I could find very little detailed information or product reviews for the newly released A2 pant. First Tactical still has no YouTube video overview of the A2 pant, but there is plenty of information on the older V2 (shame on you First Tactical for missing this boat). The V2 pant has been my go-to exclusive tactical-style pant for many years. I decided to take a chance and ordered a single pair of the A2 pants just to see if there were any major differences. Man, was I impressed!
The A2 pant IMO was a big upgrade for me and my needs. The flexible fit (forgiving, but not too stretchy), the slightly softer fabric, and better designed pockets were all "game changers." After only one full-day of wear, I ordered two more pairs. This will be my new go-to pant moving forward and I highly recommend you try them for normal day office attire. They wash well and come out of the dryer ready to wear.
In general, all of the pockets are better on the A2. The side pockets are very much improved for my usage. There is a hidden zippered pocket on each leg that is now tucked under a narrow end-sewn flap (no noisy Velcro flap) that allows additional storage. There is an open pocket directly behind the side pocket that doesn't require you to lift a flap to get something in or out. It is also more on the side of each leg adjacent to the side seam, instead of being rotated to the front where your hip bends like on the V2 pant. With the open pocket being located directly behind the side zippered pocket, it helps to conceal and provides an extra layer of protection for anything in this pocket. It is a perfect fit for a cellphone and is about 4” wide and 7” deep, which is an inch deeper and a half-inch wider than the open pocket on the V2 pant, making it easier to get a phone out. You might be able to use it for a 30-round mag, but there are very few people that will legitimately have that want or need. The front pockets are also much improved and about 3” deeper in my estimation than the V2 front pockets. The lower corners of both front pockets appear to be reinforced (for a knife clip) and there is also an almost unnoticeable smaller pocket in this same location that is sized to fit something like a lip balm, fingernail clippers, handcuff key or a small pocket knife. The rear pockets are mostly unchanged between the V2 and the new A2, but I think they are just slightly larger on the A2.
For the front waist, the snap with button backup closure looks to be unchanged from the V2 pant. The biggest problem I have found with the snap, is that once it fails, the pants are rendered useless unless you don’t mind the snap being unsecured and relying on only the button backup. I have even received brand new V2 pants that the snap will not stay connected right out of the bag. The button backup seems to do most of the “heavy lifting” anyways, but the snap is still the weak link for the A2 waist closure. The zipper appears to be unchanged and has never failed on any of my V2s. The crotch is gusseted similar to the V2 pant as well.
Overall, this is the BEST tactical pant I have ever worn and there is no looking back at this point. It will be A2 all the way for me. If you give them a try, you will not be disappointed.
Pros:
Much improved pocket depth, especially the front pockets
Better size and location for the open cellphone pocket
Hidden zipper side pockets with no big flap and no noisy Velcro
Softer and more forgiving fabric, but not overly stretchy
Looks better after coming out of the clothes dryer
Cons:
The snap button is still the weak link in the waist closure system
The softer fabric seems as though it will be more subject to wear and will be less tear-resistant than the ripstop
fabric on the V2, but only time will tell
