Body Armor / Plate Carriers - Do you own it?
- Thread starter ddeuce22
- Start date
Jimbo
Elite
There is no way I would wear a whole lot of armor on a daily basis. Not only would I quickly tire of the hassle, but imagine if you are stopped by the police - if they saw you wearing a bunch of tactical-looking body armor, they may suspect you of domestic terrorism, another hassle I don't want to have to deal with.
What I'm looking for is something light-weight and easy to wear on a daily basis, something that while not stopping everything, would protect me from being too badly injured if I did get shot, and that wouldn't cost a fortune to buy.
If I had to be in or near dangerous places on a regular basis, I would consider getting something more substantial than that.
What I'm looking for is something light-weight and easy to wear on a daily basis, something that while not stopping everything, would protect me from being too badly injured if I did get shot, and that wouldn't cost a fortune to buy.
If I had to be in or near dangerous places on a regular basis, I would consider getting something more substantial than that.
TidalWave
Professional
Yeah !! Anybody recall that thread a couple months back with the nutcases pulled over by the road in Conn or RI? Some islamic group going up to Maine for ‘training’ ??
I would really have to have a firm “need” in order to go around in body armor; some specific threat or reason.
Bassbob
Emissary
Yep. And Level 3 soft body armor ( i.e. vest) conceals under a button down shirt. It was good enough until the trend for hood rats changed from 9mm and .45 autos to AR-15s and AK-47s. Next up, plate carrier and a plate in front and a plate in back.
Bassbob
Emissary
Working on various streets in N. St. Louis, in the most dangerous neighborhoods in the most dangerous city in the US is a firm need. I have been shot at 3 times in as many years and over the course of a decade I lost count of how many times I have dove into a hole, under a trailer or behind something. And a good deal of my job involves being in holes with a shovel in my hands.
TidalWave
Professional
Yeah, I’m with u in that Bob - definitely a need there ! Yours has the advantage of being easily and logically explained
Jimbo
Elite
Hey Bassbob, here's a bulletproof baseball cap:
BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap offers level IIA protection. An, easier to wear and discrete alternative to a ballistic helmet. Weighing in at just 8 ounces.
bulletsafe.com
TidalWave
Professional
Hey Bassbob, here's a bulletproof baseball cap:
BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap offers level IIA protection. An, easier to wear and discrete alternative to a ballistic helmet. Weighing in at just 8 ounces.
Bassbob
Emissary
When you get shot at a few times I'm sure it'll stop being something you make jokes about.Hey Bassbob, here's a bulletproof baseball cap:
BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap offers level IIA protection. An, easier to wear and discrete alternative to a ballistic helmet. Weighing in at just 8 ounces.
HansGruber
Ronin
I’ve got a couple; the plates are from AR500, the carriers are their Tetsudo and a London Bridge low vis I picked up off Armslist cheap. The Tetsudo has IV w/III side plates, the LB has III.
I’ve worn the low vis rig under hooded sweatshirts, flannels, etc, and it seems to not get noticed. It’s now my standard range equipment.
The full-honk IV is now festooned with everything, and I’m rethinking it—too much crap, imho. Time to streamline.
I’ve worn the low vis rig under hooded sweatshirts, flannels, etc, and it seems to not get noticed. It’s now my standard range equipment.
The full-honk IV is now festooned with everything, and I’m rethinking it—too much crap, imho. Time to streamline.
Pitdogg2
Professional
That is truly a shame....
My condolences
Interesting turn this thread took.
Overt versus covert is always a consideration.
The kit that's cited by @ddeuce22 obviously was not intended for covert use, but there are others out there that are specifically designed for covert wear, again to defeat a variety of threats from handgun to rifle.
The Bulletproofme.com website is probably among the oldest and best known resource for covert kit, however, many "cop shops" both local and online (i.e. Galls) will also sell to qualified civilians, either openly or via self-attestation, in much the same way that the overt tactical gear suppliers do.
I'm nowhere near as well versed in covert gear as I am in overt gear, simply because I don't really have a need for covert gear, and thus haven't played much in that side of the pool. That said, typically the same set of compromises that's seen with overt armor also applies to covert armor - the threat matrix and weight/bulk and gear quality all interplay towards cost. The same caution should be paid towards NIJ certification versus "hobbyist/enthusiast vetted" protection, and this typically also is reflected in cost differences.
Personally, as a civilian who is non-military/LE/first-responder/security, even for a SHTF/TEOTWAWKI/WROL scenario, I do not think that overt armor will ever be what I choose to go with. Much like my view of open versus concealed carry, I feel that overtly displaying armor will likely create more limitations in terms of tactical considerations: specifically that in most scenarios, it has the potential to make me a more visible threat/target. In the same sentence, however, it should be noted that much of today's modern overt plate-carriers and armor all but disappear under the typical "athleisure wear" of a hoodie/sweater, windbreaker, or rain slick - and while these options may not necessarily be viable for everyday wear in warmer (or drier) climates, usual concealment efforts of simply throwing a larger, dark/patterned button-up shirt or T-shirt over the armor can considerably drop its visual profile, and this effect is compounded when visually distinctive wear such as recognizable work uniforms are worn. Although modern fashion favors a more fitted/tailored look, uniformed work clothes in particular have retained their typically "boxy" fit, and this can be used to one's favor, particularly if one is involved in delivery, utility, or similar work in less-desirable parts of town and/or at less-desirable times-of-day.
One could argue that for the vast majority of civilians that as soon as the long-gun comes out, whether or not we are also wearing overt armor will already be moot. Nevertheless, this statement in and of itself does not circumscribe set limits on the "why's" of the scenario. For example, if the home-defenders have already retreated to their safe-room and are safely behind defilade/barricade, taking the time to don additional PPE -be it armor or eye/ear-protection- is certainly a valid consideration, and one which may have additional payoff should the defender need to press the fight, regardless of how unlikely the latter.
For those of us who've come to armed self/home-defense, we are ostensibly already choosing to prepare for the unlikely worst, and to those who do not see things the way we do, the joke is always "what's the odds." Here, with armor, the math is the same - it's jut towards that next level of preparation. But here, of-course, also lies the truth that the hilarious 30-second skit that Chris Costa puts on at his classes, where he mimes getting kitted-up for a home-invasion scenario with a primary, secondary, and plate carrier - only to step outside the bedroom door and get shot in the head, because he'd forgotten his ballistic helmet.
The real question behind all of this is where do we each personally draw that line, and the only counterbalance is whether or not what we have decided to do actually plays well towards the scenarios that we've envisioned.
-----
A quick aside in terms of vehicle tactics and considerations for mass unrest, a ballistic blanket -although expensive and of limited threat matrix- is a viable consideration particularly for rear-cabin passengers. This, combined with a larger fire extinguisher, are two excellent pieces of defensive equipment to have, but with both, accessibility (i.e. "staging") as well as storage considerations should be worked-out before purchase.
Overt versus covert is always a consideration.
The kit that's cited by @ddeuce22 obviously was not intended for covert use, but there are others out there that are specifically designed for covert wear, again to defeat a variety of threats from handgun to rifle.
The Bulletproofme.com website is probably among the oldest and best known resource for covert kit, however, many "cop shops" both local and online (i.e. Galls) will also sell to qualified civilians, either openly or via self-attestation, in much the same way that the overt tactical gear suppliers do.
I'm nowhere near as well versed in covert gear as I am in overt gear, simply because I don't really have a need for covert gear, and thus haven't played much in that side of the pool.
That said, typically the same set of compromises that's seen with overt armor also applies to covert armor - the threat matrix and weight/bulk and gear quality all interplay towards cost. The same caution should be paid towards NIJ certification versus "hobbyist/enthusiast vetted" protection, and this typically also is reflected in cost differences.Personally, as a civilian who is non-military/LE/first-responder/security, even for a SHTF/TEOTWAWKI/WROL scenario, I do not think that overt armor will ever be what I choose to go with. Much like my view of open versus concealed carry, I feel that overtly displaying armor will likely create more limitations in terms of tactical considerations: specifically that in most scenarios, it has the potential to make me a more visible threat/target. In the same sentence, however, it should be noted that much of today's modern overt plate-carriers and armor all but disappear under the typical "athleisure wear" of a hoodie/sweater, windbreaker, or rain slick - and while these options may not necessarily be viable for everyday wear in warmer (or drier) climates, usual concealment efforts of simply throwing a larger, dark/patterned button-up shirt or T-shirt over the armor can considerably drop its visual profile, and this effect is compounded when visually distinctive wear such as recognizable work uniforms are worn. Although modern fashion favors a more fitted/tailored look, uniformed work clothes in particular have retained their typically "boxy" fit, and this can be used to one's favor, particularly if one is involved in delivery, utility, or similar work in less-desirable parts of town and/or at less-desirable times-of-day.
One could argue that for the vast majority of civilians that as soon as the long-gun comes out, whether or not we are also wearing overt armor will already be moot. Nevertheless, this statement in and of itself does not circumscribe set limits on the "why's" of the scenario. For example, if the home-defenders have already retreated to their safe-room and are safely behind defilade/barricade, taking the time to don additional PPE -be it armor or eye/ear-protection- is certainly a valid consideration, and one which may have additional payoff should the defender need to press the fight, regardless of how unlikely the latter.
For those of us who've come to armed self/home-defense, we are ostensibly already choosing to prepare for the unlikely worst, and to those who do not see things the way we do, the joke is always "what's the odds." Here, with armor, the math is the same - it's jut towards that next level of preparation. But here, of-course, also lies the truth that the hilarious 30-second skit that Chris Costa puts on at his classes, where he mimes getting kitted-up for a home-invasion scenario with a primary, secondary, and plate carrier - only to step outside the bedroom door and get shot in the head, because he'd forgotten his ballistic helmet.
The real question behind all of this is where do we each personally draw that line, and the only counterbalance is whether or not what we have decided to do actually plays well towards the scenarios that we've envisioned.-----
A quick aside in terms of vehicle tactics and considerations for mass unrest, a ballistic blanket -although expensive and of limited threat matrix- is a viable consideration particularly for rear-cabin passengers. This, combined with a larger fire extinguisher, are two excellent pieces of defensive equipment to have, but with both, accessibility (i.e. "staging") as well as storage considerations should be worked-out before purchase.
Last edited:
Yeah that was in Wakefield Massachusetts.
Here's a link to the story.
They call themselves the Moors which is probably short for morons.
I can see those idiots getting some serious jail time considering the crazy strict firearm laws there.
Names released of Rise of the Moors militia members arrested in interstate standoff
Authorities have released the names of 8 of the 11 militia members involved in a standoff with police along I-95 Saturday, which shut the highway down for hours.
Last edited:
Jimbo
Elite
I wasn't joking; it was a sincere suggestion. Sorry for sounding insensitive.
HansGruber
Ronin
Nice; you have summed up pretty much my entire thought process on having the Tetsudo rig with mag shingles (plural upon plural) holster, IFAIK, sex toy compartment, and burrito bag setup; think a nice slick carrier with a satchel is gonna be a lot more useful.Interesting turn this thread took.
Overt versus covert is always a consideration.
The kit that's cited by @ddeuce22 obviously was not intended for covert use, but there are others out there that are specifically designed for covert wear, again to defeat a variety of threats from handgun to rifle.
The Bulletproofme.com website is probably among the oldest and best known resource for covert kit, however, many "cop shops" both local and online (i.e. Galls) will also sell to qualified civilians, either openly or via self-attestation, in much the same way that the overt tactical gear suppliers do.
I'm nowhere near as well versed in covert gear as I am in overt gear, simply because I don't really have a need for covert gear, and thus haven't played much in that side of the pool.
Personally, as a civilian who is non-military/LE/first-responder/security, even for a SHTF/TEOTWAWKI/WROL scenario, I do not think that overt armor will ever be what I choose to go with. Much like my view of open versus concealed carry, I feel that overtly displaying armor will likely create more limitations in terms of tactical considerations: specifically that in most scenarios, it has the potential to make me a more visible threat/target. In the same sentence, however, it should be noted that much of today's modern overt plate-carriers and armor all but disappear under the typical "athleisure wear" of a hoodie/sweater, windbreaker, or rain slick - and while these options may not necessarily be viable for everyday wear in warmer (or drier) climates, usual concealment efforts of simply throwing a larger, dark/patterned button-up shirt or T-shirt over the armor can considerably drop its visual profile, and this effect is compounded when visually distinctive wear such as recognizable work uniforms are worn. Although modern fashion favors a more fitted/tailored look, uniformed work clothes in particular have retained their typically "boxy" fit, and this can be used to one's favor, particularly if one is involved in delivery, utility, or similar work in less-desirable parts of town and/or at less-desirable times-of-day.
One could argue that for the vast majority of civilians that as soon as the long-gun comes out, whether or not we are also wearing overt armor will already be moot. Nevertheless, this statement in and of itself does not circumscribe set limits on the "why's" of the scenario. For example, if the home-defenders have already retreated to their safe-room and are safely behind defilade/barricade, taking the time to don additional PPE -be it armor or eye/ear-protection- is certainly a valid consideration, and one which may have additional payoff should the defender need to press the fight, regardless of how unlikely the latter.
For those of us who've come to armed self/home-defense, we are ostensibly already choosing to prepare for the unlikely worst, and to those who do not see things the way we do, the joke is always "what's the odds." Here, with armor, the math is the same - it's jut towards that next level of preparation. But here, of-course, also lies the truth that the hilarious 30-second skit that Chris Costa puts on at his classes, where he mimes getting kitted-up for a home-invasion scenario with a primary, secondary, and plate carrier - only to step outside the bedroom door and get shot in the head, because he'd forgotten his ballistic helmet.
Beginning to believe “less is more” as I go forward. I am definitely low speed high drag, and need to start thinking that way.
The more I think about it, a good 3 soft armor with plates would probably be the most useful setup for me.
I carry very little illusions where it comes to my skills/capabilities.
I'm a realist, so I tend to think of things in the most pragmatic way possible. I'd like to think I'm The Equalizer, but I know for a matter of fact that I'm that fat, gimpy guy in Paper Tigers.
HansGruber
Ronin
A man’s gotta know his limitations, eh?I carry very little illusions where it comes to my skills/capabilities.
I'd like to think I'm The Equalizer, but I know for a matter of fact that I'm that fat, gimpy guy in Paper Tigers.
I’m trying to shed my Dunning-Kruger as I get older…
TidalWave
Professional
You summed it up perfectly, TS !I carry very little illusions where it comes to my skills/capabilities.
I'd like to think I'm The Equalizer, but I know for a matter of fact that I'm that fat, gimpy guy in Paper Tigers.
I probably just need that $120 air of Brooks runners I tried on the other day…
ddeuce22
Professional
This certainly sparked quite the conversation, wow. I love when threads go off like this, the varying degrees that people object or agree on topics is always interesting here.
To provide a bit more clarity on my thinking, it would absolutely be a home defense, SHTF type scenario where I would be wearing this. It honestly never crossed my mind to be wearing this in public, or any armor really. I don't feel the need here for that. I'm just a civilian who works a white collar 9-5 office job.
I definitely don't need the entire 34324234 mag load out and utility pouches, but for the price of the carrier and plates alone otherwise, it was more of a why the hell not at that price it seems like a good deal. Not looking to be tacticool and wear this out on a weekend haha, but if it came with a bundle I'm not gonna complain.
I still strongly consider myself a novice at best (being very generous I may add) in everything firearms and defense related. Still have ALOT to learn, and alot more practice needed.
Love the feedback guys, keep it coming!!!
To provide a bit more clarity on my thinking, it would absolutely be a home defense, SHTF type scenario where I would be wearing this. It honestly never crossed my mind to be wearing this in public, or any armor really. I don't feel the need here for that. I'm just a civilian who works a white collar 9-5 office job.
I definitely don't need the entire 34324234 mag load out and utility pouches, but for the price of the carrier and plates alone otherwise, it was more of a why the hell not at that price it seems like a good deal. Not looking to be tacticool and wear this out on a weekend haha, but if it came with a bundle I'm not gonna complain.
I still strongly consider myself a novice at best (being very generous I may add) in everything firearms and defense related. Still have ALOT to learn, and alot more practice needed.
Love the feedback guys, keep it coming!!!