Op. Zulu is the leading brand among Police Officers and security workers offering outstanding quality and value with its aggressive prices. With a core range of belt pouches and a line of torches and earpieces being developed alongside two kit bags, Op. Zulu has a focused selection of key products.

Viper products are exceptional popular within the security industry and the Viper brand name is probably the strongest in security circles. Viper offer a broad range of security equipment, not just belt pouches, including coats, SIA badge holders, clip on ties, hand tally counters etc etc. Covering almost everything required to work in security.

5.11 and Blackhawk are more expensive than either Op. Zulu or Viper and are aimed much more at the specialist military market. Although more expensive the build quality is exceptionally high and caters very well for the niche needs of Special Forces and similar hostile environment operators. Both Blackhawk and 5.11 focus on the MOLLE mounting platform which can be used to attach to a 50mm/2 inch duty belt but are designed to be used on MOLLE compatible vests, bags or belt platforms.

Web-Tex also offer a range of military equipment, including belt pouches, which is more economically priced than the specialist pouch manufacturers yet still offers robust functionality. Web-Tex gear is no only used by army and military personnel, but is popular with airsoft and paintball players who need replica equipment built on military spec but at a reasonable price point.

So whatever your belt pouch needs talk to PatrolStore for the best products at the best prices in the UK.

First up 5.11 Rucksack – Rush 24 Black . I grabbed this at the last moment and was gutted when I realized it didn’t come with a hip belt. To start off I was a bit worried as I was carrying a minimum of 4 litres of water plus a days kit, however I managed to adapt the bag by attaching a 5.11 LBE Belt to the MOLLE on the side of the bag with two 6mm carabiners (pics to follow). It worked really well, although even with the belt undone the bag was actually very comfortable on the shoulders. The hydration bladder (sold separately) fitted comfortably in the specially designed pocket and tube management system made staying hydrated a breeze. The rigid board in the back gave the bag plenty of support making it more comfortable and transferring more of the weight to the hips than a colleagues Blackhawk Cyclone. The 5.11 also boasted a superior pocket system that allowed subdivision of kit into easily accessible sections no matter what…The Sunglass pocket was especially neat!

Next up trousers and coats. Again I went for 5.11 Trousers – Taclites specifically as I was walking in the day when temperatures could be +30c or down to +5c in rain or hail if the weather turned…..which it inevitably did, pouring with rain for the best part of my second day. The taclites pro pants were ideal, cool in the heat and warm even when wet, and then drying incredibly fast. Since we turned in shortly after dark when the temp really dropped really warm trousers were not necessary. The coat was again 5.11, this time the black 3 in 1 5.11 Jacket. I separated the inner fleece and outer waterproof jacket as layering on and off was more convenient as the weather changed. The waterproof outer was always in and out of the top of my pack keeping my dry and sweat free, while the fleece proved invaluable when we stopped on a high windswept spot or in the evenings.

For base layers I went for DriFire over Under Armour Tactical as I found the DriFire doubled as a regular T shirt more readily than an under armour top. The Ts were light weight, moisture wicking and comfortable at all times, dried quickly and stayed fresh for days at a time without washing (me or the shirt).

Mid layers I went for Blackhawk Cotton Shirts and Blackhawk Ops Jacket which were ideal for comfort, style and compact size. The Ops Jacket especially provided excellent insulation for its size and shower resistance in drizzle/mist.

Most importantly BOOTS, there could be no other choice than LOWA Mountain GTX Boots. I have reviewed these before and cant say alot more about them. Fantastic comfort straight out of the box, well waterproof even when fording streams, great grip, breathable and the 8″ ankle height provides all the support you need.

Last but not least in the apparel section is Accessories! First on the list Oakley Standard Issue Sunglasses. I went for the Half Jackets. These provided outstanding optics and UVA/B protection, but did scratch surprisingly easily when dropped on a stone pathway! Next up Shemag. I went blue and white as I didn’t want to be to overtly military in my appearance. This was a great addition to my ensemble especially after sun burn on my neck on the first day providing warmth at night, sun protection in the day and keeping the sweat off in the humid conditions of Machu Pitchu. Plus it makes you look like you look the part! Third on the list; Trousers Twists, much neglected by civilians and at less than £2 a pair they are an investment that keeps paying dividends, keeping your trousers clean and dry, your laces tucked away to prevent snagging and a neat professional appearance. Finally Sure Fire EP3 Sonic Ear defenders now when your team mate snores like a possessed wilder-beasts and all that separates you is a think sheet of tent canvas these are worth the money several times over, trust me when I say cheap “airplane” foam ear defenders just wont cut it!

Finally we have insect repellent. I took two different types, Deet Insect repellent for my clothes and Avon Skin So Soft and Fresh Dy Body Oil as mosquito repellent Skin so soft and fresh is much easier to apply to face, hair and forehead without worrying about sweat washing it into your eyes and mouth….Deet stings your eyes like a suicide tequila and ruins the taste of even the best lunch! Between the two I was insect bite free for the whole week! (Though it’s hard to judge which is more effective when used in conjunction.)

EDIT:
Like a dads nightmare at Christmas I almost forgot the socks! I worked my way between 3 pairs on rotation (taking my boots off at the end required an open window and a strong stomach). They were 5.11 Level 1 9″ socks – the most comfortable (no I was not sponsored by 5.11 I paid for the kit myself) Viper Coolmax Socks - stayed the freshest and Extremities Super Hikers - the warmest.

I hope you enjoyed this review, if you would like to support our wounded troops please remember to donate to Help4Heroes!

Cheers,

Matthew Milner

As a full grain all leather boot the CEN Patrol Boot is not water proof, but if the leather is waxed an polished sufficiently well they will be substantially more water resistant than their leather and Nylon counterparts like the Panther, Classic or even Stealth Force Leather and Nylon.

The inner footbed is removable and can be replaced as it wears or upgraded to the new M pact Insole for maximum comfort and arch support over the shoe lifetime.

With an RRP of £70.00 and but available from PatrolStore of just £59.99 you wont get a 6″ boot of this quality from any where else.

Be persistent

It pays to be persistent in your search. Make full use of the Recently Active, Recently Updated and Newest Members searches on UniformDating. Join the other members in the chat room, keep logging in regularly and be pro-active on the site. It pays to send lots of messages and flirts out – after all the more you put out the more you get back! Most importantly have fun and find the one at Uniform Dating.

Photos

When it comes to Online Dating, Girls are 8 times more likely to look at someone’s page if they’ve got a profile picture and guys are 10 times more likely so a profile picture is a must on Uniform Dating! Upload a photo of you having fun on a night out, or enjoying a hobby and you are sure to attract interest. Just make sure the photo is a clear head and shoulder shot so that others can recognise you. On Uniform Dating you can upload as many photos as you’d like and keep switching them with your profile photo to ensure you are regularly updating your profile.

Profiles

Updating your profile regularly is a great idea! It makes you appear in twice as many searches as an inactive member. A few pointers regarding your Uniform Dating profile though. Be original, everyone enjoys a dvd with a bottle of wine on the sofa. If you like something out of the ordinary say so! Avoid using the word I too often in your profile it may come across that you have a ‘me, me, me’ attitude which is undesirable. Also, don’t be negative – even if you feel abit down in the dumps don’t let that come across on your profile. Dating is an exciting experience so be excited. Once again keep your profile on Uniform Dating updated as regularly as possible to appear in more search results.

Stay Safe

Just like you could in your local pub at the weekend, or on other dating sites there is always the possibility that you come across someone on Uniform Dating who is – a bit dishonest. You can spot potential scams and alert our team at the earliest opportunity to ensure these members are removed from the site in a number of ways. Usually a scammer will provide you with their contact details off the site early in the conversation. We would always advise our members to keep communications within the site until you know the other party well enough to move onto for example messenger. They will usually provide you with a story that perhaps a loved one is ill, or they are working abroad and need the money to come home to visit you. Check everything you are told! If you are unsure as to whether someone is being genuine or not contact the Uniform Dating team on 01737 648434.

Finally,

Searching

Take advantage of all the search options provided to you. Use the advanced search to find people who look a certain way with a certain lifestyle. Use the Uniform Dating profession search to find that special someone in Uniform. Use the recently active and recently updated searches to view profiles belonging to members who have been online in the past few days (these members will usually be the most active on Uniform Dating). And you can use the newest member search to find the newest members in your area! There is a keyword search if you want to search for someone who has written something particular in their profile e.g. reading, or swimming etc. Or you can just do a general standard search on Uniform Dating to get back all the members in your area who meet your gender and age specifications.

Helping you through the dating game,

The Uniform Dating Information Team

Airsoft Boots are the same as modern army and military boots or police boots with popular tactical brands like LOWA, Adidas, Bates, Meindle and Magnum used by most airsoft players. Similarly Airsoft Clothing is often the same as that used in real combat though cheaper versions specifically for airsoft are also coming onto the market from a number of manufacturers.

An area where specialist products are specifically produced for the market is Airsoft pouches. Whilst players can use the exact same products as their military or police counterparts there are also specific brands producing products at an economical price point for casual players. Similarly Airsoft Bags can be purchased from budget brands for low end or light users or “Real Deal” products from brands like Blackhawk and 5.11 are often used by gamers.

At PatrolStore we stock a range of tactical products for the professional police and military which might be suitable airsoft gear for players looking for high quality gear and equipment at excellent prices all held in stock in the UK for secure shopping and fast delivery.

We also have Matthew Milner the General Manager aged 27 Years old. Matthew studied Business and Management at Exeter university and worked in online retail selling sports supplements and clothing before joining PatrolStore. He is an active outdoors person who enjoys hiking, camping and rock climbing and is currently training with Holding Troop for the Royal Marines Reserve London. When he’s not at work he will normally be up to some kind of training!

Steve Thorndale is the Warehouse Supervisor. He’s 53 years old and served with the Royal Air Force for 6 years during the cold war period. Steve Trained to be a mechanic in the RAF and has since worked for Surrey Fire & Rescue and Royal Mail. He was working as a Manager in the vehicles sales department of Royal Mail and joined the team at Patrolstore in January this year. He is a keen motorcylist and carries out charity work for The Royal British Legion Riders branch.

Di Davies has worked for Patrol Store since it started back in 2007. She deals with accounts and customer queries. In her spare time she enjoys cycling, tennis and walking with her family.

Sophia “Soap” Helden is the newest member of the team. She works for Patrol Store as our Customer Services Rep. A Sociable, outgoing kind of girl she always happy to speak to our customers on the phone, email or face to face. She is currently striving diligently to quite smoking and will appreciate your messages of support when you contact her on the phone or by email.

Aran Lackey PatrolStore Sales Manager 27 years old. Has been with the company since launch and has covered roles encompassing customer services, Order Fulfilment, Stock ordering and Product Sourcing. He is now our main point of contact for Team and Corporate sales. An Avid Martial Arts fan and student he teaches and trains regularly and has recently applied to become a special constable in surrey.

Don’t plan an expensive evening and then be a cheap date

Never assume the other party is picking up the tab. “I forgot my wallet” or simply waiting for the person you are dating to pull out their platinum credit card is bad form. Especially when they didn’t order the lobster! A cheap date is often a great first date idea, especially when little is known about the other person’s financial situation. But just because the first date is a cheap idea doesn’t mean you have to be a cheap date! Bring at least enough cash to cover the planned activities.
Your dating experience should be something fun but inexpensive, e.g. a nice picnic in the park

Blatantly romantic ideas with a perfect stranger are never a good idea.

To avoid a restraining order from a date who is convinced you’re a stalker pay attention to this dating tip. Two dozens red roses delivered to the date’s door, serenading at the table, and a private massage for two are definitely overboard first date ideas.

The revenge date

When it comes to dating advice this is important! If the plan is to visit the restaurant often frequented by a particular ex, followed by a romantic walk by said ex’s house and finally ending with a nice drink at that ex’s favourite bar – counselling may be in order! Don’t short-change a first date by dating them to make someone else jealous.

Trying to cram your life story into your first date

Another great piece of advice to keep desperation out of the date! Make sure your dating ideas are fun for both parties and not a showcase of ‘A Day in the Life’ of me. Visiting your family, hanging out with your work friends, or planning a tour of your favourite stamp collector’s lair might sound like a great plan for a day spent alone!

Any activity involving copious amounts of alcohol

A tip you should remember when deciding where your date should be. The popular dating reality show Blind Date’s Hall of Shame is a testament to the disasters caused by excessive drinking on a first date. All kidding aside, many people have struggled with alcohol problems, or know someone who has. Drinking in bars, doing shots or attending wild house parties are guaranteed to make a first date uncomfortable and therefore not a good idea for first time dating online or otherwise.

Faking it

Never fake your photograph/hobbies or lifestyle as it will always catch up with you and may make a prospective partner angry having wasted their time. The same applies to your dating profile, if you think you are ‘cuddly’ rather than ‘medium’ then say so. If you are interested in a serious relationship tell the truth.

Giving out your contact details is bad practice

You should avoid at all cost giving your telephone number, home address or place of work to a stranger, no matter how nice they seem to be before you start dating them. If you telephone them, withhold your number from their caller ID.
There are people out there who unfortunately are dubious characters and you should be aware of these people.

A few more dating pointers:

• Never let a date pick you up from your home address.

• Never let them make arrangements for your accommodation if it is required.

• When you first meet make sure that it is a very public place and let someone know where you are going and the name of the person you are dating. Even arrange to call or text that person once you are there and maybe again during the course of the date.

• Giving a rough time when you intend to return is also worthwhile and recommended

• When dating someone; never accept a lift home if you are not 100% comfortable with it.

• Take a mobile phone with you that is serviceable and have a person to call to come and pick you up if necessary.

• Dating is not a race. Take your time to get to know someone and if they are truly interested in you they will agree it is for the best. Don’t be forced into something you might regret later that will cheapen your dating experience.

And above all else, stay sober!

Helping you through the dating game,

The Uniform Dating Information Team

The most common pistol training weapon is the Glock 17 as used by most US law enforcement personnel. Just like its real counterpart the Glock 17 Red Gun comes with picatinny rail and molded pistol grip. The two most common assault rifles are the M16 and AK47. The M16 is ideal for training drills and demonstrations and avoids all the hassle of health and safety procedures and accountability paperwork associated with issuing live weapons. The AK47 is a much sort after training weapon as the live version of this red gun is the most commonly used weapon in the world making it ideal for unarmed and disarming combat drills against enemy forces in a safe and controlled environment.

The Asp Training red knife is commonly used by martial arts clubs and self defense classes in the UK allowing students to practice techniques and get a feel for actual weights and distances without the risk of a real blade or point causing injury or harm. It is also use by Airsoft players to perform a “knife kill” where ‘real steel’ weapons are no allowed during game play.

The upper is a highly water resistant hydrophobic sealed leather construction whilst maintaining very breathable properties. These features alone make the Adidas GSG9 series ideal for any police patrol officer but there are also some additional stand out technical specifications which are designed for the more tactical user. For example the boots come with a Highly abrasion-resistant wrap insert in arch area for extremely effective braking control during ‘Fast Roping’ operations, known as RopeAssaultProtection (RAP). When combined with the large radius medial arch area they offer the best in safe and precise rappelling maneuvers.

The 8 inch boot version is the more popular offering greater ankle support whilst still being very light weight. The 6 inch GSG 9.4 “Low boot” is more popular in the summer months and sometimes with female officers who are looking less restrictive Adidas boot. Both styles are available at a great price from our police boot shop.

Blackhawk Trousers come in two main styles, the full cotton Tactical Performance Pant and the Light Weight Rip-Stop PolyCotton Pant. As the names suggest the Light weight pant is ideal for warmer climbs and the full cotton canvas trousers are ideal for colder situations. Both trousers boast excellent durability and a range of technical features which put them a cut above standard combat trousers. Two of the most popular features are the front access thigh pockets which provide two easily accessible pockets whilst in the driving or sitting position, and the grip waist band which keeps your shirt tucked in even when performing rigorous active movements.

Like the trousers, the shirts also offer a host of advanced specifications including a variety of concealed pockets, pen slots and wallet pouches. Available in a heavy duty cotton Navy Shirt or Olive drab and both long and short sleeve they are ideal for CP operatives, security personnel or even outdoors recreation. Currently at £29.99 they wont last long at this price!

So check out these deals and our full range of Blackhawk Clothing Today!