Where to try and buy body armor?

[Peng]

I'd like to try it before purchase. Where to try and buy body armor in bay area?

[Ca2AZ]

Originally Posted by Peng

I'd like to try it before purchase. Where to try and buy body armor in bay area?

You can still buy online. I don't love their product because it's NIJ tested and not NIJ certified, but AR500 is having a sale for Californians that's a pretty good deal.

https://www.ar500armor.com/testudo-l...dium=affiliate

[P5Ret]

Are you looking for soft armor or hard armor? I don't think you'll find a try it on and buy it shop it will most likely need to be ordered.

Hard armor is pretty much one size fits all type of deal.

Good concealable soft armor will be custom fit to the individual. Basic soft armor, can be found in the t-shirt size ranges.

Your best bet is an online purchase for basic stuff, for concealable soft armor you'll need to find a dealer that can fit you. LC Action in San Jose, Galls or some uniform shops should be able to set you up. Either way they will probably have to order it in.

[mk2dave]

bulletproofme.com might be worth checking out. You can't try before you buy, but the prices seem decent and product received seems appropriate, although I haven't tested anything.

[dC0m]

Haven't seen too many LGS with body armor on sale. The last one I saw was maybe 29 Outdoor Gear out in American Canyon (small LGS with only a few carriers and plates selection).

You can also try Galls in Oakland - they sell first responder uniform/gear, but not sure if they would carry any plates/plate carriers.

Like others said, best bet would be online. Do you research, figure out what "coverage" and NIJ rating you'd like and order away.

[Hockeytodd03]

Maybe try a gun show? The few i have been to have had some dealers there.

[BigPimping]

Ask a LEO to try his.

[Lonestargrizzly]

Originally Posted by BigPimping

Ask a LEO to try his.

Its probably pretty stinky

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by Lonestargrizzly

Its probably pretty stinky

And expensive.

When the taxpayer is footing the the bill, the price seems to go up.

[hermosabeach]

The dealers who stock LEO show up with a ton of panels

They measure people and let officers try the inserts. Then adjust from there

Some shops take measurements and then sell panels and carrier.


Some want armor short as they sit a lot and don't want it pushing into groin when seated

With suits and belts, some also want it shorter.


Try to find someone where you can try their set on. Measurement are normally written on the panels.