Commander's Blog

We are proud to announce that Tactical Source has been appointed exclusive distributor of LOF Defence products in Australia and New Zealand.

What started as a High School science fair project over 13 years ago has grown in a company with the most advanced and capable body armour and carrier systems available.
 
Darren Schulte, LOF Defence founder, was facing failing 9^th grade, His science teacher assigned him a science fair project for extra credit and getting an ‘A’ on the assignment would mean the difference in moving ahead to the 10^th grade or staying behind. Darren created a load bearing vest out of old backpacks and that project took him to provincials and then the national science fair where he met some Canadian Forces Members who were impressed with Darren’s project and suggested he try creating better body armour.
 
In the following years High School Science Fair projects took him to the national level several times, won design and engineering awards and eventually brought him to work with the Canadian National Research Council for his work with armour and ballistics.

Now 14 years later LOF Defence is a full fledged defence company that has worked with Special Operations Command, Special Weapons and Tactics Units as well as general duty Police and Military units around the world.

 
LOF Defence produces a full line of hard and soft body armour with multi-hit capabilities that go beyond survivability. Textile products include carrier systems utilize technologies that reduce back-face trauma, increase operator comfort, regulate body temperature and are adaptable and field-repairable. LOF also produces a full line of pouches, belts and tactical gear accessories.

 
We consult with and test all our products with active duty operators, law enforcement and military personnel to create gear that solves problems for the user in real world scenarios. Our goal is to protect those in the Line of Fire with superior armour and carrier systems that increase safety, mobility, comfort and performance while being longer lasting, more durable, modular and repairable.

Rugged, lightweight, breathable, supportive, versatile, gutsy, aggressive and pure comfort! 

The Danner Desert TFX G3 is designed for the modern warrior. Built with speed and comfort in mind the Danner TFX is an ideal boot made to go the distance over almost any terrain.

When it comes to survival, a good pair of boots are often overlooked. The Danner Desert TFX G3 features a rugged and aggressive outsole and Danner's patented lightweight Terra Force X System, which provides stability and support.

Where does the Danner TFX excel? Most of our customers and mates who have spent time in hot, humid and sandy conditions have all pointed out the relief on your feet offered by these boots. Featuring a breathable, moisture wicking mesh lining, the Danner's are ideal for conditions stated above! Having worn these myself, I cannot agree more! When I first wore the Danner Desert TFX G3, I was surprised that there was no break in required whatsoever. I recently wore them on a trip to outback Australia and couldn't fault them in those conditions as they stood up to every task I put them through - carrying 18kg's on my back, climbing, running or crawling they proved to go the distance while remaining comfortable.

The Desert TFX military boot also features a speed lace system for a quick, secure fit, and beveled lugs which prevent debris build-up. The boot utilises non-magnetic metal hardware for increased durability.

Summary: While the Danner Desert TFX G3 isn't the only player in town, they are definitely worth a look at!

Shop Danner Desert TFX G3 here!

About Danner

We are proud to announce that Tactical Source has been appointed exclusive distributor of Pentagon Tactical in Australia and New Zealand.

The name Pentagon (pentagonos) is a noun from ancient Greek origin meaning "five angled". The Pentagon logo symbolises the number 5 which is the balance of numbers in the human being (head and four limbs). It also symbolises the five senses - sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Established in 1991 as a retail store, Pentagon has grown in leaps and bounds and is now a European leader in the tactical apparel and gear market. Offering a wide range of military, law enforcement and outdoor apparel and gear which feature a contemporary fit, unique style and quality fabrics.

A new generation of customers were showing up searching for miltary and law enforcement gear with technologically advanced fabrics, new and improved pocket arrangements and as stated above, new contemporary fitting styles. Most of these products demanded could only be found in recognised sports brands and in colours that did not fit the military and law enforcement consumer. This is when Pentagon decided to fill this gap.

Now, Pentagon's catalogue reflects those requirement the modern tactical consumer is searching for! Without a doubt we can say that Pentagon's contemporary design has gained quick traction with current military and law enforcement departments as well as the active outdoorsman and fitness orientated!

How we describe Pentagon products - modern cut, reliable accessories, high quality fabrics and cuts, improved components on every product, aesthetically perfect and comfort designed to keep you in the mission or outdoors longer.

You can view the Pentagon Tactical Range here --> Pentagon Tactical

When a backpack is too big and a hydration pack too small, our go to bag is the Platatac Bullock Echo Pack MkII!

The Platatac Bullock Echo MkII weighs in at about 1kg and is made of 500/1000 Denier Nylon and has a volume of 10 litres. The Bullock pack comes without straps which enables it to be attached to armour or, straps are an additional cost and transforms the pack into a daypack or mini assault pack.

Compartments

The main compartment (sized 360mm (H) x 200mm (W) x 115mm (D)) features a hydration sleeve with a velcro strap to hold the pack upright and a removable mesh valuables pocket which is an addition to the previous version of the pack. The zip on the main compartment doesn't run down the entire length of the compartment however, stops half way. This has its pros and cons as you have less of a chance of losing items however, when the compartment is fully load it does get a little cramped finding things (this being said, there are plenty of compartments on this pack to organise your gear without having to search the bottom of the pack). Two side utility pouch pockets also feature 3 rows and 2 columns of MOLLE on the outside. These pockets are handy for almost anything! I keep my drink in one and torch, Leatherman and compass in the other. Once again, these pockets don't zip all the way to the bottom - it offers less of a possibility of spilling your items if you forget to zip the pockets up. The fixed ballistic helmet carrier (which is great for jackets and apparel also) features an external zippered pocket for easy access to items.

Main Body

The external of the Platatac Bullock Echo MkII Pack features full MOLLE for extra attachments, an updated reinforce drag/carry handle and as stated above, a ballistic helmet carrier. The back features lightweight, extra durable Helium Whisper fabric which allows you to carry extra weight in the pack (which is also watertight so if your hydration bladder pops you wont end up with a wet back). Plenty of drainage grommets on the Platatac Bullock Pack so you're not worrying about leakage staying in. The front of the pack also has a velcro section for nametags, IFF, morale patches etc!

Conclusion

For short assignments, day excursions - the perfect pack!

You can shop the Platatac Bullock Echo Pack MKII here!

We are often questioned as to what the best tactical pant for covert use would be. Generally we would stick to the 5.11 Stryke Pant, 5.11 Apex Pant or Pentagon Aris Pant however, in most cases, these pants are required to be worn with a business shirt hence eliminating the requirement for cargo pockets.

Introducing the Pentagon Tactical 2 Pants! This 2 way cotton/spandex stretch pant is your answer to business covert duties.

Before we get into detail on the Pentagon Tactical 2 Pant we'll explain a little on the other option which is the 5.11 Ridgeline Pant. They are two very different pairs and we'll detail why:

5.11 Ridgeline Pant

The 5.11 Ridgeline Pant is engineered from 5.11's now famous 2 way mechanical stretch fabric and features what you would come to expect from 5.11 - durability, teflon coating, YKK zippers, bar tacking etc. The pockets have been though of carefully and placed in the right positions and along with the points discussed they are a great pant however, where we feel the Ridgeline Pants fail is in the fit. For us, more fashion conscious Australians, the Ridgeline Pant is designed around a jean cut - but a loose jean cut. For athletic builds these may be tight around the quads and end up looking like flairs at times. The crotch does ride high also.

This being said, this doesn't take away from the fact that the 5.11 Ridgeline Pants are a great pant for casual, covert and range wear.

Now we'll talk a little about our new favourite covert pant;

Pentagon Tactical 2 Covert Pant

Once again, for those that are looking for a pair of covert, business tactical pants, this is our top pick! The main features around the Pentagon Tactical 2 Pants are:

• 2 way cotton spandex stretch fabric
• Hidden YKK zippers running down the seam
• Tunnel waist band which automatically adjusts when bending and sitting
• Teflon treated
• Contemporary fit

Pretty standard on both pairs (expect the Pentagon Tactical 2 does include a tunnel waist band which is my new favourite feature on any pant! Where I feel the Pentagon Tactical 2 Pant excels is the fit and look! For myself, and many others, the look of a pair of pants and how it sits on me goes a long way - as it does with organisations which require their staff to wear uniforms (security companies etc). These pants are designed with a more contemporary jean fit which tapers towards the bottom of the pant - similar to new jeans and business pants - making them ideal with business shirts and uniform shirts. The hidden side pocket is a great addition when wanting to hold your every day carry items.

To conclude: both these pants are great for covert use and are fit for purpose. As stated above, the main point of difference is in the fit.