Whether I’m on the range helping instruct, taking a class or competing, it is important for me to look professional and be comfortable at the same time. That’s not something easy to accomplish. Are you like me? Always looking for some range/tactical clothing that fits well and meets or exceeds your performance expectations? Vertx, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers great products that, according to its website, are designed by and for the “Operational Athlete.” I am proud to say that Vertx is now the sponsor of my column, She Shoots 2 at Women’s Outdoor News.
She Shoots 2 is sponsored by Vertx
A few years ago, when I began assisting on the range, I had a difficult time finding tactical pants that fit well, looked smart and could do the job I needed them to do. Most brands I’ve tried have been disappointing. They are either too short, incapable of holding a duty belt in the right place or not practical for moving drills. Luckily, I found the Vertx booth at the 2013 NRA Annual Meetings and tried on a few pairs, saw the various colors they come in (khaki, desert tan, olive drab green, navy and black) and placed my first order.
When I received my Vertx Women’s Original Tactical Pants, I immediately liked the fit. Not only are they long enough, but also they are true to size. I ordered the same size as the jeans I wear. Another plus for me is the location of the waistband. The belt loops are located perfectly to position my belt and holster at the right height for my draw. No longer do I have the frustration of my belt being so high that it is difficult to draw from the holster, or so low that I can’t bend down to pick anything up (you know … the plumber-crack syndrome).
I could go on and on about all of my favorite features of Vertx pants. There’s the small pocket within the cargo pockets that easily holds a cell phone, spare magazine or knife. Or I might wax on about the stretch waistband and articulated knees that keep them feeling comfortable, especially when I’m shooting 3-Gun and have to move from kneeling to prone and then get up and start running. In fact, if you watch the video Vertx produced for the 2012 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow (SHOT Show,) you can see all of the features of the pants.
Another one of my favorite products by Vertx is the Women’s Coldblack Polo that comes in both long or short sleeves and a variety of colors (navy, black, tan, white and red). This polo shirt is made specifically for women, by women. Imagine that! Perhaps that is why it fits so well. The raglan sleeves, which extend in one piece to the collar, create a flowing diagonal seam from your armpit to your collarbone. I think it’s great that the shirt doesn’t pinch my armpit sor rub my shoulders. Again, I could write about the other great features, like the Coldblack fabric technology that reflects 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays and has a UPF rating of 30, or you can watch the video.
The final Vertx products I want to brag about are the Integrity Waterproof Shell combined with the Integrity Base Jacket. Although, these jackets are not made specifically for women, I found that they fit me quite well. Originally, I purchased both pieces specifically for use on the range. In the past, I’ve worn a regular raincoat with my holster and magazine holders on my belt, and it is always difficult to work with my gear. The raincoat bunched up around the gear or hung over it. Vertx solves that problem with my favorite feature of the Integrity Waterproof Shell — the pit-zip sides. The zippers (that open all the way up and down from the armpits) allow me to unzip far enough to have easy access to my gear and still keep the rest of my clothes dry. Another feature I find really beneficial in nasty weather is the hood with built-in visor and fit-adjusting pulls. The visor keeps the rain off my face and glasses, while the adjustable pulls stop the wind from blowing my hood off. All the features of the Vertx Integrity Waterproof Shell can be seen here.
When it’s chilly out and I need an extra layer, I wear the Integrity Base Jacket — either alone or under the shell. It is not only light weight, but also water- and wind-resistant. The best parts of Integrity Base Jacket are the longer length in the back and the side hand-warmer pockets. You can view these pieces here.
I am so excited to have Vertx as the sponsor for my column and you will find me in 2014 at shooting competitions throughout the country wearing this great brand.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
