Still having trouble with bullet proof vests

[pbmaster2k89]

So im still not fully inderstanding classes types, ballistic vests, carry vests etc. so im wondering if someone could give me some suggestions based on what im lookin for.

1 vest. I need a vest that can resist most high powered rifle rounds, is concealable, good mobility, and price is no matter (stab resistance is a plus)

2nd vest. I need it to b able to resist almost any catridge, does not have to be concealable, capable of carrying extra mags, ammunition, other gear, etc. (i would assume a military vest) And good mobility.
(stab resistance is a plus) price also no matter. thanks

[Failure2Stop]

The only armor that will stop common rifle threats are level III and level IV plates. There are no soft armor solutions for rifle threats.

[pbmaster2k89]

So im assuming they are not easily concealable?

[Javelin]

So im assuming they are not easily concealable?

Concealable is a loose term.

Meaning I am using the term loosely to define the type of clothing required.

:D

[kmrtnsn]

What is the basis of this "need" ?

[Appalachian]

There are some very "low vis" systems that are rifle rated, but they are still hard armor. Like F2S said, plate armor is the only (serious) rifle caliber protection, but there are different levels. Check out a few of the terminal ballistics posts; between them and a NIJ standards google will answer most of your specific questions.
If you dont find the answer, come back up on the net.

[dcviper]

It's also germane to note that there are two main types of hard plates. Ones that are designed to be used as a stand alone solution and ones that need to have a soft armor (generally kevlar or dyneema). The latter are referred to as "In Conjunction With" or "ICW" plates.

There are low profile plate carriers but "concealable" is a relative term. Relative to what you are willing to wear. Some examples are:

http://www.skdtac.com/PIG-Brig-p/pig.506.htm
http://www.skdtac.com/LBT-Slick-Plate-Carrier-p/lbt.511.htm

As far as a "big" carrier, the following seem to be well regarded:

http://www.skdtac.com/PIG-Plate-Carrier-p/pig.502.htm
http://www.skdtac.com/Blue-Force-Gear-SOC-C-LMAC-p/bfg.512.htm

[pbmaster2k89]

The main need for vest one is to b protected on the streets. My new job is in a pretty bad area and of course i cant protect myself with ccw cause jersey sucks.

Vest 2 is for when the shit hits the fan and every decides to kill eachother

[Mr blasty]

The main need for vest one is to b protected on the streets. My new job is in a pretty bad area and of course i cant protect myself with ccw cause jersey sucks.

Vest 2 is for when the shit hits the fan and every decides to kill eachother

Do you really need rifle threat plates on the street? Sure you should have it for the "zombie kit" But why the concealable armor? Are you doing PSD type work? If not you would probably be better off with concealable level IIIa soft armor (rated for pistol and stab wounds). Level III hard armor will require level IIIa soft armor behind it. Level IV stand alone armor does not. However it must be stand alone. I've seen level IV plates that didn't say standalone and when I did some digging I found they weren't. Whatever armor you buy only get it from reputable sources and read the fine print for the armor. There's a lot of thieves and lairs in the armor industry it seems like.

[misanthropist]

Do you really need rifle threat plates on the street? Sure you should have it for the "zombie kit" But why the concealable armor? Are you doing PSD type work? If not you would probably be better off with concealable level IIIa soft armor (rated for pistol and stab wounds). Level III hard armor will require level IIIa soft armor behind it. Level IV stand alone armor does not. However it must be stand alone. I've seen level IV plates that didn't say standalone and when I did some digging I found they weren't. Whatever armor you buy only get it from reputable sources and read the fine print for the armor. There's a lot of thieves and lairs in the armor industry it seems like.

I am the furthest thing from an expert on body armour but is this correct?

I do not believe that IIIa is rated for stab protection.

[pbmaster2k89]

Ok then, as far as manufacturers/ brands for either body armor, what would u suggest?

[wilco423]

The standards for ballistic and stab protection are different. Some ballistic vests are rated to protect against stab/puncture, but not that many. That said, I'm pretty confident that any will protect better than a t-shirt :) .

Check https://tims.justnet.org/Report/StabCPL for stab rated vests. Looks like at least some are IIIa ballistic rated also.

Now, why do you think you need this again?

[Failure2Stop]

Armor needs to be employed according to threat.
My opinion is that one should be armored against the most likely threat and only increase that level of protection in increments that do not negatively affect individual action.
It would be great to be protected against multi-hit .50 BMG, but if your most likely threat is a stolen .40 within CONUS, I would look into IIIa soft armor (as most PDs do).
It will be more concealable, more comfortable, and give better coverage than plates.
If necessary, you can throw on a plate carrier with multi-hit level III or IV IC plates over your IIIa vest with rifle-support items attached.

Something like this:
http://store.greygrouptraining.com/BALCS-CONCEALMENT-VEST-WPLT-PK.html

And something like this:
http://www.tyrtactical.com/products/details/armor-carriers-ballistic-vests/general-plate-carrier/
or if you want side plates (a good idea):
http://store.greygrouptraining.com/ASSAULT-PLATE-CARRIER.html

There are, of course, other options that work, my suggestions are for concept, not necessarily saying that they are the best option for you or your budget.

[pbmaster2k89]

Nice, thank you. I think i got everything

[Mr blasty]

I am the furthest thing from an expert on body armour but is this correct?

I do not believe that IIIa is rated for stab protection.

I should have clarified earlier that some level IIIa armor are stab rated. You are correct that not all IIIa armor is stab rated. Thanks for the correction.:)

[Jim D]

I should have clarified earlier that some level IIIa armor are stab rated. You are correct that not all IIIa armor is stab rated. Thanks for the correction.:)

Vests rated for stab and ballistics are very expensive and tend to be really thick.

With the current NIJ.06 rating, I would opt for a Level II rather than a IIIA these days. I've seen a PB Hi Lite II take 90+ rounds in the same spot, including .44mag, 5.7mm, 9mm+P+, etc. I have no concerns about current production level II armor stopping anything out there people are shooting from 99% of handguns.

Stab and bullet vests are weaved differently. Bullet resistant vests are designed to flex like a baseball glove and "catch" the round. A stab resistant vest is designed to work more like a rigid grid that doesn't allow a thin spike to slip between the fibers.

What kind of work is it that you're doing where you want rifle plates?? I did armored car work in South Philly and barely wore my soft armor... the last thing I'd want to do is haul around rifle plates all day long.

[pbmaster2k89]

Like i said the rifle plates r more for if the shit hits the fan and all hell breaks loose. I was gonna use a military plate carrier so i have all the pockets for extra ammo, mags, etc.. Plus protection from rifle rounds