Point Blank Soft Armor

[DocGKR]

About 10 years ago, we conducted a soft body armor evaluation for both an LE agency and an Army SF unit--at that time about the worst performing armor we tested was Point Blank.

The last few years have seen significant changes in the armor industry--some good, others not so beneficial. The recent consolidation of Point Blank/PACA with Paraclete and PPE being an example, as is the merger of DBT and First Choice.

It is with some surprise that I find myself stating that the "new" Point Blank/PACA/Paraclete/PPE is now offering some of the best soft armor ever available to LE. They now have FOUR separate armor packages that meet the FBI protocol, as well as being NIJ 0101.06 certified, and DEA compliant:

AIIIA-1 (level IIIa)
DX (level II and IIIa)
FLXIIIA (level IIIa)
SP+2LE (level II)

[SecretNY]

That's good news since my agency just went with the level II DX.

[INTrooper4255]

Since my department body armor was about 5 years expired, I went out on my own with some prosecutor funds and bought new body armor. I originally tried to go with DBT, but after their rep got in touch with me and I told him I had cash in hand and just needed to be fitted, he disapeared, never to be heard from again! Doesn't seem like good business even though I'm just a single buyer and not an agency.
Anyway, I ended up going with the Point Blank Vision series armor, level IIIA with the Thor Shield liner. I'm very impressed with it, it's a little heavier than my last vest, but the more I wear it, the more I like it.

[sjc3081]

What does worst performing mean? NIJ standards are so strict and unrealistic to some, that to comply with the NIJ standards the vest will be to thick and uncomfortable to wear. The point I am making is that is there a issue with the vest Point Blank made or are the NIJ standards unrealistic?

[INTrooper4255]

What does worst performing mean? NIJ standards are so strict and unrealistic to some, that to comply with the NIJ standards the vest will be to thick and uncomfortable to wear. The point I am making is that is there a issue with the vest Point Blank made or are the NIJ standards unrealistic?

My new vest is NIJ 06 certified and it isn't too thick, IMO. It's just a hair thicker and heavier than my old level II department issued vest. I've only been wearing it a few months and it probably has taken a little longer for a "break-in" period, but I really like it. DocGKR can probably answer better though on the rest

[sjc3081]

4255 thanks for the info.
I want a vest that I can wear on a 100 deg day and will save my life when I'm shot with comman caliber.
I don't need some absurdly thick and uncomfortable vest that will stop full power 44 mag contact shots.

[INTrooper4255]

The biggest issue I found with my Point Blank is that it had far move front coverage than my older vest. It is vastly superior in that way and it took some getting use to. There's much better coverage in the front in the neck and arm pit area

[DocGKR]

sjc3081--The IIIa Point Blank soft armor we tested in 2002-2003 failed to defeat threats it was rated to stop. In addition, the carriers were poorly fabricated and failed within a few months of use.



On the other hand, the current Point Blank/PACA/Paraclete/PPE armor is working VERY well and is comfortable; time will tell how the carriers are going to hold up.

[madisonsfinest]

DocGKR is the newer Point Blank Armor more comfortable, lighter, than the US Armor Enforcer Classic? I bought the US Armor in '09 on your recommendation and its been a good piece. I did notice that it was a bit heavier (Hotter) than my previous vest. I willingly sacrifice that for something that has a better chance of saving my life. I will not be due for a new vest until 2014 so who knows where the advancements will be then. Just curious as now a lot more vests are meeting the standards. Thanks