TRU-SPEC vs. Propper - Fade resistance?

[KBarlow]

Which brand is more resistant to fading, Propper or TRU-SPEC?

I've had a pair of Propper pants for 6 years and worn them hundreds of times, but they've only faded a bit. I'm thinking of buying this set of Propper pants and jacket because I trust the brand, and they advertise fade resistance. However, the TRU-SPEC Multicam ACU looks better in terms of functionality (newer design, ACU rather than BDU), but they don't say anything about fade resistance. The TRU-SPEC ACU is also about $30 more after shipping than the Propper BDU.

Obviously color is the most important part about camoflauge. I would buy a brand more prone to tearing and stuff if the color didn't fade as easily. I wanna hear some peoples' opinions.

[lurkingknight]

propper also makes the new style ACU jacket in multicam.

Both TS and P to my knowledge use the licensed fabric for multicam, I'm not sure if they print it themselves. Someone more knowledgeable on where this stuff comes from can tell you that. As for fading, my propper ACU newspaper camo has been through the wash about 5 times now and doesn't seem to show any signs of fading.

I also bought a used propper MC bdu shirt like that one you linked that's somewhat faded. The previous owner said it was washed probably about 20 times or so.... not sure what to say. The fabric is definitely different between the bdu top I have vs the acu top, so that might also factor into whether it will fade quicker or not... as well as what detergents you use to wash them.

[Cliffradical]

You can buy Propper MC in ACU cut, and it's nice. 65/ 35 cotton prices at about $60-$70 per-piece brand new, sometimes cheaper if you find a sale.

If you're looking at TRU vs. Propper, the point is mostly moot for cotton blends, because anything on cotton will eventually fade as the material breaks down.
You don't need to be too paranoid about it though; 'fading' on Propper/ TRU is measured in fractions of shades, whereas 'fading' in clones is measured in "how many washes between 1 and 10 do I have before I'm wearing off-yellow winter camouflage".
The main difference is in the quality of the dyes, the quality of the dying process, and the fact that Propper/ TRU MC *appears* to be some hybrid process of dying and screen/ press textile saturation methods.

The top-tier TRU stuff is unequivocally superior for durability and tear resistance as well as colour fade, but then again you'll be paying close to $100 per piece new from sources in Canada.

Propper 65/ 35 is fine and tough, just follow the penny-pincher's guide to camo care and:

-Buy new
-Hang to dry in a decently ventilated area (not your moldy basement) ASAP after use
-Only wash when it stinks or has been exposed to nasty stagnant water, muskeg, dog shit, heavy fouling etc.
-Salt deposits from heavy perspiration will wear down the material faster due to the process of crystallization and dramatic changes in the Ph balance of the material in a 'neutral' state. Wipe that shit off with a damp cloth if you see it forming after a game, or just rinse your camo in a bucket of water, wring out excess, then hang to dry if you've been soaking in your gear all day
-Wash cold water, light(ish) on the soap, hang to dry out of direct sunlight if possible, low heat tumble without dryer sheets/ abrasives if not
-Don't use febreeze or other cleanfreak sprays
-Don't be a priss; they're meant to be used. Dirt stains are in vogue for the 2012 season

[Kozzie]

I actually find camo to be more effective when it's a bit faded. The colours aren't so sharp and bright and adds a bit more dimension to it.

[KBarlow]

Originally Posted by Cliffradical

Dirt stains are in vogue for the 2012 season

I'm quoting you on this. So you're saying go with the TRU ACU? They look nicer, and I have UCP ACUs and I love the material/design/sheer number of pockets. Plus what few notice are the pockets near the pant cuffs for your favorite foam padding that you can just slip into the knees. Just found this out last game. I'm getting tired of sweaty knee pads slipping down my leg and just being uncomfortable in general.

I won't be washing my BDUs as frequently as of Sunday. Like who sees them? Other people with dirty clothes; so whatever.

The only problem with the TRUSPEC ACUs are that they are about $17 more per piece or $35 per set (on eBay). So what do you recommend? TRUSPEC? A local player has some TRU stuff and it looks pretty good. He's had them for 2 years and they look brand new.

[WhiskeySix]

I've got woodland from both, they're about the same (bought less than 6 months apart). However, they are different materials, so not all things are equal.

[Cliffradical]

Originally Posted by KBarlow

So you're saying go with the TRU ACU?

I'm saying, if you have the budget, Truspec stuff like the ACUs pictured here are the bomb-diggety for ACUs, however, Propper ACUs are also excellent and can frequently be had for a fair chunk less.

You won't be disappointed with either brand, but if you can spring for it, by all means go Truspec.


Edit:

As per Whiskey Six; Truspec stuff has less cotton and a more complex weave so it ends up being lighter, thinner, and stronger than Propper. Stitching is usually tighter.
It's a difference in 30-60 bucks per item. That's it. Colour counters can go ford a creek.

[lurkingknight]

the wash instructions on my propper acu say don't wring dry, just hang it.

Also, no detergents containing colour brighteners (phosphors)

[Cliffradical]

Cool, I'll put that in my cap.

[KBarlow]

Originally Posted by lurkingknight

the wash instructions on my propper acu say don't wring dry, just hang it.

Also, no detergents containing colour brighteners (phosphors)

Yeah, the reason why is because the brighteners show up on night vision.

I ended up getting this, just because I trust Propper shit, and I already have a pair of Propper UCP ACU's that I wear as everyday pants and I know how good the quality is. Not to mention my old Propper choco-chip BDU pants that I've worn like 1000 times in 6+ years and have NO signs of wear except slight fading.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MULTICAM-TAC...item4cf7b08d21

[Cliffradical]

Yup, I've got the same set. You won't be disappointed!