear occipital lobe (i.e. the back of your skull) without interfering in full range of motion, or contacting the end-user’s neck.

A modular bungee shroud at the front of the helmet is made from polymer, and provides an anchoring point and shock cord retention for various night vision devices. Set inside is a strengthened, CNC-machined, aluminum frame that is removable to account for different night vision mounting solutions without necessitating removal of the overall shroud.

Six hook-and-loop panels are positioned around the crown and rear of the XR for attaching various accessories with supportive mounting material.

Interior

The interior of the XR uses Ops-Core’s Lux Liner with low-profile OCC dial-adjustment framework for sizing. As the OCC dial turns, the suspension system either draws in or extends to the desired head circumference. This suspension system includes 10, ½” thick, open-cell foam pads throughout the interior for maximum protection. Each pad is held in place by hook-and-loop material. Included with the XR are two sets of pads (one for ¼” thickness, and another for ¾” thickness) for the end-user to adjust the interior’s comfort.

Included in the design of the interior shell is a channel that runs across the midsection of the helmet and (with the removal of three associated pad sections) accommodates for headbands while wearing hearing protection under the helmet.

The harness system of the XR features a four-point Head-Loc chinstrap with slide-adjustment buckles, and a leather-lined chin cup.

Performance

During development, the XR was tested at Chesapeake Testing (a division of NTS located in Belcamp, MD) to meet NIJ 0101.06 standards for IIIA ballistic threats in body armor. The XR was also developed to meet the threat profile most likely to be experienced overseas. Included in this protective value, the XR was also found to defeat associated blunt force and fragmentary impacts. Using Ops Core performance data for the XR (via the Ballistic Limit (BL) test specifically for helmets—which in turn is a continuation on the previous NIJ Standard 0106.01), and the velocity data of the rounds identified (blue – NIJ IIIA test caliber; red – overseas test caliber), the XR shows the following:

Projectile	Minimum V50* BL(P) at 0°(±5°) Obliquity (ft/s)	Projectile** Max. Velocity at Bore (ft/s)	Projectile** Max. Velocity at 50yd (ft/s)	Projectile **Max. Velocity at 100yd (ft/s)
9mm FMJ RN, 124gr	1400	1200	1095	1018
9mm x 18mm SJLC, 105 gr	1017	1048	913	846
.44 Mag SWCGC, 240gr	1430	1455	1312	1178
.44 Mag JHP, 240 gr	1430	1210	1102	1024
7.62mm x 25mm SJLC, 86gr	1475	1450	/	/
7.62mm x 39mm LC, 123gr	2400	2349	2175	2008
.40S&W GDHP, 180 gr	1025	1025	988	928

The FAST XR is available in 499 Tan (featured), Ranger Green, Urban Grey, Black and Multicam. It is also available in sizes between Medium and 2XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): The FAST XR has an MSRP of $2,100 which makes it one of the newest and most expensive helmets on the market (second only to Ops Core’s RF1 helmet at $3,249) The FAST series of helmets are specifically designed for Special Operations and incorporate the latest materials (polyethylene and Aramid) and technology to offer protection tested to IIIA NIJ standards, as well as protection against additional rifle threats commonly faced overseas. In comparison, the EXFIL ($1205.08) by Team Wendy, and the ATE ($699) from Hard Headed Veterans are designed for law enforcement or civilian use, and use more traditional materials tested only to NIJ IIIA standards. To date, neither EXFIL or ATE are rated against rifle threats and only Ops Core offers this capability. Thus, for the everyday civilian consumer, the XR offers a fair market value for its cutting edge materials and advanced protection—however professionals or units needing it for more direct purposes may find it as a good value that addresses more advanced threats commonly found overseas and in duty. Thus as a balance for evaluation, the XR in this review is given a score between the two (average) whereby the specific end-user can determine if the cost in performance for the XR matches their mission needs.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From the comfort perspective, the XR incorporates two design aspects that gave it a good level of comfort with minimal excess bulk or material. The first being the open-cell foam padding segments inside the liner of the XR that did a very good job at padding the interior of the helmet and giving the wearer a soft degree of comfort. The ability to swap out padded segments for thinner or thicker padding segments also meant that the wearer was able to find a customized solution that fits them best. The second element was the low-profile OCC dial that adjusted the interior retention band to find a solid hold on the head. The OCC dial itself did not have a tactile or audible click to it, but simply slid smoothly and adjusted the band as desired with no modification needed. The OCC dial was an improvement over other brands that have a ratcheting dial design and necessitates resetting the dial to loosen. Other aspects like the ventilation holes did provide some mitigation of heat (though sweating during extended wear and dynamic movement was still experienced), and the sliding buckles for the chin strap did retain a solid hold and did not slip or fail to keep its position.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The durability of the XR really came down to the excellent performance characteristics of the Aramid material inside the helmet. This material has been known by its more common name of Kevlar from the DuPont company, and that material has been in production for decades with a proven track record for long-term and stable durability. It also gives the overall helmet a high degree of heat resistance and the obvious ballistic characteristics. Throughout evaluation and dynamic movements, the helmet’s seams/edges/stress points showed zero signs of wear, nor did the suspension/retention system show any signs of fraying or slippage. The exterior of the XR shell was sprayed in a textured matte paint to maintain its low visibility and negate any reflective aspect of light off the helmet itself. Some minimal surface marring on the exterior was noted from contact to the ground and other hard surfaces, but nothing that penetrated to the underlying material and well within the expected level of wear.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the FAST XR was a helmet that did what was intended, it provided the head with sufficient surface area to protect the end-user. But the XR had a padding and suspension system that also provided a good level of flexibility for the wearer to find a comfortable and tailored level of retention and wear. Additionally, the integrated channel inside the Lux Liner was appropriately sized for most common over-the-head hearing protection, such as the AMP, and allowed the wearer to comfortably wear hearing protection without the assistance of rail mounts. The other aspect that set the XR above other helmets was its added protection value for 7.62×39 threats and other calibers commonly threatening service members overseas. These threats are not part of the official NIJ IIIA profile, nor has the XR been tested against ballistic threats found domestically (such as the 5.56 or .223 with a velocity of between 3,200 ft/s (at bore) to 2,800 ft/s at 100 yards), but Ops Core has conducted testing on those overseas ballistic characteristics and passed DoD testing against them. Lastly, while the hook-and-loop panels on the exterior are smaller than other helmet brands, the greater number of them around the crown gave the end-user more options for locations on which to attach accessories and other items. It should be noted that in its description of the XR, at the time of this review, Ops Core has a typo in its listed ballistic profile for the XR whereby it states the helmet has been tested against 7.62×23 (an exceedingly rare caliber) and 7.62×39, when in fact this ballistic chart should read like other FAST helmets tested to the 7.62×25 and 7.62×39 caliber projectiles.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in between 2.68 pounds (Medium) and 3.11 pounds (2XL), the evaluated XR was a size Large and weighed in at 2.81 pounds. This weight accounted for both the ballistic exterior shell, the shock absorbing liner, and the comfort padding with chin strap on the interior. In contrast, the Team Wendy EXFIL (size large at 2.6 pounds), and the ATE (size large at 3.0 pounds) by HHV demonstrate that while various companies differ in materials and design, the XR has a difference in terms of ounces to the market and has an appropriate (or of average) weight. It should be noted that, as before, while the XR is able to keep its weight within an appropriate range to its competitors—it does offer an increased threat protection profile that, as of this review, others do not.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://shop.gentexcorp.com/ops-core-fast-xr-high-cut-helmet-system/

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.

The Three Day Plus Assault Pack (Gen 2) by Tactical Tailor is an expansion on the previous design and now offers increased storage and a lighter overall weight for the end-user who need to carry mission-related essentials for days on end.

Made from 500D Cordura (whereas the previous version was 1000D), the Three Day Plus Assault Pack (3D+) has an overall dimension of approximately 20” (H) x 21” (L) x 10” (W) and a total storage volume of 3,131 cubic inches. It includes multiple pockets on the exterior and interior that allots for compartmentalization of items and better organization.

Exterior

At the front, the 3D+ has a 11” (W) x 12” (H) x 3.5” (D) secondary storage compartment (secured via single-line zipper) with approx. 500 cubic inches of storage that allows the user to store items of varying size and need.

Atop the external storage compartment is an envelope pocket with a 9” diagonal zipper for storage of flat items. Affixed to the bottom half of the secondary storage compartment is a 6” (H) x 9” (L) x 3” (D) accessory pouch (with approx. 200 cubic inches of storage) that is zipper-secured alone the top three sides, with three bands of MOLLE-configured nylon on the exterior.

Below the secondary storage compartment is tertiary storage compartment that measures 4” (H) x 10” (L) x 3” (D) (with a total of 140 cubic inches of storage space) and is zipper-secured only along the top side, with two bands of MOLLE-configured nylon on the exterior.

The sides of the 3D+ feature two accessory storage pockets (each measuring 10” (H) x 3” (L) x 3” (D) – for 158 cubic inches of storage space per pocket), with an over-the-top flap (secured via slide-release buckle) to ensure the contents stay secured. Behind the side pockets is a pass-through slot that allots for longer, rigid items to be attached to the side while avoiding excess bulk. The sides also include four compression adjustment straps (two at the bottom and two the top) with slide-release buckles, and pass-through slots for hydration tubes or communication cables.

The backpanel to the 3D+ includes 3/8” thick open-cell foam padding enclosed in a nylon mesh across the back. Both shoulder straps are similarly padded, contoured, and anchored at the top of the backpanel with an adjustable yolk and extensive bartack stitching, with QD slide-release buckles at the bottom. The shoulder straps include an adjustable sternum strap with multiple nylon webbing loops to hang accessories. At the bottom of the backpanel is a padded waist strap (with two bands of MOLLE webbing) and an adjustable 2.25” wide slide-release buckle.

The bottom of the 3D+ highlights the overall “D” shape of the storage compartments, and features multiple drainage grommets to the associated pockets. Three bands of MOLLE-compatible nylon webbing are stitched on the bottom for attaching additional accessories, pockets, or sleeping mat.

Interior

The interior of the 3D+ is accessed via a single YKK zipper line that runs the length of the pack’s upper three sides. The main storage compartment itself is unobstructed, offering 1,975 cubic inches of storage space, and includes a sleeve pocket for a hydration bladder or electronics, and a high-visibility orange liner to minimize shadows inside the storage space.

The Three Day Plus Assault Pack (Gen 2) is available in Coyote (featured), Black, Ranger Green, four variants of Multicam, and M81.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price between $299 and $365 (color dependent), the Three Day Plus Assault Pack (Gen 2) is an improvement over the previous design with added pockets and a has a significant amount of material for its design, to include thicker hip padding. All of which work to give the pack a functional role that could easily be used on the range, on a day hike, or for a few days travel. Other market comparisons for a bag of this size would be the Enhanced 3-Day Assault Pack ($239) from Eagle Industries, the SPUR Backpack ($389) by Platatac, and the Huron 32L Assaulter’s Sustainment Bag ($399.95) from TYR Tactical. Overall these sized bags all necessitate a large volume of material and extensive time in production, which is reflected in their price. Within the market, the 3D+ pack is well priced amid its cost for the added function/design, and among its competitors.  
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort aspect, the 3D+ pack offered a good deal of comfort given its thick padding in the shoulder straps, backpanel, and hip pad. Its soft exterior shell provided good comfort and contoured to the back and contents when worn, and the 500D Cordura material had sufficient flexibility to not give the pack any hard edges or angles (whereas a common issue in the previous generation had been the 1000D Cordura was perhaps too rigid and not as flexable). All the zippers functioned smoothly and did not bind, while the slide release buckles snapped/secured cleanly. Weather worn for a few hours or all day, the 3D+ was consistently comfortable.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The main 500D Cordura material offered a good amount of abrasion resistance to withstand general range work, and performed well for an 72-hour bag to support the heavy contents in the field or daily life. Bartack and X-type stitching was noted anchoring the shoulder straps points of contact into the backpanel, and at other key stress connections to reinforce the 3D+’s overall durability. Double line stitching also reinforced all YKK zippers and all of the paracord pull tabs maintained a secure hold (though some rubberized shrink tubing would be a recommended point of improvement for Tactical Tailor to consider).
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the 3D+ pack offered a large variety of storage compartments, placement, and good balance on the upper torso. The three-sided top closure gave adequate access into the main storage compartment, and the high-visibility interior color made it easier to access the deeper recesses of the pack. The exterior pockets did provide means to organize and access contents immediate and keep them secure against inadvertent opening. The 3D+ was able to comfortably hold several pairs of clothing, boots and range accessories, and could easily be configured to any mission need necessary. The shoulder pads provided a good level of comfort and defray of fatigue to the upper torso. The included waist pad was sufficient to wrap around the sides and helped to take some of the pack’s weight off the shoulders, however is permanently affixed to the pack. A point of recommended improvement for Tactical Tailor would be to offer the waist pad as a removable item similar to other packs that would allow the end-user the ability to configure the 3D+ as desired.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Coming in at a total of 3.8 pounds for just over 51 Liters of storage space, the 3D+ was lightweight enough that wearing it for several hours (3+) over varied terrain did not become uncomfortable with a moderate amount of weight (clothes, boots, gear, etc.). The adjustable yolk in the shoulder straps allowed the end-user to find a comfortable ride height for the pack’s center of gravity, although some experimentation will be required to find it. The oversized carrying handle was also good in the hand in that it allowed a full hand width to pick it up. There was a notable diminishing exchange to weight that could be carried however, as heavier items (ammo or electronic equipment) pulled more on the pack over time due to its lack of a supportive frame. This merely reinforced the design that the 3D+ is intended for soft gear (clothing, equipment, etc.) so that bulkier items could be attached to the exterior. In comparison, the Enhanced 3-Day Assault Pack (2.12 pounds for 35 Liters) from Eagle Industries, the SPUR Backpack (4.1 pounds for 56 Liters) by Platatac, and the Huron Assaulter’s Sustainment Bag (3.75 pounds for 32 Liters) from TYR Tactical. This would put the Three Day Plus Assault Pack (Gen 2) at a good overall weight for its weight, 500D Cordura, and storage capacity that can provide the end-user a good sized sustainment pack.

Overall Rating – Good (22/25)

Product Link: https://tacticaltailor.com/three-day-plus-assault-pack-gen-2/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, 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.