REVIEW: UF PRO Striker XT Combat Pant

UF PRO has now launched their new pants on the market, the Striker has been further developed into the XT, a heavy-duty combat pants. We were able to test it exclusively for you. Find out what to expect from the new Striker XT Combat Pant:

"Oh my God! It's full of zippers!" This was our first impression, not bad at all. Because the pants, like everything from UF PRO, are overall of the highest quality - both in terms of materials used and design. The new feature of the pants is especially the well-thought-out knee protection, which is not as exposed as that of other manufacturers. And many small features that we want to introduce to you.

For the knee protection, there are ultimately two different pockets that once accommodate the "Soft" insert (right) and on the other hand the "Hard" insert (left). The hard insert is made of a thin but very durable plastic that is inserted at the front of the knee. Its appearance is reminiscent of a woodlouse. Behind it is a separate pocket containing the "soft" insert made of D3O material. It hardens quickly when subjected to impact, such as when kneeling. Due to the elaborate construction, no Velcro adjustment is required in the knee area and the fit of the protectors is always very good.

But now to the other features of the pants from top to bottom. The waistband is closed with a snap fastener and hook, reminiscent of many hiking pants and is good and practical. The fly is opened or closed with a two-way zipper. You have the choice when nature calls. The waistband itself offers double belt loops. Once fixed and once to open and close with a snap fastener: The belt is inserted into the fixed loops. With the snap loops, you can fix a Duty Belt on top, for example with a holster attached.

The pockets are very spacious and lined with fleece, which keeps your fingers warm when using the pockets as "American gloves" during a break. On the right side, there is also a zippered "secret compartment" (left). Under the waistband on the inside, there is a zipper where a fleece lining can be zipped on. Great idea because the warm inner pants make these pants absolutely suitable for winter.

The seat of the pants as well as a large part of the buttocks is made of sturdy stretch material, which is not very noticeable in this model in Stone Gray, as is the stretch in the knee area. On the buttocks, there is a back pocket on each side.

At the front, there are two knife pockets at the hip, where folding knives (almost) of all sizes fit easily - here Pohl Force regular (left) and extra large (right).

The thigh pockets with their internal division can be opened from the top or front. Very practical when sitting. A quick access pocket is attached to the thigh pocket, perfect for mobile phones or smartphones. To prevent them from falling out, this pocket also has a securing tab that just needs to be slipped over. No Velcro - and therefore no noise when opening.

At the lower leg, there is a classic carabiner pocket that is much larger here than in other combat pants.

Concealed under a zipper at the calf is the hem adjustment. Very simple yet effective design, with elastic and cord stopper.

Conclusion: All in all, an extremely well-thought-out and superbly crafted Combat Pant. With these pants, UF PRO shows that they are very responsive to customer requests and incorporate a lot of know-how to perfect their products. The Striker XT is the European answer to the combat pants from Crye Precision, with the cleverly and elaborately designed knee solution superior to the American model. A top-class combat pant.

The Striker XT is available directly from UF PRO for €149 (excl. shipping) in OD (which is actually more of a Stone Gray) and for €169 in Pencott Green Zone. In Germany, UF PRO is available at Recon Company.

The knee area standing with the open pocket for the soft protection.

And kneeling. Fascinating how inconspicuous the heavy knee protection looks compared to the inserts from Crye.

More pictures of the Strike XT and also videos can be found on the UF PRO Facebook page.