Body armor

[MT2008]

So, since there's a topic about blades (which I'm not into at all), I figured I'd ask: Is there anyone here who's knowledgeable about body armor?

I ask because I'm thinking about replacing the plate carrier I have now, which is a Pantac SVS that I bought years ago when I still took part in airsoft skirmishes. I'm looking at the Platinum AA301 with Spectra Shield IIA plates. Anyone know much about these (besides the fact that lots of LE agencies issue them)?

[S&Wshooter]

All I know is that "bullet proof vests" are insanely expensive and that they are pretty much single use only (if you get shot once you probably should find a replacement vest sooner rather than later)

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by S&Wshooter

All I know is that "bullet proof vests" are insanely expensive and that they are pretty much single use only (if you get shot once you probably should find a replacement vest sooner rather than later)

Fortunately, I don't plan on entering any situations where I expect to get shot at. It really is just for collection purposes only. I'm thinking about getting just the plate carrier for now, which would reduce the cost.

[S&Wshooter]

I would like one that can stop normal pistol rounds and would conceal easily under a t-shirt, just to be safe (I go to Beaumont and Houston alot, which are pretty damn dangerous places). Of course, I am just about broke ( despite my efforts to save money, I only have approx. $125 w/ another $60 tucked away for Red Dead Redmption) so I won't be able to afford one unless I hit the lottery

[Nyles]

I have a fair bit of experience with body armor, and I can tell you this. Wearing 40lbs of front and back ceramic plates in 50 degree heat = really shitty.

[k9870]

is that 50 celcius?

BTW, ive heard the 5.11 palte carrier is sweet, its 5 bucks, excellent build, molle compatible fornt and back, and has pouches front and back for a large IIIa plate and another slot over vitals areas for ceramic plates.

[MT2008]

Hmmm, as neat as I think it would be to own a vest, I guess it really isn't worth the investment. Those AA301 plate carriers are pretty expensive.

[Jcordell]

I've talked to a couple officers who have been shot and their vests saved their life. One of the officers was already in a firefight when he got hit twice with a 38 Super. He never even realized he had been hit at the time. Which is consistent with other accounts I've come across. You aren't aware of such things at the moment.

After it was all over (he won the bad guy didn't) he began to hurt. He had a broken rib and some very impressive bruising, but he was alive. And the 38 Super is a zippy load.

The other officer was in a stand-off with the suspect. It went on for about ten minutes (the officer told me it felt like ten hours) until the suspect pulled the trigger. Two other officers on scene then opened fire and killed the suspect.

The suspect was armed with a .380 Raven. The bullet struck dead center and was stopped by the ceramic plate.It never even penetetrated the vest panel which meant his vest was still good to wear. But the officer said it felt like he was hit with a sledgehammer. He still brought his weapon onto the suspect, but at that point the suspect was no longer a threat. That officer also had a pretty impressive bruise and he was x-rayed and given a perscription of extra-strong Naproxen for the aches and pains.

But both officers lived and went on with their careers and their lives. Makes the discomfort of wearing the vest in the summertime well worth it.

Just some F.Y.I. for those who are interested.