5.11 Customer Review - ATAC A1 Flashlight - Josh Orth

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 Josh Orth reviewing the ATAC A1 Flashlight. Below you will find his review;

Along with the cool belt that I got free-bee'd with my recent pants purchase, I also scored a handy pocket flashlight, in the ATAC A1flashlight from 5.11 Tactical. Now, we've had something of a moratorium on me buying more lights, as I have QUITE the collection (in my tent peg, IR flashlight, LazerBrite LED glowstick, Packlight LED Strips, Surefire 6PX, and various key-chain fobs, so when one just magically falls in my hands, I'm always happy.

This aluminium bodied, 87g (3.1oz) light, with a max 103 Lumen Cree-XP-E LED powered by a AA battery, packs quite the punch for its pocket-size. The lens end has quite broad crenelations for heat dispersal and ouchy-wackiness for those close-encounters .

The rubber end-button allows for silent "momentary-on" and by sequentially tapping it, give you access to the three modes: High / Low / Strobe. The "High" being the 103 lumen setting, with a purported 50 minute run time  and "Low" having a 11 lumen output with 28 hours of run time  whilst the strobe again packs 2 1/4 hours of 103 lumen razzle-dazzle. 5.11 Tactical report a 99m throw at "High" and 32m at "Low".

The tail end also plays host to three additional features; a steel clip for belt and pouch retention, nothing special here but it'd nicely made and mated. There is a squared ring of rubber projecting from the base, which gives you no-clank, anti-roll functionality. A drilled lanyard hole connects to 5.11's Break-Away Lanyard, the lanyard of which features a no-slip rubber slide, and the Break-Away component is sturdy and rugged, requiring quite a yank to pull loose, but certainly less than arm-trapping amounts. No accidental de-luminations here.

This is a petite light,as matches its single AA power source, as seen here beside the 2 CR-123 Surefire 6PX. This makes it ideal for off-hand use, pocket or EDC stowage, or in your car. I found the momentary-on mode-switch a little fiddly to use, and had to practice to get from "High" to "Strobe" smoothly, but with everything, practice, practice, practice. 

          

Thanks Josh for writing this review.

5.11 Australia

Homicide Victims Support Group - Annual BBQ

5.11 Australia attended the HVSG annual BBQ to lend a hand with the renovations taking place. The renovations were a surprise for two wonderful ladies who spend a lot of their time and money in the recovery center helping those less fortunate then ourselves.

Homicide Victims’ Support Group (Aust) Inc was formed in 1993 to provide support, counselling and information for families and friends affected by homicide in NSW. There is 1 murder every 3 days in NSW! The Group has three main aims:

SUPPORT: To provide support, information and counseling for families and friends affected by the murder of a loved one.

EDUCATION: To educate the general community and professional bodies about the needs of people affected by homicide and to increase effective communication between all parties that come into contact with families of homicide victims, thus promoting understanding.

REFORM: To promote the interests and rights of families of homicide victims, lobbying for legislative change wherever inequities or loopholes exist.

Every year the HVSG hold their annual BBQ at the HVSG Recovery Center (Ebony Simpson House). This year was extra special as they decided to renovate the house, which hadn’t been renovated in 30 years. Bill Green, who organised the renovations, spent a lot of his time sourcing donations to help with renovations. Hats off to bill who scored donations from Bunnings, Mitre10 and 5.11 Tactical to name a few. His aim was to brighten up the house and make it comfortable for families to stay in when need be. Each year Bill attends the BBQ as Santa Claus and each year attempts to outdo his entrance to the event. We believe he achieved that this year with entry onto the grounds via PolAir and escorted to the front of the house by NSW Mounted Police, California Highway Patrol, NSW Trail Bike Squad, NSW Highway Patrol, 5.11 Australia’s 1978 XC Falcon Police Car- originally from Canterbury HWP and 5.11 Australia staff dressed in 1970’s police Air Wing , Rescue Squad, Highway Patrol Cyclist , Crown Sergeant , VIP Dress Cyclist  Uniforms.

5.11 Australia staff also helped with the painting of the house and donated an Oven/Range hood, microwave and kitchen island to the house! It was a fun filled day and was the least we could do for those families less fortunate than us. Walking through the hallways of the house, and seeing those hundreds of picture frames of people who had been murdered throughout the years, really makes you stop and realise how lucky we are and to enjoy time spent with friends and family.

We would like to thank all 5.11 staff and friends who attended on the day and really appreciate all the help they provided.”

5.11 Australia

5.11 Customer Review - Taclite Pro Pants - Gareth Williams

At 5.11 Australia we would like to know our customers thoughts on our 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 our Taclite Pro Pants. Below is his review;

"The 5.11 Taclite Pro pant has been on my wishlist for some time since I first learned about them. Being slightly 'abnormal' in my dimensions, I was please to find I could get an inseam length to suit my wasteline from the point of order.

I work in an office of a wholesale company, so with my time being spent between customer service, warehousing, and invoicing, it was nice to have a pant that is comfortable in all aspects of my day.

The elastic wasteline is a great addition when sitting for long periods, without resulting in sagging pants when up and walking around, and the re-enforced pocket seams are great for my EDC knife and torch.

While talking about the pockets, I must also point out how deep and comfortable the pockets are. I'm able to have my wallet in my back pocket and not sit on it, and have the added security with the Velcro fastening.

The extra room in the crotch is great in preventing any pinching or discomfort and is greatly appreciated.

I also found the cell phone pocket is plenty large enough for a smart phone. I've a HTC Incredible S with a backing (so it's on the large side for a smart phone) and it fits nicely.

There are some features of the pant that I don't use, but don't begrudge for being there. But, all in all, I'm very happy with them and have recommended them to family and friends."

Thanks Gareth for taking the time to write this review!

5.11 Australia

The above photo is from 5.11 files and not of a customer.

The Adventures of 5.11 Australia's Mascot - AL HOOT

We would like to introduce you all to AL HOOT (pictured below on a step ladder painting) – 5.11Australia’s Mascot. Throughout the year we will be posting photos on Facebook, Twitter and our blog, of AL HOOT and his adventures. Our aim is for AL HOOT to travel the world and be snapped in some of the most outrageous and dangerous places in the world.

AL HOOT will be present at all our events and will also bring along with him 5.11 discount cards and other 5.11 freebies.

If you spot AL HOOT and take a photo with him, post it on our Facebook page for your chance to win a free 5.11 – AL HOOT is my homeboy tee. Your photo with AL HOOT will also be featured on our Facebook page and blog.

5.11 Australia

5.11 Sponsors the FBINAA Conference

The FBINAA Conference, hosted at The Sofitel Wentworth Hotel Sydney, kicked off on September 16 through to September 20, and what an exciting event it was!

Proud to be one of the many contributors and exhibitors at the event, 5.11 provided the Conference Entry Gift and the MPC case ‘goodies’ including the ever popular embroidered FBI Cap and FBI Patch.

5.11 sent the big guns (pardon the pun) out ensuring that we were more than aptly represented in the persons of 5.11 Acquisition’s CEO, Tom Davin who flew in from the US was accompanied by Australian MD Audrey Vallens, Australian Sales Director (and NSW Essential Services in-the-know specialist), Tony Fitzgerald, and as if that didn't do the trick, a number of 5.11 Australian support staff were there to meet, greet and assist delegates attending the Conference, tend the Exhibition Stand and were responsible for doing a roaring trade in sales of 5.11 Tactical Series items such as Polos, Jackets, FBI embroidered Caps to name but a few of the total items that were on display.

5.11’s decision to be a sponsor coupled with the presence of key personnel and visiting dignitaries, provided invaluable exposure for the 5.11 Dealer Network in Australia; only good things can happen from here folks!

In fact with regard to the value of 5.11’s exposure at the Conference, Tony and I are pleased to report that just one week after the Conference Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ravi Narayan from Fiji invited 5.11 International over to Fiji with a view to purchasing uniforms for the Fijian Police Force!  Good things are a-happening alright!

Day 2 of the Conference saw NSW Police Commissioner ,Andrew Scipione APM host the FBI National Academy Graduates’ Reunion Dinner and our very own Tom Davin was invited by the Commissioner to speak!  Suffice it to say “Tom did us proud!” Also at the dinner, 5.11 provided the 5.11 Challenge Coin, presented to all who graduated and attended the dinner, what a memorable keepsake for the visiting members of the FBI to take home and, by which, to remember this wonderful 5-day event.

But wait, the Conference was not all business!  Na-hah!  It was the new business partnerships and friendships that were made and old friendships renewed.  Among the visiting dignitaries, we met the head of the Thailand Police Service, Police Major General Visanu Prasattongosoth and his colleague Police General Wichean Potephosree. They were so impressed by 5.11’s Exhibit and our one-on-one talks that the PMG Prasattongosoth invited 5.11 Australia to attend, as his personal guest, the next FBINAA Conference in 2013 to be hosted in Thailand.

To today, and with the FBINAA Conference behind us and the 2013 Conference ahead, 5.11 Australia is humbled yet excited about being accepted as a participant in these major events within the Asia Pacific region and we shall strive to foster and grow our associations with new partners and old alike.

Last but not least, a huge note of thanks goes out to all who worked so hard to achieve deadlines for the FBINAA Conference in sourcing and obtaining all inclusions for the;

• Exhibition Stand (décor) and Supplies

• Entry Gift Give-aways

• MPC Case inclusions

• 5.11 Challenge Coin

Tony and I wish to extend a hand in thanks to you all for your hard work, dedication and the loyalty to the 5.11 brand of business displayed throughout the Conference.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated and duly noted.  See you next edition of our Monthly er-Newsletter.

Audrey Vallens

Managing Director

5.11 Australia Helps NSW Police Pull A Plane

The NSW Law Enforcement Torch Run - Pull A Plane took place at the RAAF Base in Richmond on Saturday October 13. The task? To haul an Air Force C-130 plane, all 40-tonnes of it, over a distance of 10 metres of tarmac in the fastest time – a truly herculean ask!

In all, 21 Teams took part in the annual event organised by LETR to raise funds for Special Olympics NSW; the teams were comprised, but not limited to, the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Ambulance Service, Fire Rescue NSW.  Non-Emergency Service teams also entered including the guys and gals of 5.11 Tactical Bankstown. The 5.11 Pull Team comprised of Brett Jaussen, Michael Antonio, Andrew Kazzi and myself. Oh! Boy was it ever a hard feat to accomplish but accomplish it we did!  5.11 pulled its C-130 the full 10 metres in 16:30 seconds – just to compare, the 2012 Plane Pull Grand Champions, NSW Police Public Order & Riot Squad pulled their plane the 10 metres in 12:28 seconds!!!

It was a blue, hot, fun-filled day and 5.11 exhibited its Tactical Series merchandise eliciting much interest and generating sales. Thanks to everyone who helped on the Stand.

5.11 Australia's 1978 Police Ford Falcon - A Star at the Event

The 1978 Police Ford Falcon generated much interest among both Police personnel and the general public alike. Many “remember when” glances were cast on this magnificent piece of machinery. The 78' Police Ford Falcon took its rightful place amongst newer cars and motorcycles, utilised by the Police Force today and the more classic cars of yester-year including a Porsche 911 Carrera, Highway Patrol motorcycles, and even some Fire Trucks. Awesome!

Pull A Plane

Who would have thought that 40-tonne was such a heavy load to haul!  We certainly did get a work-out shifting that load.

I would like to thank the 5.11 team who dragged themselves out of bed early on a Saturday morning to make the 1.75 hour trip from Sydney to Richmond, set up the 5.11 Exhibit Stand, Pull a C-130 Air Force Cargo & Troop Carrier and manage to smile and interact with the visitors to the 5.11 Stand. Your hard work and dedication is truly appreciated – I am a very fortunate MD to have personnel of this calibre to depend on – thanks a tonne (!) guys.

Audrey Vallens

Managing Director

A Training Tale - Adrianas Visit to the United States

Adriana left for the US and came back in one piece and full of knowledge.

Adriana was sent to train in the ABS system, which is soon to be implemented in the Bankstown store. We hear that Adriana passed her ABS training with flying colours and will now assume the duty of training the guys ‘n’ gals in Bankstown when ABS goes live this month.

“...what a wonderful help Mayra and Nancy were during my time in the US. Learning the ABS was made easy by Stephanie and Jaeda, and now I feel competant in the system and also teaching everyone at home how it works. I also had a ball at Urban Shield watching the scenarios, serving all the members and also bribing the San Fransisco SWAT in taking a photo with me in exchange for a few cookies. I cannot wait to come back and thanks to EVERYONE who made my stay in the US a pleasent one.” - Adriana Efthimiades

All trained up and raring to go, we hear good things Adriana...mostly that you passed your ABS training with flying colours and are ready, wiling and able to train the rest of us when the time comes. Well done on behalf of the team!

5.11 Australia