Body Armor Questions

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Body Armor Questions

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:06:39 PM EDT

Today I was given an old level II vest. The vest and panels are 10 years old. The panels look to be in great shape but the vest shell had seen better days. Do the panels stay good if not shot at or after so long they should be replaced? If I was to double up the level II panels will that increase protection to the next level(44 mag, 9mm subgun)?Can I legally buy hard plates or is that a restricted item? As you can tell I know jack crap when it comes to body armor. Thanks.

I wanted to add that I might try to buy a new shell if its not too expensive and if the panels are still good.

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:11:55 PM EDT

[#1]

yes, you can legally buy hard plates.

As for whether the panels are still good after all this time, I would say: Probably, but I wouldn't be willing to bet my life on it.

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:13:58 PM EDT

[#2]

Depends on how the vest was stored over its lifespan. Lots of unknowns in that regard. The panels themselves should be fine if the vest was stored properly. The carrier being worn out is a simple replacement issue, although manufacturers pretty much stop making carriers for old models, so you'll need to find someone who can make it for you reasonably, or someone that has an old carier they don't need thats in better shape than what you have.

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:14:54 PM EDT

[#3]

If the panels are made from Kevlar, Twaron, etc (aramids) and have not been abused (left crumpeled up or in direct sunlight) they will be fine for many, many years

You can pick up replacement carriers and hard plates on ebay

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:24:19 PM EDT

[#4]

From what I can tell it looks like it has been stored flat. The name of the company is Top Line Body Armor but I can't find them on the web. I just call an 800 number that I could hardly make out and got a recording for I think she said Reliance Armor.

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:21:54 PM EDT

[#5]

10 years old means it should be all kevlar, but the inside will probably say. You should be fine.

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:23:48 PM EDT

[#6]

There's only one way to be sure...

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:24:46 PM EDT

[#7]

How many non-LE/mil here own a vest? (curious)

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:41:17 PM EDT

[#8]

I do as of today.

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:42:48 PM EDT

[#9]

I have one!

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:47:31 PM EDT

[#10]

I have a Class 2 concealable and a Class 3 entry type vest that i am currently working on a new carrier for.

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:48:03 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
There's only one way to be sure...

I was thinking of putting it on my dog then calling the police that there is a prowler in my backyard. But that dog is like family to me so I decieded to let my wife wear it while I say "Honey hold my beer..."

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Body Armor Questions

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