5.11 Tactical® just released Flex-Tac®, a patent pending new fabric that is lightweight, features increased breathability, stain resistance and colorfastness and most importantly it stretches almost 20% more than traditional tactical pants. Available August 2011, 5.11 is introducing the new Stryke® Pant with Flex-Tac® as their next generation tactical pant.
5.11 Tactical engineered the new Flex-Tac® performance stretch fabric to offer 2-way horizontal stretch (20% more) with quick recovery and improved breathability and durability. Fibers are woven in a coil so they stretch and recoil each time extra mobility is needed. Traditional stretch fabric is typically made by weaving spandex in with a fabric making it heavy and less breathable with poor stretch recovery. It also breaks down easily when exposed to high temperatures, repeated washings, and any use that’s heavier than simply fashion. 5.11 Tactical also maintained the fade, soil, and water resistant properties of the original Flex-Tac fabric even when the fabric was stretched.
The story of the development of the new Flex-Tac fabric and associated Stryke pant is definitely worth sharing. Francisco Morales, President of 5.11 Tactical, took a trip to Jordan and the UAE, where he met with security contractors and elite US military operators who wear and are fans of the 5.11 Taclite Pant. According to a 5.11 press release, Morales pressed them for feedback on how the pant could be improved for their needs. “Create a performance stretch fabric,†was their overwhelming request and Morales knew that he had a groundbreaking task ahead of him.
He went to explain, “The goal was to add functionality for our tactical operators by increasing range of motion and reducing the amount of resistance the fabric would give them,†said Morales. “In order to maintain our durability and comfort we used the high strength-to-weight ratio of our popular Tacliteâ„¢ fabric. This allowed us to keep the strong rip-stop weave and add the extra functionality that stretch delivers.â€
