Cody Martin – Page 27

You want something that will give you not just a "good" look, but something that will allow you to carry the tools you need on a daily basis without looking like some over-the-top weirdo. Some of us can't avoid it. The VERTX Delta Stretch 2.1 is a pair of casual pants that defies the rules and goes beyond what people think a pair of pants should be. You wear these to fit in with the norms, but at the same time, you have the ability to carry tools on hand that you can deploy when you need them. It’s a pair of pants that is part business casual, part ‘Gray Man’. You’ll have your gear handy whenever you need to take care of the unexpected things that pop up in life. We will be taking a deeper look at these pants and go through each major feature. We’ll also talk about the good things and not-so-good things about these pants. If you dress casually at the office, you will be in luck. If your job has you doing more manual labor, you're in luck as well. These pants are a blessing if you want to blend into a lot of different environments without sticking out like a sore thumb. For the record, I purchased the Delta Stretch 2.1, as well as the Defiance Jeans, Grip Pants, and Cutback Technical Pants so I could provide real user-generated reviews and a comparison of the 4 styles. As mentioned above, this general review is all about the Delta Stretch 2.1. If you want to check out each individual review, just click on the respective link below. If you want to check out the comparison article, please click here. Grip Pants Defiance Jeans Cutback Technical Pants Delta Stretch 2.1 (Currently Viewing) Let’s get right to it and discuss the details. Specifications Features 14 pockets keep all your gear close at hand and easy to clear Dual angled rear yoke pockets fit standard smart phones and rifle mags Wallet traps in both rear pockets keep wallet or passport secure Deep front pockets are made of soft highly-breathable mesh Mini stash pockets let you pre-load key items from 1.75 to 2 inches long Keyring and lanyard anchor point in both front pockets Concealed DropLoop™ pass-through in each belt loop for flexible restraints or reinforced tether points for lanyards or gear Knife notches on front pockets and tool pockets on either side keep smaller tools easily accessible and secure Dye-to-match leather reinforcement on tool pocket resists wear and tear while maintaining a low visual profile Construction Athletic fit is comfortable and allows freedom of movement Articulated pleated knees enable dynamic mobility and prevent cuff creep when sitting Full gusseted crotch allows greater range of motion Brass YKK® locking zipper 8 belt loops are 0.5-inch wide and fit up to 1.75-inch belts All heavy-wear seams are double-stitched Fabric and Technology 2-ounce 98% Cotton/ 2% Spandex Four-way stretch fabric is soft and flexible for optimal movability Price MSRP: $84.99 at VERTX Street Price: $78.99 on Amazon Buy Now at Amazon Buy Now at VERTX.com What do They Offer? First, we’re going to talk about the pockets. An average pair of casual pants will have at least four in total: two in the front, two in the back. The VERTX Delta Stretch has a total of 14 pockets. Yes....14! You may not be able to easily find all of them, but I assure you they are there. All of them are strategically placed so you have a pocket to store all your much-needed EDC or E&E gear. So, if you have a tool that you can discreetly store away, you will more than likely have a pocket for it. Most are deep enough so you don’t have to worry about whether or not the items you are storing will be able to fit. Especially, for the more practical, everyday pockets. These pockets have highly breathable mesh, giving you plenty of space while making you feel comfortable at the same time. You also won’t feel like you are walking around with stuffed pockets. You have pockets that will fit smartphones, rifle mags, passports, wallets, and so much more. You also will have knife notches that will be located in the front and tool pockets. These will be used for knives, multi-tools, and anything similar to it. The placement of these pockets makes your gear easily accessible. Last but not least, the leather reinforcement located on the tool pocket is resistant to wear and tears. You’ll be able to keep your tools stored without risking the pants getting worn or ripped apart. How are They Built? Welcome to a world where casual pants have an athletic fit to them. And that’s exactly what the VERTX Delta Stretch 2.1 has. You’ll be able to move around without feeling like the movement itself is restricted. This means you can bend down, make sudden turns, or go in any direction without worrying about ripping the pants at the seams or any place else. To keep somewhat of a casual look while maintaining mobility, the Delta Stretch 2.1 are pleated at the knees to allow better flexibility and prevent cuff creep when you sit or squat down. Like all VERTX pants, the crotch is fully gusseted to ensure that you get a better range of motion. With a total of eight belt loops, it can fit belts ranging from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. So if you have a utility belt, there’s a good chance that it can fit. Materials If you are looking for a comfortable and durable pair of casual pants that compliments a full loadout of EDC gear, look no further than these. They are made from four-way stretch fabric to further ensure that you get excellent movement without having to worry about ripping at the seams. The materials are 98 percent cotton and 2 percent spandex. I've worn them in casual environments, at the range, and working outdoors with no issues. They've performed extremely well in all environments. Try that with pants that are made with polyester and other materials. You won’t be able to move around with as much flexibility. This is even more obvious in situations requiring running or other physical tasks. I find myself wearing these a lot. They really are a great all-around pant for a lot of situations. They work great in casual settings, travel, physical labor, at the range, and more. Fit I would describe the fit as relaxed, but these pants feel like they have a looser fit than that because of the stretch and design features they offer. I'm 6'2" and about 190 lbs., and I wear a 34x34 in this style. I wish they were a hair longer in the inseam, but a 36" length would be too much. The length is fine, it's just me being picky. The waist is comfortable and I can wear these without a belt if I choose. However, when I carry AIWB, I find no discomfort at all. Pros and Cons of the VERTX Delta Stretch 2.1 Now that you know what these pants can do, it’s time to discuss the pros and cons. We’ll talk about the best thing about these pants and discuss where they could improve in some areas. Let’s start with the pros: Pros Excellent Mobility First and foremost, we will discuss the mobility of these pants. This pair blows out every pair of casual pants you wear out of the water. The pleated knees, gusseted crotch, and "stretch" material create a perfect balance to help keep you on the move. I find they become even more comfortable and flexible after a few hours of wear. I've never felt constricted or inhibited in any way while wearing these pants. Plenty of Storage With a grand total of 14 pockets, you have a lot more storage space than you will know what to do with. Or that’s exactly what it will feel like at first. At some point, you’ll be able to figure out which pockets will be suitable for whatever tool or EDC items you are carrying. I'll admit, I don't use all of the pockets they offer and some are pretty niche in their application. However, it's nice to have options, especially when it does not compromise the look or style. Very Comfortable If there is one thing you don’t want to compromise on when it comes to pants, it’s comfort. With the increased freedom of mobility and extra well-placed pockets, you won’t feel uncomfortable or feel limited in movement. Especially if you are carrying a lot of gear. My carry method of choice is Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) and these pants are very accommodating. The extra stretch and perfectly placed belt loops make this method extremely easy to do. I couldn't be happier. Cons Limited Colors One of the cons that we can point out is that there could be a few more color choices. VERTX currently offers 4 colors...Tobacco (khaki brown), Shock Cord (gray), Exhaust (black), and Sand Cookie (OD Green). Yes, the colors that are available are usually common with casual pants. But, with a pant that is as utilitarian as the Delta Stretch 2.1, more options would allow the end-user to wear these pants in even more situations. Are the VERTX Delta Stretch 2.1 Worth It? If you are looking for a pair of casual pants that go above and beyond the standards of what a pair of pants is supposed to be, the VERTX Delta Stretch 2.1 is definitely worth buying. With so much pocket space, excellent comfort, and plenty of mobility, there is no way you should pass up the opportunity to get a pair of pants like these. If you are getting tired of the limited movement and discomfort of regular casual pants, the choice is basically a no-brainer. These pants are worth the addition to your wardrobe. Despite the limited amount of colors it has, it never hurts to have one or more pairs of these. I wear them all the time and see no reason I will stop anytime soon. Buy Now at Amazon Buy Now at VERTX.com If you are still on the fence, be sure to check out our side-by-side comparison article by clicking here.