First Impressions of Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s is more than just a polo shirt; it’s a performance garment designed for demanding situations. Under Armour aims to blend tactical functionality with everyday comfort, creating a versatile piece for professionals and active women alike. Boasting sweat-wicking fabric, built-in mic loops, and a professional appearance, this polo promises to be a workhorse in various environments.
As a gear specialist who’s spent years evaluating tactical apparel, I was looking for a polo that could withstand rigorous use while maintaining a professional appearance. I needed something that could transition seamlessly from a range day to a meeting, offering both comfort and functionality. The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s caught my eye because of its reputation for durability and its thoughtful design features tailored for tactical applications.
Upon receiving the polo, I was immediately impressed with its sleek and understated design. The fabric felt substantial yet breathable, a promising sign for its sweat-wicking capabilities. The tonal logo was a nice touch, maintaining a professional look without being overly flashy. Compared to a standard cotton polo, the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s felt significantly more robust, hinting at its ability to withstand demanding conditions.
I considered similar polos from 5.11 Tactical and Vertx, but ultimately chose the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s due to its balance of features, price, and overall aesthetic. 5.11’s option felt a bit too overtly tactical for everyday wear, while the Vertx polo was pricier without offering significantly better features. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see how the polo performed in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s at an outdoor shooting range on a warm, sunny day. The temperature hovered around 85°F (29°C) with moderate humidity. The primary goal was to assess its comfort and sweat-wicking capabilities during prolonged physical activity.
The polo performed admirably in the heat, effectively wicking away sweat and keeping me relatively cool and dry. The 4-way stretch material allowed for unrestricted movement while drawing and firing my handgun, which was crucial for comfort and performance. I immediately appreciated the placement of the built-in mic loops, which kept my communication equipment secure and out of the way.
The only minor issue I noticed after the first use was that the hook and loop patches on the sleeves tended to snag slightly on my nylon range bag. This was easily remedied by being more mindful of my movements. Despite this small inconvenience, the initial experience was overwhelmingly positive, confirming the polo’s suitability for active use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions, a day-long hiking trip, and even a casual fishing excursion, the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s has proven to be a reliable and durable garment. It has become a staple in my wardrobe for situations where I need a blend of professionalism and performance. There has been no sign of the fabric pilling despite consistent use and washing.
The polo has held up exceptionally well to wear and tear, showing no signs of fading, stretching, or seam unraveling. Maintenance is straightforward; I simply machine wash it on a cold cycle and hang it to dry. This is a significant advantage over some of my other tactical apparel that requires more specialized care. In comparison to a similar polo I previously owned from a lesser-known brand, the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s far exceeds it in terms of durability and sweat-wicking performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s
Specifications
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s is constructed from 95% Polyester and 5% Elastane, creating a blend of durability, stretch, and moisture-wicking properties. Weighing in at just 5.75 oz, this polo is exceptionally lightweight, minimizing bulk and maximizing comfort. The regular fit provides a comfortable and professional silhouette without being overly restrictive.
It features short sleeves, a classic polo collar, and a dropped, side-vent hem for added mobility. Key tactical features include built-in mic loops and raglan sleeves with hook and loop patches on both sides. The UPF 50+ rating offers excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays, making it ideal for outdoor activities. These specifications contribute directly to the polo’s performance, providing a comfortable, functional, and durable garment suitable for a range of activities.
Performance & Functionality
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s excels in both performance and functionality, delivering on its promises of comfort, durability, and tactical readiness. Its sweat-wicking fabric keeps the wearer dry and comfortable even during intense physical activity, while the 4-way stretch material allows for a full range of motion. The mic loops are strategically placed and securely hold communication devices in place.
The polo’s strengths lie in its versatility and comfort; it performs equally well on the shooting range, on the trail, or in a professional setting. A potential area for improvement would be to reinforce the hook and loop patches with additional stitching to prevent snagging. Overall, the polo meets and often exceeds expectations, providing a reliable and comfortable garment for various activities.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, blending tactical features with a professional appearance. The materials used are high-quality, contributing to the polo’s overall durability and comfort. The weight is minimal, making it easy to wear for extended periods without feeling weighed down.
The polo is designed with the user in mind, providing a comfortable fit that allows for unrestricted movement. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using the polo; it is intuitive and easy to wear.
Durability & Maintenance
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s is built to last, using high-quality materials and construction techniques. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only machine washing on a cold cycle and hang drying.
The polo is relatively easy to repair should any damage occur, although the durable construction minimizes the likelihood of significant issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s comes with built-in mic loops as its primary accessory, which are compatible with most standard communication devices. The hook and loop patches on the sleeves allow for the attachment of morale patches, unit insignia, or other identification. While there are no specific customization options offered by Under Armour, the standard design is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket patches and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s
Pros
- Excellent sweat-wicking performance keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Durable construction ensures longevity even with rigorous use.
- Professional appearance with a tonal logo makes it suitable for various settings.
- 4-way stretch fabric allows for unrestricted movement.
- Built-in mic loops provide convenient placement for communication devices.
Cons
- Hook and loop patches may snag on certain materials.
- Limited customization options beyond patches.
Who Should Buy Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s?
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, security professionals, and anyone who requires a durable, comfortable, and professional-looking polo shirt. It is also well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who need a performance garment that can withstand demanding conditions. Anyone looking for a versatile polo that can transition seamlessly from tactical situations to everyday wear will find this a great choice.
This product might not be the best option for individuals who prioritize extensive customization options or require a polo with a more overtly tactical design. Those seeking a purely casual polo without any tactical features may also want to consider other options. A must-have accessory would be a selection of morale patches or unit insignia to personalize the polo and showcase individual affiliations.
Conclusion on Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s
The Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s is a well-designed and highly functional garment that delivers on its promises of comfort, durability, and tactical readiness. Its sweat-wicking fabric, 4-way stretch material, and built-in mic loops make it an excellent choice for demanding situations, while its professional appearance ensures it is suitable for a variety of settings. At a price of $65.00, the value is justified by its performance, durability, and versatility.
I would highly recommend the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s to anyone seeking a reliable and comfortable tactical polo shirt. If you need a polo that can keep up with your active lifestyle while maintaining a professional appearance, look no further. Invest in the Under Armour Tac Elite Polo – Women’s and experience the perfect blend of performance and professionalism.