5.11 MOAB BBQ - Mother Of All BBQ's

On Saturday 16th March 2013 5.11 Australia held its annual BBQ day to thank our fans and customers for their support throughout the year...and what a day it was!

The day started at 6am when staff began arriving at 5.11 headquarters to prepare for the day ahead and it wasn't long before the coffee beans were roasting...

With sales of 20%-80% OFF, the chance to win a trip to New Zealand for 2, free BBQ and lamb on the spit, giveaways, face painting and more, customers began to arrive nice and early to get in on the festivities of the day! The day bought together customers new and old, members of NSW Police, NSW Fire, NSW Ambulance Service, SES, security personnel, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking to grab a bargain and meet 5.11 Australia staff!

Empty racks, empty plates and full belly's was all that was left come 5:00 o'clock. The 5.11 MOAB BBQ was an amazing day and we are all glad we had the opportunity to meet some of our customers who, without them, none of this would be possible. We thank you all for the support throughout the year and we look forward to the year ahead and supplying you all with the best apparel and equipment to get the job done! 

Always Be Ready!

5.11 Australia

5.11 Customer Review - TDU Belt - Josh Orth

A quick one today. I got some pants from LA Police Gear recently, and a tasty treat was thrown in with each pair, a colour matched belt! At first I was skeptical. The pants themselves were already on special, what kind of belt would just be thrown in for free. Well, let me show you the TDU Belt from 5.11 Tactical.

The belts are 1.75" (about 45mm) wide and made of a really heavy nylon webbing, stiffer and thicker than seatbelt material. A very sturdy polymer buckle sits low and flat, with only a slight tab protruding from the belt-facing side. Being a non-metalic polymer, this buckle will be metal-detector safe, meaning it's one less thing for me to take off when I visit an airport. I have yet to fully field test it with my partners, but initial studies indicate that being of a more traditional style, it not as tricky as a Cobra buckle to undo at first pass.

The webbing is triple stitched, with a broad bartack, giving it a stiff connection to the buckle, without adding any more bulk. The tongue of the belt is heat-cut at an angle, for easy feeding through the buckle, with plenty of slack at the size I have to double-back for extra security, a habit I picked up both in SCUBA and rock-climbing.

This is a lightweight but very sturdy belt, simple in the extreme and made to last. Even though I've had no problems going through metal detectors with my Ultimate Riggers Belt, the all-plastic look of this one would make it less of a drama.I'm really happy with this, and it (and its tan-coloured counterpart) give me a couple more belt options to add to my collection. Having your pants fall off at the wrong time is BAD for survival.

Photos Courtesy of Josh Orth.

Thank you Josh for writing this review!

5.11 Australia

5.11 Breaching Tools - (VIDEO)

The fastest, easiest and most complete breaching system on the market. 5.11’s Breaching Tool System launches with the MiniRam, the compact MultiPry, the MultiSledge, the full-sized MultiBreacher and the unique MultiDoor that allows training for different types of outward and inward opening doors with mechanical and hydraulic tools. An entirely new method of breaching, realized by the team from Swedish Entry Tools, allows public safety personnel to breach inward and outward opening security doors with speed whilst minimizing exposure.

5.11 Australia

5.11 A.T.A.C Flashlights

For anyone who needs a reliable light source. 5.11 Tactical has engineered a new line of durable battery flashlights with the highest standard and best value. Constructed of aerospace aluminium, these dependable flashlights are impact and weather resistant to assure long service of life. The multipurpose flashlight line is ideal for general and task-specific lighting needs at close and long distances while the long battery life reduces operating costs. ATAC's molded rubber anti-roll ring keeps the light in place when its set on the hood of a car or other uneven surfaces. All ATAC models feature a "momentary on" switch function, a spring steel pocket clip for convenient carry and include batteries.

5.11 Tactical ATAC Flashlights

- The ATAC A1 is a 4.2" compact flashlight, easy to carry in a pocket, pouch or purse. High mode light output of 103 lumens for a 50-minute-run-time and beam distance up to 99 meters. High, low and strobe modes. Uses 1 AA alkaline battery. Starting at $59.99

- The ATAC A2 is the tallest in the line at 6" in length. Handy size makes it great for inspectors, mechanics and off-roaders. High mode light output at 162 lumens for a 1 hour and 45 minute run-time and bean distance up to 127 metres. High, low and strobe modes. Uses 2 AA alkaline batteries. Starting at $69.99.

- The ATAC PLx is a 5"slim pen light, sleek enough to slide into a purse, pocket or pack; there when you need it for everyday situations. High mode only with amazing output of 69 lumens, a 3-hour-run-time and beam distance of up to 47 metres. uses 2 AAA batteries. Starting at $39.99.

- The ATAC L1 is the shortest ATAC flashlight at just 3.9" making it compact to carry in a vehicle glove box, briefcase or holster clip. Light output in high mode is 173 lumens for a 2 hour run-time and beam distance of up to 94 metres. High, low and strobe modes. Features a rotary lockout switch that prevents inadvertent activation during storage and transportation. Uses 1 long-life CR123A lithium battery. Starting at $79.99.

- The ATAC L2 is 5.3" and ideal for situations from 3rd shift patrols to SWAT operations. Light output in high mode of 222 lumens with a 4 hour run-time and beam distance of up to 106 metres. High, low and strobe modes. Features a rotary lockout switch that prevents inadvertent activation during storage and transportation. Uses 2 long-life CR123A lithium batteries. starting at $89.99.

5.11 Tactical's ATAC family of flashlights compliments their existing line of rechargeable traditional duty lights, responding to end user requests for compact, efficient and durable flashlights. "Considering lumen output, drop-test durability, run-time and price, these lights are the most innovative torches on the market today", said Tom Davin, 5.11 Tactical CEO. "Once you discover how reliable, lightweight and portable they are, you'll want to have one of each of these lights for your duty belt, glove box, emergency kit and garage.

5.11 Australia

5.11 Customer Review - A.T.A.C Coyote 8" Boots - Gareth Williams

At 5.11 we would like to know our customers thoughts on products. This gives everyone the chance to read reviews on our products not by us, but from customers themselves. These reviews are unedited and are solely the feelings of the customers writing them.

This week we have Gareth Williams reviewing the A.T.A.C Coyote 8" Boot. Below you will find his review;

I purchased these boots in mid-December of 2012 as I required a pair of smart casual boots for work in the office/warehouse, and also as everyday foot protection while riding my motorbike. Generally speaking, motorbike boots are not comfortable to spend all day in, and comfortable shoes aren't smart on a bike, so these were a perfect compromise.

First of all, let me say that the shipping was very timely. I ordered the pair late Thursday and received them Monday after placing a phone order.

Not being able to test the fit prior to ordering, I went off my Adidas sports shoe size and found the fit to be good, if fractionally large. Being that I live in Queensland, I don't wear boot socks due to the heat and prefer to wear business-type socks with a padded sole, so there's plenty of room, but not too much that rubbing occurs. In the weeks of wearing them I've had no issues with rubbing or uncomfortable hot spots.

The side zipper was a feature I was a little dubious of having never used that feature in a boot before. I've found I need to tie my laces looser than I would normally in order to make use of that zipper feature. Even so, I find the boots to be tight to get on and off using the zipper alone.

The external pockets were something I initially overlooked, but have recently integrated with my EDC. Now I can leave the house with a Light Duty Multi-tool (a Gerber Dime) and a small folding knife tucked comfortably in the outer side of my boots without any discomfort.

I initially had some minor stiffness in the zippers of these boots but, other than that, construction quality seems worth what I paid (having taken advantage of a Facebook special).

All use of the A.T.A.C. 8" Coyote Boot has been suburban, so I can't comment on the outdoor ruggedness of the boot in general. However, for my intended use of the boot, I would expect it to serve me well.

Thanks Gareth for taking time out to write this review!

5.11 Australia

5.11 Australia Christmas Party

5.11 Australia's 2012 Christmas party was held at Glenworth Valley, which is located in the deep valley in the hinterland region of the NSW Central Coast. Here were participated in a 10km horse ride followed by lunch, then a two hour quad bike ride through some amazing scenery that the region has to offer.

The day started at 8am where we took off from 5.11 headquarters in a minibus and headed towards our destination an hour and a half away! The usual 'bus' songs were sung and we arrived at our destination on time and eager to get started.

Horse Riding

Before we left the yard our guide kicked things off with instructions on how to manage and control your horse. Once this was completed we were all set and ready to go! 

The ride took us through a 10km bushland track, and although we started at a slow pace, things really started to speed up around 3km into the ride (where we, and the guide, had quite a few laughs watching others bounce up and down uncontrollably as their horse galloped through the bushland).

After two fun hours, some sore knees and backsides, our horse ride had come to an end! but not our day.....

Our next stop....quad biking! 

Quad Biking

After a quick 'how to' and a driving test we were off on our two hour quad bike ride. Again we went through some amazing scenery and after a 20 minute drive ended up at our destination....'The Track'.

The track was made up of sharp turns, small jumps and a long straight which was great for catching up to those who eluded you! Some were taking it at high speeds while others were enjoying a Sunday drive (and some even driving with their eyes closed as you can see from one of the photos below).

After an hour on the track, some sore forearms, tanks almost on empty (both bike and rider)  and clothes/faces covered in dirt, we all returned to the bike garage in one piece.

Our Christmas party had come to an end after an amazing day of horse riding and quad biking. It was now 3:30pm as we made the trip back to 5.11 Headquarters in our minibus, where there were no 'bus' songs just sounds of zzzz's.

We are looking forward to our next company event and will find it difficult to outdo ourselves after this day....although I'm sure we will!

Audrey Vallens

Managing Director 

AL HOOT (5.11 Australia Mascot) - In Africa!

5.11 Australia's mascot AL HOOT continues his journeys, representing 5.11 Australia, around the world.

The first leg of AL HOOTS journey has taken him to Tanzania, Africa! During his stay in Tanzania AL HOOT has really felt at home in the wilderness! He has had a chance to meet the locals, been on a safari and even called back home to let us know how he is going (as you can see in the photo below)!

5.11 Tactical Australia