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.

 

Using solid 6061 T6 aluminum, American Defense Manufacturing offers several different mount styles for rifle optics to include the Recon and Delta versions. These two popular types of mounts offer users a specific design based on their optic and unique preference.

The RECON

The Recon comes in variable height-over-bore versions that can accommodate optics  with between 30mm and 40mm tube bodies, and with Objective Housings as large as 56mm.

The distinction for the Recon line of optic mounts is many include a 2” cantilever design specific to mounting optics on AR-patterned rifles. This places more large-bodied optics forward over the Delta Ring portion of the semi-automatic rifle, for a more appropriate eye-relief to the user.

Yet, the Recon mount itself is specifically designed around a vertical two-part, split ring approach whereby the base of the mount employs a horizontal pin and torque-screw to provide a solid connection and anchor the mount to the scope rings. Similarly, the top of the scope rings also uses horizontal torque-screws to further secure the optic.

On the bottom of the Recon mount are either ADM’s patented Quick Disconnect titanium throw levers, or picatinny rail-mount bolts. The QD levers themselves use a push-button locking mechanism, cross-bolt, and adjustable nut that allows for the mount to fit both spec and out-of-spec rail systems.

Product Link: https://www.admmfg.com/recon-m-mount

The DELTA

Made of the same T6 aluminum material and T3 anodization as the Recon, the Delta style of mounts share many of the same design features and are intended for the SCAR/AR platforms. This includes variable height-over-bore versions that can accommodate optic Objective Housings as large as 56mm, and similar patented Quick Disconnect titanium throw levers, or picatinny rail-mount bolts.

The difference for the Delta series of optic mounts is that the mount body and bottom scope ring are formed from a single piece of aluminum material, with the top of the scope rings mounting to the bottom via horizontal torque-screw approach.

Both the Recon optic mount and Delta are available in Black (featured) and FDE, and range between 1” and 40mm ring sizes.

Product Link: https://www.admmfg.com/delta-mount

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): Depending on model and options selected, the Recon ($215) and the DELTA ($248-$258) both are constructed from the same 6061 T6 aluminum, a common material for many quality mounts and other accessories. The mounts are also made via direct CNC machining for a clean surface, thus there is no seam or mold markings, and both include locking QD throw levers to quickly attach/detach the mounts (and optic) to any MIL-STD-1913 rail. In contrast, similar mounts like the Badger Ordnance Condition One Modular Mount ($305) and the Geissele Super Precision ($350) represent some of the higher range of 1913 rails, with obviously much lower quality and inexpensive options also available. Thus for their price, in contrast to the materials and market, the Recon and DELTA are both of a good value for their cost.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the adjustability of the QD throw levers to accommodate (re)sizing as the mount was being fitted to the rail, and finding a comfortable tension behind the QD Auto Lock’s spring all ensured a good, solid lock all resulted in a solid mount that allotted no excess movement in the overall optic. Otherwise, disassembly and reassembly of the mount components went smoothly, with screw threads lining up appropriately (though end-users to take care not to overtighten the components or risk damage).
• Durability – Good (4/5): Both the Recon and DELTA were finished in the same T3 mil-spec anodization as other quality mounts which, over the course of several months and a number of iterations between changing out and usage on a full-length rifle and transport, neither mount showed no significant signs of wear aside from minor surface marring or minor tool marks from adjusting/removing the optics (none of which penetrated into the sub-surface aluminum). Moreover the locking mechanism and spring to the Auto Lock remained consistent once an appropriate size was identified, and continually retained tension.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, where the Recon and DELTA differed was in how the mount itself assembled and secured the optic tube. The Recon, being a segmented vertical design, necessitated the lower screws be inserted and torqued correctly before applying pressure to the top. This fully locked the ring halves to the mount base. End-users should take care that if assembling the Recon and using the typical X-pattern to apply the screws, it resulted in a small gap between the rings and the base (something that is not optimal). ADM is aware of this, and it is documented in the Recon installation instructions to use the preferred method. In contrast, the DELTA was designed around the more traditional approach with the base mount and lower rings made from a single piece of material, then the top rings were brought over and secured horizontally via screws using the X-tightening pattern without issue. Otherwise, the Auto Lock mechanism provided a clear and tangible lock when the proper adjustment was made. For their solid design and performance, both the Recon and DELTA offered a good performance in function.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Both the Recon and DELTA mounts have multiple variants to accommodate different height profiles and straight/cantilever designs. Thus, while there is some minor deviation in the overall amount of T6 aluminum used per mount, for the purposes of this review a MEDIUM height Recon (8.6 ounces) and DELTA (8.7 ounces) mount were weighed prior to mounting an optic. This put them both at an appropriate (or of average) weight against the Badger Ordnance Condition One Modular Mount (6.5 ounces) or the Geissele Super Precision (7.1 ounces), whereby the Recon/DELTA/s patented QD Auto Lock levers accounted for the few extra ounces, whereas those competitor mounts did not have those features.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Company Link: https://www.admmfg.com

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 paragon of bags within the Shadow Elite line of products, the Advanced Field Backpack by The Requirements Group represents the company’s best blend of tactical and field designs in a single pack.

Introduced in 2016, the Advanced Field Backpack (AFB) offers all the function, durability, and style of a tactical field backpack that draws on many modern materials. Built from 1000D nylon, the AFB is a medium, 24-hour pack that measures overall 21″ (H) x 13″ (W) x 9″ (D). It uses high-tensile composite nylon threading and YKK zippers/slide-release buckles throughout to enhance its overall durability.

External

On the front of the AFB (at the top) is a 4.5” (H) x 6” (W) fleece-lined, sunglasses/electronic accessory pouch secured via zipper, with a (female) hook-and-loop panel on the exterior. Below of which is an extensive laser-cut MOLLE field with reinforced stitching.

Behind the front exterior of the AFB is a 16” (H) x 10” (W) x 6” (D) administrative pouch, which is secured via dual zippers pull tabs. It includes a key lanyard, one mesh pocket (secured via zipper), three pen sleeves, and two accessory pockets (one with hook-and-loop flap and another with shock cord retention). On the interior of the pouch’s flap is a larger mesh pocket secured via zipper).

On either side of the AFB is a 6” (H) x 5” (W) x 2” (D) accessory pocket that open along on three sides, via zipper pull tab, to allow for maximum access. Dual compression straps, with slide-release buckles, are on both sides of the AFB and help ensure the pack’s contents remain secure.

At the top of the AFB is a reinforced nylon carrying handle that has dual access panels and a concealed access crease into the main storage compartment for hydration tubes or communication cables. The carrying handle itself is anchored via double stitching and creased webbing angles.

The adjustable, dual shoulder straps on the AFB are a split design with an adjustable sternum strap that can be moved along the attached nylon webbing. Each shoulder strap includes a plastic D-ring for attaching accessories or feeding a hydration tube (not included) through, and QD slide-release buckles at the bottom. The shoulder straps consist of a thick closed-cell foam padding that is carried over to sections in the AFB’s back panel.

Behind the shoulder straps is a storage compartment measuring 18” (H) x 10” (W) x 1” (D) and is a little over 1” deep that can accommodate a 15” laptop. The compartment can also double as a sleeve for soft body armor or a hydration bladder.

On the bottom of the EB is a single drainage grommet.

Internal

The main storage compartment itself features a large storage space the full height of the pack. On the interior of the main compartment’s flap is a mesh pocket secured via zipper, while opposite of the interior is a 15” hydration pouch sleeve with retention clip.

Specifications:

• Overall Capacity: 2700 cubic inches or approximately 45L

The Advanced Field Backpack is available in Olive Drab (featured), Coyote, Woodland Digital, and Black. The AFB is available in Vegetato in Europe and special order in North America.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At $126.40 the Advanced Field Backpack (AFB) is priced very well considering the overall carrying capacity of the pack, quantity of 1000D nylon, and hardware involved. This also places it between the popular 5.11’s Rush72 Backpack ($169.99 @ 55L storage space) and its Rush24 Backpack ($129.99 @ 37L storage space). Likewise, Tru-Spec has its Tour of Duty ($177.95 @ 37L storage) and Pathfinder 2.5 ($131.95 @ 39L storage). So, the AFB’s cost is more beneficial for the consumer than other popular vendors using somewhat similar design and materials.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The AFB was able to distribute the weight of its contents comfortably across the upper torso, while the top/bottom compression straps kept things secure. It’s good level of comfort was thanks in large part to its contoured shoulder straps and the use of closed-cell foam padding along the inside of the shoulder straps and back panel. The 1000D material was slightly more abrasive to exposed skin than 500D, and perhaps an improvement to the AFB would be to make the removable waist belt padded to avoid wear on the user’s waist while carrying significant weight.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): In contrast to the more common 500D material, the AFB was comprised of 1000D and thus offered a higher degree of abrasion resistance. Despite being loaded down with a number of hard-corner items and being carried to/from the range, the AFB held up to stressor drills. Extensive bartack, double line, and X-pattern stitching brought added durability to key stress points and webbing throughout.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Of similar design as Direct Action’s Dragon Egg, the AFB has a somewhat curved exterior design to it that accounted for the larger 45L overall carrying capacity while keeping it to a moderate frame size. It’s curved design also made it ideal for use aside from range work to include; day hikes, EDC use, or camping given its somewhat low-profile appearance. The extensive pockets and compartmentalization made the AFB ideal to keep things separate and easily accessible. The laser-cut MOLLE field provided ample room to expand the functionality of the AFB but maintained a low profile when not in use. I would have preferred the bottom compression straps be above the external accessory pockets, to avoid over compressing the contents and still retaining immediate access.
• Weight – Average (3/5): The Advanced Field Backpack weighs 3.5 pounds (empty) which is well under the Rush72 (5 pounds) and closer to the Rush24 (3.7 pounds) or Pathfinder 2.5 (3.35 pounds) Backpack. Given that the AFB falls between the latter two, then its weight is consummate to its carrying capacity and appropriate to its 1000D material and hardware.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://therequirementsgroup.com/she-515/

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.