Tactical vest with out of date leve IIIa armor?

[ryker]

Currently issued level2 body armor.
Would a level 3a vest worn over my issued vest be effective?

I want to put together a bailout / tac vest. To hold spare magazines and other gear for active shooter or high risk warrants. It's my own money but also my blood... Used 3a armor is cheap to buy. A vest and armor is less than 300.00

Or should I look at a plate carrier set up?

[Resq14]

IIIA + II ≠ rifle protection

If rifle threat protection is what you're looking for, I'd go with a plate carrier and plates.

[ryker]

Thanks- I just wanted to check.

[FireCop604]

I've been told that it makes no appreciable increase in ballistic protection but I have the same setup. We have IIIA vests and as they are replaced I take the old one and put it in a tac carrier and keep it in the car for possible off-duty encounters or to add on top of my first-line vest in a high risk situation. The ballistic protection may not increase much but I figure that some increase is better than none and at lease it should help dissipate the blunt force trauma associated with taking a round.

[ummone]

IIIA + II ≠ rifle protection

If rifle threat protection is what you're looking for, I'd go with a plate carrier and plates.

^^^^agreed

Tac Force plate carrier about $100 at http://tac-force.com/webtacstrikeplatecarriervest.aspx

Used plates $140 at http://www.kiesler.com/police/produc...2617&pid=22630

I have seen plates that are cheaper on Ebay but you have to find them.

[ryker]

Thanks- heck I always thought such was protection was pricey. Kicking myself for not doing this sooner.

[espantoon]

ryker, I can get you a used plate carrier (great condition) at a better price. PM if interested.

[pal2511]

look at your body armor manufacturer you may be able to find a rifle plate carrier that holds your soft panels and rifle plates.

[11b101abn]

I would not recommend used plates or any armor off of ebay. ever.

Kiesler's might be a better option. Max Pro Police makes inexpensive plates as well.

^^^^agreed

Tac Force plate carrier about $100 at http://tac-force.com/webtacstrikeplatecarriervest.aspx

Used plates $140 at http://www.kiesler.com/police/produc...2617&pid=22630

I have seen plates that are cheaper on Ebay but you have to find them.

[Penn Prospect]

Figured I'd ttt this. I'm looking for some good - used armor/carrier. Job is part time so the department isn't helping fund any of my gear.

[ummone]

I would not recommend used plates or any armor off of ebay. ever.

Kiesler's might be a better option. Max Pro Police makes inexpensive plates as well.

Do what you have to until you can afford a shiney new vest. Used is better than nothing.

[ummone]

Condor makes a $100 carrier. lapolicegear.com

[Monkeybomb]

They have a new plate carrier from Tactical tailor for 56 bucks. Its ACU. I just ordered one and plan to try and dye it OD Green. I am ordering some level IV plates in the morning.

PM me if you want info for the carrier.

[Resq14]

Make sure you know exactly what you're getting for plates... stand alone vs. in conjunction.... multi-hit rated.... composition... operating/storage parameters, etc

[DOAcop38]

Currently issued level2 body armor.
Would a level 3a vest worn over my issued vest be effective?

I want to put together a bailout / tac vest. To hold spare magazines and other gear for active shooter or high risk warrants. It's my own money but also my blood... Used 3a armor is cheap to buy. A vest and armor is less than 300.00

Or should I look at a plate carrier set up?

about as much an "expert" on body armor as I am an expert chef, BUT I do know that some properly stored ballistic body armor has STOPPED rounds it was rated to defeat up to ten yrs after issuance. Keep in mind,i'm talking "properly stored". Manufacturers limit their warrantees on performance to 5 yrs after manufacture. I have personally shot up well USED level II and IIA vests that were up to 15+ yrs old on our depts range, and they defeated the rounds they were rated for.but that was in a controlled environment.

I currently use a Second chance Monarch level II armor in my Tac shell carrier ( with 6X8 trauma plates in front and back) for roll outs in my plain clothes capacity, and a Level II,with same front/back plates, for patrol and uniform duty.Against Shotguns or pistol rounds I feel confident in the protection, but I know rifle fire would present a serious threat. I am planing on saving a few bucks and upgrading to a IIIA by summer time, with heavier ballistic plates. ( the Dept will shortly be issuing my a level III TACT vest also, and customized M-4)

I would advise against the old vest over the new vest,especially if the Dept doesn't approve of that- could be an issue if there is a duty related injury while worn).Kevlar is remarkable in its performance, but it does degrade like any thing else, so don't trust that that will be a fix for whatever you need it for. If its that serious, back up on the calls you go to, and have the "Hard boys"( your agencies SWAT/SRT) get in there. trusting in old stuff is a last ditch ,"better than nothing" approach. Seems safer to add heavier trauma plates to your current "rated" level II armor...