Interesting series on Body Armor...

[sirderrin]

I have toyed with the idea of body armor a number of times but always backed away... but you can now get a good set up for less then the price of a good AR 10 in most case... I like the looks of this product. Anyone have any thoughts on it?


www.ar500armor.com/spallandfrag.html

[woodyz]

Liked the info.

I've worn body armor in both war an as a police officer and as a civilian. For the most part it was uncomfortable and therefore not worn as much as required.

I would not wear it now as a regular thing.

I do have body armor and I will put it on under certain circumstances, But everyone should be aware it is not the solution, it is not a save all, it does not make you bullet proof.

I have been shot wearing body armor, I have seen people shot while wearing body armor, the energy will still put you down, maybe knock you unconscious, at the very least dis-orient you. Most don't even know they have been hit, in fact most GS victims don't know they have been hit.

But it does save lives, it will stop or turn a bullet and it does help with fragments from bullets or other causes.

I have it, if I know I need it I will put it on, it will help if it can.

We have had sheriff dept officers and police officers here for different reasons and they have always had body armor on and have better body armor in their car, to put on if they know they might need it.

I won't recommend a brand, but, if it's something you need, do the research and spend the money. Which would you rather have, the money or your life?

WZ

[crashdive123]

I haven't worn body armor since the military. For me - (and this is just a personal choice) - I don't see wearing it again. Of course things could change, but that's not an investment for me at this time. I do like the idea of the armor you linked to at reducing/eliminating frag strikes.

[caveman]

Body armor is a game changer, with some good and bad. Did you know that a level III rating allows for up to 1 1/2 inch indentation( cavity collapse) into your body. That hurts. In other words, if you get hit directly outside of your heart, your heart takes a bruising shot, remember the 1 1/2 inch. It is designed for pistol rounds only and will not stop rifle rounds from penetrating your body, or in many cases a weapon designed for stabbing /puncture ( knife, screw driver, all, etc). If you want rifle protection it gets real heavy and bulky because you will need ceramic plates. Personally, I would rather a little armor as to no armor. You make that decision. You can and should train with whatever gear you plan to use. Training with the gear on your body only helps you realize any modifications you need to do in your training prior to the actual need to hopefully save your life.
You can get ceramic body armor that is cost efficient and not as heavy or bulky. That is only designed for major organ protection (heart, lungs, etc) and is not actually that large, depending on your body size and proper fit.
Now, wearing body armor is hot and sweaty. Train and maybe drink more water. That is up to you. If you don't train and produce some sweat, you may produce some blood later. Up to you.
There, my two cents for what it is worth.