11 minute read
KIT & GEAR: PENTAGON TACTICAL
MAX-ED TACTICOOL!
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT BRAND PENTAGON ARE ONE OF THE “QUIET PERFORMERS” WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR ATHLETICALLY-INSPIRED YET PRACTICAL TACTICAL GEAR! BILL TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT WHAT PENTAGON HAVE BEEN UP TO RECENTLY AND DIVES INTO SOME OF THEIR LATEST MODELS AS WELL AS SOME TRIED AND TESTED CLASSICS!
Agood part of my working life revolves around being at the range in the woods I’m constantly looking at gear and putting it through its paces. I’m on the range every week, testing new AEGs and GBBs and training too, polishing my “skills and drills” or getting in some target shooting for accuracy.
Of course when I’m not testing I still enjoy “getting out there”, and these days I’m finding that I increasingly wear what I find comfortable and practical, and what works for me, both for airsoft and for more general “outdoor pursuits”. As always I look for high levels of performance from my clothing specifically as this forms my “first line of defence” against the elements. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; it’s all too attractive to go for the cheapest clothing option and then suffer for it later. Like any outdoor pursuit a day (or indeed multiple days!) playing airsoft or training can mean that you face varying temperatures and conditions, and if you take things into a longer operational situation where you’re going to be out overnight having the right kit will make all the difference.
I really like the fact these days that many tactical clothing manufacturers are making kit that you can use both for playing and for use on and off the range; whilst the fabrics and technologies are still way up there in terms of performance, the design elements mean that you can have clothing that is not just going to give protection from wind and rain, but that actually looks kind of cool too!
Pentagon seem to be right at the very forefront of this; way back at IWA 2017 I saw some absolutely stunning kit on their stand, and I’m pleased to say that their focus on “hi-speed, lo-drag” clothing and gear continues to drive forward. The gear looks in some ways like that I have used for rock climbing and mountaineering, but with a “shooters” slant and extra features built in. Pentagon also look very closely at the colours they used in their palette, mixing brights (great for the “practical shooters” and PAMG crowd!)!) with different tones of grey and some visually appealing earth tones, giving us massive choice when it comes to “rangewear”.
So for newer players that may not have come across this brand before, let me recap a little if I may; who are Pentagon and where have they come from? Well to start the ball rolling their name is actually pretty cool in itself. Pentagon (pentagonos) is a noun of ancient Greek origin meaning “five angled”. In the Pentagon logo the five angles symbolise the human form itself with the head and four limbs, along with the five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Pretty cool, right?
In terms of making gear though Pentagon has been active in the field of military clothing and accessories since 1991 when the
company started in Germany as a modest retail shop selling new and used military surplus goods. In 1993 the business moved and expanded with the opening of a new wholesale warehouse in Northern Greece. In the late 90’s a new generation of customers were showing up searching for military and law enforcement clothing and gear with technologically advanced fabrics, new and improved pocket arrangements and contemporary well-fitting styles. Most of these products demanded could only be found in recognised outdoor sports brands and in colours that were not appropriate for the military and law enforcement sector.
That is when Pentagon decided to fill this gap, and they started by looking for manufacturers and partners that were producing gear for leading outdoor companies so as to acquire a thorough understanding of the technology of modern fabric construction and material functionality. They invested in the art of pattern making so they could achieve the perfect fit for high-intensity activities that also provided high levels of comfort and an aesthetic which was missing from the classic military and law enforcement products at the time.
Finally after many years of research and development and working closely with Military, Police, Fire Fighters, Rescue and Security teams they developed a totally new product series which came to be known as “Tactical Sportswear™”. This was their answer to an advanced military clothing and gear concept which incorporates quality, technology, design and aesthetic all in one package and their motto to complement all this is “Gear Up!™”
GOOD GEAR FOR GOOD PEOPLE!
With an established presence in both the tactical and outdoor markets Pentagon are not a manufacturer to sit on their hands, and the latest models that Jase and I saw at IWA take things a step further in all ways! Pretty much gone are the “square cut cargo pants” and “boxy field jackets” of old, replaced by some really cutting edge design elements designed for fast-paced, dynamic users. One area that is often overlooked in relation to your clothing system is that of the next to skin, or “base” layer. Pentagon have addressed this with a number of updated styles but my personal favourite is the LEVANTES CREW NECK SHIRT. The Levantes (along with the accompanying Levantes buttoned Henley) is a breathable, lightweight and stretchable short sleeve activity shirt made of quick-drying 190 g/m2 Micro-Pique cotton material, with comfortable fit. Offering maximum freedom of movement and comfort all day long, the Levantes is perfect to wear as a tactical base layer, at the gym, range, or when out and about in the great outdoors.
A relatively new addition to the line, the RANGER TAC-FRESH SHIRT is a classic UBACS style with the Pentagon slant! Designed to provide maximum comfort while wearing heavy body armour systems and assault vests, the shirt features a classic collar, quarter zip front closure, forearm pockets secured with zippers, hookand-loop adjustable cuffs, and fully articulated elbows and underarm gusset provide remarkable freedom of movement. Made from a highly breathable 215gsm Ripstop material that incorporates mechanical stretch yarns, it provides enhanced performance and agility during periods of increased activity, while the flexible main 65% Polyester 35% Cotton body ensures enhanced moisture control and a compressed fit throughout the day. The Ranger Tac-Fresh Shirt was explicitly designed for use in a variety of environments and seasons which make it a perfect partner for your airsoft adventures!
As I write we’re experiencing a milder period after the intense heat of the past few days, and I’m most definitely not needing a full fleece, so the PENTAGON THESPIS SWEATER VEST is an absolutely perfect “halfway house” for cooler evenings. Made from lightweight and breathable PolyCotton material, the Thespis Sweater Vest features a full front YKK zipper, high collar, a large hood for added protection, two seamless hand pockets and soft inner lining for added comfort. The Thespis Sweater Vest offers excellent freedom of movement with good protection against the wind and cold weather and is
perfect as “off duty” casual wear as well as on the range. Although this is not a new design, it’s one I’m pleased to see still in the line as it’s proved to be a real winner year-round.
If you do need to start layering up against the cold though, Pentagon offers some really great options and I have two models to recommend here. The ARKOS FLEECE SWEATER is a comfortable tactical sweater featuring a double backed super-fine fleece for added warmth, high collar and durable full YKK zipper with a chin guard. The HERCULES FLEECE JACKET 2.0 takes things up a notch, and comes with double-backed super-fine fleece for high levels of warmth, a high collar with large protective hood, and a two-way full front YKK zipper with a chin guard. Additionally, the Hercules Fleece 2.0 features multiple pockets, gusseted under arms with ventilation zippers, adjustable cuffs and bottom hem, and soft-shell reinforced forearms and elbows for added durability!
The GERAKI JACKET is a model that’s been in Pentagon’s line for a while now, but I have to say that it is one of my favourites! The Geraki is a warm and ultra-lightweight down liner jacket with duck down insulation, super soft Nylon Taslon RipStop patches and genuine YKK zipper hardware. The jacket keeps warmth inside and offers superb protection against really cold and windy weather. With multiple YKK zipped pockets, elasticated cuffs and adjustable bottom hem, the Geraki Jacket is ideal to carry in your pack for those chilly moments or for extra, immediate warmth if you’re stuck on a cold, windswept range.
Made of a lightweight and breathable fabric, the MONLITE JACKET comes with a high collar with chin guard, three-point adjustable hood and a full front YKK zipper with a glove- friendly pull. The jacket feature two large, zipped hand pockets with mesh lining and two internal sleeve pockets for documents, keys, or other personal belongings. A TPUlaminated membrane with a waterproof rating of 8000mm/24h and breathability 5000g/ m²/24h makes this shell jacket suitable for rainy, windy, and even snowy weather conditions, while the underarm ventilation zippers offer optimal comfort and temperature management. Ideal for adventures and everyday outdoor use as well as airsoft, the Monlite Jacket provides great protection against internal moisture build-up and inclement conditions while remaining highly functional and comfortable.
In terms of trousers Pentagon have been really looking at fit and function; the latest iteration of their popular BDU 2.0 PANTS are the ideal counterpart to the Ranger TacFresh Shirt; these upgraded, heavy-duty and comfortable classic BDU 2.0 Pants feature triple stitching for extra durability, multiple storage pockets, reinforced knees and seat, as well as genuine YKK zipper hardware and heavy duty PRYM snap buttons. Made from hard wearing 215gsm Ripstop fabric these are definitely pants that will stand up to all you can throw at them!
If you fancy something a bit more “technical” with a real hardcore-PMC look then I’d recommend you check out the HYDRA CLIMBING PANTS! These have been designed to be strong enough for highly demanding outdoor
applications yet comfortable and stylish enough for casual everyday use. The trousers feature two deep hand pockets with reinforcement, two rear pockets with zippers, and spacious side cargo pockets for spare mags, maps, tools or personal accessories. What’s more, the pants come with internal ventilation system with mesh protection for extra breathability and comfort. With the main body made of 100% Polyester soft-shell and additionally strengthened with Nylon Ripstop fabric with 2way stretch elasticity, the Hydra Climbing Pants are a must-have gear for those who are interested in getting tough jobs done and the mission completed!
In addition to their clothing, Pentagon also offers some pretty cool footwear and although they have numerous outdoor and tactical style on offer like the excellent ACHILLES models that a number of the AA Crew swear by, I have to talk about the HYBRID TACTICAL BOOTS as Jase recently got himself a pair! These “fashionable” (really Jase?) and lightweight boots have a durable, breathable lining and anti-slip, rubber outsole. Resembling high-top trainers they feature a
reinforced heel patch and rubberized ankle protection which makes them absolutely ideal for rangework, although I feel they might struggle support-wise on harsher terrain… although Jase tells me that they’ve worked well for him in most conditions so far!
NEVER STOP DEVELOPING
To conclude I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention “GRASSMAN”, Pentagon’s latest camo! Pentagon say that “other camos Blend... PentaCamo® GrassMan™ “ Fuses “ with the environment...” and it certainly looks very effective from the images I’m seeing! Based on, but evolving from, their existing PentaCamo® pattern GrassMan™ is another “multiterrain” pattern that looks to highlight the greener end of the spectrum, and from the images I’ve seen it is definitely very good in a verdant woodland environment, which should make it ideal for use in many countries. The range of products in the new pattern is still small but features some of Pentagon’s best tactical designs and a couple of items of field gear right now, but I’ll be watching this carefully to see how they roll things out!
Add to what I’ve highlighted here that Pentagon also offer a solid range of headgear, accessories, packs and luggage, and all in all you’ve got a very varied yet extremely logical offering. Each year Pentagon seems to add new fabrics, designs and technologies to their range, whilst at the same time updating and improving what they already have. My Pentagon Geraki down jacket has seen some seriously hard abuse, being used on a daily basis in the Winter months, and accompanying me on numerous range days, camping trips and outdoor adventures; it’s proved to be a great investment, and now it’s beginning to show signs of wear I’ll need to think about replacing it… and I will most certainly be replacing it with another Geraki, perhaps this time in tacticool Coyote Tan!
From personal experience, and the feedback I’ve got from other members of the team Pentagon really should be a brand to put on your radar, and you can check out all the very latest models by visiting www. military1st.co.uk AA
