Best IDPA vest?

age_ranger · Post by **age_ranger** » Fri May 11, 2007 12:10 am

Hi all, I'm currently using a 5.11 vest for IDPA. It's actually one size too large (2x) and in reality, it's gonna be a little too hot for summer matches. What's everyone else using and where'd you get it? I'd definitely like to get something lighter and that fits right. Thanks in advance.

Post by **Charles L. Cotton** » Fri May 11, 2007 9:34 am

I like the vests that Donna Vandermolen makes. They are very well made and have a mesh back to allow for air flow.

Here is her website: http://www.competitiveconcealment.com/

Chas.

hi-power · Post by **hi-power** » Fri May 11, 2007 10:00 am

I use the Nylon Pocket Vest from BigandTallGuys.com: (scroll down)

Nice light weight with mesh. Just $29.50 + $5.00 shipping. (No I don't work for them).

Edited: Ooooh! On sale for $24.50. What a deal!!!

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Fri May 11, 2007 10:25 am

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I like the vests that Donna Vandermolen makes. They are very well made and have a mesh back to allow for air flow.

Here is her website: http://www.competitiveconcealment.com/

Chas.

+1 I also like the vest that Donna makes.....I agree that the mesh back is wonderful. My problem with many of the other vests is that they are too short......not a problem with Donna's vest.
Jason

propellerhead · Post by **propellerhead** » Fri May 11, 2007 12:18 pm

Do you *need* a vest to shoot IDPA? What's the advantage?

hi-power · Post by **hi-power** » Fri May 11, 2007 12:23 pm

propellerhead wrote:Do you *need* a vest to shoot IDPA? What's the advantage?

Gotta cover up yer smokewagon! A vest is a lot more comfortable than an unbuttoned shirt or jacket. Plus you can drop a couple of bullets for weight in the lower pocket and fling it back when you draw.

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Fri May 11, 2007 1:16 pm

propellerhead wrote:Do you *need* a vest to shoot IDPA? What's the advantage?

I have found a vest to be quicker to get out of the way during the draw. I have shot a couple of matches in wind breaker style jackets when it was cold and it worked just fine. A designated game vest keeps your regular good looking Hawaiin shirts from getting ruined!

RPBrown · Post by **RPBrown** » Fri May 11, 2007 2:59 pm

jbirds1210 wrote:
propellerhead wrote:Do you *need* a vest to shoot IDPA? What's the advantage?
I have found a vest to be quicker to get out of the way during the draw. I have shot a couple of matches in wind breaker style jackets when it was cold and it worked just fine. A designated game vest keeps your regular good looking Hawaiin shirts from getting ruined!

I didn't think you could ruin them. Haven't ruined mine yet. Hey Stevie, how about yours?

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Fri May 11, 2007 3:20 pm

Ummm, Stevie can't comment until he comes out and shoots a match!

TraCoun · Post by **TraCoun** » Fri May 11, 2007 4:08 pm

propellerhead wrote:Do you *need* a vest to shoot IDPA? What's the advantage?

You don't NEED vest for IDPA matches, but in general you need some sort of a cover garment. Vests, shirts, t-shirts, jackets ... Lot's of options. If you have a CHL, you need to conceal when carrying, so concealment in matches gives you relevant practice.

Donna's are great, 5.11's too. I have someone's version of a photojournalist vest that has lots and lots of pockets ... which now leads to the problem of which pocket did I put that in?

Thanx,
TraCoun

propellerhead · Post by **propellerhead** » Fri May 11, 2007 5:10 pm

TraCoun wrote:If you have a CHL, you need to conceal when carrying, so concealment in matches gives you relevant practice.

This is exactly why I'm hesitant to get a vest. I've only shot in IDPA twice and both times I just wore an extra button up shirt and left it open. I think I'd rather wear my normal carry attire, be it a t-shirt or whatever. At this point, I'd rather get real world carry & draw practice out of IDPA than try to shave off a 1/4 second.

Mike1951 · Post by **Mike1951** » Fri May 11, 2007 5:32 pm

Heck, I don't even shoot IDPA and I just ordered two of the nylon vests above.

I admit vests are a 'tell', but they're just so handy.

You can carry so much stuff that sometimes the only problem is remembering which pocket.

Extra ammo, OC, stun gun, flashlight, any or all is no problem.

age_ranger · Post by **age_ranger** » Fri May 11, 2007 7:46 pm

Charles L. Cotton wrote:I like the vests that Donna Vandermolen makes. They are very well made and have a mesh back to allow for air flow.

Here is her website: http://www.competitiveconcealment.com/

Chas.

That's exactly what I was hoping to see.......vented back.....niiiiice. I overheat in the summer and adding a heavy vest to the equation is burning me up already. Although I'll probably use the 5.11 at the State match because that's what I've been practicing with, it'll be a nice change afterward.

GlockenHammer · Post by **GlockenHammer** » Fri May 11, 2007 9:19 pm

propellerhead wrote:
TraCoun wrote:If you have a CHL, you need to conceal when carrying, so concealment in matches gives you relevant practice.
This is exactly why I'm hesitant to get a vest. I've only shot in IDPA twice and both times I just wore an extra button up shirt and left it open. I think I'd rather wear my normal carry attire, be it a t-shirt or whatever. At this point, I'd rather get real world carry & draw practice out of IDPA than try to shave off a 1/4 second.

I actually purchased a 5.11 and a CompVest, but I can't bring myself to use them for the reasons above. I use a polo shirt, an IWB holster and 4" barrel .40 S&W with full power factory ammo. I just can't bring myself to make it a game and focus only on the score. To me, that just takes something away from it.

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