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Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

PatrickChewing

PatrickChewing

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
    • Jul 28, 2010
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    Birmingham, AL
    I'm looking for a durable pair of pants with good storage. I have looked at the offerings from Crye, Vertx, and TAD. You guys got any insight? Are there other brands worth looking at? I don't really have a budget in mind but don't want to get too crazy. I don't have the physique of a runway model so I don't want anything that is too tapered. Thanks in advance for the suggestions!
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I have a pair of VertX on right now and own TAD Force 10 NYCO pants. I've never worn a pair of Crye Precision pants. I would say that the VertX and TAD Gear pants are worth the money. They're well made and if you get the OD or Tan you can wear them with normal attire and not stand out. I dont think you can get away with that wearing the Crye Precision pants. The VertX has an extra pocket within the front right pocket that zips closed. The TAD Gear pants have pockets within the side cargo pockets that button closed to keep things from moving around. I give the slight advantage to TAD but they're $40 more per pair. Have you looked into Kuhl? I've heard good things about them as well but have never tried them.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    Out of those you have mentioned I have only worn the Vertx. They are outstanding quality. I love the way the cargo pockets lay flat. I rarely use the zippered "hidden" pocket, but it's nice if needed. The material is not light weight and they seem to run about a half size small. I bought my regular pants size and after a couple washings they go on snug in the waist. They stretch out after wearing for a few hours, but I am not getting a IWB holster in there like I can on my regular jeans.

    Propper and Tru-Spec also make satisfactory BDU's.

    I would like to pickup a set of Crye Combat Pants, but man they are spendy for trousers. I have one set of LA Police Gear copies of the TAD pants. They are OK. I am sure the TAD versions are higher quality.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    The Vertx are nice for the reasons mentioned above and for the fact they have a gusseted crotch, which makes raising your leg up higher easier when you're climbing or moving. TAD's have this feature too. I have some TAD amphibious cargo pants and they have a million pockets for gps devices, knives, magazines, etc. As far as durability and comfort, I like Arborwear, but they don't have the storage you're looking for probably. I haven't tried out the Crye pants yet, but I'm sure they're nice.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I own two pairs of Force 10s, but not Vertx or the Cryes. The F10's are really comfortable and they don't stand out a lot. I haven't hard used them, but I've owned a pair for a little over a year and used them a lot and apart from the color fade, they still look fine. Construction is pretty good, but I don't have a great frame of reference.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I've been wearing Crye pants in the mountains for the last two years. Absolutely love them. Last November I got pretty wet on Kodiak in some crappy sleet weather and they dried overnight in my bag. They are 35% cotton and we shy away from cotton clothing up here but I had zero complaint.

    Spendy but worth it. Buy two belt sizes ABOVE your actual waist size for a climbing fit. If you will not climb in them you can probably get away with accurate sizing.

    Pockets everywhere (10) and you can draw up the knees during heavy climbing.

    A+ No wonder our SpecOps boys are digging them in Afghanistan.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    What are you using them for?

    For daily wear, I really like the Vertx as they blend in as well (as cargo pants go) and don't have the rings, cell-phone pocket, etc..

    I've had a few pairs of the Crye and they are the best for a true combat pant.

    For hunting, take a look at Sitka Gear's mountain pant. It's very durable, dries very quickly and has the Gore digital camo that works well in open terrain.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    The vertx are top notch. I have multiple pairs of the standard weight and the lightweight versions. The fit is perfect for an active pant. Construction and materials are also top notch.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I have the Crye and I actually like the Arc'Teryx Better than the Crye for a combat pant. Arc'Teryx has the LEAF Combat Pants in Multi-Cam, that are really well done. I think the ones I use the most are the Talon, but for everyday use and on the range and in the field, the Triple Aught Design are better simply because I am not looking to walk around everyday in multi-cam. Plus I think the Crye and Arc'Teryx are a lot more expensive.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I like the Crye pants, but for everyday use I would pick something else. Unless, you like looking like a mall ninja. I wear them at matches because of the knee pads. They are comfortable and stand up to abuse better than any other pants I have used. I have been meaning to pick up a pair of the TAD's to try out.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    Vertx pants are a great design without looking uber tactical, but are a form fitting cut and don't offer much for pocket storage. Material is on the heavier side, except for the multicam version, which uses standard 50/50 nyco.

    For overall features, ease of movement, durability and general comfort, tad force 10s are hard to beat.

    If budget and being conspicuous are not a concern, go with Crye combat pants. They do what they are designed to do very well.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    Crye pants are overpriced and don't really hold up in my opinion.

    The most durable pants I ever worn, were made by bulldog equipment, the mirage pants. Those things are absolute bomber, you couldn't rip em if you tried.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    +1 for the Duluth Trading Firehose pants. They have the ballroom feature (not dancing, but room for your BALLS), it is a diamond shaped piece of cloth sewn into the seam at the crotch area. Very comfy have pockests, depending which ones you get. AND lifetime warranty. I have used the warranty and they do deliver.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    cant bring myself to spend that money on cryes....
    just surplus pants for now.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    Can't speak to he vertx brand, but I have a pair of crye multicam pants and love um - pockets everywhere.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    Military Moron crashed a motorcycle wearing a pair of Vertx and they didn't wear thru. Asphalt and cloth usually don't mix well but the Vertx survived (and limited his injuries).

    If you can buy thru Promotive they have good prices on Vertx.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I had to check TAD's website to keep track of what names they use since it's not on the tags of the garments. I've got two pairs of TAD legionaire cargo pants. They look funny because they have two front pockets at the hip and a pair of D-rings that make it look like you've got your pants on backwards, but I'm always stuffing a phone or pen in that pocket since my other two pockets hang onto a knife and light. D-ring is nice for keeping keys and slipping them into this hip pocket keeps them quiet.

    The front pockets have an extra layer of fabric at the edge which extends it's service life if you constantly clip and unclip lights and knives. I generally wear a hole in this area quickly. I like that the cargo pockets button securely and the buttons are well attached. They're not traditional two or four hole buttons, but two slots and webbing that holds them down.

    I've rotated the pair on a weeklong handgunning course and didn't manage to damage them (I wasn't trying to, but I wasn't babying them either). I also have a pair of their softshell pants but I don't remember what the name was and it's not currently on their website. It also looks like they come in hemmed sizes now. When I used to order pants, they were unhemmed and I had to take them to my tailor, who'd give me funny looks because I usually brought him suiting work.

    I haven't tried pants in the other two brands but I've had some Crye stuff come through and it was well-made.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I LOVE my arc'teryx clothing. I'd buy arc'teryx bubble gum if they made it.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I have a slew of Arc'Teryx stuff and love it. I haven't checked their Leaf site in a while and they have some intense stuff.

    Jason do you have the Sphinx pants or are you just trying to spend my money?
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PatrickChewing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a slew of Arc'Teryx stuff and love it. I haven't checked their Leaf site in a while and they have some intense stuff.

    Jason do you have the Sphinx pants or are you just trying to spend my money? </div></div>

    i hope your proud of yourself now im actually considering the crye

    $700 buys a decent amount of powder (;
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    I like the Crye pants are great but for everyday use they are not practical. They are also heavy and hot. The built in knee pads are a nice feature but they can get in the way when running.

    For just everyday use the 5.11's are not bad.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TAD for the Win !

    If you're considering it, don't compromise </div></div>

    What model do you like Frank? I've been eye balling the Force 10's and just not sure on which one to go with.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    My recent OCONUS experience with Crye trousers was not good.

    Unfortunately, upon receiving and inspecting the pants, I found that the stitching was not completed on the Velcro leg tightener. It appears to that only half of the Velcro was stitched on as there is no evidence of any thread where the strip hangs free. (And importantly, unlike more prosaic pants - e.g., 5.11 trousers - Crye doesn't cross- or double-stitch any of the velcro elements.)

    b78bcce1.jpg


    While I haven't tried any of their other products - which colleagues say are great - for a pair of pants that cost in excess of $200, that kind of manufacturing flaw is inexcusable. When I emailed them about it, I was told that I could ship them back and they would replace them. Naturally, shipping costs would have been more expensive than a tailor's bill to make the repair.

    Bottom line: High-speed/low drag Tier 1 look; <span style="font-style: italic">beucoup</span> pockets; 'prestige' label; but not constructed as robustly as I would like.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    As far as "tactical" pants, I only have a couple pair of the Vertex standard weight. For sure get a size larger. I like them well enough and they don't scream "TACTICAL". I felt the cuffs were a little too small around the ankle, so cut a slice on the inner ankle to open them up a bit. One thing I really don't like about them is they wrinkle like a bitch and the pleats around the knees make them impossible to iron out. Get them out of the dryer ASAP when ya wash them.

    ....
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    For those of you that have used the TAD pants, did they run fairly true to size?
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PatrickChewing</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For those of you that have used the TAD pants, did they run fairly true to size? </div></div>

    Yes
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KUCAGE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My recent OCONUS experience with Crye trousers was not good.

    Unfortunately, upon receiving and inspecting the pants, I found that the stitching was not completed on the Velcro leg tightener. It appears to that only half of the Velcro was stitched on as there is no evidence of any thread where the strip hangs free. (And importantly, unlike more prosaic pants - e.g., 5.11 trousers - Crye doesn't cross- or double-stitch any of the velcro elements.)



    b78bcce1.jpg


    While I haven't tried any of their other products - which colleagues say are great - for a pair of pants that cost in excess of $200, that kind of manufacturing flaw is inexcusable. When I emailed them about it, I was told that I could ship them back and they would replace them. Naturally, shipping costs would have been more expensive than a tailor's bill to make the repair.

    Bottom line: High-speed/low drag Tier 1 look; <span style="font-style: italic">beucoup</span> pockets; 'prestige' label; but not constructed as robustly as I would like. </div></div>


    I'm currently on my 2nd long OCONUS trip with the Crye Combat uniform I've had since late 2009. It's been the most durable and most worn uniform I have. I did not notice the stitching issue until maybe my 2nd-3rd year in due to numerous washes and normal use where the velcro has erroded to freely hang. I think they are one of the best comfortable pants out there and I will continue to buy more as my older uniforms wear out.
     
    Re: Pants: Crye vs Vertx x TAD vs ?

    Can only comment on the crye's. Expensive yes, but I think they are worth it for the matches I shoot. The external knee pads sold me. I hated putting knee pads over other types of pants. They always fit funny. The cryes have a stretch material in them as well. The knee pads have a hidden adjustment in the front pockets and they keep the catcus needles out of your knees.

    Dino
     
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