Triple Aught Designs

[tman300wm]

OK, is it me or do these guys just plain suck? I have seen their products and know some people that actually have their gear and I have to say it looks great and is well designed. However, they never and I mean never have anything in stock! Holly crap, three years I have he been trying to just get a friggin' jacket from these clowns and the one time they list them on their site as "in stock" I manage to beat the hoards and order one in my size and color. Three days latter I get an email that states they screwed up and don't have that item. Nothing like "we'll let you know as soon as we have some, or we can back order it for you, or you will get 1st priority when they come available". Nope, just sorry we're as fucked up as we normally are and don't mind if you take your business elsewhere.

Now my next question. Who makes some solid well designed gear that looks similar to TAD stuff. Is there a better product out there that I can actually get my hands on?

Thanks and sorry for the rant, but this kind of bullshit operation pisses me off no end.

 

[midmoguy]

My ranger hoodie is the best jacket I own. They aren't a huge operation and unlike so many things these days, alot of there stuff is made in the USA. they always sell out so fast because they make top of the line gear in small quantities. Id rather have to hunt down an American made fleece than go to some box store and buy a north face made in some sweat shop.

 

[Dogtown]

Yeah, they're a small operation and while they are increasing the output volume, you've got to be vigilant to get what you want. A phone call is usually all you need to do. If you're ever in San Francisco, you can swing by their warehouse at the Dogpatch or Hyde St store and get items. Their fleece jackets are outstanding, but if you really get frustrated trying to get what you want, you can always default back to Arcteryx.

 

[sr15match]

Look at Otte Gear and Wild Things for starters depending exactly what you're looking for. There's going to be a lot of opinions as to what brand to go to but these are two of my top picks. Yes I have a TAD Praetorian Hoodie and really like it and yes finding TADs gear when it is in stock can be a challenge.

 

[LongArm]

hard to send my hard earned money to sucjh a libtard city as San Fran.

 

[TheGerman]

OK, is it me or do these guys just plain suck? I have seen their products and know some people that actually have their gear and I have to say it looks great and is well designed. However, they never and I mean never have anything in stock! Holly crap, three years I have he been trying to just get a friggin' jacket from these clowns and the one time they list them on their site as "in stock" I manage to beat the hoards and order one in my size and color. Three days latter I get an email that states they screwed up and don't have that item. Nothing like "we'll let you know as soon as we have some, or we can back order it for you, or you will get 1st priority when they come available". Nope, just sorry we're as fucked up as we normally are and don't mind if you take your business elsewhere.

Now my next question. Who makes some solid well designed gear that looks similar to TAD stuff. Is there a better product out there that I can actually get my hands on?

Thanks and sorry for the rant, but this kind of bullshit operation pisses me off no end.

Same as you. I stopped bothering to look at their site about a year ago for the same reasons.

 

[Dogtown]

hard to send my hard earned money to sucjh a libtard city as San Fran.

Yeah totally man, screw every single person who lives there because they're all libtards. They must think all people in TX are stupid rednecks too.

 

[LongArm]

lol, I understand your frustration, but you will not find any sanctuary cities or any Senator Dianne Feinstein's
( Senator Dianne Feinstein's Political Summary - Project Vote Smart ) Texas. If the people in San Francisco had their way there would be no guns any where, just blunt latex objects and strongly worded letters for protection. Funny thing about us "stupid rednecks" we happen to have a state government that is functioning and not asking the fed to bail us out, unlike Ca. We stupid rednecks also love the constitution and are pro 2nd amendment. Hard to find in S.F. or in most Ca. towns these days. To each his own, my money will not be spent there.

 

[superde]

Todd,

You can sign up for their email newsletter, and jump on the site and buy stuff. When I needed some more Force 10 pants and shorts from them this Spring I watched the emails.

David

 

[powells85]

Thursdays at around 5 30 pm PST TAD usually releases a "hint" picture for Friday's release via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to give you an idea of what's to come.

 

[slothlacrosse]

It's worth the wait. I've had my ranger hoodie for a few years, and it's held up very well.

 

[Brett_B]

I used to have the same feeling. My buddy had a nice TAD jacket but I could never find what I wanted in stock. Now that I have some TAD items I really like them and I use their clothing all the time on hunting trips. As others have said they are a small operation and a majority of their stuff is made in the USA so it's not highly mass produced. Sign up for their newsletter or check them out on social media like facebook. You will get an email Friday just before lunch time and if they have what you want that is the time to get it on order. Now that I know their system I haven't had any problems getting what I wanted.

The Stealth LT jacket is the most versitaile jacket I own. A durable, breathable, stretchy soft shell that is still 100% waterproof seam taped like a hard shell.
The Ranger jacket is the warmest fleece I have, and layers perfectly under the Stealth LT for cold temps.
The 50/50 NYCO pants fit great and are very durable when I am climbing through the thicket, haven't ripped them yet.
The amphibious cargo shorts are perfect for boating in the hot summer weather. I don't care about the fancy pockets but the material is awesome. They are light weight, cool, comfortable, and dry quickly.

 

[TimeOnTarget]

I live close enough to stop by the original Dogpatch location. They make really nice stuff, but I can understand the frustration...

 

[tman300wm]

Thanks Super Dave! Hey, you heading to RO next month for the games? I'll be there on the 25th of this month. You guys should head down!

 

[tman300wm]

I'm not a hatter so I have nothing against a company that is based in Komifornia, it's not TAD's fault the whole friggin' state is off it's rocker. I also recognize that TAD is a U.S. company and makes their products here (and God bless them for it). In fact it's one of the primary reasons I placed an order with them in the first place. I applaud entrepreneurs who are dedicated to keeping Americans employed and who recognize globalism for what it really is. What I can't abide by is merchants that list products in stock and then end up not having what you ordered and then make no attempt to reconcile. These days and for the past 20 years (since the advent of ICS or computerized Inventory Control Systems) there is no reason for a merchant to not know what's on the shelf. It's also complete crap that they can't seem to get a grasp on their supply situation. By the way, a friend of mine knows the owner as well as the sales rep for TAD gear and he has voiced the same complaint to them personally. They know that they have a problem, but they refuse to do anything about it. It's great that they make a solid and well thought out product, good on them! However, it seems they have the whole concept of servicing the customer ass backwards. They have a scalability problem where demand far exceeds production and that's a great place to be when you are a fledgeling business. Not the case when you have been around for 7 or 8 years. Folks like me get tired of waiting for a company to get it's shit together and we move on. It's my opinion that this is just a case of shitty business and there is no other way to paint it.

I sincerely hope someone from TAD (the owner) reads this and is inspired to change his business model. I'd like nothing more than to support a U.S.A. owned company that makes it's goods here in the U.S.. However, in the interim I don't have friggin' 4 years to spend searching the internet trying to buy a jacket.

 

[Archer762]

lol, I understand your frustration, but you will not find any sanctuary cities or any Senator Dianne Feinstein's
( Senator Dianne Feinstein's Political Summary - Project Vote Smart ) Texas. If the people in San Francisco had their way there would be no guns any where, just blunt latex objects and strongly worded letters for protection. Funny thing about us "stupid rednecks" we happen to have a state government that is functioning and not asking the fed to bail us out, unlike Ca. We stupid rednecks also love the constitution and are pro 2nd amendment. Hard to find in S.F. or in most Ca. towns these days. To each his own, my money will not be spent there.

People in Texas don't understand that the rest of the nation looks at you as the entry point for illegal immigrants and drugs, not some brave independent state. Your demographics are changing FAST and you'll be a blue state before long.

And FYI: CA is the largest agricultural producer in the nation, and pays into the Federal budget far more than it receives. In contrast, almost all southern "Red States" are dependent on the Federal govt.

Back on topic: TAD gear is great- it's not their fault they can't keep up with demand. They could always move production to China.

 

[chainring]

Get on their notification emails and you'll know when new stock is going to be on the site. The Litespeed pack I have is very well designed and made.

 

[chainring]

Although I agree, the state of Texas is being rapidly diluted by bed-wetters on the run from their own sinking states, it's always interesting to observe just how quickly the complexes and butt-hurt surfaces whenever the Lone Star State is mentioned. ;-)

 

[468shot]

Back on topic: TAD gear is great- it's not their fault they can't keep up with demand. They could always move production to China.

Actually this is why I haven't purchased anymore gear from them. After reading several great reviews on their gear I bit the bullet on a stealth hoodie. Upon receiving it I was beyond disappointed to see Made In China on the tag. I paid the premium price thinking I was getting a USA made product and ended up supporting China.

 

[plong]

Look at Otte Gear and Wild Things for starters depending exactly what you're looking for. There's going to be a lot of opinions as to what brand to go to but these are two of my top picks. Yes I have a TAD Praetorian Hoodie and really like it and yes finding TADs gear when it is in stock can be a challenge.

^^ THIS ^^ +1

I have product from all three and I'd rate as follows: OTTE #1, Wild Things #1A, TAD #2. TAD makes nice stuff but their product is definitely a notch below OTTE and Wild Things IMHO.

 

[Lowlight]

Friend them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tripleaughtdesign

They post a lot of updates on what is available and when, and what else is going on inventory wise.

They are big supporters of the SH Community, but I definitely understand the frustration with stuff not being available. I am the first one to jet off a site when they don;t have my size or something available I am looking for, so I know the feeling.

As far as where stuff is made, it depends on the product and the material. Most hi tech fabrics are better suited to being made overseas because of the machines needed to cut and sew the fabric. It's not so cut & dry. I have stuff from a lot of companies and it varies wide and far. You can't dismiss stuff (clothing) with a Chinese tag because it maybe the only place to get it cut & sew correctly. We just don;t have that industry here anymore.

 

[2ac]

As far as where stuff is made, it depends on the product and the material. Most hi tech fabrics are better suited to being made overseas because of the machines needed to cut and sew the fabric. It's not so cut & dry. I have stuff from a lot of companies and it varies wide and far. You can't dismiss stuff (clothing) with a Chinese tag because it maybe the only place to get it cut & sew correctly. We just don;t have that industry here anymore.

That's the story behind the Stealth Reloaded. When it was released, China was the only place that had the capabilities to manufacture it that year. I believe it had to do with the "welded" seems and elbows. They are now made in Canada.

 

[LongArm]

Here I fixed it for you.

People in CALIFORNIA don't understand that the rest of the nation looks at you as the entry point for illegal immigrants and drugs, not some brave independent state. Your demographics are changing FAST and you'll be a poverty state before long.

OK,OK I know that not everyone in Ca is a liberal socialist. There are good people in California, but not enough to keep it from imploding.

 

[Archer762]

Dude, I've been to Corpus Christi... and a glance at your city data confirms my suspicion: extreme "white flight" and 33% speak English as a first language. Talk smack about CA all you want- once illegals are made legal by the US Senate, you're going to be in the bluest state in the USA.

FYI: I'm in Oregon where we can drive around with suppressed full-autos, buy over-the-counter elk tags, and pay no sales tax.

ANYWAYS: sad to read someone got a premium price TAD item with a "Made in China" tag. That's unacceptable.

 

[LongArm]

I agree with you, Corpus sucks. If immigration reform passes we are all screwed. Don't think all those new Americans would just stay close to the border, they'll be coming to a house near you.

 

[Redmanss]

When one of these companies learn that there's men taller than 6' who require longer sleeve and torso lengths without going into fat-ass sizes, then maybe I'll consider them. Until then it seems only Carhartt and Cabela's understands what size Americans and Europeans actually are now.

 

[Reid Rothchild]

When one of these companies learn that there's men taller than 6' who require longer sleeve and torso lengths without going into fat-ass sizes, then maybe I'll consider them. Until then it seems only Carhartt and Cabela's understands what size Americans and Europeans actually are now.

Generally I agree, but tad fits me very well. I'm 6'4" with long arms and I'm very happy with them. Tad does list where the garment is made under SPECS. Facebook is a good way to get notifications. Good luck

 

[plong]

When one of these companies learn that there's men taller than 6' who require longer sleeve and torso lengths without going into fat-ass sizes, then maybe I'll consider them. Until then it seems only Carhartt and Cabela's understands what size Americans and Europeans actually are now.

You'll want to look at OTTE then. Their "athletic cut" will give you plenty of arm and torso length.

 

[Redmanss]

You'll want to look at OTTE then. Their "athletic cut" will give you plenty of arm and torso length.

I thought you were fucking with me at first when I clicked the first link for "OTTE" clothing and it was nothing but ladies clothes... Then I found OTTEGEAR.com, Seems their "L" sleeve length is 35" on their sizing charts, not long enough.

As a general rule I don't buy anything online that doesn't come in tall sizing and yes, I've tried TAD and I either have too short of arms or I swim in an XL. I need a 37" arm length, typically LT size jackets, otherwise when I extend my arms out I'm exposing 3" of wrist and it's pulling tight at that. I've tried TAD jackets my buddies have had, and they don't cut it.

 

[PDXGS]

When one of these companies learn that there's men taller than 6' who require longer sleeve and torso lengths without going into fat-ass sizes, then maybe I'll consider them. Until then it seems only Carhartt and Cabela's understands what size Americans and Europeans actually are now.

Check out these folks:
Beyond Clothing | Shop Custom Apparel, Sportswear, Gear for Extreme Outdoor Enthusiasts, Extreme Gear, Winter Gear

 

[plong]

Not trying to talk you in to anything; just passing along what I've experienced here... You may want to check out OTTE (and yes , it is OTTE Gear ) a little further. I've found their listed sleeve measurements to be rather conservative. I have unusually long arms for a guy 5'11", the sleeves on my TAD Ranger Jacket XL are just long enough so I get what you are saying about TAD. I have an OTTE DK Hybrid and with that jacket I usually roll the cuffs about 2-3" if I'm not using the velcro adjustments. Take a look at the pictures on their site, you'll see they show the cuffs rolled up and still extending over the wrist in a number of the photos. Again, not trying to talk you into anything, just giving you the benefit of what I've experienced; OTTE Gear might just work for you.

 

[pawprint2]

I too would like to thank them for making their stuff here. A lot, and I mean A Lot of companies are having their stuff cut and made ready for final sewing outside the USA, then do the sewing here-and put a MADE IN USA sticker on it! As far as I am concerned this is about a low life, scumbag trick as can be foisted on America. I too, don't mind waiting for something actually made in the USA, and of course like most real American's, anybody trading on made in the USA, that aren't, well.....

 

[superde]

Thanks Super Dave! Hey, you heading to RO next month for the games? I'll be there on the 25th of this month. You guys should head down!

Magic 8 ball unfortunately says no - too much going on with work, and trying to stay competitive with a rifle. We've got a family trip to South Padre on he list for the end of this month begging of next month, and will be stopping by The Patio to visit with Jacob and Lisa for lunch. I will be hurting myself with food and beer. Are you going to be here for the friends and family match again?

 

[tman300wm]

I'm going to try but it looks like Jim and myself will be on a contract overseas for the rest of the year. I'll be at the Berserker Games then I'm off to work for the next 5 months.

You take care and thanks for the tip with TAD gear. I really want some of their gear but I have developed such a case of the ass after being shut down so many times. I think I have given up, and I'm going to try OTTE Gear or one of the others.

Take care and be well!

 

[Crispytortilla]

I love all of the TAD gear i own. in fact i am wearing a pear of AC cargo's right now. As several mentioned they have the updates on FB and Instagram, however even then, stuff sells out in literally minutes dependent on the product (Fast Pack EDC).

 

[superde]

I'm going to try but it looks like Jim and myself will be on a contract overseas for the rest of the year. I'll be at the Berserker Games then I'm off to work for the next 5 months.

You take care and thanks for the tip with TAD gear. I really want some of their gear but I have developed such a case of the ass after being shut down so many times. I think I have given up, and I'm going to try OTTE Gear or one of the others.

Take care and be well!

Maybe i'll see you guys at the Patio for lunch on Tuesday. Be safe!

 

[texag0842]

I'm going to try but it looks like Jim and myself will be on a contract overseas for the rest of the year. I'll be at the Berserker Games then I'm off to work for the next 5 months.

You take care and thanks for the tip with TAD gear. I really want some of their gear but I have developed such a case of the ass after being shut down so many times. I think I have given up, and I'm going to try OTTE Gear or one of the others.

Take care and be well!

Todd try Arcteryx (Leaf)

 

[xtype]

As far as where stuff is made, it depends on the product and the material. Most hi tech fabrics are better suited to being made overseas because of the machines needed to cut and sew the fabric. It's not so cut & dry.

Exactly. If your purpose is to support a US owned and operated business, and they make more money and thus pay more taxes here by having something manufactured abroad, where appropriate, it should not matter /this/ much. Usually they use it as a way to more quickly and easily get their foot in the door of whatever product market they are catering to. Once they can afford to, they will be engineering their own fabrics (e.g. Patagonia) and possibly purchasing the equipment necessary to have it manufactured here in the US.

ANYWAYS: sad to read someone got a premium price TAD item with a "Made in China" tag. That's unacceptable.

Like it really matters in this case? San Francisco county ethnicity is over 30% Chinese/Taiwanese. Second only to Los Angeles by percentage (over 43%) and second only to New York by sheer number.
Are the Chinese laborers here better than those in China?
I would care more about the profitability of the company as a whole.
The faster they get their product to market, the more money they make to spend in and install more jobs in the US.

All right, someone had to play devil's advocate, sorry.

 

[swage]

The stuff I managed to find in stock is good gear. I gave up trying to buy anything else from them. They keep the supply limited by design. They feel it will keep the demand for the clothing high. There is a whole sub-culture of people who buy quantities of items just to sell at inflated prices on Ebay. I gave up and started to purchase Arc'teryx, Otte and Sitka gear. It's easy to find when I want it and the quality is superior in my opinion.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

subscribe to their newsletter and get a heads up when stuff is back in stock. I did and about a week later was able to snag an EDC backpack right off of their website.

 

[JTZshooters]

I own a backpack 4 jackets 4 pairs of pants and 6 of the greatest shorts known to man the amphibious cargo's from TAD .TAD makes great gear and all of mine made in Kommiefornia not china . Patrick and all the guys over their are stand up guys on put out a great product that is near impossible to keep up with the demand without outsourcing to China , Thailand , Malaysia etc, and all of this from the liberal stronghold of SF. Otte and Arcteryx all make nice gear also but I can't justify the near double the price tag for them and especially for Arcteryx who isn't even a US company .

 

[Regular Guy]

Give them a call. Ask for Brett (owner) if he is in. Tell him your problem and he will take care of you.

TAD is a huge supporter of the shooting community in CA as well as nationwide.

I know a lot of guys like to complain about us in CA and keep saying to just move. Think of it this way; if this was a battle, you are supporting giving ground to the enemy rather than reinforcing the front lines...

 

[Crispytortilla]

I couldn't agree more. Im from Colorado and my knee jerk reaction to the gun control measures was to move. But then I realized that if we all leave colorado there will be no one left to fight for our rights and we will definitely become commierado. I love all of my tad gear. Their traverse 150's are basically the only shirts I wear. Everything I have from them is top notch. My only issue with tad is it had become an addiction and I never win the drawings for custom knives......

Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

 

[Fitz]

I currently own no less than 10 pairs of their shorts, 4 pairs of pants, a Predator Hardshell, Ranger Hoodie, Ranger LT Jacket and several shirts. Some of these items are going on 6-7 years old. Their stuff holds up very well. It's expensive and hard to get. However, in all honesty the stuff is worth every penny.

 

[Sevo2300]

I guess I've been lucky because I've not had problems getting what I wanted. My son and I each own 2 TAD gear jackets, and they are the best ones that we own. I love the reinforced forearms.

 

[Cobracutter]

Give them a call. Ask for Brett (owner) if he is in. Tell him your problem and he will take care of you.

TAD is a huge supporter of the shooting community in CA as well as nationwide.

I know a lot of guys like to complain about us in CA and keep saying to just move. Think of it this way; if this was a battle, you are supporting giving ground to the enemy rather than reinforcing the front lines...

More like falling back and calling in CAS and Arty to wipe out grid squares.

CA is a LONG LONG lost cause. I have zero sympathy for anyone who is not .mil and forced to be stationed out there.

For a shooting/outdoors oriented company who sells most of its products to the tactical side of shooting, staying in a state/city with huge tax and labor costs makes me scratch my head. Wonder how much their products would cost if they were in a more regulatory friendly place?

As far as being made in the USA vs Overseas, it means little. Companies like Acteryx use special coatings and applications that are downright nasty and/or illegal in the US. Even if they were able to do it, the regulatory enviroment would make the cost go through the roof.

A chinesse woman sewing material in China is no different than a Chinesse woman sewing material in the USA, except we are suppoting illegal labor. As long as the specing and QC is done by competent parties, you will not be able to tell a difference. Almost every textile is made overseas unless it's Barry Act Compliant or some real high end, boutique stuff that most here can't/won't afford.

I find TAD gear to be overpriced for what you get. To each his own, but I can buy a whole closet full of Marmont/Mountain Hardware/Ect for what a few piece of TAD or Arcteryx gear costs. Even better when you go through some of the discounters like Sierra Trading Post.

 

[bogeybrown]

I went full on TAD-Tard this winter once the snow started in the Afgh mountains (spent the last 3 winters farther south). I now have the Ranger Jacket, Stealth, and Stealth LT. As for where they are made: The Ranger Jacket is made in California, The Stealth and Stealth LT are made in Canada, which is completely cool with me.

The customer service, both via email and crappy Taliban-Wireless cellphone was positively fantastic, and a large reason I happily spent as much money as I did on TAD when I was able to get Arcteryx LEAF much cheaper in-country. I'm now looking to see if some of their pants are going to be a worthwhile expenditure for when the weather warms up.

I bitched and moaned about TADs prices and availability for years, but after reading countless reviews and LL's comments about them supporting the sport, I sucked it up and have been kicking myself for not having this gear sooner. It is quite frankly the TITS, and has been worth every bit of what I paid for it.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

I own several TAD pieces of clothing gear but I just realized TAD makes an identical looking pair of pants to the "operator" pants sold by LA Police gear. I'm all about buying quality and supporting USA made products. But I have to say, I can't see spending the money TAD is asking for the same pants when I can get them for $20.00. As far as quality goes, I have owned and worn the LA Police model for a few years now and they are well built. I can get 6 pairs of LAP pants for what I'd pay for 1 pair of TAD pants that are identical, and I can get them in more colors and don't have to wait crazy amounts of time.

LA Police gear pants:
LA Police Gear Operator Tactical Pants w/ Elastic Waistband

TAD Pants:
Force 10 RS Cargo Pant

 

[poison123]

I own several TAD pieces of clothing gear but I just realized TAD makes an identical looking pair of pants to the "operator" pants sold by LA Police gear. I'm all about buying quality and supporting USA made products. But I have to say, I can't see spending the money TAD is asking for the same pants when I can get them for $20.00. As far as quality goes, I have owned and worn the LA Police model for a few years now and they are well built. I can get 6 pairs of LAP pants for that what I'd pay for 1 pair of TAD pants that are identical, and I can get them in more colors and don't have to wait crazy amounts of time.

LA Police gear pants:
LA Police Gear Operator Tactical Pants w/ Elastic Waistband

TAD Pants:
Force 10 RS Cargo Pant

Papa...like a lot of stuff....LA Police Gear Pants ripped that off from TAD.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Papa...like a lot of stuff....LA Police Gear Pants ripped that off from TAD.

Are you 100% sure about that? I recall seeing LAP's pants for a few years before I bought a pair. I don't recall seeing TAD selling them before then and I subscribe to TAD's mailing list. Not saying LAP didn't copy the design but given the drastic price difference, difficulty with availability from TAD on everything they make, I am not complaining about which came first, the chicken or the egg, as this is one instance when I can say the lower priced item isn't lacking in quality or durability.