Ballistic armor/vest

[Min]

How many of you have one? And to those who do own one, where and how often do you wear it? Also, what level protection is good to get.

I'm considering buying one.

If you have a CHL, does it make sense to get a kevlar vest as well?

 

[telomerase]

>does it make sense to get a kevlar vest as well?

Spectra is supposed to have some advantage over kevlar. Of course in Houston you'll be quite safe from gunfire after a few minutes of vest ownership (because you'll be prone from heat exhaustion). You should move somewhere nice and cool (I live in DALLAS!!)

 

[cordex]

Had one, found out that I couldn't comfortably wear it in the heat and traded it to someone who needed it more than I.

 

[Jeff White]

The city issues us Level IIA body armor. Buying my own Level IIIA. Don't go on duty without it on. Sunday the heat index was 112 here.

Don't wear it off duty. I'm not sure what you do in Houston that makes you think you need one. Unless I had a job like a diamond courier or maybe a clerk in a convience store or check cashing business in a high crime area, I probably wouldn't bother. You have to balance the inconvenience and discomfort with the threat. If you feel you need one, by all means get one. They are expensive and lose value rapidly once they are used. You might regret the $800 or so dollars laying in your dresser drawer or closet because you find it too uncomfortable to wear regularly. The $800 would buy you a good course at Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, etc. I think you'd fnd that more valuable then the body armor.

Jeff

 

[brownie0486]

Have 2

11a from a presidential protective agent and a 111a that was issued to myself.

Only wear them when I feel it may be in my best interest.

Used to wear one while shooting in competition for awhile.

111a is bulkier than I would like but for inner city work, thats what I'm wearing.

Took the 11a panels out of the protector and slid both sides into the briefcase I take along ocassionally. Protective work has the briefcase with me as an added measure of security while moving clients about if the dress code warrants it.

Brownie

 

[ACP]

I have a Second Chance IIa that was fitted to me, as I believe all are (dealer takes your measurements, you fill out an application, send it to the factory, it arrives several weeks later).

It also has a front trauma plate.

I can wear it under a sweatshirt and it's not too noticeable. The only time I wore it out was on an assignment to check out reports of guns in a nightclub (I was a newspaper reporter at the time).

I keep it at home on a hanger in my clothes closet. It goes on when I hear a "bump in the night." I regularly practice donning it quickly. It's very comfortable when on, though I see how it could get hot for dutry wear. Many makers also sell Coolmax tee-shirts to go under the vests to help air criculation and wick sweat away.

Like Brownine, I also have an old "Monarch" (Second Chance) ballistic panel in my leather briefcase. It will do in a pinch and is more portable and no as noticeable as a full vest.

BTW, the thing looks pretty mean when worn over my pajamas!