body armor

[Eric P]

I was wanting to know if anybody knew if the blue shield that is made by GT is any good. I am new and this is all I can afford right now, but I want to get something that is going to protect me. Thank you

[tcsd1236]

I am not familiar with that brand, but my advice is check on the threat level rating for that armor and go by THAT information. The benefit of the current generation of body armor is the comfort level; they tend to be thinner, lighter, etc. The armor you speak of should still function up to its rated threat level, it just may be an older generation of armor that isn't as comfortable as some of the newer stuff.

[Mack811]

Can someone post an explanation of threat levels? I looked in all my current catalogs and can't find a list. I don't think this is sensitive info anymore, if I an wrong....flame on. http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif I will buy Kevlar BVD's and socks at this point.

[John from Maryland]

Check out the website of the National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center. They publish the "Selection & Application Guide for Police Body Armor" which covers threat levels. Be safe. (www.nletc.org)

[Sparky]

GT is a reputable company. The threat level will tell you what it will protect you against. The price is usually a good indicator of how comfortable it will be.

As a general rule, price should not be a factor with guns and body armor, however, on a cops budget, it always is. http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif

I would recommend that the body armor be of a threat level at least enough to protect you from your own duty weapon. Then you may consider what you are likely to run up against in the field.

You may want to consider buying armor from an authorized dealer. The main benefit there is that you can go in and they will take measurements for the proper size. Sizing and fittin is very imortant, both to BA function and comfort. An ill-fitting vest is a pain in the *****!!!

Either way...you can buy a vest that will do for now, and then save up to buy better armor later. It never hurts to have an extra vest around.

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-Sparky

[KenM]

Never heard of that brand. I bought an "Xtreme" vest from them. If you go with the Xtreme brand tell the dealer you want an extra elastic band on the bottom of the carrier. Mine and everyone else's have begun to curl on the bottom edge. I thought it was me gaining weight until I saw all the rest of the vests doing the same thing.

Main thing is comfort. Almost all the vests on the market are made of the same materials. They all have to comply with the same NIJ requirements.

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"Trust me. I'm from the government, I'm here to help."

[Dave T]

Eric,

In response to your request for information regarding Threat Level definitions please refer to the following link:
http://www.bulletproofme.com/Ballistic_Protection_101.shtml

I am one to agree with the "go for the comfort" approach to ballistic clothing. However, you must remember that we wear this equipment for 14 hours straight and therefore comfort is important. Never forget to obtain equipment appropriate to the potential threat. I work in the highest crime area in the State and would not settle for anything less that a Level III vest.

This is one piece of equipment that should be purchased without looking at the price tag. Spend the money and get the guarantee - hard to return for "manufacturers defect".

Stay Safe,

Dave

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"There is true glory and true honor, the glory of duty done and the honor of integrity and principles." - Robert E. Lee

[mp200901]

Does anyone have opinions on what is the best vest to go for for both ballistic and stab protection? I am looking for something that will stop all knives/ice picks and stop 9mm rounds, buck shot etc.

MJP

[CustomsCop]

MJP:

I unfortunately do not recollect where I saw the product, but there is at least one vest on the market that has dual ballistic/stab protection. I do remember that it was fairly bulky and very expensive. I will continue my memory search, and get back to you!


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Fact is a function of evidence; Truth is a matter of perspective.

[John from Maryland]

First Choice is marketing patrol vests rated for both ballistic and stab resistance. I've never seen one and have no idea how practical or comfortable they are. Website is www.firstchoicearmor.com. (http://www.firstchoicearmor.com.) Be safe.

[movista]

Ken: My Xtreme does the same thing. But I like the vest over all. At a prior agency we were issued Monarchs..very nice. Not much different than Xtreme. What I liked about Monarch was the T-shirt carrier. Seen it?? It is sleevless, made of the same material as a football jersey. Has pockets in the front and back to put the panels in and a chest pocket for a t-plate. Very VERY comfy. I have searched hither and yon for one for my Xtreme but cannot find one.

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Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the presence of justice.