Soft Body Armor

4T4MAG · June 25, 2011, 07:41 PM

I'm not sure if this is the right location for this post:
I have a 2 questions regarding soft body armor.

1. Can a non-LE purchase a bullet resistant vest?
2. Are there restrictions on who can purchase Kevlar or similar material for use in soft armor? (Assuming the NIJ approval process is complete after testing)

4t4mag

rdf.hack · June 25, 2011, 07:46 PM

You can buy it on ebay right now, trauma plates and all my friend.

ClydeFrog · June 25, 2011, 10:49 PM

This topic pops up from time to time on open source message boards & firearms forums.
Most "armed professionals" & sworn LE avoid the term; bulletproof because in the real world there are no armor or protective garments that will offer 100% safety to the user or wearer.

The best online resources to me for products, prices, styles etc are; www.Galls.com www.PoliceHQ.com www.UScav.com www.QMuniforms.com www.Safariland.com .

The US DoJ(Justice) has the NIJ or National Institute of Justice which conducts T&Es and research of body armor, shields, armored vehicles etc.

CF

Single Six · July 3, 2011, 08:39 PM

+1 on what ClydeFrog said. I've been wearing body armor every day for over 20 years. It has definitely gotten lighter and more comfortable over my career, and my agency replaces them every 5 years. Just remember that the kind of armor you wear under your shirt is designed to stop handgun rounds. Once you bring centerfire rifles into the equation....um, it can get ugly.

4T4MAG · July 3, 2011, 09:54 PM

Does anyone know which company will sell raw Kevlar/resistant fabric to "regular' civilians who are not involved with a very large manufacturing company?

Slopemeno · July 3, 2011, 11:59 PM

ACP comes to mind. Google "Bulk Kevler Fabric". Not cheap.

June 25, 2011, 07:41 PM	#1
4T4MAG Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2009 Posts: 143	Soft Body Armor I'm not sure if this is the right location for this post: I have a 2 questions regarding soft body armor. 1. Can a non-LE purchase a bullet resistant vest? 2. Are there restrictions on who can purchase Kevlar or similar material for use in soft armor? (Assuming the NIJ approval process is complete after testing) 4t4mag

June 25, 2011, 10:49 PM	#3
ClydeFrog Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 3,847	The ins & outs of body armor & bullet resistant vests... This topic pops up from time to time on open source message boards & firearms forums. Most "armed professionals" & sworn LE avoid the term; bulletproof because in the real world there are no armor or protective garments that will offer 100% safety to the user or wearer. The best online resources to me for products, prices, styles etc are; www.Galls.com www.PoliceHQ.com www.UScav.com www.QMuniforms.com www.Safariland.com . The US DoJ(Justice) has the NIJ or National Institute of Justice which conducts T&Es and research of body armor, shields, armored vehicles etc. CF

July 3, 2011, 08:39 PM	#4
Single Six Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2010 Location: N.C. Posts: 1,522	+1 on what ClydeFrog said. I've been wearing body armor every day for over 20 years. It has definitely gotten lighter and more comfortable over my career, and my agency replaces them every 5 years. Just remember that the kind of armor you wear under your shirt is designed to stop handgun rounds. Once you bring centerfire rifles into the equation....um, it can get ugly. __________________ Seen on a bumper sticker: "Exercise. Eat right. Take vitamins. Die anyway."

June 25, 2011, 07:46 PM	#2
rdf.hack Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2011 Posts: 173	You can buy it on ebay right now, trauma plates and all my friend.

July 3, 2011, 09:54 PM	#5
4T4MAG Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2009 Posts: 143	Does anyone know which company will sell raw Kevlar/resistant fabric to "regular' civilians who are not involved with a very large manufacturing company?

July 3, 2011, 11:59 PM	#6
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,110	ACP comes to mind. Google "Bulk Kevler Fabric". Not cheap.