Paca Level II Bulletproof Vest

[Cassera]

I am currently in hospital security and recently received my company issued Paca Level II bulletproof vest. I am not knowledgeable at all when it comes to Bulletproof Vest's, however I am looking to upgrade the "Threat level" possibly by purchasing additional inserts. Is this possible? Which Inserts do I need and do I need to take all the old inserts out?

I dont think I am looking for rifle plates or anything. I would just love to be safe knowing that my vest can withstand a wider variety of handgun calibers and ammunition.

[slamdunc]

Do you want to add / replace the trauma plate or the panels themselves?

[SmallCityCop]

You can get hard or soft plates for vests. I put an additional hard plate in my vest underneath the soft ballistic insert.

[Cassera]

Do you want to add / replace the trauma plate or the panels themselves?

If I replace the trauma plate or add another one will that really give higher protection or just give me less blunt force trauma from getting hit? Wont I have to replace the panels themselves?

[BikeCop501]

If I replace the trauma plate or add another one will that really give higher protection or just give me less blunt force trauma from getting hit? Wont I have to replace the panels themselves?

If you're going to replace the panels, you might as well buy a new vest. You're vest. a Level II is the "mid range" model of "Soft" body armor. By NIJ standards it must protects against 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 398 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1305 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 436 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (1430 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). Conditioned armor protects against 8 g (124 gr) 9 mm FMJ RN bullets at a velocity of 379 m/s ±9.1 m/s (1245 ft/s ± 30 ft/s) and 10.2 g (158 gr) .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point bullets at a velocity of 408 m/s ±9.1 m/s (1340 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). So essentially 9mm, 10mm, 22LR, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, /45 acp and .357 mag. The next level, highest for "soft" body armor gives you additional protection in .357sig, and 44mag.

You're vest is a decent vest, better than some law enforcement agencies issue. The decision is yours, but be advised a IIIA vest is going to cost around $1000.

[Cassera]

Thank you BikeCop501, VERY INFORMATIVE!
The employee at the store I picked up the vest from told me that it is actually a bit better than standard issue PD vest's around this area.

So I take it as there are no panels or inserts for my Paca I can buy to give me the next level (Level lllA) protection without spending over 150 bucks or so? Or even if its not considered Level lllA but more than it is now.

The way you put that, I think I actually am quite comfortable with this vest now. But since im here I figure I pick everybody's brain a bit and educate myself or for the future if I feel like I need the next level of protection.

[BikeCop501]

You can buy hard and soft trauma plates. They range from $50-500... http://www.gtdist.com/SearchResults....T&Category=ARM

[Cassera]

Okay, I will definitely check that out.
So just to clarify....

Panels are the primary armor that is supposed to stop the bullet and are located within your armor and run throughout your whole vest carrier.

Trauma Plates are normally a rectangular insert that are normally in the center chest and back area and spread out the impact so it doesnt feel like your getting hit as hard AS WELL AS add additional ballistic stopping power to prevent penetration? In a nutsell, trauma plates are like panels ballastically but they ALSO distribute the force of impact?

[BikeCop501]

Okay, I will definitely check that out.
So just to clarify....

Panels are the primary armor that is supposed to stop the bullet and are located within your armor and run throughout your whole vest carrier.

Trauma Plates are normally a rectangular insert that are normally in the center chest and back area and spread out the impact so it doesnt feel like your getting hit as hard AS WELL AS add additional ballistic stopping power to prevent penetration? In a nutsell, trauma plates are like panels ballastically but they ALSO distribute the force of impact?

Sure... kinda. They also can add stab protection, since NIJ Ballistic vests are not SPIKE rated except for a few.