Body Armor

[dumont]

I am trying to get some opinions on different body armor (IIIA) before purchasing, there seems to be a lack of info on the internet. I looking for things like comfort, velcro issues, and such. I am obviously interested in the ballistics part, but I can obtain that info from NIJ. I would appreciate any helpful info that I can get.

[Resq14]

Obviously comfort is important because a vest that isn't worn isn't too useful. However, I'm concerned that you're not putting enough emphasis on the protective properties of the armor itself. Not everything is as it seems...

Check out

http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/dfp/spo/vests.htm

Then
Go to www.lightfighter.net.

Join the forums.

Browse/search the body armor category. There are some very experienced people and people "in the know" that post there.

You'll find that NIJ approval isn't all it's cracked up to be too. Real world performance, including things like contact shots, should play into your decision.

example (once you join) http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a...152#1121071152

Also, TF has some great information, much of it from the same people at LF:

http://www.tacticalforums.com/cgi-bin/tacticalubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=78;t=000502;p=1

The bottom line seems to be this:
"Remember, as confirmed by Armor Holdings own testing, stick with all woven aramid (Kevlar or Twaron) vests and avoid soft armor using laminates and Zylon!"