Kevlar: Who's wearing, what's most comfy, when are you wearing?

L

Long Path

New member
I just got my dept.--issued Second Chance Monarch Level II. I'd been measured for it back in May, but it took forever to get. I'm really very impressed with it, having worn a 1989-era Point Blank Level II vest for the majority of the summer.

The Monarch fits better, and is notably cooler, though it's only slightly lighter. Also of note, the Second Chance Monarch is much, MUCH more flexible. (its trauma plate is a soft one, and this is invaluable!) Interestingly, the Monarch is only "4th Generation" technology. Second Chance is now in their "7th Generation," with their Ultima. (I've handled one; they're amazing.)http://www.secondchance.com/

Question: Of all the vests that I know some of you wear, what's the most comfy?

Do any of you wear off-duty? Here in N. TX, it was 112 the other day, and our officers were shedding their vests by mid-day.

Are there any civilians here who: a: have kevlar, and b: actually wear their kevlar on a *regular* basis? Why?

Does anyone here wear their kevlar on trips to public ranges, or while hunting?

How do you deal with weather?

Hints? Suggestions? Comments?

--L.P.
 
I got to try the Ultima, GREAT STUFF! I don't wear anything on a regular basis, but have ceramic 'turtle shell' plates for front and back for home defense use. About 1/2" thick and heavy, but will stop .30 rifle and work fine in the house.
 
When I was in the service I had to wear a 2nd chance vest about 16 hours a day. We were in Georgia and it was ususally HOT. Not near 112 but still hot. I guess my best advice would be to bring a few extra T-shirts for those hot shifts and try to change a few times. I also used a ton of baby powder. A few of the guys bought those ribbed shirts to wear under your vest. They say it helped a little but I never tried one. During the long shifts where I was unable to change my shirt I would just keep drinking water. Taking off the vest was not an option, not much is in the Marines :) , so I got used to it. When I start working the streets I will not go without a vest or plate. Just not worth the risk. I'd rather be uncomfortable and alive. Stay safe.

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"Some people spend an entire liftime wondering if they made a difference. Marines don't have that problem."
Semper Fi
 
"Are there any civilians here..."

Long Path, in which branch of the Armed Forces are you on active duty?
 
I have a class IV spectra/ceramic vest but I never wear it because it's really heavy and really really bulky. I keep it around for home defense and novelty. I also sometimes wear it when we go plinking at night, or hunting, and also wear a ballistic helmet when doing either of those aforementioned things. Best part of it is, my uncle bought them for me as a gift :)

For hunting I think I'd like to look into getting something more comfortable, because Iowa is a shotgun only state, and shotguns don't need class IV at accident range.

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The Alcove

I twist the facts until they tell the truth. -Some intellectual sadist

The Bill of Rights is a document of brilliance, a document of wisdom, and it is the ultimate law, spoken or not, for the very concept of a society that holds liberty above the desire for ever greater power. -Me
 
I have a Point Blank Hi Lite Pro Plus IIIA(Spectra and Protera). I wear it religously on late night rendezvous when I am hungry. :) I have also worn it a few times during the day but I stopped because it makes me sweat too much. It is fairly stiff but forms to my body but can be worn directly under a t-shirt w/o being detected. I don't wear anything between the armor and my body.

If only I can get the Ultima at the same price LEOs get them for...

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jeff, CA:
"Are there any civilians here..."

Long Path, in which branch of the Armed Forces are you on active duty?[/quote]

Good catch, Jeff-- I was in a great deal of hurry while I was typing, and used shorthand. I am a "civilian," and proudly so. I am not on active duty nor inactive reserves with any branch of the armed forces.

What I should have typed was: "Is there anyone here who wears kevlar in activities not traditionally required by their job (i.e.: Police, military, security)?"

E__WOK-- do yourself a favor and wear a T-shirt under that thing! You don't want it to get unduly stinky! ;) Level III, eh?

[This message has been edited by Long Path (edited September 08, 2000).]
 
My current Armor Technology vest is pretty light and flexible. Nobody knows that I have it on until they pat me on the back. My old Safariland Multiflex was extremely comfortable. It was the most flexible vest I've ever worn (next to the Second Chance Monarch). I've heard a lot of things about the Ultima. I'd like to pick one up when I start working.
 
I wear a 2nd hand (made in 1995) RBR Level II Kevlar vest. I don't wear it every waking moment, but I do wear when I am at the range, going to a neighborhood with a "bad" reputation, or when traveling late at night.

I am a 19 year-old college male.. probably not someone who "needs" a ballistic vest, but it's nice feeling the panels against your skin when you hear gunshots in the ghettoes of Riverside.

As for hot weather, I find that a shirt made of DuPont CoolMax works extremely well. Even after a whole days' wear in hot summer weather, I was still dry! I urge everyone who wears armor to get one! Most "specialty" shops may charge upwards of $30 for one of these shirts. I got mine from Sweat It Out for less than $20.

HTH
 
Kevlarman,

Thanks for the info on the shirts. That's the lowest price that I've seen. I've tried those net-type shirts but they don't really do anything but irritate my skin.
 
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