Anybody know anything about body armor?

I'd start looking at Second Chance vests until I found the one I wanted. There are other manufacturers, but none that I'd consider over Second Chance.

I would not get a zylon based vest. Check out the Second Chance Monarch Summit.

Trauma plates and duct tape all the way man!

Try the Galls website. They sell LEO and Emergency services supplies. You should find a good selection and NIJ rating info. Probably not the cheapest place, but it will give you an idea of what's available and the price range.

Your not wearing it all the time

so skip the Second Chance and find a cheaper vest. The Second Chance vests are some of the best, and some of the most expensive. If you wear it every day that's a great way to go. But for a part time job- it may just not be worth the $$- you can save a lot of money (2/3)by going with a Galls vest, an Extreme Armour, or any of a dozen other manufacturers for 1/3 the price. The low cost has a trade off, weight and bulk. The less expensive vest will weigh twice as much as a high-end vest, and be several times thicker. But they will stop a round just as well as an expesive vest. You can even get a higher level of protection then you could with the expensive vest and still save a lot of money.


If your an LEO who lives in your vest (I am) then the Second Chance is the cats #^%, but if you only need it a few hours a week, spend your money on a level IIIA vest from someone like Extreme Armour (about $350) and take the $700 you saved over a 2nd chance and buy some toys.


Of course this is just my very humble opinion, you do whatever the heck you want, it is your money.

i sell the force one brand out of my store. you may contact me at 864 573 8877. i have done 2 vests for AA recovery here in town. i can put you in a level 2 (better than a 2A) for around $475 and a 3A for around $550-600.
kellet
PSE

First place to look - www.bulletproofme.com for general information. Decide what you need and what you are willing to pay, then go find a vest that fits the bill.

- Chris

For someone in an occupation where body armor may be needed, I would do more than just take what the employer gives you. Research the product to see if it's something you would buy. If not, you may want to consider whether the absence of cost is worth it.

The first thing I would want to know is whether the company is supplying new body armor or used body armor. Most body armor companies recommend a 5 year replacement policy. In addition, the manner in which the armor was used or stored when not in use could affect its ability to stop bullets.

Free stuff might be good. It might not be. I also realize that it's a cost benefit analysis in the context of a part time job.