UF Pro Striker XT Gen 3 Combat Shirt
This article is sponsored by TACWRK.
The Striker XT Combat Shirt is now in its third generation. Some features of Gen. 2 have been removed, and new materials are used.
The New Torso
What immediately stands out is that the torso fabric no longer resembles a structured jersey. Instead, it is smooth and appears thinner. It is also quite elastic.
Side padding is sewn in.
For me, they extend slightly over the belt, potentially adding cushioning for a battle belt or backpack straps.
The New Sleeves
The sleeves are still largely made from uniform fabric but are now supplemented by structured elastic material. These inserts are around the upper arm, under the armpits, and in the crook of the arm.
The material is elastic and highly breathable, so UF Pro skipped the ventilation zippers behind the upper arm pocket.
In the light, you can see how airy this material is.
The upper arm pocket features a velcro patch and a slot for items like a pen.
The pocket still comes with a zipper.
The elbows have double-layered uniform fabric and allow for UF Pro elbow pads to be inserted.
The forearm pockets were omitted in the new generation, and the sleeve cuffs remain adjustable with velcro.
The Collar
The collar, as typical with UF Pro, is at a comfortable height and has a chin guard.
The collar can be opened fairly wide for ventilation.
The inside of the collar is lined with the soft torso fabric for added comfort when the collar is up.
The Shoulders
The shoulder area still allows for padding inserts made from spacer fabric.
There are no seams running across the shoulders.
Infrared
With a modified DSLR camera, I took a look at the shirt in 720nm IR. The Multicam looks as expected, and the torso appears quite bright.
Conclusion
I’ve been wearing the shirt for several months now and am quite satisfied. The changed torso fabric felt unusual and thin at first.
The Changes
The new material on the sleeves allows for good ventilation, which I really like.
The changed torso fabric now likely lacks merino wool. In Gen. 2, I was impressed by its odor-neutralizing effect. I’ll have to see how Gen. 3 performs in this regard.
I don’t mind the omission of the forearm pockets. I mainly used them for trash or earplugs, but opinions on forearm pockets are subjective—some hate them, some love them. It’s easier to roll up the sleeves without the pockets if you’re a sleeve-roller. 😉
I currently feel neutral about the hip padding.
Comfort
The shirt is as comfortable as one would expect from UF Pro. I’ve come to appreciate the shoulder spacer fabric padding. Even when sweating, the fabric doesn’t cling to the skin, providing a more comfortable feel.
I’m still a bit skeptical about the side padding, though it hasn’t been an issue.
Ventilation
The new elastic material on the sleeves is very breathable. So far, I haven’t missed the omitted ventilation zippers behind the upper arm pockets.
Final Thoughts
An excellent advancement of the Striker XT Gen. 2 Shirt. Full freedom of movement with good ventilation.
I’ll continue wearing the shirt and will update this review over time.
