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jframe.38 wrote:Well the body armor showed up in the mail today and it is simply awesome.

I did the wally walk with it and forgot I had it on.

I really like it and am glad Itook the plunge. It is a bit much for everyday carry, but is definitely concealeable.

It was like doing my first concealed carry wally walk.

What level armor was it, what was the temperature, did you wear it extensively outside, was is noticeable, the price, brand, and most importantly, would you recommend it? Thanks.

While I have no idea if this is true, I have read that the fibers inside a bullet-resistant garment can degrade and separate due to movement. For example, if an officer is wearing the vest all day, the vest is rubbing against the car seat, twisting during entry/exit of the vehicle, moving around a bit when the officer is walking/running, and so on. All of this motion can break down the individual fibers over time. The garment's expiration date is an approximation of how long it will take for the fibers to break down to the point of doubt when the garment is exposed to the typical amount of daily use.

If your garment is hanging in the closet most of the time, the expiration date is meaningless. If you wear it once or twice a year, the expiration date is equally meaningless. If you wear it less than daily, it shouldn't be something to worry too much about.

that's the way I understand it, but as I mentioned, I have no idea if this is true.

Vic wrote:While I have no idea if this is true, I have read that the fibers inside a bullet-resistant garment can degrade and separate due to movement.

Well, the fibers would be subjected to friction and stress. It's plausible that the same fibers that would be sensitive to UV rays and water would also be sensitive to friction and stress.

It is level IIIa. I definitely recommend it. I wore it all day, and walked outside with it for about 2 miles in 87 degree weather in the heat of the day in Houston. It definitely makes things toastier, but is doable if you have the need to wear it. After shipping it was $420. The fit is exceptional. The construction is of such that it is highly concealable. It also has some gel like padding on the back side of the kevlar to minimize trauma and increase comfort when wearing.

I was able to conceal it all day and be completely unnoticed with it on. I only used a t-shirt a size larger than normal to conceal it. It was reasonably light. Definitely a feasible defensive tool.

It is the first vest in this review.
http://www.wired.com/reviews/2010/02/pr ... roofvests/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is a link to where I bought it http://www.bulletproofbodyarmorhq.com/i ... 8ce4812ae1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This vest definitely met my needs and then some. I bought it primarily as a piece of range safety equipment and secondarily for any home invasion defense type scenarios.

If I was to do a concealed handgun analogy this vest is to vests as a glock 19 (or other compact handguns) is to concealed handguns. It is concealeable, definitely has robust capability and is a great all around piece of equipment. It is a great first piece of equipment. It is, however, to make another concealeable firearm anology not similiar to a backup or EDC sized piece of equipment (like a j frame .38, kahr pm 9 or ruger lcp would be to concealed firearms). If you are looking for something that you slip on and forget and is super easy to EDC 24/7 then you'd need something lighter unless you are very determined or need something with full size capability.

It would be a lifestyle adjustment to wear 24/7 (just like it would be to conceal carry for the first time especially with a full size handgun). For now this vest is confined to weekend wear, a range tool and in case of home defense need. I'm not willing to wear it 24/7 ie at the office and in general.

I have really grown to like the idea of wearing body armor 24/7. Just like I originally liked the idea of wearing a gun 24/7 when first getting my license. When I fist concealed carry, it did take me a while to learn to get a small EDCable gun like a jframe, kahr or baby glock when learning to conceal carry so I could make 24/7 carry possible.
Just as when I first got into concealed carry I now want to get something that is doable for 24/7 carry. I wouldn't mind getting a level II vest made with thinner, lighter and more convenient materials that is easier to E.D.C for my next piece of defensive equipment. If I could find something a little thinner and more convenient I would definitely 24/7 carry.