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Staying fit to meet all the demands of deployment - no matter where, no matter when! Sounds good, but it's not that easy. Based on this requirement, Randy Hetrick developed the TRX Suspension/Sling Trainer System - also based on the Sling Trainer from Jungle Gyms in the USA. The training system is advertised as being used by the Navy SEALs and other elite units. Reason enough for us to take a closer look at the differences between the "civil" and "tactical" versions.

Here the two sports equipment mounted in the "fitness center" of our Middle East correspondent are compared:

• TRX Suspension Trainer "Pro Pack" (top)
• TRX Force Tactical Pack (bottom) - HERE you can find the SPARTANAT review of the Force Kit

The TRX Tactical is significantly more expensive at around 270 euros than the Pro Pack at around 200 euros. However, the scope of delivery looks a bit different, which ultimately is also reflected in the price.

The TRX Pro Pack includes:

• the sling trainer with standard attachment
• a small introductory DVD
• mesh pack sack

The TRX Force Tactical Pack, on the other hand, includes:

• Sling trainer with standard attachment
• door anchor and extension for attachment to elevated or vertical attachment points
• DVD with lots of background information
• 12-week training program (4 weeks building, 4 weeks strengthening, 4 weeks "extreme" workout with different performance levels and performance benchmark tests in the form of a nice "tactical" manual with quick instruction posters for the individual exercises.
• Pack sack in the style of a sports bag with extra pockets for small items and straps for carrying on the back.

When unpacking, the first difference and actually the significant one is the color. While the PRO Pack comes in fashionable black and yellow, the TRX Force features subtle olive; only the small parts are black.

The weight is also slightly different: the TRX Pro Pack weighs just under 2kg, while the TRX Force Tactical, despite the increased scope of delivery, weighs "only" about 1.7kg (measurement pack sack+trainer+attachments, without packaging, DVDs, training manual or other stuff; only the pack actually needed for training).

Both trainers can be registered with TRX, giving access to bonus video material and the newsletter.

There are other small differences between the trainers:

Where the TRX Pro has foam/neoprene-coated handles, the TRX Force Tactical has rubber handles, making them easier to clean and more robust when using heavy footwear (boots) in the foot loops.

Furthermore, the buckles for length adjustment on the TRX Pro are a spring system, similar to those on truck tie-down straps; whereas the TRX Tactical uses lighter sliding buckles (and this is also where the weight difference comes from). Additionally, the length adjustment loops on the TRX Tactical are made of a type of paracord while the Pro Pack uses webbing. And here are the mounting ends, wrapped around a pipe.

In terms of length, construction, and functionality, both trainers are identical, even in terms of durability (unless you stick heavy shoes in the foot loops of the Pro).

CONCLUSION: The extra cost of the TRX Force pays off when you already need a door anchor or suspension extension, which TRX otherwise charges a good price for as a separate part. Similar alternatives would be the "Original" from Jungle Gym, the Variosling (with pulley for rotational exercises), or the Sling Trainer from Bad Company. However, visually, none of these compare to the TRX Force Tactical if you're into military style.

The two kits in their respective transport bags.

Special thanks to Barthel for the review!