US PALM Defender Body Armor

[sturmgewehr]

Many people think that body armor is either too expensive to own or that it's illegal to own. Neither is really true.

There's a new product on the market from US PALM that is affordable and is designed for the entry level buyer. It's priced at $199 and $299 and gives the wearer a modest level of protection, and it's designed for home protection duty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVJ4eCvPnzc

As for the legality of owning or buying body armor, it's only illegal to be in possession of body armor if you're a convicted felon (federal law). If you're not a felon and you're not wearing the armor in the commission of a felony, you have nothing to worry about from a legal standpoint.

Questions and comments are welcome.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Worthless. It has no coverage. May as well take two pieces of 1/4" steel plate and hang them over your Anterior and Posterior. After all, it'd be cheaper.

 

[InkEd]

Looks kind of small.

 

[walking arsenal]

Worthless. It has no coverage.

It provide more protection than my T-shirt does. It also provides as much as my issue Kevlar did when I worked security. My vest only covered front and back. How's this different?

 

[One-Time]

It covers your lungs and heart, those are really important. I like the idea

 

[phoglund]

I've been considering this product ever since I saw it. I've not purchased yet but feel it's a viable product. Gives pretty good protection for COM plus the ability to hang a holster, a couple of magazines and a light with a few MOLLE additions. Gives a go-to location to get quickly armed and armored before responding to the proverbial 'noise in the night'.

 

[sturmgewehr]

I agree. The vest is very light and quick to dawn. A full coverage vest can't be tossed on in a hurry. This vest offers protection of your upper chest giving you a fighting chance of survival if you're hit in this critical area. Because of it's size and weight it doesn't inhibit movement, either dexterity or maneuverability.

It's intended to be used as a bedside holder of defensive tools with the added bonus of having armor.

 

[rjrivero]

I like the concept. I don't like the execution. Who wants to sweep your own arm re-holstering your firearm? That's just an ODD place to put your gun.

I'd perfer the Molle Version. I could probably set it up for a low cross draw without much difficulty.

 

[sturmgewehr]

Rjrivero,

There are many products on the market that carry the handgun in the same horizontal fashion as this vest. Many are used by our Warriors overseas.

Some folks take the whole "never cover anything with your muzzle" just a little too far. You will ALWAYS cover something with your muzzle you don't want to put a hole in, that's just a fact of life. Many belt holsters make it so you sweep your foot or thigh when you draw or reholster, especially the increasingly popular appendix carry holsters.

Safety is far more than a function of muzzle safety.

Remember those horizontal shoulder holsters? Yeah, those things cover everything in the room with your muzzle as you walk around. Should we be concerned?

Proper handgun manipulation is a combination of muzzle awareness, trigger discipline and mental preparedness. Nothing is absolute and compromises are often made, but can be done so safely if you're willing to learn how to properly use the firearm.

Gabe Saurez has a great segment in his "THE FUNDAMENTAL KALASHNIKOV" DVD that addresses this.