Webtex... ergh! Being with the cadets means I get exposed to lots and lots of different kit, and Webtex seem to have cornered the cadet market! The price is good, but the build quality leaves a hell of a lot to be desired!!! But, inexperienced cadets - or more likely their parents - don't see the problems with it that we get exposed too!
Unlike regular PLCE kit, the previous batches of Webtex were only single stitched - rather than double/triple stitched - and the thread used is much, much weaker. The fabric is slightly weaker than the PLCE alternative. The webbing buckles are not fully compatible with PLCE versions. This meant that if you gave Webtex products any serious use/abuse then it'd start to fail.
A friend of mine had the Webtex 120ltr bergen and attempted to walk the Ridgeway over 4 days. By day 2 the shoulder straps had started to peal away - his friend, carrying the issue PLCE version, had no such problems. I can recount similar tails of other pieces of their equipment from webbing pouches, to wash kit pouches and assault vests. With the exception of the bergen, nothing has been fatal - but it has been an annoyance!!!
However, Webtex (through Thatchreed, who manage the brand), have responded to these concerns and have, to date, been through several different suppliers and factories across SE Asia to try and improve the quality of the product whilst retaining value for money - but, even with the new stuff, you end up compromising robustness, resilience and durability in favour of cost.
I try and avoid Webtex if at all possible - and I advice the cadets,and anybody else who asks, the same - steer clear of it and go with the issue stuff - New if you've got the cash, or a nice quality Grade 1 piece from ebay!! Or, if you're really going mad on kit, then get a Berghaus Vulcan, a Lowe Alpine Sabre/Saracen/Sting, or a piece of Karrimore kit!!!
Hope that helps!
