Mayflower Research & Consulting LLC frontman Travis Rolph sent me this review of the Velocity Systems BOSS Rugby. He wore it during a Multi-day, 169 mile ultramarathon called the Grand to Grand Ultra Stage Race. My experience with the BOSS Rugby isn’t nearly as arduous except that I’ll tell you that it is my favorite shirt. I’ve worn mine once a week since receiving it, for two reasons; comfort and styling. If you’ve seen me at a trade show, I was probably wearing a BOSS Rugby. I’ve also worn it at various ranges, while camping, to meetings and just kicking around town. It hasn’t picked, pulled or pilled and still looks great. Now, check out what Travis has to say about its performance under some pretty tough conditions.

Velocity Systems BOSS Rugby shirt
(Prototype, size large, black)

Aspects evaluated:

• Fit
• Durability of material
• Durability of construction
• Performance of seams (chafing)
• Pocket usefulness/velcro

Location/Duration:

• Grand to Grand Ultra Stage Race (unsupported), 169 miles
• Northern Arizona/ Southern Utah high desert
• Hard pack and soft sand, slot canyons, mountains
• Temperature range; 17 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
• High winds, blowing sand
• Seven days living out of a rucksack
• 26-52 miles per day of strenuous activity

Observations:

The fit of the BOSS Rugby was loose but not too loose, this afforded full freedom of movement while ruck marching, running with a ruck, ascending ladders, ropes and routes requiring three points of contact and descending same. No durability issues were encountered (this shirt had been worn for normal PT and range work for three months prior to this evaluation). The high abrasion/stress areas of the shoulders, armpits, lower back and upper abdomen show no signs of wear. The flat stitch seams produced no chaffing even after being repeatedly sweated in and dried (via wind) to a white salt encrusted state. The material allowed for rapid drying during the windy conditions encountered which was appreciated when the temperature started falling quickly at sunset. The small Velcro sleeve pockets were perfect for a small weatherproof notebook/pen and sustainment fuel (gels). The Velcro exterior provided attachment for the race required country flag and race logo.

I don’t have any recommended changes; black was not the ideal color for the desert (heat/sun) but that has been addressed with the production of the tan and wolf grey variants.

Many of my friends have seen me wearing this really cool Black Rugby Shirt over the past few months (no, that’s not me in the photo above). Like I told those of you who asked, it’s the Boss Rugby from Velocity Systems. Intended as range or training shirt, it’s not only comfortable and functional, but it also looks good. In fact, I’ve been wearing it all over the place. And, while I can sing its praises, the quote below really sums this thing up.

“Just tried the rugby, it actually whispered awesome as I put it on.”
-Boston area SWAT cop and Velocity test pilot

First off, you have to consider the name. It was created in New England and was in the final stages of development right around the time of the Boston Marathon bombing. Some of those first responders were wear testing the garment and if you know Boston, it has its own vernacular. Along with “wicked”, “boss” is a favorite description of something well liked. It was in those frantic couple of days during the search for the terrorists that the Boss Rugby was named.

The design is simple. In addition to a rugby-style collar the Boss features unobtrusive envelope pockets on either of the short sleeves with Velcro patches on each pocket that is low profile enough that it doesn’t look out of place. I’ve worn mine out to dinner several times and I haven’t been given a second look. It’s been suggested that it would be well suited for a LE Agency’s relaxed polo uniform and I think it would be a good option.

The Boss Rugby is made from a nylon/spandex blend to give it a little mechanical stretch as well as great wicking properties to increase comfort. After all, it is a training shirt. The fabric also incorporates both soil release treatment as well as Odorexx™ Antimicrobial which is good for 25 washes.

The Boss Rugby will be available in late August, sizes Small – XXLarge in Black, Earth, and Wolf.

See the Boss Rugby as well as other new Velocity Systems products at Warrior Expo East 11-12 July in booth #111. Tell them SSD sent you to be entered into a free giveaway of a Boss Rugby. Very limited. Only Boston SWAT cops and editors have them to date.

www.VelSyst.com