Tactical-gear retailer expands into Carson

Some might view it as a store for troubling times, filled with tactical gear and accessories for police and the military. And built around the slogan, “Always be ready.”

But the 5.11 Tactical shop that celebrated its grand opening Saturday in Carson — its first retail store in the Los Angeles area but ninth overall — is actually more than that.

Dozens of local police officers and military persoel were on hand for the ceremony, which was preceded by a presentation of flags by the Sunburst Youth Academy Color Guard.

Then “Criminal Minds” star Joe Mantegna, the brand’s ambassador, demonstrated — Chuck Norris-style — knocking down a locked door with a battering ram ,the tactical equivalent to christening a new ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow.

Mantegna suggested 5.11 Tactical is a store for heroes.

“I’ve been in this business over 30 years now and have played a lot of different characters, but one common thread through all of it is very often the characters I play are heroes, whether they’re superheroes from Marvel comic books or real heroes in day-to-day life,” Mantegna said.

“These are clothes that might actually save a person’s life. It’s a very challenging time in law enforcement. We love law enforcement.”

The name sounds like a police code, but 5.11 refers to a rock-climbing rating.

The expanding clothing brand designed for durability and comfort started out in 2003 marketing to rugged outdoors types but has since found a niche catering to military and law enforcement persoel.

The 3,500-square-foot Carson store at the end of a retail strip displays lightweight polo shirts and khaki shorts for the summer. Many of the frocks are made using a customized polyester-cotton blend that relies on the stitching to allow for durable stretch rather than elastic or spandex that quickly wears out, said store manager Ryan Smith.

5.11 gear includes backpacks that can be personally customized with attachable pockets. Plate-carrier vests can be used by CrossFit athletes to add more weight to their workouts, or by police officers who want to add extra protection to their bullet-proof vests in a gunfight.

“The world is an uncertain place,” said CEO Tom Davin. “Everybody’s more aware of violence in the world right now. But everybody needs to think about themselves and their families. Do you have that go-back in the trunk in case of an earthquake?”

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If not, you can conveniently pick one up at 5.11, Davin said.

“We looked at Carson because the CrossFit Games are here and we knew how accessible it is to the 405,” he said. “There are so many people here. This is a great trade area.”

The CrossFit athletic fitness competitions, held aually at the StubHub Center, are taking place this weekend.

5.11 Tactical began making the transition from outdoor apparel to tactical shoes, clothing and gear when FBI officials told company executives they were having trouble finding pants that didn’t tear and fall apart while agents were working, said Willem Driessen, vice president of marketing.

“We listened really well to what they needed,” Driessen said. “We have an incredible eye for detail. Our clothes are made for longevity and tough use. They combine a mix of durability, quality, comfort and functionality.”

He said they market directly to gun clubs and working law enforcement, but also appeal to hikers, motor sports enthusiasts, travelers and others.

Anthony Aldape, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, heard about the store’s Saturday opening on Facebook and stopped by to pick up a discounted polo shirt.

“I was looking for some tactical gear for work,” Aldape said. “Their clothes are really comfortable.”

El Camino College student Sergio Granados said he started using 5.11 products playing Airsoft games.

“I’m just getting some everyday shirts and shorts for hiking,” Granados said. “I’m headed into law enforcement and I’ll definitely use them.”