extremely lightweight body armor?

[AcceptableUserName]

I'm a noob when it comes to body armor, ballistic vests, etc. I've gotten a job bodyguarding and would like to look into it. I need something flexible and lightweight that's easily worn under a suit or even a button up shirt and that will accomodate the use of an IWB holster and will last for the long haul provided it's kept clean and dry (and not shot haha). Not looking for EXTREME constant ak-47 or Fallujah gunbattle type protection, but stoppage up to and under a .223, 9mm, .40, etc. so I can breathe a little easier would be optimal. Any recommendations as far as armor and brand type? Thanks much.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Um, you need to do your own research, while you will get some direction, what fits and what feels comfortable to you will differ, what you want is soft armor with trama plates, ONLY trauma plates will stop a rifle round, like I said, there are lots of makes and models, some variety of material and in the end, your "extremely lightweight" BA will be worth every cent you spend or don't.

BTW LIGHT thin and flexible and stopping 223 doesn't exist as far as I know.

 

[strambo]

under a .223

Under a .223 meaning basically all pistol rounds (even from a SMG)-easy; you want a Level IIIA. They are pretty light and flexible now days, stick with good 'ol fashioned Kevlar.

If you mean stop a .223...now you are in a whole 'nother class of animal. This typically takes a hard plate.

IWB holster might be an issue with a vest...very long tails on the carrier tucked way in would help.

A Level II vest would be even lighter/ more concealable and will stop all the normal (most likely) handgun threats.

 

[psyopspec]

BTW LIGHT thin and flexible and stopping 223 doesn't exist as far as I know.

This is also correct to my knowledge. You can get armor that's easily concealable that will go up the .357-12 GA range. Rifle rounds require large plates, large plates require a plate carrier, plate carrier makes concealment difficult...

Hard armor could still be hidden under a large parka or jacket if you're career takes place in a cold environment. It's going to be very hot, uncomfortable, and obvious in most places though.

 

[spd1303]

you need to get a level IIIA. Paca and point blank vision are good vest. very light weight and comfortable. both come with 5"x8" or 8"x10" front and back trauma inserst pockets for special threat plates. even with those plates inserted it is still very concealable.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

Thanks guys. I'm fine with the IIIa as I PROBABLY wouldn't ever likely face any civilian threat from a .223 or 7.62. I do live in a colder climate, so I have a little more leeway as far as concealment goes but still would like the least obtrusive rig possible. I'll probably look at a kevlar vest setup for main use. A plate carrier with trauma plates would be nice as well, in the future, but I'd like to find the smallest setup available. I'm not going to be clearing buildings or anything, and don't really need any MOLLE webbing or high blast collars or any of that. Can someone point me in the direction of a company that makes some no-frills plate carriers? From what I'm reading on point blanks site, this Vision vest has inserts for trauma plates. This sounds ideal. I'm less concerned with weight, as I exercise and run with additional weight frequently. More concerned about the overall bulkiness/concealability/possibility for interfence in pistol draw and operation.

 

[psyopspec]

The one I have is made by SafariLand. It's specifically designed for concealment under somethin like a button-up shirt; low profile at the shoulders, wide, flat elastic straps that don't make out-of-place shapes under clothing etc.

Sizing is incredibly important. If there's a police supply store near you, I'd check them out, ask for recommendations and try on before buying.

 

[spd1303]

Like psyopspec said sizing is very important. You said you live in a colder climate. Paca makes a vest called the perform-x. It comes with a micro-fiber outershell but u can replace it with their winter quilted outershell. very concealable.

 

[9mmepiphany]

also and IWB holster isn't your friend when wearing soft body armour (SBA)

if your SBA is sized correctly so that you can sit in a vehicle (different than in a chair) without choking you, it's going to be short when standing. that means that the lower edge of the SBA will overlap the top of your holster.

most protective units i've been involved with wear OWB holsters and a cover garment.. the last thing you'd want is for your gun to snag on your SBA when drawing.

SBA is always a trade off between protecting your self and your principle...SBA will always limit your movement and speed

 

[Averageman]

Ive only worn body armor in the Military the biggest factor I notice is increased fatigue and discomfort.
What ever you get it has to fit right and be light enough for you to work in. Like I said I am not real familiar with the Civilian versions, but I can not emphasize enough the fit and fatigue factor. I hope you can try different versions on before you purchase.
I have my body armor now on the wall locker in my room. I am no longer military, but I have to wear it here from time to time in my job. I sometimes wonder to myself if I might be more effective without it. I mean how quick can a 48 yo man with a bad lower back run with 70lbs of Kevlar.....That being said I really don't ever want to find out.

 

[9mmepiphany]

...another point to consider

when wearing SBA, it's more effective if you're not shooting from the modified Weaver stance

 

[KellyTTE]

Do a google for DocGKR and read up. He's got a lot of good info and is a SME on current body armor technology.

 

[YaNi]

Ive only worn body armor in the Military the biggest factor I notice is increased fatigue and discomfort. What ever you get it has to fit right and be light enough for you to work in. Like I said I am not real familiar with the Civilian versions, but I can not emphasize enough the fit and fatigue factor. I hope you can try different versions on before you purchase.
I have my body armor now on the wall locker in my room.

My cousin is a Ranger currently deployed in Iraq and I tried on his body armor at his going away party. With ceramic plates it weighs between 15 and 20 lbs. I am pretty sure it is level IIIA (pistol rounds), and the 2lb ceramic plates are level III. The crotch cover adds a couple pounds, so I would think you could get a level IIIA vest around 10 lbs.
My cousin also holsters his pistol across his chest in a tactical vest, although he isn't concerned with concealability. I kinda doubt you are gonna be able to conceal a compact or full size auto in addition to a hefty vest unless you live somewhere very cold.

 

[Big Boy]

I think you'd be fine for concealment. You want it to fit under a button up? So is this professional looking attire? Add a blazer to your outfit and carry in a belt mounted OWB or a shoulder rig. Both would let the blazer conceal the weapon.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

all great suggestions. Body Armor's a whole new world. I'm liking the Point Blank Vision quite a bit as it is the SBA vest in and of itself, but has inserts for additional plates (which I assume, would mean rifle protection). I'm going to look into it. There's a police supply store in my area that is a distributor for it, but the markup on new VS. used ballisitic protection seems to be HUGE. anyone know of a place to purchase USED body armor? cosmetics don't matter as long as it hasn't taken slugs and is the real deal. I'd imagine more than few LEO retirees and returned vets would want to offload some upon completion of service.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Used is less expensive for a reason, mainly that the manufacture only guarantees the fibers will do what they are supposed to for x long. Check the online places, Centerfire or keepshooting got some German vest tradeins sold without warranty (novelty, with a disclaimer that they are for paintball, airsoft etc to look cool not for real bullets) for maybe 200? or less.

 

[Darkninja]

all great suggestions. Body Armor's a whole new world. I'm liking the Point Blank Vision quite a bit as it is the SBA vest in and of itself, but has inserts for additional plates (which I assume, would mean rifle protection). I'm going to look into it. There's a police supply store in my area that is a distributor for it, but the markup on new VS. used ballisitic protection seems to be HUGE. anyone know of a place to purchase USED body armor? cosmetics don't matter as long as it hasn't taken slugs and is the real deal. I'd imagine more than few LEO retirees and returned vets would want to offload some upon completion of service.

http://www.bulletproofme.com

 

[.45&TKD]

Smoke'n Deal!

http://www.kiesler.com/police/productdetail.aspx?cat=2617&pid=21943

I just recieved this today. For $45 its a great deal. ($30 plus $15 for shipping).

Not sure what sizes they have left. Mine's a great fit in the length, but there is extra material on the sides that overlaps. I don't know when I would need to wear it, but now I have it if I ever need it.

I was not sure what level it was when I ordered it, but it turned out to Level IIIA with a soft trauma plate. And it is less than 3 years old.

I do some security work on the side, so I got around the LEO only policy with that ID and my CCW.

 

[leadcounsel]

I bought a concealable vest from www.bulletproofme.com several years ago and wore it under dress clothes in a professional job without raising any eyebrows. I believe it was level II or IIa, around $500.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

Poke around here a bit. I saw a video demonstration of it in action. Guy wearing it was shot from about 3 ft away with a 38 Special. Nothing but a bruise on the abdomin. May or may not be what you're looking for.

http://www.miguelcaballerousa.com/index.php/bulletproof-clothing-products-categories.html

 

[spd1303]

Shadow 7D is correct. Plz do not buy a used vest for your safety.

 

[CWL]

Perhaps for just to have for fun, but how could anyone want to trust their life on $30 body armor? It is being dumped for a reason, perhaps it has been exposed to a lot of moisture or high heat. My life is worth more than $30, hope everybody else is as well.

 

[.45&TKD]

CWL,

If I actually wore body armor for a living, sure, I would want the best.

But I am just going to keep this in the closet for a SHTF or TEOTWAWKI type emergency.

It is less than 3 years old and they had a lot of them for sale. Was the whole lot exposed to heat or moisture. Whoever it was sized for was a fat SOB. Maybe he retired or had a weight related heart attack.

In an emergency it would be better than nothing. How bad could it be? It looks fine.

 

[.45&TKD]

http://www.bulletproofme.com/Photos/11-Year-Old_Vest_Shootout_PHOTOS.shtml

Like I said, better than nothing. (11 year old body armor).

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Um, you need to do your own research, while you will get some direction, what fits and what feels comfortable to you will differ, what you want is soft armor with trama plates, ONLY trauma plates will stop a rifle round

I think you are misusing terminology or using overly vague terminology. Trauma plates, such as those made by Point Blank and many other companies, are made to enhance the protective capabilities of soft armor by providing blunt force trauma protection. The idea is that they spread out the impact energy over a larger area, thereby reducing blunt force trauma. They may be soft or hard and are quite inexpensive, running anywhere from $15-100. These plates, however, are not designed as actual ballistic armor. Sometimes they are called shock plates. They usually do not actually raise the ballistic protection or if they do, it isn't enough to stop rifle calibers (usually not above Level IIIa).

What you are talking about is SAPI (small arms protective inserts) plates, aka rifle plates, ballistic plates, or hard armor. These are usually either steel or ceramic and designed to stop various rifle rounds. These are usually rated Level III or IV.