Posted: 12/24/2011 10:46:01 PM EDT
| I have a TT HEV Vest that currently has Level III soft armor in it. It has the pockets for plates as well. I have extra level III panels that are torn up on the sides but still have good Kevlar in the middle portion. Do you think cutting these to plate size and using them in the plate pocket would make much of a difference, or would using plates really be the only way to go? |
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Cutting Kevlar, is extremely difficult. Additionally, if you're cutting it to such a small size, (6x8 or so) there's a good chance that the weave-pattern will be disrupted, and thereby reducing the effectiveness. Probably not totally useless, but your 6x8 plate may only have an effective area of 3x4.
I would keep the panels in tact and use them for a spare vest, to keep in the car, or let a family member wear it. Also, using any type of tape, (Plastic, etc) on the vest panel's exterior, acts as a lubricant when struck with a projectile, thus aiding in penetration. (It's not 100%., but it's not something I'd be comfortable with.) |
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Reading your post, I assume you are actually referring to Level IIIA (soft armor) rather than level III (hard plates). As you describe it, I would not recommend cutting up the extra IIIA soft armor. Instead, purchase some plates as funds allow. Doubling up on the soft armor will not protect you from rifle rounds if that is what you are thinking. Level IIIA soft armor will protect you from must handgun and pistol caliber rifle rounds but it will still do nothing for Rifle rounds which is what the Level III plates will help protect you from. As someone else suggested, keep the additional pair of soft armor (even in their current condition) and allow another family member to use this as needed.
dave3223 |