uniform advice

[MontanaCop]

I was just offered a job with a police department in Montana!!!!!! :)

Anyhow, I need to provide my own uniform and would appreciate any advice on styles/brands, etc (especially from female officers). Also, any advice on anything else to get right away. I do get a uniform allowance but it is spread out over a year. They provide vest, firearms, and leather gear.

:)

[Sgt. DG644]

Personally I like Blauer products. They are a littler higher priced but are very good quality and wear well.

I really like the Rocky 911 boots. They are very confortable right out of the box, wear well and are overall a very good quality.

I will suggest that no matter what you purchase, that you purchase the very best quality that you can afford. In the long run it may be cheaper then replacing gear every other year.

Good luck!!

[MadMax]

MontanaCop,
Get in contact with Western Police Supply in Missoula. They will be able to set you up with a uniform. They deal with many different depts. in the state. If you tell them what Agency you are with, they should be able to know exactly what type and style of uniform you should have. They also have duty gear..
call information to get the number.
goodluck.
MadMax

[SpecOpsWarrior]

I'll second the Blauer uniforms, I wore there Street Gear uniform for awhile, and it was really comfortable stuff, you could do a lot worse.

[jeeper]

Blauer Street Gear is good stuff. If you can, go with the cargo pants in something made NOT of all polyester. You'll be happy with the comfort of the cotton blend stuff. Most importantly, you need to make sure whatever you spend money on is going to be approved by your deptartment!!

[That Guy]

I agree with the group. But wtach the boots. I have had bad times with Rocky durability. I myself are looking to replace a pair of thier boots so anyother suggestions would be nice.

That Guy

[MadMax]

If you want good boots, I recommend Danners Fort Lewis style. They cost about $200.00 and they are worth every penny...
MadMax

[That Guy]

I bought a pair of those blackhawk air-tacs to use as a summer boot which are very comfortable but they are not waterproof.
Since we have a ssteady snowfall here I had to get an all water proof boot(instead of waterproffing the boot with sprays). I reccomend these boots highly if you are on a foot beat.
I have e hard time spending 200 bucks on boots but I guess when you add the prices up....
What about the Danners in the summer heat?

[MontanaCop]

Last time I worked in LE I had Magnum (women's) Storm boots. They were comfortable but I only wore them for a few weeks and don't know about durability or waterproofness. Any info about these boots?
Also, about a inexpensive, warm jacket (for 10 degree weather with constant wind). Gloves, too.

[John from Maryland]

The Blackhawk Air Tacs are now available in a waterproof version. I got mine for about $100. I believe they came from Brigade Quartermasters. Heckler Koch's pro shop also markets the same boots with the HK logo, but the size range isn't so wide.

[Summer Rain]

Hey Montana

I'm wearing the Magnum Hi-tecs right now. They are extremly comfortable and from what I hear they are very durable. I've only been wearing mine since July, but so far so good. I'm sure you know since you were already in LE but make sure you buy boots made for women. The men's come up too far in the back and will be very uncomfortable.

As far as uniforms, I wear Elbeco, and they've been holding up okay so far. I also have an Elbeco coat with the telescopic arms, and zipout Thinsulate lining.. very comfortable. Good luck to you!

[EAGLE6]

as far as boots go they may be steeply priced but it's hard to go wrong with danner.
i wore them in the army and have a pair of insulated for use now and they are extremely comfortable...more info at their web site www.danner.com (http://www.danner.com) and and blaurer and even flying cross makes a good uniform. i second the option of cotton poly blend better durability and more comfort. just my two cents ..

[podunk_K9_cop_chick]

Hi Montana,
I own three different pairs of Magnum's and I agree about making sure you buy the boots made for females my newest pair I bought were a man's and are very uncomfortable. I I have a pair of quarterboots womens style i have had for about two years and wear off duty or around town. I also have the magum storm waterproof boot which is also women's and have been wearing them for about a year and a half.
As for uniforms I also will agree with Blauer.

[tcsd1236]

We went with the Blauers when we switched uniform styles a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, they haven't held up well for any of us. We didn't help things by special ordering some piping that was non-standard, The piping immediately began fraying and has never been properly corrected. We also had to go to a heavier pant because the original pant we chose was inadequate and wore out quickly.

[Chase]

As far as jackets go, I would highly recommend the Spiewak WeatherTech Duty Jacket. It's extrememly warm and comfortable, and even has a removable liner so you can still use it when the weather warms up a bit.