VTX Ripstop vs NYCO 50/50: which fabric should you choose?
Updated 2026-11-04 · The HAVOK team
Short answer
VTX Ripstop builds lightweight four-way stretch into the fabric itself. Standard NYCO 50/50 Ripstop is heavier and more rigid, valued for its traditional military-spec durability and structure. Choose VTX for mobility and comfort, and NYCO 50/50 when you want the traditional military-spec fabric.
How the two fabrics differ
| VTX Ripstop | NYCO 50/50 Ripstop | |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch | Four-way stretch built into the base fabric | Often relies on separate stretch panels |
| Feel | Lighter, with more mobility | Heavier and more rigid |
| Heat | Listed as no melt, no drip | Listed to MIL-DTL-44436D |
Conventional NYCO garments add stretch panels in high-stress areas. VTX Ripstop carries the stretch across the entire garment. More detail is on our Quality page.
How much lighter is VTX on a real pant?
VTX saves more than 3 ounces on each HAVOK pant, weighed at size 34x34.
| Pant (34x34) | VTX Ripstop | NYCO 50/50 |
|---|---|---|
| HAVOK Virtuoso Pant | 1 lb 8.3 oz | 1 lb 12.6 oz |
| HAVOK Garrote Pant | 1 lb 11 oz | 1 lb 14.3 oz |
| HAVOK Vanguard Assaulter Pant | 1 lb 14.2 oz | 2 lbs 1.5 oz |
Which should you choose?
- Choose VTX Ripstop if you kneel, climb and move fast, and want stretch and less weight across the whole pant.
- Choose NYCO 50/50 if you want the traditional military-spec fabric and a more rigid structure.
- Both come in the same three pants, so the pant you pick does not limit the fabric.
Questions
Is NYCO 50/50 a military-spec fabric?
Yes. HAVOK lists its NYCO 50/50 RipStop to MIL-DTL-44436D.
Where is the fabric made?
Our pants and combat shirts use U.S.A.-made fabric.