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Posted: 2/27/2007 10:08:43 PM EDT
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I just got an IBA, but it's strangely different than every picture and video that I've seen. -The labels are switched. Usually the Point Blank logo is on top. -The side adjustment straps aren't level/connected with the webbing. -There is no webbing on the back of the vest. Even in older pictures, I haven't seen a vest with this odd configuration. But seeing as this one is marked as made in '99 and from lot #04, maybe it's some extremely old, inferior version? Any info on this would be appreciated. I can't find crap. Thanks Here are some pics: http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/M33R3COD0N/Labels.jpg http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/30WH321O3J/straps.jpg http://filestogo.com/files/1006983/KO9J5JR1G2/Webbing.jpg |
| It may be an aftermarket or custom carrier. I've seen weirder things. Someone may have disliked the carrier it came in, butchered it and made a new one with some of the odd parts. There's also a chance that the old carrier got torn up so they fixed it up. Who knows. In any case, I'd double check the ballistic panels and if they're looking good and you got a good deal on it, oh well. |
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Probably design evolution; youy might have an early version that probably got improved by 2003; if you notice the new ACU covers for the IBA, they are also different, with full PALS webbing in the front and back, where as the previous generation had partial PALS Webbing; also, the new ACU Cover features velcro attachment for rank and nametapes on the ACU; on previous versions, the soldier would have to either glue or sew the rank and nametape into the cover. Is all a matter of R&D; personally, I don't put anything on the rear portion of the vest, because the vest becomes uncomfortable when sitting inside a vehicle. |
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Yea, the cover I'm not all too worried about since it's a lot easier to replace it. I got the entire woodland set with all the inserts for a little less than $160 shipped so it wasn't too bad. The panels haven't been shot or anything, and they look perfectly fine. They look just like the current inserts, but they are quite old. Also manufactured in '99. Do you think they've gone bad by now? I've heard mixed reviews about kevlar going bad. Yea I thought that they updated the style, but pictures of pre-2003 and non-ACU interceptors look just like the latest versions of the woodland camos. Edit: I thought that the warranties or "guarantee-of-workingness" (for lack of a better word) expires after the 5 years. But, although not advised, the kevlar can still be worn and possibly still work? |
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Yup, drag handle at the top. Guess Black-Tiger was right about the 2003 thing. At least now I know this wasn't some cheap knock-off with the PB logo sewn in hanks. Ok, so last bit. Should there be much concern about the inserts' functionality? |
im guessing expired armor is better than no armor 
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. Thanks.
Well the warranty on Kevlar has to do with how long it can be abused before the weave will start to shift and degrade. Most vests will last virtually forever if you take good care of them by storing them flat in a room temperature, dry area. The problem is that most people that are issued body armor don't take good care of it because they didn't pay for it so they just stuff it into a bag or put it on a hanger or a number of other things and even under those extreme conditions, it is designed to last until its warranty. I bought a IIIA PSP vest and it is still in warranty until Sep. '09 but with how well I treat it, there's no reason to replace for a very long time. If it were at all possible, I'd suggest to check the weave in your vest to see if it looks even and uniform. Unfortunately that would require to cut open the ballistic panels to inspect them and then it would leave you with the problem of resealing the panel. |
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Social_Zombie: HAHA ain't that the truth. TexasGunman: I'd rather have SOMEthing to fill out the vest rather than nothin he K1rodeoboater: Did your friend's vest come with the inserts? Because if it did, that's such a steal. I'd sell it hehe... CAsoldier: That's reassuring. Thanks |
You know that a flack jacket is a different beast than the Interceptor right? |
Not a Flak (PSAGT) vest... 1st Gen IBA, designed to be worn with the LBV over the top, a/o used as a MOLLE vest... Without plates, both provide the same level of protection (Class II) but the PSAGT vests are MUCH older and MUCH more abused... It's not how you treat your surplus vest that makes the difference... It's how all the people it was issued to (and most 'surplus' vests were 'training' vests before sale) treated it... I know we throw ours around like they're sandbags... |
FWIW, when I was a Marine (got out in '05) we called the Interceptor vests "flaks". |
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