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Hello and welcome to my first review EVER. As I settle down in front of the computer, I am accompanied by my 5-11 Stryke Pants and a glass of red wine. This will be a learning experience for the both of us… Let’s get it on!
Us ladies in the tactical world know there are not many items specifically geared for our figures and trying to translate the men’s version into a female fit can be daunting and downright difficult. I feel your pain sister. Thank goodness 5-11 is coming up with some really great clothing items specifically geared for women.
When I first saw these pants I had already owned 5-11’s woman’s basic Tactical Pants. They were functional, but I wanted a more comfortable fit, so I bit the bullet and ordered the Stryke Pants in the storm (grey) color. I purchased these pants from a website called GovX (www.govx.com) which is a member site that sells items at a reduced rate to military, police, fire/EMS/first responders, and government employees. They were on sale for $52.95, retail for $70.99 on the 5-11 website (www.511tactical.com), and come in black, storm (gray), khaki, dark navy, and TDU green.
It’s important to know that I’m an average sized woman, 5’4”, 147 lbs (yes, I told the truth), and a curvy size 8. Depending on the brand I could go with a size 8 or a 10. In this case, I ordered a size 8 and haven’t been disappointed. I’ve been using these pants for the past 6 months. They are currently my go-to item for everyday use, and I own a pair in green for work.
Let’s start with the overall fit. The pants sit somewhere above the hips and lower than the belly button. It’s a great height because you don’t look like you are wearing mom jeans, but it’s high enough not to have the ever lovely plumber butt when you bend down. The length is great, not too long but long enough to cover your boots when sitting or maneuvering. The cut is not generous in the thigh area and may feel like it’s a little snug however the waist is true to size and fits comfortably. Below the knees, it fits like any other straight cut pant. The ankle is straight cut, not flared but not tapered either and seems meant to fit over a pair of tactical boots. Best of all these pants have two-way stretch, which every lady loves, and is super comfortable and forgiving in every position.
On to the functionality… The waist is adorned with nicely placed belt loops that make carrying, concealed or open, easy and safe. The belt sag that is normal in woman’s pants isn’t there due to the extra support. The front two loops are extra wide and have additional material for a badge, or anything you may want to hang that will not interfere with the belt itself. I do use them for my badge when on plain clothes duty or on range detail and find it a thoughtful detail.
