body armor date

[chsk9]

I located a level 3 vest that is new in the box, but has been sitting in a closet for 2 years past the stated expiration date. My thoughts are it should be as good as the day it was purchased. Does anyone have any knowledge about if the panels degrade if not exposed to the elements and worn?

[esy]

I’m pretty sure it does degrade after some time. I know we had a case where some guys found a vest (probably not new like yours), and decided to put it on and see if it still worked. One guy shot the other with the vest, lo and behold, he died. Didin’t help they were high too.

I’ll throw my old vest in my trunk as a super emergency backup just because something is better than nothing. Definitely not relying on it for work though.

https://www.google.com/amp/info.veltye.com/blog/body-armor-expiration-dates%3fhs_amp=true

One of many articles about this. Marketing or not, ehh, I’ll err on the side of caution since it’s on the department’s dime.

[Rogue187]

[Spyder]

[SonofWWIIDI]

Just one of the videos I found with a quick google search.

[canman]

Really.....the date doesn't mean much. A few months ago I shot a level III vest with a manufacture date of 1992. It was quite used and pretty well worn. I shot several rounds including .22lr, 9mm, .40SW, .357 magnum and .45 ACP. It stopped every one as well as any brand new vest....maybe better.

I've probably shot over a dozen "out of date" vest of over the years. Every one has stopped everything it was designed to stop.....despite being "out of date."

I say..........no worries.

[Frank1911]

Really.....the date doesn't mean much. A few months ago I shot a level III vest with a manufacture date of 1992. It was quite used and pretty well worn. I shot several rounds including .22lr, 9mm, .40SW, .357 magnum and .45 ACP. It stopped every one as well as any brand new vest....maybe better.

I've probably shot over a dozen "out of date" vest of over the years. Every one has stopped everything it was designed to stop.....despite being "out of date."

I say..........no worries.

What he ^ said is accurate. I have had the same experience and worked in a warehouse that issued vests.

The manufacturer dates their vests for several reasons.
- Tracking the manufacturing lot is part of it. Most vests are warrantied for 5 years.
- Warranty compliance
- Research and development
- Etc.

This doesn't mean the vest is no longer capable of holding up. The manufacturer uses 5 years based on the outter vest carrier, since the entire vest is considered one unit (As opposed to a vest carrier and ballistic panels). Washing it, dirt, sweat, UV exposure, throwing it in your trunk, etc. Are all factored in the 5 years. Without an expiration date, vest manufacturers would lose money from repeated sales. Remember, they are in the business to make money.

Although your vest is probably as good as new and would protect you as if we were in 1992, the real question you have to ask yourself is, "Do you feel lucky?"

For me, I'm not that lucky. I recommend you keep it as a back up, if you are in law enforcement. If you are not, & cannot afford a new one then it may be more feasible for you to wear it. I have several expired vest that I keep for my family in the event of an emergency.

Regardless, stay safe and good luck!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Frank1911]

Just reraed your post. Only 2 years past the date, I would wear it without a second thought.

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[jld557]

I wouldn't worry too much, my department brought us out for training and we shot a vest that was from the late-80's, still held up just fine, even from 00 buck from within 10 yards

[OCEquestrian]

I located a level 3 vest that is new in the box, but has been sitting in a closet for 2 years past the stated expiration date. My thoughts are it should be as good as the day it was purchased. Does anyone have any knowledge about if the panels degrade if not exposed to the elements and worn?

As long as the vest is a woven aramid Kevlar and has been stored in a dry place.. it will continue to stop rounds for 20 + years as well as the day it was made.

I have personally tested well worn / used 15+ yr old Kevlar level 2A and 3 vests.. not only do they still after all those years of wear and sweat stop everything they are rated to,.. but I kid you not, I watched them stop broad head hunting arrows out of compound bows at 5 yards that I thought would have smoked right thru.

Your found new old stock vest is good to go assuming its woven Kevlar. Mylar and other composites.. I would not trust.