All about Tadgear

[stitch_paradox]

This is TAD's reply to me whn i asked about the alpine fit"

"lengths accommodate climbing harnesses, longer than average sleeve lengths which are also very apropos for prone shooting positions, and fit those with chest dims larger than waist, ie, not best fit for those who have larger waist than chest sizes.  not necessarily what you would call "trim", but best suited for those who have active builds."

[Nocam]

5' 8'' 185 somewhat muscular build

Had a medium Ranger V3, was too snug in the waist and shoulders.

Have currently a Stealth Reloaded in medium and it fits perfectly, no room for a thick Polartec 300 weight fleece or anything, but anything under that fits fine.

[ShawnInPaso]

Can anyone comment on sizing with the Stealth hoodies? Im 6'1 205lbs and my chest is 40". I shoot TAD an email but want to get sizing right so I can order one asap. If anyone can comment on they jacket size and their body dimensions I would appreciate it! 

I'm 5'11 and 195lbs and 34 inch waist (not sure what my chest size is). I have an XL Stealth Hoodie which fits fine. Granted there is a little extra space but not to the extent it appears too big. It's a very comfortable jacket.

FWIW, I have another Stealth jacket (non hoodie) and they both fith the same on me (both are XL's).

[Akilae]

I believe so.

[lam396]

Does anyone know what alpine cut means? Is that a fancy way of saying its fitted or slim?

[Valolammas]

I'm 5'8", 41" chest, 35" waist. Medium Stealth was too snug for me, especially around the shoulders. Large is much better. But the medium sized Ranger Hoodie is a good fit for me (it's cut a bit differently). And yes, large Stealth does fit over the medium Ranger, but not comfortably.

[shrap]

I'm 5'9", 39" chest and 33" waist. I have a medium SS Stealth Jacket (last-last generation), and it barely fits in the waist. I'm guessing you should go for a large at least, depending on how big you want it to fit.

[sstrawsb]

Can anyone comment on sizing with the Stealth hoodies? Im 6'1 205lbs and my chest is 40". I shoot TAD an email but want to get sizing right so I can order one asap. If anyone can comment on they jacket size and their body dimensions I would appreciate it! 

[London]

call and then call and then keep calling.  When you get someone on the phone they will be most helpful.  Getting to that point is the hard part.

[stevebrule]

In my experience with TAD's customer support, forget about the email and forget about leaving a message, just keep calling until you get a live person on the phone. once you get a hold of someone on the phone they are very helpful and can usually take care of your problem/question quikly. it is a bit of a shame that it's that much of a hassle but Ive had this problem with other companies as well, especially when it comes to e-mails.

good luck!

[Akilae]

I've been waiting a week for a response to my own email about sizing questions...

If it helps, questions on their facebook page seems to generate faster responses.

[kerio]

Did someone said that TADgear's customer service was good ??....
Weeell I don't know about that. After 2 e-mails and 2 phone calls (messages) last week I still have not received  a reply.
Just asked them a question about sizing, nothing special.
Does anyone have any idea why I'm still waiting ??
 

[Valolammas]

Stealth = Softshell with 3 layers. Outside DWR/middle eVent/ inner fleece. Increased wet weather protection. Polartec WindPro?

I don't think it's eVent. If it was, surely they'd advertise that, right? I also don't think the fleece is WindPro. WindPro is fleece with a tightly woven outer layer, so it's wind resistant on its own, without a membrane (but it's not wind proof, just wind resistant). There just wouldn't be any point in using WindPro in the Stealth, since it already has a membrane for wind-proofing.

Anyone else have an opinion on the Ranger vs Stealth?

I have both and I use the Ranger a lot more, as I find it a much more versatile jacket. If you need a rain coat, get a hard shell. If you need a warm jacket that can handle some wind and rain, the Ranger is a good choice. But YMMV as always.

[Cryptic]

I was always under the impression the Ranger Hoodie was a fleece, and the Stealth Hoodie was a softshell.  Hence, the Ranger Hoodie is fleece inside and out as opposed to the Stealth's somewhat water resistant shell, more porous, and probably longer sleeves if they keep the thumb-hole design.

I'm just waiting for the next iteration of the Ranger Hoodie to see about picking up a Raptor + Ranger combo.  My wallet's already shuddering in fear... 

  I think I've been to their site 100x and to MM's at least 10x and that never hit me.

Ranger Hoodie= 100% Malden Mills/Polartec WindPro fleece for lot of warmth, low weight, and moderate protection from wet weather.
Stealth = Softshell with 3 layers. Outside DWR/middle eVent/ inner fleece. Increased wet weather protection. Polartec WindPro?

I am also looking at a Raptor (perhaps ProLite?) + Ranger Combo.  However, with this new info........ I am considering just a Stealth Reloaded, since it looks like its a good "one jacket" solution. My current ExplorerLT jacket protects me to about freezing temps, then needs some reinforcement.

Anyone else have an opinion on the Ranger vs Stealth?

[Cryptic]

Could one of you more tactically-oriented types explain to a simple civilian the purpose of the dual-entry pocket on the *back* of the jacket?

That pocket and the "ID pocket" on the left forearm are incredibly useful. The "duck pocket" on the back can hold a newspaper, gloves, hat, poncho, umbrella, etc. If you place something wet in there, you won't get soaked, either. The forearm pocket is great for tickets, ID, gum, memory cards, mints, etc. I used that every day.

[gcstct]

Making a bit more sense now, thanks all.

[theotherphil]

And if the duck pocket is of a similar design to my Ranger Hoodie, it will have a mesh lining. Just undo the zips for extra venting when it gets a little hot.

[shrap]

Yes, I use my duck pocket to store gloves and a hat. You can also stick a rolled-up newspaper or magazine in it, if you don't mind leaning on it when you sit down. They're very accessible, if you can put your hand behind your back you can reach things in the duck pocket.

[Akilae]

I'm fairly civilian minded, but one of the purposes I can see for the duck pocket would be to store gloves and beanies/watchcaps during winter.

[gcstct]

Question for anyone who cares to answer: I'm considering getting the Robin Hoodie, but I'm confused by one particular design element. Could one of you more tactically-oriented types explain to a simple civilian the purpose of the dual-entry pocket on the *back* of the jacket? From the pictures, it looks like that pocket would be only just barely accessible to the wearer.

[ShawnInPaso]

Hello there folks. With my first post in this forum I would like to ask couple of questions...
Has anyone bought the new TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie Reloaded and gotten what they wanted???
I've been wanting to buy one for some time now but with all the research done I have come to understand that their sizing system is pretty messed up.
So the second question is, if I order a size M will I get a size M. Does any of you know this info or its better to call them and ask directly. I'll  appreciate any help.

Thx, Victor

Hey Victor -

I just bought one, see my post about 6 or 7 messages below yours. If you need more specific info let me know.

Shawn

[b.sloan]

Ranger hoodie is fleece but it is still very good at keeping the water out.  Well worth the money

[Akilae]

I was always under the impression the Ranger Hoodie was a fleece, and the Stealth Hoodie was a softshell.  Hence, the Ranger Hoodie is fleece inside and out as opposed to the Stealth's somewhat water resistant shell, more porous, and probably longer sleeves if they keep the thumb-hole design.

I'm just waiting for the next iteration of the Ranger Hoodie to see about picking up a Raptor + Ranger combo.  My wallet's already shuddering in fear... 

[Cryptic]

Hello there folks. With my first post in this forum I would like to ask couple of questions...
Has anyone bought the new TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie Reloaded and gotten what they wanted???

Welcome to the forums!

I've found that it's best to give your weight, chest size, and waist size when attempting to get TAD Gear apparel. ALL of their stuff varies, and this is by their design. I understand this, yet would still love them to either A) make it very clear how hoodie "A" compares to hoodie "B," or B) standardize of size types within a given range.

I am waiting on their upcoming Ranger Hoodie, but as of yet I don't know what the differences between that and the Stealth Reloaded. Is the Ranger thicker? Less porous? Longer sleeves? 

I was also frustrated by their system some time ago; did a little research on the other competing brands(NF, Arc, Pata, etc.).TAD ends up being cheaper than the others in most cases......... and their feature-set is much richer.

[V a a m Y o b]

I have a TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie Reloaded.

I usually wear a dress suit coat size 40-42 and have a 5' 10" wingspan so I was right on the borderline between a Medium and a Large.  I was concerned that if I had some layers underneath the jacket then the Medium would be too small.  An email response from TAD Gear confirmed that they take layering into consideration when coming up with the sizes, so I stuck with a Medium.

The jacket showed up a few days later (less than a week between when I ordered and received) and I'm pretty impressed. 

As far as sizing or fit is concerned, I just put on a t-shirt + sweatshirt + Hoodie and it is definitely tight around the biceps and armpits (I like to think it's because of my huge pythons).  My arms are still perfectly mobile though, full range of motion etc.

Regarding getting a Medium when ordering a Medium: I was in a store and tried on 3 pants with the same waist + inseam measurements.  None of the three looked or felt the same on me.

[kerio]

Hello there folks. With my first post in this forum I would like to ask couple of questions...
Has anyone bought the new TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie Reloaded and gotten what they wanted???
I've been wanting to buy one for some time now but with all the research done I have come to understand that their sizing system is pretty messed up.
So the second question is, if I order a size M will I get a size M. Does any of you know this info or its better to call them and ask directly. I'll  appreciate any help.

Thx, Victor

[stevebrule]

eww..red! JK Arc'teryx has some cool stuff in multicam though, if your into that kind of thing, but I don't think you will find it at the average retailer. more of a special order kind of deal

[iomatic]

Then I stand corrected.

But XXL in red goes for $250!
http://bit.ly/55q63

[stevebrule]

most of the comparable Arc'teryx clothing I have seen such as hard shells and soft shells runs for quite a bit more than TAD gear without half of the features you get with TAD gear. I saw a hard shell of theirs at REI last week that was 399.99, very well constructed but I think a TAD hard shell is a better deal.

[iomatic]

I also doubt that Chinese-based firms can get ahold of GE eVent fabric legally. I believe you have to be a partner on some level, which TAD Gear is. I have to say, though, it's pretty expensive compared to other brands with the same functionality (see Patagonia, Arc'teryx , even now-more-mainstream The North Face). They all outsource, and cheaper.

[TabascoJoe]

The original thread was merged with this "all about Tad Gear" thread. I might be wrong on that tho. Maybe Im thinking of a different thread.

I was just trying to give people different options if they couldnt afford to shell out the $260 that Tad Gear wants for theit jacket.

[Dizos]

Heres one out of Hong Kong:

http://www.ebairsoft.com/jacket-shirt-jacket-softshell-c-62_33_93.html

I ordered their EB 3 Third Tactical for $55 shipped. Its exactly like the Tad Gear Stealth Hoodie V.3.0. It arrived at my house in two weeks - faster than Tad Gear and theyre in San Fran 

I hate ripoffs.  Why would you post a ripoff in a thread called "All about Tadgear"?  What are these cheap ripoff manufacturers going to use for designs once they have driven all of the innovating companies out of business? 

[ShawnInPaso]

I've bought a TAD gear jacket late last year and liked it so much I tried to buy another of the same type but different color. No deal, they were out of my size. When their new website appeared, so did some new jackets, which all appear to be made in China. It seems the supply and demand issue has been addressed by TAD thru this "outsourcing". Anyway, after considering my options, I decided to buy a Stealth Hoodie Reloaded (in black).

I ordered it online Wednesday night via the TAD website. It shipped Thursday (and they took $10 off the shipping for no apparent reason). It arrived today, Friday - about 30 minutes ago.

The jacket was packed with great care. TAD makes it super obvious the jacket is made in China. Upon first inspection, it is evident to me the quality is the same or greater than my USA made jacket. The size is spot-on (I'm an XL). Not too big, not too small. All of th details are first class and I'm really happy I made the choice.

Whatever we think of TAD gear, their service for me on this purchase is a 10+.

[AKS]

I was in their (TAD) shop yesterday and asked about US made vs. imports. They said that they were importing some of their products- mostly jackets. It seems they were getting heat for not being able to keep products in stock from some of their larger (it seemed they were implying government) buyers.  And after a quick glance at the units that are buying from them it seems they have a following among legit operators and not just the mall ninja crowd.
The item  I was trying to get was their twill cargos, and they are not going to have them anylonger, but the pattern for their cargos is the same, just not the lighter fabric they used to have.  Their pants are US made and that is one of the reasons I buy them.  Yes, I pay more, but they are very well laid out for what I carry and I like supporting TAD as they are a good company that is trying to "do the right thing" in my view. All this being said, I still prefer Patagonia over TAD for jackets, but that's just me.
Also, when it comes to fleece, you either have a Malden Mills product or you have a cheap knockoff. In the fleece world there is no other choice. Both TAD and Patagonia use Malden products, but when you get to Columbia, Under Armour, and many of the LA Police gear products you are buying a cheap product that will pile up and fail much sooner.  Will they work in most cases? Sure. And given the economic realities of today who can blame a guy for wanting to buy a new hoodie at 1/3 the cost.

[Akilae]

So I went and got myself educated in the other side of the TAD market.  Apparently, there's an entire industry that has sprung up in China/HK based off of copying TAD designs and selling to enthusiasts around the world, although mostly Chinese enthusiasts.  Some of them do straight copies, some of them make slight changes, but it's a very impressive sight.  Somebody even compiled a list of TAD Fast Pack EDC copies... ran about over 10 long.  For some reason the TAD Fast Pack Alpha 2 isn't well known there, and people think the Fast Pack EDC is the second TAD pack design...

Supposedly 5.11 clothing is also getting copied en mass and a company is in the works of setting up to copy Mystery Ranch packs.

If this is already common knowledge, then at least for me it's an eye-opening chilling sight.  On the other hand, one can't help but wonder if TAD is really getting all their stuff from China from now on, then WTH are we paying through the nose for...

[Johnny_Z]

Interesting... how does the quality measure up?  Are we talking "rip-off design with inferior material" like stuff you find in Chinese counterfeit markets, or honest to goodness "yeah we're sourcing these from the same TAD sources" without needing to overcharge for the TAD name?

Indeed. If it's the same then I'm on board with that all the way. I noticed they said their sizing is different from Real TAD sizing", which is fine, I'm about average for an Asian guy. Too bad I'm not Asian. 

[Akilae]

Interesting... how does the quality measure up?  Are we talking "rip-off design with inferior material" like stuff you find in Chinese counterfeit markets, or honest to goodness "yeah we're sourcing these from the same TAD sources" without needing to overcharge for the TAD name?

[TabascoJoe]

  I've seen where Condor is coming out with them as well for that price range.

Yep, Ive seen them on the web too. It looks like a Mid-september release for their "Stealth Hoodie" Rip-off jacket. It looks a little tiny bit different from Tad, but it does look nice. We'll have to see after they get released I suppose.

[TabascoJoe]

I ordered the medium and it fits me perfectly. I usually wear a size medium (ordered a medium Vanquish from Tad Gear) Im 5'8" 155 lbs. I cant comment on their other sizes. According to their website "This is Asia Sizing, Not Tad / USA sizing" So I dont know how the other sizes would fit but im assuming they would run smaller, not larger for the size ordered 

[TNRonin]

Heres one out of Hong Kong:

http://www.ebairsoft.com/jacket-shirt-jacket-softshell-c-62_33_93.html

I ordered their EB 3 Third Tactical for $55 shipped. Its exactly like the Tad Gear Stealth Hoodie V.3.0. It arrived at my house in two weeks - faster than Tad Gear and theyre in San Fran 

I wish TAD would make the clothing in regular sizes.  Their XXL is for "alpine" people, so if you have a 52" chest, and 38" waist you are SOL.  I sold my Stealth to a buddy who wheres XL and it fit him perfectly.  OH well.

Do we know if the sizing on these jackets is closer to REAL world people?  I've seen where Condor is coming out with them as well for that price range.

[TabascoJoe]

Heres one out of Hong Kong:

http://www.ebairsoft.com/jacket-shirt-jacket-softshell-c-62_33_93.html

I ordered their EB 3 Third Tactical for $55 shipped. Its exactly like the Tad Gear Stealth Hoodie V.3.0. It arrived at my house in two weeks - faster than Tad Gear and theyre in San Fran 

[Johnny_Z]

So the new Stealth Hoodie Reloaded are now being imported compared to the previous model which was "made in smaller, controlled qty, custom quality batches in the USA" and they cost the same price of $259.95. I thought it was the "made in the USA" that made them so expensive? What is going on over there? It just seems so overpriced now. Its weird how something like that can change a persons perception of their product. I no longer want one of their over-priced jackets. Why would I when I can buy the same exact thing from other websites based out of Hong Kong for around $55 to $75?

 

What are those sites btw?

[iomatic]

What websites  ?

[TabascoJoe]

So the new Stealth Hoodie Reloaded are now being imported compared to the previous model which was "made in smaller, controlled qty, custom quality batches in the USA" and they cost the same price of $259.95. I thought it was the "made in the USA" that made them so expensive? What is going on over there? It just seems so overpriced now. Its weird how something like that can change a persons perception of their product. I no longer want one of their over-priced jackets. Why would I when I can buy the same exact thing from other websites based out of Hong Kong for around $55 to $75?

[shrap]

Yeah, if you haven't noticed they've released the new Stealth hoodies (called "reloaded" like it's 2003 all over again). The differences look mostly evolutional, they've put tape on all the stitching and other small improvments, as well as letting people know they're all now imported.

More importantly, all their previous generation stuff has been marked down by 25%, bringing them to almost-normal prices. So if you want some of their made in USA stuff, or a Robin or Vanquish softshell, you should get them now or wait 8 months for them to be released at higher prices....

[quadrille]

Just got a new version of the V8 jacket, I can see it is a little cheaper than the old one but I reall like it.  Still nice stuff

[Nocam]

Actually the new version of the Stealth Hoodie due out in Sept. is now being made overseas. As is all of their Hard Shell jackets. So from a jacket standpoint it seems most of their stuff is now being imported. I'm sure their stuff is still quality as I've never received a piece of junk from TAD but you are no longer paying for the "Made in the USA" label on most of their jackets. Pants and shorts are still USA made though. As long as the quality is there I don't see the big deal where stuff is made. Anybody reading this post on a PC made in the USA?

Buy what you like. Like what you buy. Why try and bring somebody down because they spend more on a jacket or pants than you do. When you pay for quality you usually only have to pay once. When you buy inferior products you pay twice - once on the initial purchase and again when the gear fails when you need it most. I'm not saying I don't buy cheap stuff, because I do, but I don't rely on it. TAD gear does what it does and does it well.

 

[GMArthur]

The factories where Tad gear gets there stuff maybe be foreign owned but at least they are HERE, they pay taxes to the government, they give local jobs, and I'm pretty sure they don't employ under age workers.

 Actually the new version of the Stealth Hoodie due out in Sept. is now being made overseas. As is all of their Hard Shell jackets. So from a jacket standpoint it seems most of their stuff is now being imported. I'm sure their stuff is still quality as I've never received a piece of junk from TAD but you are no longer paying for the "Made in the USA" label on most of their jackets. Pants and shorts are still USA made though. As long as the quality is there I don't see the big deal where stuff is made. Anybody reading this post on a PC made in the USA?

Buy what you like. Like what you buy. Why try and bring somebody down because they spend more on a jacket or pants than you do. When you pay for quality you usually only have to pay once. When you buy inferior products you pay twice - once on the initial purchase and again when the gear fails when you need it most. I'm not saying I don't buy cheap stuff, because I do, but I don't rely on it. TAD gear does what it does and does it well.

[AFWX]

All you that talk about supporting and buying American need to actually find out where are Tad Gear clothing are made from.  They claimed that is made in small batch in a mil-spec factory.  Well, these so call mil-spec factories are ran by foreign investors and pay just above minimun wage or pay by the pieces.  Most of the sewing machine operators are mostly women from other countries working ten to twelve hour days, six to seven days a week.  So next time you wear your tacti-cool clothing on your adventures, don't forget all the premium you paid for, are not going to the workers but investors in other countries.

I will.
I'll also remember how much more comfortable, warm and durable my clothing is than the other cursing snivelers who bought cheap crap, assembled from cheap crap bought and paid for by foreign investors.

Global market issues aside, TAD makes an awesome product.
So does Arc'Teryx. Do I care that some of the materials come from China?
Not as much as I care about it holding up and doing its job.

Cheers!
AFWX

[Valolammas]

Let's keep civil. If you don't like what someone is saying, attack the post, not the poster.

-Valolammas 

[stitch_paradox]

All you that talk about supporting and buying American need to actually find out where are Tad Gear clothing are made from.  They claimed that is made in small batch in a mil-spec factory.  Well, these so call mil-spec factories are ran by foreign investors and pay just above minimun wage or pay by the pieces.  Most of the sewing machine operators are mostly women from other countries working ten to twelve hour days, six to seven days a week.  So next time you wear your tacti-cool clothing on your adventures, don't forget all the premium you paid for, are not going to the workers but investors in other countries.

Can you support your statement? Do you  have proof?  I would love to know if this is true or not. For the meanwhile, let's keep your slandering a few notches down. And besides   I would rather still have my Tad gear jacket than your Wal Mart jacket, which is made where... probably from a communist country. The factories where Tad gear gets there stuff maybe be foreign owned but at least they are HERE, they pay taxes to the government, they give local jobs, and I'm pretty sure they don't employ under age workers. Can you say that about the products that you support? It's pretty ironic that a foreign investor ( like you said) would come to the US to start up a business where as a supposed " American" company would go to a foreign land to find cheap labor.