Body Armor Questions

[ajl2121]

I apologize if something like this has been posted before...I searched, but was surprised that I didn't find anything. I am interested in body armor, and had questions:
this will be for SHTF scenarios

1. Considering comfort and protective level, what would be an ideal protection level? IIIA?

2. Concealable versus non concealable? what are the things to consider in SHTF? I like the ones on the outside, because you can hold mags, shells, etc. but would like to know the considerations for both.

3. Do they "expire" or lose efficacy? I noticed places show when they were made.

4. I live in Orange County...is there a place to try some on? I assume it would be wise try before buying.

5. Can I find a reputable, reliable, and comfortable one for under $1,000? If not, I'm willing to save up, but would like to keep it sub $1,000.

Thanks, and please feel free to post any information regarding body armor, or body armor vendors..I'm pretty sure I left out important questions to be asked. Thanks Calguns!

[tombinghamthegreat]

Concealable would be more adviseable unless you want to walk around like a mall ninja(which would have the official seal of awesomess).

http://www.bulletproofme.com/Bullet_..._Catalog.shtml This site sells them and may help you get an idea of what you are looking for. I have never bought anything from this site. There maybe other sites but i do not know if it is a scam or not.

If you find any respectable body armor vendors in your area or the ventura county area let me know.

[ghost_ix]

1. IIIA is the highest level of protection you can get for concealable armor and still be relatively comfortable. Most vests today have external pockets to hold extra trauma plates.

2. If you want to hold all your gear on the outside, all you need to do is buy an external carrier. With that, you can switch the ballistic panels between the two and have concealable or non concealable as you wish.

3. Vests should be changed every 5 years or so because heat and/or moisture may have weakened the fibers. I'm pretty sure this only applies to LEO's etc who wear their vest on a daily basis. Assuming you wont be wearing it 24/7, your vest should last much longer if stored properly.

4. I cant direct you to a place to try it on since I dont live in the area.

5. Check out galls.com. They have a lot of armor under your $1000 limit, and are of good value too. The galls line is actually made by Point Blank. Keep in mind, a vest that is more expensive does not necessarily mean its better. If you are of average build, buying a vest off the shelf may be good enough for you. If not, I recommend getting a custom fitted one.

Just checked and Galls does have a retail store in Orange. Even if you dont want to buy from them, you can try some on over there.

[hitman13]

shtf has too many variables

[ryno066]

I picked up a 3A at crossroads of the west 2 years ago (OC one). 2 vests for about 700-8oo$ and im a fatty.

[leelaw]

For concealable armor, IIIA will be your best choice.

It's a soft armor, so you will be protected against most handgun rounds, but rifles will penetrate.

I dunno what you imagine when you think "SHTF" but I suspect it involves being "better safe than sorry," in which case a hard IV armor would probably be more appropriate, but significantly more expensive.

IIIA armor can be put into a concealable carrier, and a tactical carrier. Get one set of armor and both types of carriers and just swap out the armor to whichever carrier you plan to use for the day/week/whatever.

You should find a local place that sells body armor so you can be measured for a proper fit. You should easily find IIIA armor for under $1,000.

[ajl2121]

So there is no way I could wear a concealable vest whiling getting protection from rifle rounds? Would I need to wear an outside vest with trauma plates?

[bohoki]

I picked up a 3A at crossroads of the west 2 years ago (OC one). 2 vests for about 700-8oo$ and im a fatty.

two vests wow you are a fatty

[hitman13]

So there is no way I could wear a concealable vest whiling getting protection from rifle rounds? Would I need to wear an outside vest with trauma plates?

wear a parka.

seriously though its not all about the biggest baddest BA. keep in mind the weigh and size, also the mobility.....

i think a soft vest and a set of plate is the key...

and if i had to choose for just one it would be the plates. they cover the vital areas and can still be worn concealable with a low pro carrier.

just my .02 though

[Mr. Joshua]

I keep a few different vests available. I have a PACA brand "NATO" vest. It's a level IIIA soft armor vest, and it comes with two external pockets for rifle plates. Inside those pockets are front and back PPI brand level IV ceramic plates. I like the NATO vest because I can wear it under clothing without attracting any attention. And if I need to bring some gear with me, I'll just throw my chest rig over it.

I also have a Eagle CIRAS. If I have to put that thing on, buckle down boys, WW3 has officially arrived.

[hitman13]

are you runnign just plates in the CIRAS or the soft armor too? i hear that their soft is pricey...

[bobgengeskahn]

as far as mobility goes, my friend has trauma plates in a carrier (i think they are level IV). but he was telling me that when he actually used them in the field his team would put the smalls in the front and the large in the back so you could still shoulder a weapon and used a combat grip on a pistol easily...

[vandal]

I have a IIIA vest that is pretty concealable if I pick the right shirt.

I don't think I would buy IIIA again. Probably Level II. Here's my reasoning -- look at the specs for what IIIA will protect you against that II won't. IIRC it basically comes down to 9mm rounds fired at carbine velocity and .44 magnum.

Since 9mm carbines are pretty uncommon (even the MP5 has fallen from favor with LEOs except when suppressed and at pistol velocities), and I think it unlikely that I would run afoul of someone who would have and be able to hit with a .44 mag, why not get a vest that is lighter, thinner, more concealable?

Concealability is a big asset in a vest IMHO. If someone knows (ie by looking at you) that you are wearing a vest, what are they going to aim for? Stay low-profile.

[ajl2121]

So, if I don't wear the vest at all, will it last as long as I do? Is it simply wear and tear that reduces its effectiveness or time as well?

[WhiteDingo]

are you runnign just plates in the CIRAS or the soft armor too? i hear that their soft is pricey...

BALCS cut armor runs anywhere from roughly $450 (check lightfighter.net, there's a guy/company on there that sells it for that much last time I checked) to $800 or so on the highest end (you're probably paying too much) for just the soft armor itself. Of course, concealable cut armor will fit in the CIRAS; it just won't give you the same amount of coverage. There are some gaps on the sides, and the front panel on concealable cut armor doesn't have the shoulder coverage iirc.