5.11 Tactical Sabre Jacket

jqualls90 · 11-01-2009, 06:20 PM

Due to the rapidly cooling weather in Norfolk, I decided I needed a new jacket. A visit to the tactical gear store got me a 5.11 Sabre Jacket. It is advertised as waterproof, but as I was walking from the gate on base, to my destination, about 1.5 miles away, the rain got worse, i thought "okay, i have a waterproof jacket". But upon arrival at my destination, my sleeves were wet inside and out. I put my phone in one of the many pockets and took it out about an hour later, only to find a layer of dihydrogen monoxide completely covering it. All the pockets were zipped up. I read some reviews on 5.11's site, others had the same problem with the sleeves. Said it was probably from the velcro patch on the sleeves. But none about water in the pockets. Has anyone else that has/ had this jacket had this problem? I was thinking about getiing some of the tent waterproofing stuff and covering the seams maybe. Any other problems? Except for the velcro on bottom of the sleeves. They seem to have a problem with it not staying, although it took an act of congress to get mine off the position it was in when i bought it.

Thanks for any input.

Zarak · 11-01-2009, 08:01 PM

Why do you need a tactical jacket for cold weather in Norfolk?

willytee · 11-01-2009, 08:34 PM

so he can tactfully go to work tacticool....?

Fintin · 11-02-2009, 01:08 AM

Common sense about anything with tactical in the title, it probably sucks. If you need a jacket to stay dry you go to REI.

1911-a1 · 11-02-2009, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fintin

Common sense about anything with tactical in the title, it probably sucks. If you need a jacket to stay dry you go to REI.

5.11 is usually pretty good.

jagermeister · 11-02-2009, 02:03 AM

TAD gear is the best.....

gaijinsamurai · 11-02-2009, 02:06 AM

One of my co-workers has one. I was interested in it, until he told me it wasn't waterproof. If I remember correctly, it was pretty spendy too.

JJC · 11-02-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1911-a1

5.11 is usually pretty good.

Ye, 5.11 does make decent jackets. Maybe just a flaw with this model. Try contacting 5.11 maybe they can help you out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagermeister

TAD gear is the best.....

TAD is overpriced Gucci line of "tactical" clothing. They make quality stuff, but you can get more bang for your buck. I recommend sticking to known brands like NorthFace, Columbia, REI, Alpha Industries.

Fintin · 11-02-2009, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1911-a1

5.11 is usually pretty good.

In a combat environment they may have an upper hand in durability or adaptability.

But when it comes to staying warm and dry, there is no reason to buy anything from a brand that will never see the summit of Everest...

Canadian Sig · 11-02-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagermeister

TAD gear is the best.....

Until you wear an Arcteryx................

flanker7 · 11-02-2009, 10:30 AM

5.11 will be just fine if I judge from the stuff I use from them(underwear, socks, t-shirts)

18SASS · 11-02-2009, 11:06 AM

5.11 are a good brand for police duty gear. I tested their HRT series of swat gear and it held up pretty good. The jacket with elbow pads and the pants with the kevlar lining. The only bad thing is that even after a few cold washes my black gear is now bordering grey. I use to get a lot of their stuff to T&E and have seen the brand improve. Their line of tac boots are incredible for daily training use.

Erik_MAA · 11-02-2009, 01:37 PM

I've got the Sabre jacket and I love it. "Waterproof" or not, I wear it whenever it rains and it keeps me perfectly dry, even in heavy rain. I get a lot of compliments about how nice it looks. I'd recommend it.

Best price I have seen is from LA Police Gear.

ZoneOne · 11-02-2009, 03:03 PM

I have this jacket in my car in case of inclement weather. It's great and has served it's purpose many a times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaijinsamurai

One of my co-workers has one. I was interested in it, until he told me it wasn't waterproof. If I remember correctly, it was pretty spendy too.

I tested mine by creating a pocket in the jacket and pouring water into the pocket. The water collected and it stayed there for over 20 minutes with out absorbing. If that's not waterproof, I don't know what is.

jagermeister · 11-02-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian Sig

Until you wear an Arcteryx................

ok granted they do make some good ****.

11-01-2009, 06:20 PM	#1
jqualls90 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1	5.11 Tactical Sabre Jacket Due to the rapidly cooling weather in Norfolk, I decided I needed a new jacket. A visit to the tactical gear store got me a 5.11 Sabre Jacket. It is advertised as waterproof, but as I was walking from the gate on base, to my destination, about 1.5 miles away, the rain got worse, i thought "okay, i have a waterproof jacket". But upon arrival at my destination, my sleeves were wet inside and out. I put my phone in one of the many pockets and took it out about an hour later, only to find a layer of dihydrogen monoxide completely covering it. All the pockets were zipped up. I read some reviews on 5.11's site, others had the same problem with the sleeves. Said it was probably from the velcro patch on the sleeves. But none about water in the pockets. Has anyone else that has/ had this jacket had this problem? I was thinking about getiing some of the tent waterproofing stuff and covering the seams maybe. Any other problems? Except for the velcro on bottom of the sleeves. They seem to have a problem with it not staying, although it took an act of congress to get mine off the position it was in when i bought it. Thanks for any input.

11-01-2009, 08:01 PM	#2
Zarak Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,375	Why do you need a tactical jacket for cold weather in Norfolk?

11-01-2009, 08:34 PM	#3
willytee Whats a zune? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kansas Age: 23 Posts: 1,237	so he can tactfully go to work tacticool....?

11-02-2009, 01:08 AM	#4
Fintin Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Grad School Posts: 7,089	Common sense about anything with tactical in the title, it probably sucks. If you need a jacket to stay dry you go to REI.

11-02-2009, 02:03 AM	#6
jagermeister Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: in the tall timber with my long gun Age: 29 Posts: 554	TAD gear is the best.....

11-02-2009, 02:06 AM	#7
gaijinsamurai Redneck in denial Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 11,808	One of my co-workers has one. I was interested in it, until he told me it wasn't waterproof. If I remember correctly, it was pretty spendy too.

11-02-2009, 10:30 AM	#11
flanker7 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: cyprus Age: 32 Posts: 4,533	5.11 will be just fine if I judge from the stuff I use from them(underwear, socks, t-shirts)

11-02-2009, 11:06 AM	#12
18SASS Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mid East Posts: 73	5.11 are a good brand for police duty gear. I tested their HRT series of swat gear and it held up pretty good. The jacket with elbow pads and the pants with the kevlar lining. The only bad thing is that even after a few cold washes my black gear is now bordering grey. I use to get a lot of their stuff to T&E and have seen the brand improve. Their line of tac boots are incredible for daily training use.

11-02-2009, 01:37 PM	#13
Erik_MAA Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Age: 40 Posts: 358	I've got the Sabre jacket and I love it. "Waterproof" or not, I wear it whenever it rains and it keeps me perfectly dry, even in heavy rain. I get a lot of compliments about how nice it looks. I'd recommend it. Best price I have seen is from LA Police Gear.