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AR15.COM
10/24/2012 11:38:19 AM EDT
Looking into  police trade-in Ballistic Armor.
Apparently they trade them in  at the five year mark.
Reasonably priced Level II protection in the 195 to 250 dollar range.

Aside from coffee and doughnut stains, does the KEVLAR deteriorate, or lose the ability to trap incoming projectiles after 5 or more years?
Anybody do any tests on 10 year  or older Kevlar ballistic panels?  
Kevlar "Bag O'Truth " ?

Just looking for an extra layer of protection  for the "Bump in the Night"   back yard investigation.
Or in case I need  to work outdoors during the Obama Eviction riots.
10/24/2012 11:40:03 AM EDT
[#1]
They say it does, but I'm not sure so tag.
10/24/2012 11:40:26 AM EDT
[#2]
Years of heat and sweat will cause problems.

10/24/2012 11:40:40 AM EDT
[#3]
There will be deterioration of the individual fibers, which will weaken them.  Lots of use, lots of flexing when it's impregnated with something abrasive, chemicals, and (IIRC) light damage can all make the stuff lose strength.  How much?  Effed if I know.
10/24/2012 11:40:42 AM EDT
[#4]
I've been told it degrades over time and exposure to moisture, think sweat.

I remember the concealable vest I had in the Army (MP) had an expiration date on it.
10/24/2012 11:42:44 AM EDT
[#5]
Mine is just hanging in the closet and has been for years. I've always heard they degrade......hope I never have to confirm or refute it.
10/24/2012 11:45:21 AM EDT
[#6]
I have a vest that was given to me that is about 8 years old.  Has a chest plate too.  I have debated taking it to the range and shooting it to see what happens
10/24/2012 11:45:32 AM EDT
[#7]
Damn Double tap.  Sorry guys
10/24/2012 11:46:41 AM EDT
[#8]
We had some 10 and 15 year old LEO vests that we took to the range.  They stopped .45, .40, and 9mm without a problem and these were issued vests worn for 5 years and stored in a non-climate controlled out building for many years.
10/24/2012 11:48:27 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
We had some 10 and 15 year old LEO vests that we took to the range.  They stopped .45, .40, and 9mm without a problem and these were issued vests worn for 5 years and stored in a non-climate controlled out building for many years.


Thank you. Exactly the information I needed.  GD is awesome.
10/24/2012 11:48:59 AM EDT
[#10]
The DoD advises against exposing any ballistic vest to water, and not to fold the vest, as it weakens the fibers.

I will assume the warnings came about because of extensive testing, and would advise anyone to take them seriously.
10/24/2012 11:51:10 AM EDT
[#11]
use and abuse (long term direct UV exposure, permanent creases) wears out aramid fibers.  the 5 year thing is for insurance purposes only



being soaked in water will reduce the level of protection but only until the ballistic pad drys.  this is my all armor is encased in water resistant/proof materials

10/24/2012 11:54:06 AM EDT
[#12]
Bulletproofme.com has said they've shot some pretty old vests and no projectiles penetrated.

Scroll to the bottom of this page  http://bulletproofme.com/Bullet_proof_Vests_Catalog.shtml
10/24/2012 11:55:17 AM EDT
[#13]
They have exp. dates 5 yrs I believe. Also they should be stored flat not hanging in a cool dark environment.