Grace Are you new in the tactical gear world? Then, choosing a tactical gear that best fits can be a daunting task, particularly as you’re bound to be swept off your feet by the number of choices and various offers.
Various questions like which knife should you choose and for what purpose, what type of vest is best for you, and how to know what to buy are bound to arise.
As you may know, there are various sizes, protection levels, purposes, and other crucial factors to consider when choosing the right vest that meets your needs. So, if you have never used tactical gear and are unsure of how to make your move, you have landed on the right page!
Thanks to this article, you will now be clear with the top must-know tips to select the best law enforcement and police tactical gear. Armed with this information, surely, your first purchase will be a lot easier! Let’s get started.
What is PoliceTactical Gear?
Tactical gear is apparel and tools that are usually advertised to civilians or the military in order to enhance fighting appropriateness. It is manufactured and marketed for a specific purpose in hand.
The best police gear can be used by law enforcement, military, fire, and rescue personnel for their jobs. Owing to the fact that it serves a different purpose, tactical gear differs from regular clothing and accessories. Types of tactical gear include:
- Pants
- Vests
- Gloves
- Firearms, and many more.
This said, let’s delve into the must-know tips to choose the right tactical gear below.
10 Must-know Tips to Choose the Best Police Tactical Gear
As previously stated in the introduction, there is a vast range of the best police gear in the market. While some are light that you can barely feel, others are quite heavy e.g. for active shooter incidents, and many more.
- Know Your Threat Level
First and most importantly, when choosing law enforcement gear, you should know that there are threat levels. Starting from the first level, each is designed to protect you from different weapons with different ranges, knife blades, caliber bullets, and lots more.
So, you must be aware of your threat level, and you should know the kind of weapon your rival uses. Furthermore, the threat level will determine the number of plates and the style of your vest.
- Decide What Tactical Gear You Need
The second must-know tip in selecting the right police tactical gear or law enforcement gear is to figure out its purpose. If you are a beginner, you may need a few gears – just a basic knife and survival kit should be enough.
However, if you intend to use your gear for more serious purposes, such as law enforcement operations or the military, you must purchase a more comprehensive set of gear. As you progress in your training and experience, you may need to look at purchasing more specialized gear, such as concealed carry holsters or body armor.
- Choose the Right Size
Size does matter when selecting the appropriate tactical equipment. A store may help you determine the vest that best suits you. It is important to note that smaller vests serve half the purpose. For instance, a vest meant to protect you from knife stabs should reach your belt. If it’s not up to belly length then you are at a higher risk of getting hurt.
Moreover, perfect sizing also determines your comfort in the field. Mobility is something worth considering, so your vest should not be too tight.
- Consider Your Budget
Your budget is another vital thing to consider when choosing police tactical gear. Tactical gear can be expensive, so you must ensure you purchase gear within your budget. There are various affordable tactical gear options available, so you don’t have to break the bank to get started. Irrespective of the price, ensure that the gear you purchase is of good quality and will last in tough conditions.
- Check Durability
Durability is critical for various reasons, particularly with expensive bulletproof tactical vests. Of course, you don’t want to purchase something that falls apart after wearing it a few times.
It is noteworthy that should an agency you work for chooses a lower threat level vest because of price, then they are gambling with your life.
- Think about Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is yet another critical thing to consider when choosing tactical gear. If you lead an active lifestyle, you may need durable gear that can withstand up to a lot of wear and tear.
On the contrary, if you don’t lead an overly active lifestyle, you are good with basic tactical gear. It all boils down to how you plan on using your gear.
- Consider Your Environment
The location of your operation or activity should also determine your purchase. If you will be using your tactical gear in a hostile environment, you will need to buy gear specifically designed for such conditions.
For instance, if you live in a hot climate, you should get lightweight and breathable gear. Simultaneously, if you live in a cold climate, you will need warm and insulated gear.
- Choose The Right Materials
It is noteworthy that different materials have different properties, making them better or worse for specific applications. For instance, if you need waterproof gear, you must choose affordable tactical gear made from waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex.
- Consider the Fit
The fit of your tactical gear is also an important tip to consider when choosing the right tactical gear. It would be best to ensure that the items you choose fit you perfectly and are comfortable to wear. If you are wearing your gear for long periods, you must ensure it doesn’t cause discomfort.
- Do Your Research
The importance of conducting research cannot be overemphasized. So, prior to making any purchase, conduct in-depth research to ensure you get the best possible deal and quality. Weigh the prices and reviews of different products from different vendors. This will give you a broader scope to choose from
Final Thoughts on the How to Choose the Best Police and Law Enforcement Tactical Gear
Tactical gear can be a great investment for anyone looking to improve their security and safety. However, with such a vast range of gear available on the market, it can be tough to narrow down your options or even know where to start.
This article has provided the top 10 tips every beginner must know to choose the right tactical gear for their needs. And hopefully, you will consider these tips before making a purchase. So why wait any longer? Go ahead and start shopping today!
