Is a bullet proof vest worth it?
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crebralfix
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They're not "bulletproof" and it is possible to shoot through them. Better to call it ballistic body armor.
Consider this to be like purchasing another expensive rifle. Something with rifle plates is going to run at least $1,000.
bulletproofme.com <--lol, but good stuff
Consider this to be like purchasing another expensive rifle. Something with rifle plates is going to run at least $1,000.
bulletproofme.com <--lol, but good stuff
CapnMac
Member
pro gear
Also, you may could get hassled about local rules on such things. Mail order can be the worst, sometimes.
Not by me. A person wants to wear kevlar, spectra, lizardskin, they ought to be allowed (misery lovin' company and all <g>).
However, there are do-gooders out there as afraid of progear as weapons. Dunno why, just is.
The "how" of wanting one will be key, if you press forward with this. If you mean to be in "concealed carry" well, that's some tough sledding. The thinner and more concealable a vest is, the less protection it generally has. You also really need to get used to the layering, too, which can change the way you dress significantly, too.
But, a Raid Vest has limitations, too. Ditto with lizzard or Accelerator rigs. As the area protected increases, range-of-motion can decrease in some ways. Enough to warrant training in the gear to better "set' the muscle memories. (There's a reason for 6 positions on that collapsing stock, 10" length-of-pull can be a hair long at times.)
Oh, and your protective posture really is not complete without a good cover, and wearing a kevlar hat can be as socially-noticable as a tinfoil one out in public.
But, that's my 3¢ worth; others' differ.
Also, you may could get hassled about local rules on such things. Mail order can be the worst, sometimes.
Not by me. A person wants to wear kevlar, spectra, lizardskin, they ought to be allowed (misery lovin' company and all <g>).
However, there are do-gooders out there as afraid of progear as weapons. Dunno why, just is.
The "how" of wanting one will be key, if you press forward with this. If you mean to be in "concealed carry" well, that's some tough sledding. The thinner and more concealable a vest is, the less protection it generally has. You also really need to get used to the layering, too, which can change the way you dress significantly, too.
But, a Raid Vest has limitations, too. Ditto with lizzard or Accelerator rigs. As the area protected increases, range-of-motion can decrease in some ways. Enough to warrant training in the gear to better "set' the muscle memories. (There's a reason for 6 positions on that collapsing stock, 10" length-of-pull can be a hair long at times.)
Oh, and your protective posture really is not complete without a good cover, and wearing a kevlar hat can be as socially-noticable as a tinfoil one out in public.
But, that's my 3¢ worth; others' differ.
RonE
Member
If you are planning on getting shot or even shot at, it is certianly worth having vest. A bunker usually offers more protection.
WardenWolf
member
Kevlar degrades over time and with exposure to sunlight. Because of this, these types of vests can be rendered ineffective by time alone. If you are considering purchasing a vest as a hedge against future problems, you should instead consider the kind that uses ceramic plates. Despite their bulk, these do not degrade nearly as quickly.
Hey they sell some pretty nifty Armored vehicles as well. Might as well go all the way! A decent APC can be had for $80k it's only money so you might as well build a bunker too. Not a bad idea to have a chopper handy in case you need to get away quickly as well.
It's all about how far you are willing to go!
It's all about how far you are willing to go!
birdshot8's
Member
i have two vest that will soon be converted into my new canoe. i figure there will be several yards of kevlar material when i am ready to fiberglass the cedar.
Sebring Pop
Member
Only if your in Iraq.
crebralfix
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Sometimes, you will have time to get ready. Body armor would be a good thing to have. It would be useful in a "Katrina" situation where you do have to patrol.
Just think about how much a chest wound will actually cost. Suddenly, $600 for Level IIIA armor is cheap.
The best reason to get body armor: THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT WANT YOU TO HAVE IT!!
Just think about how much a chest wound will actually cost. Suddenly, $600 for Level IIIA armor is cheap.
The best reason to get body armor: THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT WANT YOU TO HAVE IT!!
malblackbelt
Member
I think that its your money and if you want body armor, do your research get the best kind for you and for the money you can spend, and enjoy your purchase. More power to you.
Hungry Seagull
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I admit to wondering what happens to vests when Brenneke comes knocking on them with 2,800 feet pounds of energy at 10 yards.
Sunray
Member
"...when Brenneke comes knocking..." Depends on the vest. A Second Chance Model Y will stop a slug at 10 yards, but it'll hurt some.
malblackbelt
Member
2800 ft lbs whats that guy shooting?!!
Hungry Seagull
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3000 Pounds availible with the 3" mag 12 gauge.
http://www.brennekeusa.com/web/pdf/BlackMagic3inch.pdf
It actually fires much easier than the big Winchester Super X.
2500 feet pounds with the 12 gauge.
http://www.brennekeusa.com/web/pdf/HeavyFieldShort12ga.pdf
20 gauge slightly less but very similar performance.
Source manufactor webpage
http://www.brennekeusa.com/start.html
http://www.brennekeusa.com/web/pdf/BlackMagic3inch.pdf
It actually fires much easier than the big Winchester Super X.
2500 feet pounds with the 12 gauge.
http://www.brennekeusa.com/web/pdf/HeavyFieldShort12ga.pdf
20 gauge slightly less but very similar performance.
Source manufactor webpage
http://www.brennekeusa.com/start.html
leadcounsel
member
As for "bullet proof" or "bullet resistant" keep in mind that soft armor is designed to stop small caliber handgun rounds, generally .40 and lower. Thicker soft armor may stop larger handgun rounds. They WILL NOT, I repeat, they WILL NOT, stop rifle rounds. Some shotgun rounds will also defeat soft vests.
Military style ceramic plates are designed to stop roughly .308 caliber rifle rounds by shattering and thus absorbing the impact. The plates can generally only take one or a couple of shots before being destroyed, but they save lives. I've seen videos of men shot with rifles square in the chest in combat and the men survived with minimal injuries. I also know Soldiers who experienced the same.
Kevlar helmets are impressive at stopping handgun rounds, but don't stop rifle rounds.
For an example check www.theboxotruth.com. They experiement with kevlar vests, ceramic plates, and kevlar helmets.
I have a concealable vest purchase from www.bulletproofme.com for about $450 a few years ago.
I wore it religiously for a year but then got out of the habbit and it sits in the closet with the "go gear." I admit that I like having it for emergencies, but to wear it daily got to be a grind. While I think it is a good idea, and there are likely also benefits to lessen injuries in car accidents (many police officers have notably been saved from serious injuries due to their vests) and even other attacks such as blunt instruments or even slashings with knives (they aren't advertised as knive-proof but they are certainly as good as a thick layer of dense clothing. But wearing one now doesn't work with my schedule (showering and changing at the gym) and it's pretty hot here so it's just a PITA because it raises your core temperature noticably.
Anyway, in social unrest situation I would wear my concealable armor again for safety. I would also don it if I had to clear my house.
I also have military Improved Body Armor and ceramic plates. I've worn it more days that I care to recall in Iraq and in garrison. I've walked and rucked hundreds of miles in it. It weighs in around 30 lbs and is bulky and heavy. It doubles or triples the time to get on your feet from a prone position and you can't easily do a single situp wearing it. It's hot and heavy. The only circumstances I can see myself wearing it would be under real attack (either civilian or as a Soldier) where I have time to prepare - war or a huge civil unrest situation, or maybe if I KNEW there were armed criminals storming my house and I had time to put it on. Same holds true with the Kevlar helmet.
Military style ceramic plates are designed to stop roughly .308 caliber rifle rounds by shattering and thus absorbing the impact. The plates can generally only take one or a couple of shots before being destroyed, but they save lives. I've seen videos of men shot with rifles square in the chest in combat and the men survived with minimal injuries. I also know Soldiers who experienced the same.
Kevlar helmets are impressive at stopping handgun rounds, but don't stop rifle rounds.
For an example check www.theboxotruth.com. They experiement with kevlar vests, ceramic plates, and kevlar helmets.
I have a concealable vest purchase from www.bulletproofme.com for about $450 a few years ago.
I wore it religiously for a year but then got out of the habbit and it sits in the closet with the "go gear." I admit that I like having it for emergencies, but to wear it daily got to be a grind. While I think it is a good idea, and there are likely also benefits to lessen injuries in car accidents (many police officers have notably been saved from serious injuries due to their vests) and even other attacks such as blunt instruments or even slashings with knives (they aren't advertised as knive-proof but they are certainly as good as a thick layer of dense clothing. But wearing one now doesn't work with my schedule (showering and changing at the gym) and it's pretty hot here so it's just a PITA because it raises your core temperature noticably.
Anyway, in social unrest situation I would wear my concealable armor again for safety. I would also don it if I had to clear my house.
I also have military Improved Body Armor and ceramic plates. I've worn it more days that I care to recall in Iraq and in garrison. I've walked and rucked hundreds of miles in it. It weighs in around 30 lbs and is bulky and heavy. It doubles or triples the time to get on your feet from a prone position and you can't easily do a single situp wearing it. It's hot and heavy. The only circumstances I can see myself wearing it would be under real attack (either civilian or as a Soldier) where I have time to prepare - war or a huge civil unrest situation, or maybe if I KNEW there were armed criminals storming my house and I had time to put it on. Same holds true with the Kevlar helmet.
Hungry Seagull
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I too have seen video where Soldiers and Marines get hit and knocked down but get back up and go to cover. Otherwise they be bad hurt or dead.
I have thought about getting some sawhorses and using them to hold a vest over the top as a sort of a Alamo fighting hole but figure the cost of such doings a bit much.
Then again I think about the cost of injury, damage etc and feel that vests might be worth it.
I have thought about getting some sawhorses and using them to hold a vest over the top as a sort of a Alamo fighting hole but figure the cost of such doings a bit much.
Then again I think about the cost of injury, damage etc and feel that vests might be worth it.
If it is for your "go-kit", then by all means. If it is for daily wear in a non-high risk setting then save your money. Even a level II is hot, cumbersome, rides up, and eventually stinks. I wore one for years (actually several) and was glad when I no longer had to. If you're buying for an emergency only, get all you can afford including trauma plates.
I wore body armor on duty for years. I never wore it off duty unless I was training in a shoot house environment. If you don't face a threat where you might need it, it's a waste of money in my opinion.
I question the wisdom of buying it for an emergency. Most emergencies are happen without warning, and just like the gun that you left in the safe isn't going to help you in a fight, the armor in the closet isn't going to protect you.
It's hot, uncomfortable, and most likely unnecessary unless you live a high risk lifestyle. You'd be better off spending the money on ammunition and good training.
I still have all of my armor, including the IIIA with SAPI plates I used on the tactical team. The only reason I haven't sold it is because I sometimes use it at training classes.
I question the wisdom of buying it for an emergency. Most emergencies are happen without warning, and just like the gun that you left in the safe isn't going to help you in a fight, the armor in the closet isn't going to protect you.
It's hot, uncomfortable, and most likely unnecessary unless you live a high risk lifestyle. You'd be better off spending the money on ammunition and good training.
I still have all of my armor, including the IIIA with SAPI plates I used on the tactical team. The only reason I haven't sold it is because I sometimes use it at training classes.
young hunter
Member
here is a link i found a few days ago . saw a video of a guy shooting the designer of the jacket with a .38 at point blank to show his faith in his product . might be worth looking into because it is a jacket and not a vest so you don't have to worry about wearing anything over it .
http://www.bulletproofjackets.net
http://www.bulletproofjackets.net
HippieMagic
Member
I just bought one because I got it as a "through the grapevine" type purchase. A friend got it for free off a cop he knows then needed a little extra cash so offered it to me for $40... It is a fairly new, barely used, Armor Express level 2 so yeah $40 is barely more than 100 rounds of ammo so I figured I might as well.
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