Looking for reliable body armor

**spandexlurch** · August 1st, 2020, 01:25 PM

I've come to the conclusion that with everything going on it's time for me to buy some concealable body armor. I know a lot of you LE guys have experience with that sort of thing, so I'm looking for suggestions and recommendations. I've found two companies I'm interested in but I am unsure if they're reputable being that they are not NIJ certified. For those of you that don't already know I work as an armed security guard near downtown Harrisburg. I don't often come into contact with the public but do occasionally deal with the homeless and trespassers. My main concern with making this purchase is to have an affordable and reliable vest, that god forbid if I ever get shot will save my life. IIIA or IIIA+ would be preferable to me.

www.bulletsafe.com

www.safelifedefense.com

**Berncly** · August 1st, 2020, 01:35 PM

I have not heard of either one of those companies, nor would I suggest a IIIA in the current environment with rioters walking around with rifles.
Get yourself an AR500 Level III+, affordable effective protection against all pistol rounds and most common rifle rounds.
https://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-arm...-armor-en.html

**spandexlurch** · August 1st, 2020, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Berncly

I have not heard of either one of those companies, nor would I suggest a IIIA in the current environment with rioters walking around with rifles.
Get yourself an AR500 Level III+, affordable effective protection against all pistol rounds and most common rifle rounds.
https://www.ar500armor.com/ar500-arm...-armor-en.html

The two companies I listed offer concealable vests that have pockets for plates. I need something that can fit under my uniform shirt because the site I work won't allow overt plate carriers, don't want to scare the employees.

**Berncly** · August 1st, 2020, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by spandexlurch

The two companies I listed offer concealable vests that have pockets for plates. I need something that can fit under my uniform shirt because the site I work won't allow overt plate carriers, don't want to scare the employees.

Buy a concealable carrier from them or from another site, and put the AR500 plates in it, front/back, or front only if preferred.
A low profile carrier is still low profile with a III+ plate vs a IIIA panel.

**ItchyTick** · August 1st, 2020, 01:48 PM

Just remember with AR500 armor consider getting some kind of spall control.

**Berncly** · August 1st, 2020, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by ItchyTick

Just remember with AR500 armor consider getting some kind of spall control.

Agree, always buy the build up coating when purchasing hard plates.

**raxar** · August 1st, 2020, 03:05 PM

Bulletsafe is pretty good, I have one of their IIIa vests and its decent. UHMWP is the way to go for soft armor, its not effected by moisture or heat like kevlar is and its half the price. There are a ton of videos on youtube where Bulletsafe stuff gets tested if you want to check it out.

**JoshIronshaft** · August 1st, 2020, 03:22 PM

Get ceramic plates. AR500 armor is dumb because of weight and spall.

**zachomega** · August 1st, 2020, 03:26 PM

I don't know anything about body armor, but what is the deal with expiration dates? Sorry. Not trying to hijack the thread.

-Zach

**raxar** · August 1st, 2020, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by zachomega

I don't know anything about body armor, but what is the deal with expiration dates? Sorry. Not trying to hijack the thread.

-Zach

Its one of those things where they have to put an expiration date on it. Kevlar does eventually break down to where it might not stop the rounds its rated for, but there are a lot of variables that go into when that will be. A kevlar vest that is kept sealed in a climate controlled room is going to last a hell of a lot longer than one that's strapped onto a sweaty fat guy in Miami everyday.