Mini Review: Vertx Phantom Ops Airflow pants

I was lucky to receive the other day a pair of the new Vertx Phantom Ops Airflow pants.  If you don’t know who Vertx is, well then you’ve been asleep behind the wheel of the tactical fashion industry.  Vertx (from their website) “is the tactical brand of Fechheimer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc and makers of Flying Cross military and law enforcement uniforms.”  I also heard the name Arc’Teryx mentioned at SHOT one year as having input into the design (haven’t got confirmation yet..).

In a nut (no pun) shell, Vertx provides great designs of pants and shirts that are made for LEOs/Mils, and Civies involved in anything from combat, training or hell, any type of athletic work.  I’ve always like the way the pants are cut without being super tight around my thighs.  That being said, I work outside almost every day in South Florida and when the summer comes around, heat and humidity are unbearable.  Choice in fabric and design are vital to staying cool and not walking around with disgusting sweat stains around your mid-section.  Shorts are sometimes the answer and I’m lucky to be able to wear them on certain days.  However, in my experience, shooting on the range (especially with rifles) do not mix well with exposed legs.  Going prone and getting a brass burns on your calf..sucks.

The solution:  The Phantom Ops Airflow pant lives up to it’s name.  The Phantom line of pants from Vertx is their alternate lightweight pant, constructed with 6.5 oz. 65% poly/ 35% cotton mini rip-stop fabric.  It is slightly different than their other lightweight pant, the Phantom LT.  Some differences are the flaps over the rear pockets to keep stuff in (and people out) and a dedicated small side pocket for tools or a knife.

Now, the good part.  The Active Airflow System as they call it, are these mesh inserts sewn into the inseam on both legs and on the side cargo pockets.  They make the mesh in colors that match the pants or in a camo print if you like.  I prefer the matching style as it hides it better.  The Airflow works like opening a window on both sides of the room.  It creates a breeze through the pants.  On a windy day, well, you can feel the air go in and up on one side and come down and out the other.  Yes, the groin area gets fresh air!  The effect is dramatic.  On a hot, humid day last week, being outside was not unbearable.  The more I moved, the more the air moved through.  And, going inside to the air conditioning became a very fun exercise.  Staying cool while also getting protection from brass and other nasty range objects made this a winner in my book.

The price from Vertx’s web store is $109.95.  Yes, I know the price is high but keep it relative.  Most tactical pants cost over $50 and the extra cost is going to a good cause…your body and mind staying cool.

Go get some!

http://www.wearvertx.com/Phantom-OPS-Powered-by-Airflow.aspx

 

This entry was posted in Gear, Review, Training by Arik Levy. Bookmark the permalink.

About Arik Levy

Arik Levy is an 12 year veteran law enforcement officer working full time at a major metropolitan agency in the South East. He spent 7 years working the streets in patrol and as a field training officer. For the past four years he has been a full time firearms instructor teaching handgun, rifle and shotgun. Arik also has been competing in USPSA for the past two years where he is currently classified in Production Division at A class. He is a two time gold medalist in his division for the Florida Police and Fire games 3 Gun match, and a gold medalist in both the Practical Pistol and Shotgun match. He is also the Top Cop Pistol Champion for 2014 and 2015. He has trained with an extensive list of both tactical and competitive instructors including: Mike Pannone, Pat McNamara, Frank Proctor, Scott Reitz, Chris Costa, Max Michel, Frank Garcia, Bruce Gray, Ben Stoeger, Steve Anderson and Jerry Barnhart. Arik is also a certified Advanced Armorer with Glock, Colt, Sig Sauer and Smith and Wesson.

One thought on “Mini Review: Vertx Phantom Ops Airflow pants

  1. ” tactical fashion industry. ”

    Can anyone guess what kind of images that term creates in my mind? 🙂

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