jrmy_1
06-06-09, 13:50
I've been looking at getting some armor for several months for range work, mostly 3 gun, IDPA matches and pin/plate shoots. I, being the type of person I am, would like to be able to use as a standard concealable setup and also with rifle plates in the future, especially for Hi-Power matches. I'm on the mindset that if I'm going to buy something, buy once if possible. Here's my questions (I'm sure more will rise from answers):
1. Can the BALCS cut be effectively concealed or is the concealment cut a better option even with plate upgrades? Also, what carrier is a good option for these cut?s I was originally looking at the BCS Balcs Carrier (https://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=BCS-BALCS) for BALCS cut armor. Any other recommendations out there?
2. I am currently looking at the Evolution Armor and I'm not sure what route I want to go. They have two (actually 3) different systems. One is an all p-aramid system (Evolution GTX) and the other is a combination of Kevlar XP and SpectraII (Quantum KXP). It has a layer of SpectraII, a layer of Kevlar XP and another layer of SpectraII.
I've read DocGKR stating that pure 100% woven p-aramid is usually the tried and true choice but that also combinations have proven effective even for contact shots (aramid/HDPE combinations). Does anyone have any experience with the spectra materials in combination with the Kevlar XP? Also, does the spectra material last as long as the kevlar or is there more deterioration with the materials over time or with normal high temps, e.g. ~120-140F that can be found in hot vehicles? Here is a link to some of the information on the Evolution Armor. (Evolution Armor (http://www.evolutionarmor.com/BALCS.htm))
There is also some interesting information on soft rifle inserts (Skaalar Armor (http://www.evolutionarmor.com/6x8trauma.htm)). Any testing results from this armor?
Do the lighter materials, e.g. 12oz/in2 versus say 20oz/in2, offer any advantage to heat dissipation or is that simply a function of the materials used to wick moisture and generate airflow near the body?
Thanks for all your comments!
J
1. Can the BALCS cut be effectively concealed or is the concealment cut a better option even with plate upgrades? Also, what carrier is a good option for these cut?s I was originally looking at the BCS Balcs Carrier (https://www.entrygear.com/product.asp?id=BCS-BALCS) for BALCS cut armor. Any other recommendations out there?
2. I am currently looking at the Evolution Armor and I'm not sure what route I want to go. They have two (actually 3) different systems. One is an all p-aramid system (Evolution GTX) and the other is a combination of Kevlar XP and SpectraII (Quantum KXP). It has a layer of SpectraII, a layer of Kevlar XP and another layer of SpectraII.
I've read DocGKR stating that pure 100% woven p-aramid is usually the tried and true choice but that also combinations have proven effective even for contact shots (aramid/HDPE combinations). Does anyone have any experience with the spectra materials in combination with the Kevlar XP? Also, does the spectra material last as long as the kevlar or is there more deterioration with the materials over time or with normal high temps, e.g. ~120-140F that can be found in hot vehicles? Here is a link to some of the information on the Evolution Armor. (Evolution Armor (http://www.evolutionarmor.com/BALCS.htm))
There is also some interesting information on soft rifle inserts (Skaalar Armor (http://www.evolutionarmor.com/6x8trauma.htm)). Any testing results from this armor?
Do the lighter materials, e.g. 12oz/in2 versus say 20oz/in2, offer any advantage to heat dissipation or is that simply a function of the materials used to wick moisture and generate airflow near the body?
Thanks for all your comments!
J