REVIEW: UF-PRO Striker Stealth Smock

Smocks are, at their core, jackets with many big pockets. Loved by some, hated by others - and the majority hasn't taken a stance yet. Smocks are mainly found in the English and German areas. The idea behind them: the fighter lives out of the storage space of his jacket. UF-PRO, on the other hand, is known for reinventing the wheel and now the gear manufacturers from Slovenia have taken on the Smocks. What has emerged is something that we don't even want to call a Smock anymore, because it's somehow something completely new. We from SPARTANAT have extensively tested this jacket and are excited to present it to you today:

UF-PRO has developed its own pockets for this Smock, which we want to introduce to you in a separate review because otherwise this one would be too long. But it's already been said that this Smock is modular because of MOLLE. The fit of the jacket is generally very good and sized so that there is still room for an insulating layer underneath. Starting on the outside- The jacket is very sleekly designed. Everything is where you would expect it to be. Two large flat chest pockets, upper and lower arm pockets, a high collar with an integrated hood, and - most importantly - two MOLLE fields with 10x4 loops. With these, the already extensive storage space of the jacket can be enhanced. For testing, we attached the UF-PRO Smock pockets on the right side and SPS Pouches on the left side - from the wearer's perspective. The chest area intentionally lacks buttons and is kept relatively flat so that a Plate Carrier or Chest Rig can be worn comfortably over the Smock. Find more about the Striker Stealth Smock HERE. The back view. Here, the very large and typical smock buttock pocket stands out. Upon closer inspection, the viewer will also notice that the elbow reinforcements are made of 500d Cordura. The rest of the jacket material is a NYCO blend. Even with a small backpack or Plate Carrier in use, the back does not create pressure points. But let's move on to all the pockets in detail. The chest pockets are closed with zippers and are really spacious. There is a 3-fold division inside for easy organization of small items. The upper arm pockets are a very convenient size and also open with zippers. Here, there is a pocket within the pocket that closes with velcro. Of course, no good tactical garment would be complete without the attached velcro. UF-PRO sticks to traditional foliage colors in their combination with GreenZone. The lower arm pockets are very complex in design. Inside, towards the arm, there are small compartments for pens etc. On the opposite side, there are sewn-in elastic loops for chem lights, more pens, or whatever you want to bring. Whatever the wearer puts in there should not wobble around. But we're not done yet... ... because on top of the lower arm pocket are also 2x3 MOLLE loops. More is more, especially with MOLLE loops. The cuffs are adjustable with velcro and there is also a small loop where the wearer can "dummycord" their winter gloves. Because being out in winter without gloves is suboptimal. This way, they can be taken off without losing them. Works for toddlers, works for soldiers. The buttock pocket, its own realm. The largest pocket on the whole smock. It is closed with three Canadian Buttons. In the image, you see the empty pocket. To prevent it from bulging unnecessarily, there are two rows of buttonholes. Additionally, there is webbing in both lower corners to adjust the depth of the pocket further, so that nothing swings around uncontrollably regardless of the load. The Canadian Buttons on the jacket are flexible, not stiff. Thus, the wearer does not have to fear them breaking. Back to the buttock pocket. Inside, there is a divider with a zipper. If you want to transport your sleeping bag in it, simply open the zipper. If the wearer needs a divider to create more stability, just close it again. Under the buttock pocket, there is another pocket with side access. In total, there is a lot of storage space in the rear end. In the stand-up collar, the hood is hidden. It needs to be hooked into mini Canadian Buttons at the front with an elastic loop. This is unfortunately a small weak point of the jacket. Attaching it is more complicated than expected and the loops also tend to get unhooked by themselves from time to time. But the weakness is easily remedied: For a good hold, we recommend looping the elastic around the button twice instead of just hooking it. Otherwise, we can only echo good things about the hood. It fits over a helmet, is adjustable, and the brim is reinforced with wire so that, as mentioned above, the wearer can shape the brim to their liking. Just like what UF-PRO is known for, this hood comes equipped with their Hoodguardsystem. Without the hood, it looks like a crown, so the next carnival costume is saved! But it surely looks stylish on the golf course as well. Integrated into the hood, it guarantees an excellent fit and unobstructed field of vision. Under the buttock pocket, the detachable crotch strap is stowed. Simply unroll and hook it onto one of the front buttons... ... and the jacket won't ride up. As a reverse test, if you ever find yourself doing a handstand or more likely crawling backwards, the smock stays in place in all positions. Now onto the best feature of the whole jacket! When you have so many pockets, you'll want to fill them. This can quickly become heavy, and jackets tend to become uncomfortable. However, the Striker Stealth Smock is a hybrid solution of a smock and belt harness. In the shoulder and back areas, there are large air/pac® inserts that distribute the weight very well and provide cushioning at the same time. The air/pac® are mesh pads that UF-PRO traditionally and effectively uses in their gear. Around the hips, there is a detachable belt with three air/pac® pads. This belt takes the load while also preventing the heavily loaded pockets from swinging around. It is evident that the belt lies above the height of the MOLLE loops. The air/pac® inserts are seen to encapsulate the body when the jacket is closed, distributing the weight, and cushioning and stabilizing everything. The internal carrier strap of the jacket is closed with velcro. This is functional and hardly adds bulk. A very well-thought-out feature to finish. To be able to easily operate the zipper closing the jacket even under a heavy load, the lower ~5 cm stand freely, not sewn to the body of the jacket. Extremely helpful when closing!

CONCLUSION: Calling this hybrid of a jacket and belt harness simply a Smock doesn't quite feel right, but it describes the Striker Stealth Jacket the best. UF-PRO has once again shown what they are capable of and created a new type of combat vest. A thoroughly thought-out, modular product, in the expected extremely good quality. By using PALS loops, everyone can customize the jacket to their needs. Once again, UF-PRO lives up to its reputation as the European alternative to Crye Precision.

Available directly from UF-PRO or any listed dealers that carry UF-PRO products. Starting at Euro 295.00 in Ral 7013. Multicam, Flecktarn, and the Pencott Greenzone shown here are available for €340.00.

UF-PRO online: http://ufpro.si/de/

EnforceTac March 1-2, 2016 - Hall 10.1 831