Admittedly, I was hesitant to pass this press release on due to Pantac’s history of knocking off products from several other manufacturers to serve the MilSim market. But the recent addition of Peter Minichino as Director of Military/Law Enforcement at Pantac and his assurances that the company is taking a new drive toward innovation has made me reconsider my decision. So, I figure, let the market be the judge.
Pantac is now working with Brandon Webb, whom I’ve known for several years and I’m looking forward to what they come up with. Good luck guys.
March, 2014 – Pantac USA, a leader in quality tactical gear manufacturing, is pleased to announce our partnership with former Navy SEAL, and Editor-in-Chief of SOFREP.com, Brandon Webb. The exclusive collection of co-branded BW/Pantac gear will revolutionize the tactical market space, and will contain Special Operations DNA in every piece made.
“I’ve always enjoyed designing gear since making alterations to my own gear in 1998 on the SEAL Team Three parachute loft sewing machine. In addition to overseeing every design in this collection I’ve commissioned several close friends from the US and Coalition Special Operations community to help me design some incredible gear under my “BW- Land-Air-Sea” Line.”
–Brandon Webb, former Navy SEAL
Pantac USA is committed to giving back to the US military, and a portion of sales from the BW collection will raise funds for the Red Circle Foundation (RCF), a quick reaction non-profit that provides immediate gap funding assistance for Special Operations families in need. RCF is the first Special Operations charity to adopt a 100% model; all donations go toward the mission fund.
Tags: Brandon Webb, Pantac USA
Could someone send me a virtual drink please because my asshole is puckered waiting for the shit storm to begin?
They have copied about every major US manufacturers designs over the years but now its all forgotten because the put a US at the end of the name? I’m sure there are plenty of US companies that they could partner with and benefit the same charities. No thanks.
They probably should have taken their copy of the LBT 6094 plate carrier off of their US website prior to this press release.
Petro we are phasing the cloned products out as we introduce our new original designs. I understand your loyalty to LBT as I am a huge fan and have been there many times. There are other ways to look at this for instance I get soldiers in the NAVY that call me all the time about needing a new carrier and cant afford to go to LBT and buy it even with the awesome discount they receive. I would much rather have a cloned LBT 6094 that is completely Milspec and guaranteed than a soldier to get deployed with a carrier in non working condition. With that being said it is my #1 priority to get all brand new original Pantac USA product done and to replace all cloned products off the shelf by mid to late summer. I will certainly sell them to you at a great price to get them off our shelves if you’re interested. I understand where your coming from but at the end of the day I have a wife of 15 years and 2 bratty ass daughters to feed so I cant simply just remove them from the self. I’m just asking for a chance at redemption. Everyone deserves that. Great feedback and keep it coming please. I’m here and not hiding so lets talk.
So just to be clear Pantac USA, you freely admit to your company ripping off other US based companies’ hard earned designs (designs they spent considerable time, blood, sweat and money developing), and will continue to profit off those other companies’ designs until such a time when you are able to phase them out … all under the guise of “it’s simply not feasible/realistic at this point in time to not continue such business practices”? And that it’s ok to rip off other peoples’ designs so long as the end user gets what they need at a more affordable price?
Tetsuo,
Thank you for your comment. Lets be clear and fair. I do not condone nor will I allow any cloned products to come into our warehouse. I cant stop what has happened in the past I can only change what we do now and moving forward. Like you my blood bleeds red, white and blue. I would love nothing more than to have you on board and to give us a chance. Honestly I have maybe 10 cloned 6094 on our shelf and when there gone that’s it.
You might also want to dump the SpecOps tactical case also. That is a direct copy of a Tactical Tailor product, which actually costs less.
OK so I seem to remember a thread on arfcom about you guys cleaning up your act, and it seems like this is a step in the right direction. So I take a look at your site to see something to try
out and I see your RRV clone is $120?!? The Eagle one is just a few bucks more, that must be one hell of a discount.
AJ thanks for your comment. We are in the process of clearing out the cloned starting this week. Just need a little time and you will see a big difference at Pantac USA. My words will be backed by innovative new products. Just hang on I promise you will like what you see.
Thanks,
Peter
The 6094 is an NSW design, not specific to any one company. LBT, Eagle , and Blackhawk have all made them.
But I agree, Brandon could have chose a much better company to pair with. Still interested to see where this goes.
KaosKydexSolutions thank you for commenting. I do have a problem with you assuming that Brandon could’ve picked a better company. I am an American just like you. My goal and passion is to protect my clients the best way available. Whether a soldier is wearing an LBT carrier or a Pantac USA carrier. The number #1 and a very high #1 is to make sure that equipment that is being used by my personal real life hero’s is never going to be a second thought. I guarantee that if I wouldn’t trust my own children to use anything we make it would never see the light of day. I am directing that passion into the new in house and co branded designs. I wouldn’t even disrespect Brandon by placing his name on a piece of shit. I admire the sacrifices that Brandon and any others have given to make my home the USA safe.
My issue isn’t LBT specific it is in regards to all the “cloned” products. Trying to reinvent a company with a long history of off shore copies will be a challenge. I would assume you knew that. I don’t know Brandon but my reference to him was in regards to the “cloned” product history of the company. The quicker the “cloned” products are gone from the site the quicker the companies name can be rebuilt with new origional designs.
Missed opportunity…
I would have gone with “BAWLS” line.
As much as i hate companies like Pantac who rip off other people´s designs; i have to say that although Pantac has that “milsim/airsoft”-stigma in it, the build quality of their products is actually pretty good… Even better than it is with some of the so called high quality manufacturers.
That being said; Come up with original design and you have a potential to become a good brand
jma78 thank you for your comment. I agree 100% with your statement. Products talk and bullshit walks. We are working at top speed to get our new products out. I am pretty confident that in the next few weeks you will see and hear about our new innovative Pantac USA products.
If you would like to be a tester please feel free to contact me. I am looking for unbiased reviews on our product.
Thanks,
Peter
I wasn’t aware I could deploy with a purchased plate carrier? Hmm guess I was missing the boat all those years. Either that or PANTAC’s statement about selling carriers to guys that are deploying is total bullshit… But since they’ve teamed with BW I’m sure there will be zero bullshit here.
DB first off thank you for your comments. I have no reason to bullshit anyone. Its not at all in my best interest to have Soldier Systems put their neck on the line only to stick my boot up his ass. You would be surprised to know what vendors will do and bend over backwards to help out a soldier in need. While some companies gain tremendous profits from wars and conflict most of us barley able to float. Think about all of the sample units sent out for testing and evaluation, donations, care packages the list goes on and on. I challenge you to test our products and give me some non biased feedback. You may not become a fan of Pantac USA but it sounds like you would give me great feedback to strengthen our products and make our soldiers that much better.
I’m still troubled by Webb’s insistance:
“”Guns are guns and people should be able to own and obtain a permit to own everything, short of an anti-tank weapon or WMD, if they’re properly trained/certified..”
Nothing in the Second Amendment about “if they are properly trained/certified.”
FWIW
I’m just troubled by Brandon Webb in general…
Petro. Thank you for reminding me. Spec Ops case needs to go and replaced with original. Check
What else?
Thanks,
Peter
Your Adaptive Combat Belt=Tyr Brokos belt
Molle ballistic belt=Crye Combat belt
CBAS vest=USMC/PPI MBAV
Tactical Plate Carrier=Diamondback Tactical FAPC (discontinued)
Most of the holsters look like BDS or Spec Ops copies
Brando,
Your certainly entitled to your opinion but I don’t agree with the way you would disgrace a warrior the way you did? Hopefully I’m reading into it wrong.
Thanks,
Peter
By quoting his own words? How is that disgracing a warrior?
Back in the NAM days was spitting on the returning soldiers disrespectful? The way I see it is that when someone is talking shit about a soldier which in my mind is a Warrior then that is disgracing. Everyone can have an opinion but once it becomes audible its no long just his opinion up for debate.
You know what? He has a point. This is for a whole other debate, but I’ll have you know that many gun owners that aren’t lefties do believe that concealed carry should be possible by any citizen on the condition that he has proven that:
– He/she can safely operate the firearm
– He/she has had training in use-of-force to prevent innappropriate escalation
– He/she is not a felon
He certainly disagrees with you and your *interpretation* of the Constitution, but he did not at any point support bans, seizures or anything similar.
A mere different point of view (that still shares quite a bit with what yours appears to be) shouldn’t be “troubling”.
In this industry, everyone borrows from everyone.
Ferro started doing 6094 clones.
Marz started doing 6094 clones.
Both then went to make their clones a bit different and add innovations, so they weren’t mere clones anymore, but 6094-inspired carriers. Over time, they changed them more and more.
Today, they’ve discontinued their clones and only sell their own designs that happened to be quite a bit better than the copies they started with.
LBT, AWS, Eagle all have identical products. So many, in fact, that you don’t even know who copied who.
Same goes for many other manufacturers.
In Pantac’s case, it’s different in that they didn’t target the same demographic. Pantac’s $120 Chinese-made 6094 clone for airsofters didn’t take much away from LBT’s lucrative government contracts or the domestic $350 made-in-USA ‘merica shooter market.
PolarBear thank you. I agree that when you walk around TREXPO as someone looking for new gear it’s almost the same every year since what about 3 years after the Iraq invasion? When you guys all went to war on terrorism you ignited the markets with new, exciting and innovative gear. What I’m trying to do is reignite a dead industry. I will have to defend one in particular though and I would say TYR has been kicking ass and made some really awesome gear. That’s what I want to do and I’m going to try my hardest to get us there. Hope you join us. Btw we’re going to have Kryptek Yeti products real soon so if I know what kind of person you are you probably would love it.
Thanks,
Peter
Peter@pantacUSA.com
I’m not a big Kryptek fan, sorry. If you do release products in the new MultiCam patters, however, you’ve got my attention especially for chest rigs in Alpine which are largely lacking for nordic/alpine units (guess where my name comes from? 😉 ) Plate carriers are much less relevant in Alpine considering the AOs it goes with, but pouches and packs certainly are. At least pack covers. They are much easier to introduce in units already using transitional MultiCam.
You do have a good point, some companies are exceptions like Tyr, First Spear, BFG… They’ve been innovative from the start.
Best of luck.
(Alpine MC is much easier to introduce than Kryptek, that is).
Polar Bear. I got it. Thank you and stay safe. My line is always open to you.
Thanks,
Peter
peter@pantacUSA.com
Even if you’ve pivoted to being PantacUSA, you still have a parent company in China calling the shots, correct? Have you started using properly licensed multicam webbing and materials yet? It seems like you’ve had problems with knock off webbing in the past.
Also, your logo and branding is…juvenile. It still screams “milsim”.
Shawn,
Thank you for not being a dick. I’m sorry I went on a rant. I have no patience for assholes who would ever dis a true hero.
To answer your questions. Pantac Gear in China doesn’t own Pantac USA. We are our own. We do indeed bring in Pantac Gear from China ONLY of MilSpec standards. Pantac Gear does make non MilSpec for other industries but they never have and never will see the US.
The factory in China is also majorly different. First off the workers actually get paid therefor we can afford to sell a cheap product because there’s not enough room to make any money and able to keep a company alive. The attention to detail is second to none. Compare ours against anyone’s and tell me you can honestly see a difference. Our website states lifetime warranty but we actually have a guarantee. That guarantee is what you want as the end user because it’s not in our best interest to sell product that is going to have to be returned. China doesn’t dictate at all what we do or sell. I like everyone else would love to see all products made in the USA but it’s just not practical for everyone. We understand the needs and requirements of our Military and Government that’s why I’m happy to announce that we now have 3 US cut and sew companies to make all of that product. I envision the company split into to one being an airsoft division as well a military and public safety. We’re also a small business with big capabilities everything can be fixed and fair it just takes a little time to get it all done.
I agree with the logo being not childish but intended more for the younger airsofters rather than the military. If your an artist and want to submit an idea and it takes off ill pay you for it.
Thanks and stay safe,
Peter Minichino
Peter@pantacUSA.com
Sorry I was on a rampage and forgot to answer about webbing. We use only True Multicam or officially licensed fabric.
Thanks,
Peter
Man, Webb seriously is one special guy. And I mean “special” as in weird, curious.
Between his habit of coming short of insulting you if you’re not on board with some of things SOFREP says, his inability to take criticism and his need for spotlight which is nothing short of confirmed by this “partnership” and name-branded line of products, dude sure has a massive ego.
Oh and not to mention his strange choices of partnership with “military gear companies”? First he got in bed with Helikon (as a consultant or something I think) -which, for those of you who don’t know, produces all of its products in China and is of sub-par quality despite originally being a Polish company- promoting the hell out of them via SOFREP, and now Pantac; which is notorious for being an Asian company who knocks off genuine military gear to make it affordable to the weekend airsofter.
I mean, had he wanted to make a solid impact on the military gear business and not just make a quick buck (yeah yeah, his foundation will get money for the Pantac deal, but that’ll only be “a portion of the sales”), he would have tried harder than partnering with the first Asian companies (I called them Asian because that’s where their products are made) that he stumbled upon, correct? Because surely the guy has to know that these products (most notably Helikon) don’t hold up overtime…
Toiniu really? That might be the funniest and so far off based comment yet. First of all thank you Brandon Webb and SOFREP for allowing me to assemble a product in your name where we can also contribute to the RCF that gives money to the families of AMERICAN HEROS that died while protecting your ass so it has nothing at all to do with money for Brandon Webb. If your just jealous and want a product named after you try being like Brandon and be a fucking true American and not be a dick. But thank you for your comment this helps me be driven even harder to rub this in your face.
Nothing to do with money? So you’re going to tell me that he isn’t getting paid for this? Yeah, right. Like I quoted before, only “a portion of the sales” are going to the foundation.
Sorry but when you do charity it’s not to get your name of some random line of products from a copycat company out of Asia and then give some of the profits to a charity. And I’m not even going to start on how doubtful his conduct is given your products’ quality.
Oh by the way, I’m not even an American. But you what, Pantac isn’t either so that is quite funny you calling me out on this. Your company has its products produced in Asia, is notorious for copying original products and design, and is basically only good for the weekend airsofter who can’t afford to pay for the real deal.
I’m no dick, I’m just saying things like they are. I’m sorry but if Webb thinks it’s OK to sacrifice quality for charity let me say that he’s an idiot. Don’t come and talk to me about patriotism and such because your company is trying to have its sub-par products sold to people who are going to put their lives on the line while wearing them. Don’t come and talk to me about patriotism because the “USA” at the end of your company’s name has only been put there for marketing reasons. Speaking of which, there is a reason only airsofters use your products and trying to have them sold to deploying soldiers is a crime.
Oh and one last thing. I do my part in being thankful to the people who have defended the freedom that many of use enjoy, and that is by making donations to various foundations while staying as anonymous or humble as possible. But don’t worry, I’ll give you credit for actually trying to twist my words and make me look like I’m jealous or something. Here, have a cookie.
Toinou, just let me clarify some things about Helikon.
Yes – those guys where making a tons of crap and 75% of their products were or are copies of something. But since few years they started to develep their own unique products with direct input of outsourced designers. They transitioned from copycat maker into the manufacturer of quality products but they launched new brand too late IMHO. We even advised them in the past to transfer all the new and quality gear to new brand but they finally decided to make this step this year – a bit too late.
Their Direct Action Gear brand is something new – they use top notch fabrics (genuine Cordura in genuine Kryptek/PenCott patterns), zippers and even threads are far better than old Helikon. Having a chance to play with some stuff from Direct Action I would say it’s actually better than 5.11. Remember, even Arc’teryx LEAF stuff is made in China. Brandon and other ex-SOF guys were hired to help promote Direct Action brand, not the Helikon.
What’s more some of DA items are also being made in Poland (remember, we are NATO and EU member and one of your main allies in Afghanistan and in Iraq in the past).
He isn’t free of criticism just because of his background. I be willing to bet many of the posters and readers here are former / current Mil members.
I’m just curious where the market space is? I don’t hear people running around asking what Brandon Webb thinks when it comes to buying or building kit. Its great that some proceeds go to good causes’ but again I just don’t see it flying off any shelves (regardless of Pantac USA’s past design hurdles).
BrettW thank you for your comments. First off our #1 goal is to be able to make products with Brandon and others from SOFREP to be able to give back to the community and support those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Don’t get me wrong and think that just because were supporting Brandon that were closed to others. You guys are the experts and we want to work with you all. I am not in a get rich quick situation. Money doesn’t drive us here at Pantac USA. We want to grow but do it smart with the feedback of our end users. What looks great on a computer screen isn’t always great when your being dropped off in a remote location where you have to count on your gear to work and get you back home. That is why I have an open door. Again I ask you to wait and see.
Thank,
Peter
Toinou,
I do apologize if I seemed a bit harsh but I’m not sorry for calling you a dick because you pulled a dick move. I am very proud and don’t like when people put down others. None the less a Warrior who has sacrificed so much and lost so much. This Country was built by blood sweat and tears and I certainly am not going to stand by and let someone insult one of my hero’s and run it to the ground. Your certainly welcome to your opinion but don’t come on a military site and bash the very foundation on which it is built. Also please read my comments. Pantac USA is an American company all by itself. Pantac Gear is from China and the products we bring in from there are ONLY of Milspec quality.
I will offer you any of our products to test if you would like. Just send me an email with your information.
Peter@PantacUSA.com
Let me be crystal clear here… I do not, and I say again, I do not, under circumstances, have something against Webb’s service in the military. Never said so, never will. So please just don’t come out and make it look like I insulted his service.
I respect the hell out of him for putting his life on the line in the battlefield, just like I respect the hell out of everyone who’s done it and will do it in the future. With that said, just because he has served in the military doesn’t mean I’m going to give him a free pass and applaud everything he does.
As for Pantac being an American company all by itself… Well Pantac may very well be based in the U.S., but the “all by itself” is untrue because if that were the case then you wouldn’t share the name and logo of the China company. Unless Pantac Gear has licensed its name and likeness for use in the U.S. to a third-party and given up on total overseeing, Pantac Gear is still your parent company and is the one with the final say.
Also, making “Mil-Spec” gear doesn’t mean a damn thing. Condor products are Mil-Spec, doesn’t mean they’re good and military personnel like them. Just one example. I’m sorry but you’ll have to do better to prove you’re worthy of being trusted and not being called out.
I will however say this, your “Pantac Quality” page does make it sound like your confident in your products’ quality. Hell I’ll take you up on that offer and we’ll see how it’s like. If I’m satisfied I’ll gladly admit I was wrong. But just remember, if I’m not it will also be said.
Toinou now your speaking my language. I would love nothing more for you to do a review for us. I’ve got your email and product will be shipped hopefully today if I can get away from the computer.
Thank you,
Peter
I am curious why with all of these changes, hopefully for the better, why you kept the Pantac name? It would appear, to me not knowing much about business, that a new name and logo would have solved literally every problem discussed today.
Being one of the unit government purchase card holders, I would be very hesitant to ever give Pantac a fair shake at some of our money due to the past reputation of the company, however a new, made in the USA, gear company that is partnered with someone of decent credibility, would actually intrigue me.
EODFish,
Thank you for your service and your comments. I agree the easy thing to do would be to change the name and start fresh. Were not at all embarrassed by the fact the airsoft community has climbed on board. In fact if you would open your horizons some you will see that a lot of these guys are running great gear, have tremendous knowledge and some of them are going to grow and become the next generation of soldiers. I also new this wasn’t going to be easy at all and I’m perfectly fine with that. It helps drive me even more. The more I hear it cant be changed the done I try even harder. Some of our friends say “The only easy day was yesterday” and I truly believe in that quote. Who knows what the future will bring. From what I’m seeing and I’m not a weatherman but the forecast in HQ is looking good so far. At Pantac USA you all are held on a pedestal. I don’t look at SF any different than someone that may have a role as a truck driver. I wouldn’t and never will ship something out that I couldn’t trust my own family to use and work the way its intended. Our philosophy is ONE TEAM and ONE MISSION. That’s to keep you safe, well equipped and do anything in our power to make sure you come home.
Thank you for your time,
Peter
Peter,
Thanks for taking the time to respond however I think you misunderstood my comment. I care not that you are known as an airsoft company, I play airsoft occasionally and have fun with it, even see some value in it. What I do care about is your roots as a company that makes subpar gear (in the past?), there is no arguement against this, I have seen it first hand and one that is happy to blatantly steal intellectual property under the guise of saving people money.
-Fish