The only 5.11 Boots I have used are the 6 Inch HRT Advance Desert Boots with side zip to personally review, and as you can tell from my previous posts I am very much a 5.11 kit fan but I will give the unbiased feedback I have gathered from other users of the 5.11 HRT Advance boot and the 5.11 XPRT Police Boot as well.
From the off the HRT Advance boot were the most comfortable boots I have ever owned and they continued to be so until they were stolen from me at the gym :( . I was so pleased with these 5.11 boots that they became my default footwear, looking fine with a pair of jeans at the weekend (once they were a bit scuffed and grubby) as well as for bombing about all over Egypt or South America. The side zip made them a sinch to pull on and off and the temperature regulation from the coolmax and Drilex lining kept my feet dry and fresh in all but the worst situations. At ~£100 from most online retailers I will be investing a new pair once I have a little bit more cash in my pocket for sure.
On a side note a friend used his desert 6inch HRT advance 5.11 boots in the snow in the UK and found them to be completely snow proof and fantastically grippy after spending spending several days trudging about in them!
The other 5.11 boots I have not tried myself but have heard extensive feedback on are the 5.11 XPRT (Extreme Performance for Rapid Tactics)Police Boots. These are a a light weight response boot designed for the US market with an emphasis on speed! As a response boot they perform very well, highly grippy sole even on wet surfaces and excellent ankle support, without being restrictive to movement.
On the down side there are two flaws with these 5.11 boots. First; they are not designed for, and subsequently will not last if used for, long periods of foot patrol. The sole will wear down quickly (its soft composite provides better grip over durability) and the supple construction means the continued flexing may lead the boots to split along the creases. The second gripe is the kick toe, great for a bit of extra protection and durability, not ideal for bulling and polishing for parade or even uniform wear if your skipper is a bit strict!
Check out these, and more 5.11 Boots at PatrolStore.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Bates Boots Review
Bates boots have been used much more prominently in the USA than in the UK for many years. Comparable to Magnum Boots in the USA Bates Boots are not nearly as popular in the UK, but that doesn't mean that they should be ignored in your quest for a pair of high quality police boots.
The most popular of the Bates range is the Bates Falcon Boot. The Faclon Boot from Bates is used by SBS (Special Boat Service), the Royal Marines Visibility Team and special forces across the globe. The Falcon Bates Boot is unique in its light weight design and specialist sole. The sole is the key feature of this boot, providing the highest levels of traction available on slippery surfaces, like boat decks, or aircraft wings, even when wet. The downside being that the boots are a light weight response boot, ideal for quick in and out operations, not so good for longer patrols, be they urban or mountainous, jungle or desert!
A more suitable Bates boot for urban foot patrol, great for police users, is the bates tactical sport side zip. The light weight leather and nylon construction with the easy access side zip and reasonable price point makes these the second most popular of the bates range. Similar to the Tactical Sport Side Zip in design is the GX8 Bates Boot, the difference being it has no side zip, but does boast a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. The Gore-tex however does make the Bates GX8 quite a bit more expensive at circa £90.
Some of the newer Bates models boast an individual comfort system. A unique dial in the heal of the boot which allows the user to adjust the camber of the footbed to suit the individual arch. The downside of this being that you can adjust the arches to make the comfortable with an underlying foot problem you will actually accentuate the problem rather than correct it.
One point of note is that Bates Boots are not EN certified or SRA, B or C slip rated as they are built to US standards rather than UK or European Standards so bear that in mind if making a corporate purchase.
The most popular of the Bates range is the Bates Falcon Boot. The Faclon Boot from Bates is used by SBS (Special Boat Service), the Royal Marines Visibility Team and special forces across the globe. The Falcon Bates Boot is unique in its light weight design and specialist sole. The sole is the key feature of this boot, providing the highest levels of traction available on slippery surfaces, like boat decks, or aircraft wings, even when wet. The downside being that the boots are a light weight response boot, ideal for quick in and out operations, not so good for longer patrols, be they urban or mountainous, jungle or desert!
A more suitable Bates boot for urban foot patrol, great for police users, is the bates tactical sport side zip. The light weight leather and nylon construction with the easy access side zip and reasonable price point makes these the second most popular of the bates range. Similar to the Tactical Sport Side Zip in design is the GX8 Bates Boot, the difference being it has no side zip, but does boast a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. The Gore-tex however does make the Bates GX8 quite a bit more expensive at circa £90.
Some of the newer Bates models boast an individual comfort system. A unique dial in the heal of the boot which allows the user to adjust the camber of the footbed to suit the individual arch. The downside of this being that you can adjust the arches to make the comfortable with an underlying foot problem you will actually accentuate the problem rather than correct it.
One point of note is that Bates Boots are not EN certified or SRA, B or C slip rated as they are built to US standards rather than UK or European Standards so bear that in mind if making a corporate purchase.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Magnum Classic Boots
The Magnum Classic boot is the "Traditional" Leather and Nylon police boot. Often imitated never, bettered this classic boot design has served police officers across the globe for nearly 25 years (and will probably last another 25!). The Magnum Classic ticks all the standard Magnum Boot boxes; EN Certified, ISO9000, SRC Slip resistant sole, full grain leather and 900D ballistic nylon upper and a 12 Month manufacturers warranty etc. but probably the thing that makes the Classic Magnum so popular is the simple design and reserved appearance.
Some of the more modern Magnum boots have a lot more fancy technology, but they of course cost a bit more than the Classic model and their "funky" designs make them a bit more garish and not so "uniform." With the classic you can polish the toe to get a great shine that will make these boots acceptable to even the strictest of skippers.
Some people prefer the similarly priced Magnum Panther Boot with the side zip for easier and faster donning and dothing, but if you want the same convenience but still want to stick with the original Magnum Classic you can lace in a pair of zippers for the front. The zippers actually make the boots much more comfortable than with the laces alone and in the eventuality that the zippers failed you can always re lace the boots the traditional way.
If you are starting out as a police officer I would recommend you pick up a pair of these Magnum Boots for your general duties. They will serve on foot patrol, in the classroom, in a car or on parade equally well without give you the "Tackleberry" image and if later on you find you need a more specialized boot then you can always upgrade without having poured too much money down the drain on some uber Gucci boots that are not fit for purpose. Like most Magnum Boots they are available in size 9.
One point of note though, the Classics are not waterproof. They have no membrane or Ion mask technology unfortunately. The full grain leather and quality nylon construction does make them pretty water resistant, an if you wax and polish the leather well you should find the boots adequately water resistant for all but the heaviest of rain down pours and they will dry out quite quickly too.
Some of the more modern Magnum boots have a lot more fancy technology, but they of course cost a bit more than the Classic model and their "funky" designs make them a bit more garish and not so "uniform." With the classic you can polish the toe to get a great shine that will make these boots acceptable to even the strictest of skippers.
Some people prefer the similarly priced Magnum Panther Boot with the side zip for easier and faster donning and dothing, but if you want the same convenience but still want to stick with the original Magnum Classic you can lace in a pair of zippers for the front. The zippers actually make the boots much more comfortable than with the laces alone and in the eventuality that the zippers failed you can always re lace the boots the traditional way.
If you are starting out as a police officer I would recommend you pick up a pair of these Magnum Boots for your general duties. They will serve on foot patrol, in the classroom, in a car or on parade equally well without give you the "Tackleberry" image and if later on you find you need a more specialized boot then you can always upgrade without having poured too much money down the drain on some uber Gucci boots that are not fit for purpose. Like most Magnum Boots they are available in size 9.
One point of note though, the Classics are not waterproof. They have no membrane or Ion mask technology unfortunately. The full grain leather and quality nylon construction does make them pretty water resistant, an if you wax and polish the leather well you should find the boots adequately water resistant for all but the heaviest of rain down pours and they will dry out quite quickly too.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Peter Jones Klickfast
The original Peter Jones Klickfast manufacturer of Police radio and equipment holders was of course Peter Jones ILG. The Klickfast system was originaly designed for mounting airwaves radios to the chest of police vests . The unique multi position swivel mounting allowed the radios to be easily inserted and locked into place in a number of different positions. The Klickfast concept was then rapidly adopted for mounting any number of additional devices, from CS Holders to Torch Holders and even baton holders . Police Officers were able to use Klickfast docs mounted on leather belt loops to apply the clickfast system to equipment they wished to have on their belt rather than on their vest (where commonly the only two options were the left or right breast).
The most popular Peter Jones mounts are the Polymer CS gas holster which provides rapid, easy access to ones PAVA spray and the two light holder docs designed to accommodate either the Peli Versabrite or most hand-held pocket torches. The advantage of these two styles of peter jones Klcikfast holders is they allow a police officer hands free illumination when checking IDs or writing down notes or filling out Fixed Penalty Notices.
There are a couple of imitation products available which are compatible with the Klickfast system, however Peter Jones claim that use of a non branded replica stud or doc in conjunction with their equipment will void its warranty. Most officially issued kit is genuine Peter Jones Klickfast.
The most popular Peter Jones mounts are the Polymer CS gas holster which provides rapid, easy access to ones PAVA spray and the two light holder docs designed to accommodate either the Peli Versabrite or most hand-held pocket torches. The advantage of these two styles of peter jones Klcikfast holders is they allow a police officer hands free illumination when checking IDs or writing down notes or filling out Fixed Penalty Notices.
There are a couple of imitation products available which are compatible with the Klickfast system, however Peter Jones claim that use of a non branded replica stud or doc in conjunction with their equipment will void its warranty. Most officially issued kit is genuine Peter Jones Klickfast.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Magnum Stealth Force 8.0 Boots
The Magnum Stealth Force 8.0 boot comes in a few different variations. The "original" Leather and Nylon 8" version, a lower cut 6" version, Water Proof Ion Mask treated, side zip, all leather, composite safety toe and plate and even a womens specific stealth libery mid variant.
The stealth force all leather composite toe and plate boot is a very popular safety boot. Fully certified to EN standards for both the composite safety toe protection and slip resistant outsole the Magnum CT CP Stealth force packs a full safety boot into a comfortable light weight unit that is equally suited to industrial usage as it is to tactical situations. The composite toe in this Magnum Stealth force is a grey area for both police and security wearers as causing someone an injury whilst wearing a composite toe can leave you liable for accusations of assault with a weapon. Even police officers who are wearing toe caps (steels) may wind up in trouble if they have not been issued them for public order or special duties. If you are looking for some size 9 Magnums I would highly recommend these.
The standard Magnum Stealth Force WPI version has been discussed earlier in this blog here, but there are other versions also available with the ion mask technology like the all singing all dancing Stealth Force CT CP SZ an eight inch boot featuring a composite toe, a composite shank to reduce puncture risks and a YKK side Zip.
The Stealth Liberty mid is one of Magnum Boots most popular products as it is the only womens specific police boot on a special narrower last (footbed) with a lower cut ankle to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon insertion point. This boot also has a slightly lighter composition and a more stylized design to appeal more to the female wearer making it quite distinct from a simple six inch stealth boot which is a lower but version of the mens eight inch boot.
The stealth force all leather composite toe and plate boot is a very popular safety boot. Fully certified to EN standards for both the composite safety toe protection and slip resistant outsole the Magnum CT CP Stealth force packs a full safety boot into a comfortable light weight unit that is equally suited to industrial usage as it is to tactical situations. The composite toe in this Magnum Stealth force is a grey area for both police and security wearers as causing someone an injury whilst wearing a composite toe can leave you liable for accusations of assault with a weapon. Even police officers who are wearing toe caps (steels) may wind up in trouble if they have not been issued them for public order or special duties. If you are looking for some size 9 Magnums I would highly recommend these.
The standard Magnum Stealth Force WPI version has been discussed earlier in this blog here, but there are other versions also available with the ion mask technology like the all singing all dancing Stealth Force CT CP SZ an eight inch boot featuring a composite toe, a composite shank to reduce puncture risks and a YKK side Zip.
The Stealth Liberty mid is one of Magnum Boots most popular products as it is the only womens specific police boot on a special narrower last (footbed) with a lower cut ankle to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon insertion point. This boot also has a slightly lighter composition and a more stylized design to appeal more to the female wearer making it quite distinct from a simple six inch stealth boot which is a lower but version of the mens eight inch boot.
Monday, 21 November 2011
1000 Mile socks
The name concept of 1000 mile socks is pretty simple, if you get a blister in your first 1000 miles of wear and you get your money back! Pretty confident claim eh, but having spoken candidly with one of their reps, they honestly get very few claims on their claim.
The construction of 1000 mile sock is what makes them so blister resistant (if that is even a real term). The outer is not unlike many other performance hiking socks with a material blend designed to provide padding, insulation, moisture wicking and heat management but the real difference is the integrated Tactel inner sock. The Tactel lining sock, available from 1000 mile as a stand alone product, is designed to grip tight to the foot surface and wicks moisture whilst providing a protective layer between the outer and the skin on the foot allowing the outer to rub on the inside of the boot and against the Tactel layer whilst the foot stays friction free.
The range of 1000 mile socks designed for the tactical market sector covers the more basic combat sock (in black or green), the more advanced fusion services sock (in black or desert sand) the Tactel lining sock as discussed earlier and a few other products which offer great performance for police or military users, the 1000 mile compression and support socks designed to aid rehab and recovery from intense training. It is also worth noting that the fusion services socks are available in specific sizes for both men and women.
I personally have a pair of the fusion services sock in desert and they have become my long distance winter sock of choice, replacing the Magnum MX3 socks as the weather cools. Now I have not racked up nearly 1000 miles since putting them on but I have given them a thorough run out across the downs for a day in my Lowa boots (which were very comfortable to start with) and I have been more impressed with these than any other socks I have tried. A Police special colleague is also trailing the black version of the 1000 mile fusion services sock for urban foot patrol and he is also singing their praises in his Magnum boots.
The construction of 1000 mile sock is what makes them so blister resistant (if that is even a real term). The outer is not unlike many other performance hiking socks with a material blend designed to provide padding, insulation, moisture wicking and heat management but the real difference is the integrated Tactel inner sock. The Tactel lining sock, available from 1000 mile as a stand alone product, is designed to grip tight to the foot surface and wicks moisture whilst providing a protective layer between the outer and the skin on the foot allowing the outer to rub on the inside of the boot and against the Tactel layer whilst the foot stays friction free.
The range of 1000 mile socks designed for the tactical market sector covers the more basic combat sock (in black or green), the more advanced fusion services sock (in black or desert sand) the Tactel lining sock as discussed earlier and a few other products which offer great performance for police or military users, the 1000 mile compression and support socks designed to aid rehab and recovery from intense training. It is also worth noting that the fusion services socks are available in specific sizes for both men and women.
I personally have a pair of the fusion services sock in desert and they have become my long distance winter sock of choice, replacing the Magnum MX3 socks as the weather cools. Now I have not racked up nearly 1000 miles since putting them on but I have given them a thorough run out across the downs for a day in my Lowa boots (which were very comfortable to start with) and I have been more impressed with these than any other socks I have tried. A Police special colleague is also trailing the black version of the 1000 mile fusion services sock for urban foot patrol and he is also singing their praises in his Magnum boots.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Peli Versabrite Light
You will see a Peli Versabrite on the chest of most police officers in the UK these days, it is an indispensable little gadget that gives bright, clear reliable hands free illumination at the flip of a lid. Some people might be put off at first by the price of a Peli Versabrite, (RRP £24.99 but you can get it for £17.99 from PatrolStore.com) and there are cheaper alternatives on the market for a more sensible looking £10 price point. HOWEVER the Peli comes with a life time guarantee and it really is a no quibble guarantee, run it over, drown it in the rain, have your dog chew it, or simply let the battery run out, send it back to Peli and they will repair or replace your versabrite for absolutely no charge!
The Peli versabrite itself is a small plastic case with a sprung clip on the back which you can use to attach to a lapel, MOLLE webbing, baseball cap peak etc etc and on the front the "lid" contains two bright LEDs which light up when the lid is flipped up and turn off when closed. The lid itself can be adjusted to any angle up to 180 Degrees making it a versatile little bit of kit.
What a lot of police officers do with their peli versabrite is mount it on a Peter Jones Klickfast Doc which allows it to be mounted in any Peter Jones Klick Fast mounting, similar to those on the shoulders of most police vests. This allows you to not only adjust the angle of the light up and down with the Peli lid itself but also rotate it through 360 deg in the doc. If you are a police officer this combo is what most people use.
The Peli comes in a variety of colours, the most popular is black for professional use, or Hi-Viz for those who have to wear Hi-Viz for their duties, but you can buy them in red, blue, green, orange purple, etc etc if you want one for camping or similar.
Remember, although a Peli Versabrite is twice the price of the alternatives, if you break it once in its life time it will have paid for itself with the warranty!
The Peli versabrite itself is a small plastic case with a sprung clip on the back which you can use to attach to a lapel, MOLLE webbing, baseball cap peak etc etc and on the front the "lid" contains two bright LEDs which light up when the lid is flipped up and turn off when closed. The lid itself can be adjusted to any angle up to 180 Degrees making it a versatile little bit of kit.
What a lot of police officers do with their peli versabrite is mount it on a Peter Jones Klickfast Doc which allows it to be mounted in any Peter Jones Klick Fast mounting, similar to those on the shoulders of most police vests. This allows you to not only adjust the angle of the light up and down with the Peli lid itself but also rotate it through 360 deg in the doc. If you are a police officer this combo is what most people use.
The Peli comes in a variety of colours, the most popular is black for professional use, or Hi-Viz for those who have to wear Hi-Viz for their duties, but you can buy them in red, blue, green, orange purple, etc etc if you want one for camping or similar.
Remember, although a Peli Versabrite is twice the price of the alternatives, if you break it once in its life time it will have paid for itself with the warranty!
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