About vests

[birch143]

Hello guys, I'm not sure if this is the right section to ask, but I was wondering if anybody has tried buying vests online... because I was trying to find a vest for my friend as a gift and I stumbled upon this particular bulletproof vest online store. However, I still want to ask for suggestions for those who have tried buying it.

Anyway, I hope somebody will help me with this dilemma. Thank you!!!!!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Bumper]

I'm not sure I would buy a vest unless your friend is a LEO. That being said, be sure and do your homework on vests; there are good ones and there are some that don't live up to their claims. The cheap prices make me think these might not be up to standard. I also noticed that these vests don't have a trauma plate or even the pocket to hold one as optional. Personally, I would avoid them. Check out a Second Chance.

[dukalmighty]

the regular vest does have a pocket for a trauma plate,as far as being a level 3 vest it will stop up to 44 magnum when I was an LEO a buncha years ago we only had level 2 second chance vests issued capable of stopping up to 357 magnum.It seems like a pretty decent deal but knowing what your buddy needs it for specifically would help.I would definitely compare with other companys and when it comes to something your life depends on you usually wanta get the best

[SIXTO]

Those are junk.

[semperfi.45]

Inferior as far as vests go. Ballistic vests can't be skimped on. Name brand and tailor made is the only way to go. I wear Second Chance.

[dukalmighty]

Those are junk.

Gecko 45 swears by them

[crzy4guns]

Gecko 45 swears by them

None other than the infamous Mall Ninja himself, eh.

If it is good enough for him, than it is good enough for me.

[Bumper]

the regular vest does have a pocket for a trauma plate

I stand corrected. But they don't have the plates...

[Thumper]

To me a vest is one piece of gear that I would want to buy myself and not on-line, I'd want to be able to try it on.

[SIXTO]

To me a vest is one piece of gear that I would want to buy myself and not on-line, I'd want to be able to try it on.

You almost have to buy it at a brick and mortar store; proper fit is crucial, and they really should be tailor made for the person thats going to be wearing it; otherwise it will be uncomfortable and not nearly as affective.

Also, watch online dealers closely, there was a huge recall of panels a year or two ago, and a lot of them are resurfacing for sale on the 'net.

[Bob The Great]

To me a vest is one piece of gear that I would want to buy myself and not on-line, I'd want to be able to try it on.

Agreed, but they don't usually carry a wide selection at my local Wal-Mart. What would you suggest for those of us whose only option may be buying it online? I've been kicking around the idea of getting a good IIIA vest with a plate pouch for a while.

A couple more vendors:

BulletProofME.com Body Armor / Bullet proof Vests
ISP - Body Armor - Bullet Proof Vests - Air Taser M 18, Concealable Vests, Ballistic Wall Panes

[semperfi.45]

How about trying a local Police/Uniform supply for custom fitting. There usually aren't laws preventing possession of ballistic vests, unless used in the commission of a crime.

I wear a Second Chance SC229 Level II with a T-15 insert in an APEX carrier on duty, and I am not a big fan of it. It comes with the turf but I think wearing a vest is comforting, but just terribly uncomfortable. I find a Level IIIA to be seriously uncomfortable and inflexible to the point where it effects my mobility. If you don't need to wear it I can't imagine why you would get a vest.

IMO a vest needs to be custom fit or you're wasting your money.

[buckeye .45]

Unless someone really needs a vest, they might wear it for a week of two, and then they will get tired of it.

But it really is something that doesn't fit right, than it does no good because it is too uncomfortable.

[Bob The Great]

Unless someone really needs a vest, they might wear it for a week of two, and then they will get tired of it.

But it really is something that doesn't fit right, than it does no good because it is too uncomfortable.

For my purposes, I'm thinking of a SHTF vest, not one for every-day wear. Stray bullets or armed looters are a lot scarier when there's no medical attention to be had besides what you can perform on yourself.

[buckeye .45]

For my purposes, I'm thinking of a SHTF vest, not one for every-day wear. Stray bullets or armed looters are a lot scarier when there's no medical attention to be had besides what you can perform on yourself.

Well, keep in mind with that that vests have a rather limited shelf life, which can be shortened depending on how well they are stored.

I have to wear a vest, I think its level IV, a lot, and it is not a fun experience.