Test: UF PRO Delta AcE Sweater

Theoretically, the combat shirt is a sweater designed to wear under a ballistic vest.  We however, wore it more like a light outerwear. Delta AcE Sweater is a model designed for use in low temperatures and adverse weather conditions such as strong wind, rain or snowfall. The sweater is being sold in three colour variants: grey, black and Multicam.

Delta AcE Sweater is a zip-locked pullover sweater. The zipper extends to half of the length of the sweater. To prevent itching, the zip is provided with a tuck under the chin. The sweater is also fitted with a stand-up collar, padded with fleece on the inside.

UF PRO Delta AcE Sweater is a winter variant of combat shirt sweater designed for use in low temperatures and adverse weather conditions.

The sweater is sewn from three kinds of cloth. Front, arms and collar are made of three layer, soft shell laminate with wind and rainproof ePTFE membrane.Delta AcE Sweater is provided with a dual acces kangaroo pocket on the belly.

The back and sides of the sweater are made of breathable 37.5™ micro fleece from Cocona® Inc, which releases the excess of heat and moisture. Thanks to that, the sweater dries very quickly.

Cocona® micro fleece on the back and sides is very flexible. It permits a full spectrum of arm movement.

The sleeves are sewn from G Loft, which protects from the wind and cold. Additionally, it is durable and abrasion resistant. Such a combination of materials prevents the organism from hyperthermia. It also provides high thermal comfort while wearing the sweater with backpack, ballistic vest or a plate carrier for an extended period of time.

Both sleeves are provided with two symmmetrical pockets, closed with YKK zip-locks. The bigger one is placed on the arm, and is fitted with a velcro belt for patches or a flag. A smaller, flat pocket is located on the forearm and fitted with a drainage hole. The sleeves end with fleece cuffs which are provided with thumb holes, and which can be pulled on to the half of a hand.

Delta AcE Sweater is also provided with sewn-in shoulder pads, by the manufacturer called air/pac®, serving two purposes. First of all, they make the space needed for free air circulation between the material and the body. Secondly, they serve as the amortization for the weight of a backpack.

Delta AcE Sweater is a model sewn from as much as three kinds of materials, fitted with shoulder pads which make the carrying of a backpack and air circulation easier.

The sweater is pullover and zip-locked. It is fitted with a stand-up collar, padded with fleece on the inside.

Sleeves are provided with two zip-locked pockets. The bigger one is located on the arm and is fitted with a Velcro belt.

Sleeves end with a fleece cuffs which can be pulled on to the half of a hand. It is the main drawback of Delta AcE Sweater.

The sweater is very comfortable. I’ve been using it for a year by now, and I can honestly say that it suits the task perfectly. I’ve been wearing it on the long walks with a backpack and activities demanding high mobility, such as dynamic shooting. The sweater is best worn with a thermoactive shirt underneath. You do not need anything else while intensive activities, even in low temperatures. Shoulder pads make the free air circulation possible, and prevent the sweater from sticking to the sweaty skin.

The style of Delta AcE Sweater is neutral enough to be used not only while special tasks, but also in casual wear. The black variant especially can double as casual attire in the city. The design of the pockets makes it difficult to carry of too many items [smartphone, flashlight etc]. Of course if someone is stubborn it is possible to attempt to pack them all. But this will deform the shape of the sweater and this is not its designed purpose.

The style of Delta AcE Sweater is neutral enough for it to be used not only while special tasks, but also in casual wear.

The sweater was tested for a year in various conditions – on long walks with a backpack or dynamic shooting where the high movement mobility was necessary.

Cocona® micro fleece on the back and sides is very flexible. It allows the full spectrum of arm movement, which was a very pleasant surprise for me, as soon as I wore it for a first time. Unfortunitely it has a few drawbacks .On a walk with a backpack, micro fleece works quite well but if you take the baggage off of your back for a moment, the thin and damp material won’t provide any protection from the wind. If this happens, it is good to take a coat from the backpack and cover your back.

Another small issue was the the sleeve cuffs which make rolling up the sleeves impossible and the use of your  watch uncomfortable. Besides these two details, the sweater is great.

Summing up, UF PRO Delta AcE Sweater is a perfectly designed and manufactured sweater, made for numerous activities in adverse weather conditions. The high quality of materials and production ensures the long and comfortable usage. The price on the Polish market is 530 zł.

Pictures: Patrycja Antczak

This article was originally published on MILMAG 01/2018