# VTX Ripstop vs NYCO 50/50: which fabric should you choose?

> 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.

Published 2026-11-04. Updated 2026-11-04. By The HAVOK team.

## 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](https://havoksolutions.com/quality).

## 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](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/pants/havok-virtuoso-pant) | 1 lb 8.3 oz | 1 lb 12.6 oz |
| [HAVOK Garrote Pant](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/pants/havok-garrote-pant-w-tourniquet-pocket) | 1 lb 11 oz | 1 lb 14.3 oz |
| [HAVOK Vanguard Assaulter Pant](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/pants/havok-vanguard-assaulter-pant-w-breach-tourniquet-pockets) | 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.

## Products

- [HAVOK Garrote Pant](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/pants/havok-garrote-pant-w-tourniquet-pocket)
- [HAVOK Vanguard Assaulter Pant](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/pants/havok-vanguard-assaulter-pant-w-breach-tourniquet-pockets)
- [HAVOK Virtuoso Pant](https://havoksolutions.com/shop/pants/havok-virtuoso-pant)