Quoted:
Just trying to find a good bullet proof vests (insert type is for ballistics of course). No, I am not all that familiar with the bullet proof vests.
I have a high enough budget to afford whatever inserts are top notch, so that should not be a problem. So what is the best vest, and inserts you can buy in ARFCOM's opinion please.
Preferrably modular / cordura based.
First of all, nothing is "bullet proof", but some things are bullet resistant.
Secondly, the "cordura" you speak of is the carrier that holds the armored inserts, not the armor itself.
Anything that has a rating associated with it (like IIIA) will all generally be able to stop the same kinds of threats as other stuff rated the same.
Are you looking to stop pistol bullets, rifle bullets, or shrapnel?
IIIA rated soft armor will stop most pistol bullets cold, but will not stop rifle bullets.
IV rated (hard armor) plates will stop a few rifle bullets (such as those fired by AKs, ARs, etc) and most (all?) pistol bullets.
-Be aware that there are Level IV standalone plates that are designed to be used alone, and there are level IV "in conjunction" plates that are designed to be used with soft armor. If you don't use the soft armor with your "in conjunction" plates, at best your armor rating drops, at worse you be dead from spall from the back of the plate if it ever gets hit.
For more information on the armor rating system, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_vest and scroll down to the "Performance standards" section.
The "Best" one would be the least bulky, highest rated, lightest weight armor you could find, but it won't be cheap.