REVIEW: UF PRO Striker ULT Combat Pants

The Striker ULT combat pants from UF PRO is the new lightweight option in the Striker series. Thanks to the new NyCo Extreme fabric, it is not only perfect for hot climates but also moderate ones. Let's take a closer look at what makes the Striker ULT special in this review.

The classic all-around view—without any equipment attached. Front, ...

side, ...

... you can already see some initial changes.

In terms of appearance, it is similar to the Striker X Pants (l.) - in the SPARTANAT Review HERE -, it also carries the name "Striker" series.

Equipped. Let's get to the biggest change right away, as you can feel it immediately when you put it on. The new Waist/Flex system revolutionizes the fit at the waist. This increases comfort and reduces the risk of skin abrasions and blisters.

This system consists of three components. A new inner belt, side stretch panels, and a new padding in the seat area.

The two-way zipper secures the lower section. You can first fasten the pants at the top with a hook and then close them with a Canadian button.

The belt buckle is secured on the left and right with a Velcro strap. We were a bit unlucky with the length, as the hook-and-loop sometimes overlaps the belt loop. It's a bit awkward to secure it underneath. The belt still holds. Additionally, the First-Line comes over it anyway.

For many, a First-Line with Velcro has become the standard. We also use this system and therefore with UF PRO, you no longer need an extra under belt.

The advantage here is that half of the system is already present and fixed on the pants.

Here's a close look at what it looks like when the system is fully closed. There is no Velcro at the front to secure the first line. The plastic loops for the Velcro belt underneath also make it a bit thicker. The big buckle serves the purpose of centralizing the lacing from the right and left, which makes sense. But it is also a thick logo carrier ... We haven't quite gotten used to it and feel like it could be improved a bit.

If you follow the integrated belt to the side, it stops at the hip and doesn't go all the way around.

Underneath the side part of the belt, there is a Schoeller stretch insert. This ensures a very comfortable fit.

Here's the view from the inside. The stretch provides enough flexibility in case the wearer indulges in a big meal.

The back of the pants is also new. There are no longer back pockets. Instead, a 3D mesh pad has been added.

This provides more stability and a better fit. At first, you don't notice it properly, but when you wear a loaded belt for a long time, this solution is quite pleasant. With the padding of the Striker X shirt, you are almost fully padded.

Inside, there is also a rubber strip to prevent the shirt from slipping out. What is no longer present is the zipper to attach a windstopper liner, as is highly appreciated in other UF PRO pants. This is a shame because it is one of the truly extremely practical inventions of this manufacturer.

Now turning back to the pockets, of course, the small secret pocket must not be missing. This inconspicuously located in the left pocket and secured by a zipper.

The thigh pockets have been revised slightly. There is now only one large thigh pocket instead of an additional patch pocket.

The Canadian buttons can be found here again. These can be exchanged for a Velcro closure like on the Striker X pants.

Inside the pocket, there is a wide divided elastic band to secure various utensils.

The size of the pocket opening can be adjusted using an elastic cord and knot.

The pocket is also accessible from the side. This has changed slightly, as there is now an additional zipper. This reveals a ventilation option.

Here is the fine mesh fabric inside, which represents the ventilation area.

To access the actual pocket itself, you need to open a second zipper after the first.

Then you can reach inside as usual. In our opinion, it might be better to make both zippers accessible from the outside. However, the ventilation option is still a good idea and we are happy to use it.

The area for the knee pads is designed the same way as on the Striker X. A large area in the front, protected with 500D Cordura, which is also used for the belt loops. The knees, buttocks, and crotch areas are made of the proven Schoeller Stretch material. All in the stylish Multicam color.

The hard knee pads have a slightly modified pocket for a secure fit. Behind them, the soft knee pad can be inserted.

Here is the knee pad set from the inside. The angled openings can be seen clearly, allowing sand and water to drain.

There is a new system to tighten the knee pads.

Instead of buttons, as with the Striker X, there is now a velcro band for adjustment.

This disappears into the pants after adjustment and offers a lot of flexibility.

Now let's focus on the leg closure. The opening at the bottom can of course be opened again with a zipper. New to this is a mesh insert, which can additionally provide cool legs and keep insects away. The black you see under the mesh are our socks.

To adjust the tightness at the bottom, there is, in typical Striker X fashion, an elastic band with Canadian button.

You can also find a hook to hang it on the front of your shoe again.

The UF PRO trousers offer several new features compared to the Striker X trousers and yet are specifically different from other Striker models. The flexibility is definitely not lacking and the trousers feel more like sweatpants. CORDURA has also created a great fabric with the new NyCo Extreme. This fabric is more breathable, quicker drying, and lighter than previous NyCo.

We weighed the trousers ourselves and after one wash, without knee pads, in our size 32/30, they weigh 810 grams. For comparison, the Striker X has been washed a few times, also without knee pads and belt, and weighs 992 grams in the same size 32/30.

It performs great in motion.

And here is the tag from the pants indicating the material combination.

CONCLUSION: The new UF PRO Striker ULT is once again a great advancement and shows that UF PRO never stops thinking about how to improve something good. NyCo Extreme is convincing all around and makes the trousers extremely pleasant to wear, as the fabric also falls lighter.

If you are hoping for an ultra-lightweight pair of pants, you may have to wait until UF PRO offers a version without the new Waist/Flex system. For many others, this will be sufficient replacement for the underbelt. The Striker X Shirt completes the package, providing a modern, comfortable, and above all, durable combat suit.

We can hardly wait for the pants to be available in other colors as well. Especially Stone Grey-Olive is a must-have for us.

The Striker ULT is available HERE directly from UF PRO currently only in Multicam color for 239 euros.

UF PRO online

Here is the product video from UF PRO for the Striker ULT pants.