Learning Center

  5.11 Tactical

ABOUT 5.11 TACTICAL
5.11 Tactical was developed in 1968 built on a foundation of durability, functionality and quality. 5.11 is a difficulty level in the Yosemite Decimal rating scale for rock climbing. With skill levels ranging from 5.0 (easy) to 5.10 (difficult); 5.11 is the most difficult. 5.11 is defined as this, "After thorough inspection, you conclude this move is impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it."

HIGH PERFORMANCE APPAREL FOR PROFESSIONALS
5.11 Tactical Collection - this is where it all started for 5.11 Tactical, and they are always pushing ahead with new features and functions. Known for outstanding value and tactical practicality, they're apparel continues to meet the needs of law enforcement agenies across the united States and around the world. 5.11 products are designed to perform in today's ever-changing Law Enforcement environments. With key features designed with the direct input of real-world oerators, we're sure our new HRT products will exceed your expectations.

ABOUT 5.11 HRT PRODUCTS:
5.11 Outerwear offers functional innovation that allows you to reach your peak performance on duty with a perfect blend of tactical/practical functionality and traditional style. They have worked with law enforcement personel in a range of climates to design an outerwear line that works for every climate. Whether you need light coverage for mild weather or for more severe winters they have you covered. And, if you need to be seen, they are pleased to announce other new high-visibility items, a waterproof parka, and a waterproof, insulated, reversible jacket.

The 5.11 Undergear has been designed from the ground up with the law enforcement professional in mind. Undergear is designed and built to provide the comfortable support and built to provide the comfortable support you need for your 8, 10, 12 or more hour workday. 5.11 encourages you to compare their Undergear side-by-side against the other guys.

5.11 Tactical's efforts to create the perfect polo have been recognized on a global level. The Guarda Nacional Republicana National Guard) of Portugal is an example of one of the many international law enforcement entities to take advantage of 5.11 Tacticals cutting edge technology implemented in their professional polo.

With the 5.11 Uniform Collection 5.11 Tactical is bringing proven tactical performance features to a uniform industry that's stayed virtually unchanged for 50 years. This is one more way in which 5.11 is pushing boundaries. Today 5.11 is pleased to outfit some of the world's finest departments from K-9 patrol uniforms in 5.11 Class "A" dress uniforms, head to toe.

5.11 Tactical's proprietary Back Up Belt System has been developed to provide a secondary way to store bulky, uncomfortable gear that you would normally carry on a duty belt. 5.11 Tacticals BBS also provides a range of alternative ways to carry your CCW and other equipment with its hook-and-loop system.

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Blackhawk® Focuses on the Most Common Cause of Preventable Deaths in
Tactical Environment with Launch of its Integrated Tourniquet System™

Mike Noell, President and CEO of Blackhawk! Products Group™ announced the addition of Blackhawk's Integrated Tourniquet System into their new Warrior Wear® apparel line. At recent events directed towards the Law Enforcement and Military Medical Community, Blackhawk announced that the revolutionary system was in the final phases of testing and should be available during Q1 of Calendar 2008.

"At Blackhawk we get up every morning dedicated to using our resources to help save lives," explained Noell. "When medics and doctors that deal with combat and tactical medical needs see the system, they at once understand the immediate life saving potential. Four tourniquets in the pants and four tourniquets in the shirt (two in the short sleeve version), correctly positioned and oriented to the upper and lower extremities, are immediately accessible under existing gear and can be operated by the wearer, their buddy, or a medic. Immediate application minimizes loss of blood, the single greatest medical problem resulting in death from injuries sustained to the extremities among our troops today. An additional feature is that our design allows users to train with the system over and over rather than having to replace each tourniquet after a single use, whether during training or in the field using the same system they will wear in tactical operation," further explained Noell.

"The Integrated Tourniquet System (I.T.S.™) was the brainchild of Dr. Keith Rose. Dr. Rose, a tactical medicine consultant for Blackhawk's Special Operations Division, was in the military for several years on a forward surgical team and has extensive field experience in trauma and burns. He is currently working with humanitarian groups worldwide and worked directly with Blackhawk!'s R&D team to make sure that the system met real world requirements, and was also consistent with the medical training doctrine typically used by Military, Law Enforcement and the Civilian communities," elaborated Eric Yeates, Director of Blackhawk's R&D. "Blackhawk's Injection Molding Team collaborated on the patent pending design of the Tourniquet System; our Apparel design teams designed the pants and shirts to carry the system, and our Factory's rapid prototyping capability allowed us to get sample systems into the hands of users very early in the design process so we could incorporate their input from the beginning of the project," concluded Yeates.

"The majority of preventable deaths come from loss of blood resulting from leg and arm wounds that is not protected by body armor. Sixty percent of preventable combat deaths are from extremity bleeding and 50-70% of all combat injuries are extremity wounds," explained Dr. Rose*. The fact that you can always find the tourniquet with the Integrated Tourniquet system and the speed with which you can immediately apply it will dramatically impact not only loss of life but also the amount of time that it takes to recover from extreme blood loss injuries." Dr. Rose further explains.

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Size Reference Guide

Propper Uniform Size Reference Guide
Size		Waist	Inseam	Height	Chest
XS2	EXTRA SMALL REGULAR	23 to 27	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	up to 33
S1	SMALL SHORT	27 to 31	26 1/2 to 29 1/2	63 to 67	33 to 37
S2	SMALL REGULAR	27 to 31	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	33 to 37
S3	SMALL LONG	27 to 31	32 1/2 to 35 1/2	71 to 75	33 to 37
M1	MEDIUM SHORT	31 to 35	26 1/2 to 29 1/2	63 to 67	37 to 41
M2	MEDIUM REGULAR	31 to 35	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	37 to 41
M3	MEDIUM LONG	31 to 35	32 1/2 to 35 1/2	71 to 75	37 to 41
L1	LARGE SHORT	35 to 39	26 1/2 to 29 1/2	63 to 67	41 to 45
L2	LARGE REGULAR	35 to 39	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	41 to 45
L3	LARGE LONG	35 to 39	32 1/2 to 35 1/2	71 to 75	41 to 45
XL2	EXTRA LARGE REGULAR	39 to 43	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	45 to 49
XL3	EXTRA LARGE LONG	39 to 43	32 1/2 to 35 1/2	71 to 75	45 to 49
XXL2	2X LARGE REGULAR	43 to 47	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	49 to 53
XXL3	2X LARGE LONG	43 to 47	32 1/2 to 35 1/2	71 to 75	49 to 53
XXXL2	3X LARGE REGULAR	47 to 51	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	53 to 57
XXXL3	3X LARGE LONG	47 to 51	32 1/2 to 35 1/2	71 to 75	53 to 57
XXXXL2	4X LARGE REGULAR	51 to 55	29 1/2 to 32 1/2	67 to 71	57 to 61
Propper Hat Size Reference Guide
Hat Size		Reference	Head Band Circumference
7		Small	22  Inches
7-1/4		Medium	22-3/4 Inches
7-1/2		Large	23-1/2 Inches
7-3/4		Extra-Large	24-1/4 Inches
All dimensions are shown in inches

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  Hawk Eyewear with Polorized Lenses

The Hawk is a classically styled sunglass that offers ANSI Z87.1-2003 standards and is available with an UV A/B smoke lens. The Hawk features 2.2mm polycarbonate lenses for unsurpassed clarity and optical performance. Includes case, leash and cleaner/bag. Imported.

The nylon used in our frames is nylon 6.6, specially formulated to strike a good balance between rigidity and flexibility. Frames feature subtle 5.11 branding and rubber over-molded nose and earpieces. 5.11 sunglasses come with a hard foam carry case that features 5.11's SlickStick™ attachment and is Molle compatible. Glasses come packed with a leash and microfi ber bag/cleaning cloth. All of our eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1-2003 safety standards and offer UV A/B protection.

Each style comes with a complete kit: Hardshell case, leash, and microfiber bag /cleaning cloth.


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  Serengeti Eyewear

The road worth taking. No where do your eyes experience more dramatic and discomforting change than while driving. Suddenly, shade turns into piercing glare. Sun into blinding snow. Fog into pounding rain. One lens has been specifically designed to help you see better and drive with more control wherever the road may take you. Serengeti. Only Serengeti has our patented "smart" lens technology, Spectral Control®, giving each lens a unique ability to sense and adjust to whatever comes your way. Serengeti puts you on the road to a higher standard. A road where the sun becomes your ally, making everything sharp, and crystal clear. Where your eyes remain relaxed, free from strain and fatigue. Travel with us and discover for yourself how the unseen science of Serengeti can help you own the rays, the haze, the rain--and the road.

The dynamic lens that works with your eyes. Serengeti's patented Spectral Control® System is dynamic, ever-adapting "smart" lens technology works with your eyes to provide the ultimate in comfort and clarity in any situation. Experience it and you'll discover contrast and high definition like you've never known before. In fact, experience it just once and you'll never travel without Serengeti again.

Unrivaled technology is integrated into every Serengeti. The unseen science of Serengeti. You'll own the finest protection and performance available anywhere. Only one brand of sunglasses delivers this caliber of vision. Only Serengeti. Premium UV Protection: Serengeti lenses exceed all government and commercial standards for UVA and UVB. Enjoy greater comfort and clarity. Serengeti's Spectral Control® System provides the highest level of definition at all times. Eliminate glare with Polarization (Strata). Absorbs reflected light waves and reduces eyestrain and fatigue. The right lens for all conditions. Serengeti's photochromatic lenses darken in bright sunlight for superior definition and lighten in overcast conditions for needed contrast. Superior scratch resistance: Distortion-free, precision ground and polished optical glass that can last a lifetime. Eliminate eyestrain and fatigue. No more "blue blur". Serengeti lenses filter troublesome blue light waves. A perfect prescription: Serengeti offers most of its advanced lenses for prescription wear (available in Drivers, Drivers Gradient and Sedona). Award winning frames: The height of innovation and style. Also designed for superior comfort and to help reduce facial fatigue.

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  What Does ANSI Z87.1 Certified Mean?

ANSI is the acronym for the American National Standards Institute, a nonprofit organization that serves as administrator of the United States private sector voluntary standardization system. The primary objective of ANSI is to promote and facilitate voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems. ANSI does not have authority to enforce such standards, but their standards are used by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to be sure that certain safety devices, such as eyewear, provide adequate protection for workers.


The ANSI Z87.1 standard sets forth requirements for the design, construction, testing, and use of eye protection devices, including standards for impact and penetration resistance. All safety glasses, goggles, and face shields used by employees under OSHA jurisdiction must meet the ANSI Z87.1 standard. The eyewear standard includes the following minimum requirements:

• Provide adequate protection against the hazards for which they are designed
• Be reasonably comfortable
• Fit securely, without interfering with movement or vision
• Be capable of being disinfected if necessary, and be easy to clean
• Be durable
• Fit over, or incorporate, prescription eyewear

Many manufacturers of sports eyewear and other protective eyewear not used in a work environment also comply with the ANSI Z87.1 standard. If you need protective eyewear of any kind, look for products that comply with the ANSI standard or consult with an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician before purchasing.

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  Blackhawk Warrior Wear

BlackHawk Warrior Wear - apparel and footwear to meet the needs of today's military and law enforcement personnel. Designed with the latest materials and technologies available, Warrior Wear products are engineered based upon the demands and rigors that foot soldiers or street cops face on a daily basis. The first products available from Warrior Wear start from the ground up with four boot models; the Light Assault Boot, the Tactical Response Boot, the Black Ops Boot, and the Desert Ops Boot.

The Light Assault Boots are water friendly for today's special operation warrior. Built on Vibram® Trail Run rubber outsoles in TC4 Plus; a sticky rubber compound that prevents slipping on wet surfaces, with a long wearing, PR midsole. The boot upper is made from a combination of double layer lightweight, breathable nylon mesh and quick dry synthetic microfiber high-abrasion materials. Toe and heel outers are reinforced with a special rubberized protection layer providing unsurpassed abrasion and scuff resistance, especially in prone positions. The footbed is made of custom molded OrthoLite® which enables air to travel through and around the insole, cooling the wearer's foot and offering up to 95 to 100% breathability. The waterproof recycled molded insole board has a built-in shank for unsurpassed support. Dri-Lex® lining, the same materials used in today's top trail running shoes, allow water and moisture to wick away, keeping feet dry and comfortable.

Quick close, injection molded lace holders feature a hidden lace perforated pocket for quick closure of the boot with one hand, while ensuring no failure in combat conditions.

The Tactical Response Boot is a heavier duty boot with a Vibram F$S outsole in "Trek" compound for excellent traction and stability in urban environments. Constructed with an OrthoLite custom molded footbed, a Durable etc® breathable lining, and a fiberglass shank, the Tactical Response Boot, with its rugged exterior, is designed for SWAT professionals yet comfortable enough for all day wear. The boot upper is comprised of Cordura® and high abrasion leather for durability under the most extreme conditions.

The Desert Ops Boot is built on a Vibram Lite Run rubber outersole in a Trek rubber compound. OrthoLite footbeds and Dri-Lex lining provide breathability and quick drying capabilities. Toes and heels are protected against abrasion by an outer rubberized reinforcement. A fully gusseted tongue prevents debris from getting in the boot and an injection molded shank provides exceptional support, especially when under the load of a full pack.

The Black Ops Boot is the weatherproof version of the Desert Ops Boot in black only with a waterproof lining and all the same features of Vibram sole, OrthoLite footbeds, gusseted tongue and injection molded shank.

The Light Assault Boots will be available in black and coyote tan. The Tactical Response Boot and Black Ops Boot will be available in black only and the Desert Ops boot available in coyote tan.

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  Fastest Tactical Boots on the Planet?

The annual International Association of Chief's Police 5k race, sponsored by the 5.11 Challenge was won by a runner wearing a pair of 5.11 Tactical Series® HRT Boots. 5.11 Tactical Series®, an innovator in uniform apparel and accessories invited Ad Verweij of Hoornaar, Holland to run the race in a pair of HRT Boots. For over three years now the company has been touting its new boot as lightweight and designed for speed. Wear tests by officers all over the country have been showing that the boots are proving to...

meet the severe standards set by law enforcement officers in not only everyday patrol but also special operations.

Today, the company backs up its claim that their boots perform like a running shoe. Verweij, with a time of 17 minutes and 09 seconds said, "The boots felt great and made winning the race a snap." Verweij finished the race to a round of high fives as he sped by the finish line wearing his running jersey and shorts contrasted by the 9 inch black special operations boots.

CEO, Dan Costa of 5.11 Tactical Series® said, "I wanted to show people how light and fast these boots were so I challenged Verweij to run the race in the boots. I promised a donation of $1,000 to a charity of his choice if he could win. It was great to see him finish the race in our boots over a minute ahead of the second place runner."

5.11 Tactical Series® currently has six models of boots designed by law enforcement for law enforcement. From the high tech HRT waterproof model designed for special operations to the ATAC duty boots which meet the needs of the everyday street officer, 5.11 Tactical Series® has once again shown that they are on the cutting edge of providing high quality products to Law Enforcement at an affordable price.

5.11 Tactical Series® continues to follow its recipe of listening to their customer's needs, wants and desires. They have created specialized footwear to meet the demands of today's law enforcement specialist and will continue to provide functional innovation in not only footwear but also all products designed and manufactured for law enforcement professionals.

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Boot & Shoe Size Conversion Table                     

The following table is a conversion of USA shoe sizes to UK, Europe and Japan standards.

USA	United Kingdom	Europe	Japan
5	4	36.5	23
5 1/2	4 1/2	37	23.5
6	5	38	24
6 1/2	5 1/2	38.5	24.5
7	6	39	25
7 1/2	6 1/2	40	25.5
8	7	40.5	26
8 1/2	7 1/2	41	26.5
9	8	42	27
9 1/2	8 1/2	42.5	27.5
10	9	43	28
10 1/2	9 1/2	44	28.5
11	10	44.5	29
11 1/2	10 1/2	45	29.5
12	11	46	30
12 1/2	11 1/2	46.5	30.5
13	12	47	31
13 1/2	12 1/2	48	31.5
14	13	48.5	32
14 1/2	13 1/2	49	32.5
15	14	50	33
15 1/2	14 1/2	50.5	33.5
16	15	51	34

© CopQuest.com Quality Public Safety Products

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  Luminox

In 1989 the first Luminox watch was born. These watches are Swiss made, but the company was begun by two American businessmen. Employing a unique illumination system, with a Swiss watch mechanism, this watch was first developed for the active sports market, but was later rebuilt to meet the rigorous specifications as on the request of the U.S. Navy SEALs. After redesigning the watch, the revamped dive watch was offered to the SEAL teams in early 1994. This was the Original SEAL Dive Series I.

It became a success instantly. With the enhanced credibility of having been requested by and supplied to the U.S. Navy SEALS, consumers correctly reasoned that if it were good enough for one of the world's most elite military forces, it surely was good enough for their recreational uses.

From there, Luminox expanded the collection to include a variety of dial colors, improved and upgraded versions of the original, and ultimately an entire line of watches of many types and styles created for the active consumer, the sportsman, law enforcement and military groups.

Technology
One possible advantage of a Luminox in comparison to other watches is its glow-in-the-dark capability. Every Luminox watch uses a self-powered system of illumination powered by very small gas lights (borosilicate glass capsules). These allow the watch to glow continuously for 10 years while having a much brighter illumination system.

The micro gas lights that are installed to every single hour, dial and bezels are called borosilicate glass capsules. Luminox watches need no external light source to "charge" the point on the dial or hands in order to glow as do conventional luminous watches. Nor do they require the push of a button to light the dial as do watches with electroluminescence. Instead, tiny hollow, cylindrically-shaped, beads are utilized. The inside of each bead is coated in a phosphorescent material, and a minuscule amount of gaseous Tritium is injected. The Tritium, being a slightly radioactive compound, casts off electrons as it decays. These electrons in turn excite the luminescent material inside the bead, creating the brightly illuminated point.

The U.S. military has recognized for some time the advantages of micro gas light sources and that is one of the reasons it was quickly recognized as Navy SEAL watches.

Luminox Watch Models
As of April 2007, below are the Luminox Watch Models that are commercially available:
Original LUMINOX Watch Navy SEAL Series

• LUMINOX Watch Navy SEAL Dive Watch -Series 1

(This is the original series that was introduced to SEAL TEAMs in 1994)

• LUMINOX Watch Navy SEAL Dive Watch -Series 2
• LUMINOX Watch Navy SEAL Steel Series

LUMINOX Watch Black Ops Series

• LUMINOX Watch Navy SEAL Titanium Series
• LUMINOX Watch Navy SEAL Steel/Carbon Fiber Dive Series
• LUMINOX Watch Ultimate Navy SEAL Dive Series

LUMINOX Watch Diver/Marine Series

• LUMINOX Watch Ladies Dive Series
• LUMINOX Watch Dive Professional Series
• LUMINOX Watch Sea Diver Series
• LUMINOX Watch Marine Series

Other LUMINOX Watch Special Forces Series

• LUMINOX Watch F-117 Nighthawk Series
• LUMINOX Watch F-16 Fighting Falcon Series
• LUMINOX Watch Special Forces Series

LUMINOX Watch Field Series

• LUMINOX Watch Dress Field Series (Men)
• LUMINOX Watch Dress Field Series (Ladies)
• LUMINOX Watch Ultimate Field Series

Other LUMINOX Watches

• LUMINOX Watch Compass Series
• LUMINOX Watch Silver Series
• LUMINOX Watch Automatic Mechanical Series
• LUMINOX Watch Quadrum Series

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Water Resistance in a Dive Watch, How Much Is Enough?

It would appear that a watch claiming to be water-resistant to 100 meters or 330 feet should be sufficient for recreational scuba diving. Especially since those safe diving limits are set at 130 feet. So what's the deal?

First off, the water-resistance ratings provided by manufacturers are from testing done under controlled circumstances. Basically they indicate resistance to water penetration assuming there is no movement by either the watch or the water, at a particular depth. Also, they don't account for what happens if the watch is bumped or jarred.

Several factors are at work simultaneously on a watch while underwater. Pressure is the most significant. At sea-level there is one atmosphere (atm) of pressure on everyone and everything. That equates to 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi). For every 33 feet of depth, divers and their equipment are subject to one additional atm of pressure. Thus at 132 feet down, the pressure is 5 atm or 73.5 psi.

Furthermore, as a diver moves through the water, additional pressure is exerted. All this simply means there is significant force against the case, trying to compress it and force water inside. To withstand this force, a dive watch must be put together in such a way as to prevent any seepage.

The watch case itself must be strong enough to withstand higher pressures. This usually means stainless steel or titanium, although some polymers work as well. Something like solid gold may be a problem just because it's softer. Likewise with plastic, which may flex under pressure.

Seals must be used at each point where the case can be opened, and at other joints. This is primarily the case-back and crown (covering the stem). They may also be placed between the crystal and case unless a sealant is used. These seals, or gaskets are usually o-rings made of rubber or some other synthetic.

Every watch made for diving should also feature screw-down case-backs and crowns. A case-back that screws down tight against a seal works much better than any type of back that is pressed in. Same goes for the crown - it needs to screw in so it seats tight against the o-ring to prevent any seepage around the stem.

When trying to determine if a particular watch is suitable for diving, look for all of the features previously mentioned and for a water-resistance rating of at least 200 meters or 660 feet. That will be about 20 atm. Some watches will have a depth rating of around 500 feet and adhere to an ISO standard saying they are made for scuba diving. Those are suitable as well.

The apparent overkill on the depth rating means the watch should hold up fine underwater for most normal diving conditions. The additional durability will also help them survive a few bumps, as long as they aren't jarred so much that the case or seals give way enough to allow moisture to squeeze inside.

This also brings up the subject of care. Subjecting your watch to quick hot and cold temperature changes make it much more likely to leak due to rapid expansion and contraction of the metal. In addition, chemicals like chlorine are hard on seals.

Take time following any saltwater diving, or swimming in a chlorinated pool to rinse off your watch with fresh water. Rotate the bezel also to flush out any salt and sand. Taking an extra couple seconds for rinsing will make a big difference in terms of longevity, same as it does for the rest of your dive gear.

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