During the first 2 weeks of the Pandemic, things were pretty spooky in Las Vegas. Store shelves were empty, Casinos were being covered up in Plywood, gunshops were selling out, and local police patrols were almost non existent; driving around maybe 1 cop per hour vs the regular 1x per 5-10 minutes. My first trip to the grocery store, I was getting hard looks by grim faced shoppers walking out to the parking lot with a full shopping cart.

So, for the next 2 weeks, I wore by IIIA vest under a jacket whenever I would go out to run errands. The problem was, the vest was pretty thick (0.34") and stiff, necessitating wearing a jacket even though it was 70 degrees out, and even with a jacket on, the back of the vest would print through the jacket if I had to reach or bend over for things.

Luckily, everything blew over after that first 2 weeks, and things are pretty much back to the baseline level of Vegas weirdness.

But, that experience lead me to the realization that I wanted a much thinner vest - especially since the next crisis could occur during summer, when its 110 degrees out, and wearing a jacket would be impossible.

That thinner vest is the Midwest Armor Stinger Level II.

https://midwestarmor.com/products/stinger-ii/
https://midwestarmor.com/products/specter/

At 0.19" thick, the Stinger II can be concealed pretty easily even under a close fitting dress shirt.


Being thin also makes for a more flexible and comfortable vest to wear. Its not 'comfortable' but its much less of a stiff, heavy pain in the ass then wearing my IIIA vest. As the vest breaks in, I expect it to become more comfortable and flexible.

The vest itself provides quite a bit of coverage. I made a cardboard cutout of a 10x12 armor plate, so you can get a sense of scale for how much area the vest covers. The Spectre carrier is sized exactly to the armor, so everything you see but the last 1/4" of edge is Armor.

Frontal coverage, with the 'plate' at the neck line of the vest which is worn at the 'sternal notch' below the throat. Note how the armor is both longer, and also covers the shoulders. Length from neck to base of the Armor is 14.5", height to shoulders is around 16".


Rear coverage. The back is not cut for the neck, so you end up with a full, 16" tall strip of armor.


The wraparound side panels are 7.75" high, which provides a good amount of coverage while also allowing some ventilation.

Why Level II and not IIIA:

The first vest I ever bought was IIIA, because I wanted maximum protection from high end, exotic threats. That ended up being a mistake; I'm unlikely to end up facing a criminal with a FN Five Seven and SS198, Solid Copper 9mm, or a .44 Magnum, and I ended up being stuck with a thick, hard to conceal vest.

In reality, modern NIJ 06 Level II is already plenty of protection from any realistic handgun; the main difference between II and IIIA seems to be .44 mag resistance. Level II is rated for 9mm +P+ and full power .357 magnum.


And the Stinger II is rated beyond the NIJ Minimums:


**Edit
I took out the insert, and the Midwest Stinger now uses the Slate SLSII armor package, which is actually a bit lighter at 0.85 then their advertised 0.89






http://www.slatesolutions.com/img/portfolio/ballistic-systems/SS-SLSII-Spec.pdf

For perspective, the Midwest IIIA 'Combat' - which is 0.26" thick - has a 9mm 127gr V50 of 1754fps vs 1575fps for the 0.19" Level II. So you're gaining a pretty irrelevant increase in protection for a very real increase in thickness and cost. 9mm 127gr +p+ does 1250-1300fps from a G17.

*edit:

A look at Firearm Homicides from Boston (the only city I could find) further shows why Level II is plenty. Other then the 3x .44 mag and 1x 7.62x39 cases, every other caliber would have been handled well by Level II:


Why Stinger vs other Level II:


There are thinner Level II vests with even higher V50 specs.

-Armor Express Razor 2 (0.14")
-Point Blank Alpha Elite (0.18")
-Survival Armor Paladin (.16")

But, the Stinger was pretty close at 0.19", and at $450 with carrier, it was 1/2 the cost of these options. Better still, it can be easily purchased directly from Midwest by Civilians. The other vests require buying through distributors, most of whom require some form of LEO/MIL type verification.

So, the Stinger II was the 80/20 option. Good specs, good price, minimal hassle.

How to order:

The Stinger II w/ carrier is a custom order, not offered on the website.

To order you need to email Midwest. Tell them you want the Spectre Stinger IIIA Kit:
https://midwestarmor.com/products/specter-iii-a/

But instead, you want the Stinger II panels installed:
https://midwestarmor.com/products/stinger-ii/

**EDIT** The Stinger is now a Factory Option:
https://midwestarmor.com/products/specter-stinger-ii/


Overall, if you're looking for a concealable vest for times where you want more protection then a CCW, but the situation hasn't devolved to the point of carrying rifles and rocking Level IV, then the Stinger II is a solid choice.

How much are you getting paid for this add?

Following your advice, I guess I should have bolded that I paid $450 for the vest.

I imagine if they were paying for advertising, it would be for a completed product they actually sell, not a custom job not listed on their website.

Thanks for sharing.  I’ve been wanting some soft armor that conceals decently.  I have to go meet with angry customers from time to time in rural areas.

i found the OP's writeup educational and useful; good insight as to the tradeoffs of various approaches.

Thanks for the post OP. It's informative and useful.

Thanks for taking the time too write that up, but I wouldn't order from them right now.

+1 on thanks for the post.

Glad you guys found the review helpful.

I wanted to do a writeup because there's really not much out there on Level II vests, and I think they're actually a really solid option.

With Covid + the Riots, we see there's actually a substantial 'gray zone' between Normal (CCW and a smile) and True SHTF (Rifles and Rifle plates.)

For that heightened threat - but still going out and about in society - grey zone, thats where I see the value of the Level II.

I ordered this same setup four weeks ago. Hope it arrives soon, wearing IIIA gets old pretty fast.

Is the armor package in this best a kevlar weave, laminate, or hybrid? How many years of ready-use can I expect if stored flat and used occasionally for training?

Now that I have good plates a concealment vest like this might be next

Nice OP. I may buy one if I ever get my order from june from them.

How long did it take you to get this?


ALSO TO ALL CHECK THE BELOW THREAD BEFORE BUYING

https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/Midwest-Armor-Order-Tracking/10-513763/

Since it's almost certainly woven Twaron, it'll have a very long service life.

Midwest's NIJ CPL listing only shows one level II package - AFC's T2-959. AFC-T2-959's specifications (.89psf/.21"/Woven and laminated Twaron) do not line up with what's on their page (.89psf/.19"/Woven Twaron). Those specifications are pretty much what you find on Protect The Force's GS206 package, and the carriers are identical. I've heard that the NIJ is backlogged and slow on adding products to the CPL, and that a lot of companies aren't bothering to put products on the .06 CPL and are waiting for .07, so that could be it. I didn't realize how close Midwest and PTF were, they're 30 miles down the road from each other.

I have no idea if ordering direct from PTF or Bulletproofme (who sells the same product) will be better than dealing with Midwest.

Thank you for tipping me to the various OEM's for armor inserts.

I googled 'V50 1575fps' which is what Midwest rates the Stinger II for with the 127gr SXT.

*edit* its the Slate SLSII, took the armor insert out of the vest.

Good find! Yup, looks like it. The surprising thing is that according to the CPL, Slate's SLTII and SLTIIIA packages are currently listed as inactive, and neither Midwest nor PTF have SLTII listed. So, it's technically not NIJ listed. Not saying it's a show-stopper, but something to be aware of. I have an SLTIIIA package myself which I trust, but people need to know that it's part-laminate.

Slate doesn't list their SLTII on their website anymore, but they do list their SLSII. The specs are identical except weight is an ever so slightly less 0.85 vs 0.89.

http://www.slatesolutions.com/img/portfolio/ballistic-systems/SS-SLSII-Spec.pdf

If I had to guess, I imagine their using the SLSII and haven't updated their website to reflect the slight weight change, as all the other specs would be the same. It would be weird if they kept ordering the older, deactivated model given the similarities.

I'll shoot them an email and ask.

In terms of reputation, how does Slate rank vs Protect the Force vs other armor makers?

I'm not an insider, but there's tons of people reselling their stuff and they haven't had any NIJ advisories that I can find.

So I just took out the insert from the carrier, and it is indeed the current, NIJ Certified SLSII:





http://www.slatesolutions.com/img/portfolio/ballistic-systems/SS-SLSII-Spec.pdf

Excellent write-up spidercomonkey.

I remember you and I were in the market at around the sane time...i went with bulletproofme’s IIIA thin option...i hope it conceals decently.

Hoping to post a write-up when received, though it wont be S nice a write up as yours.

Thank you. I look forward toward your review as well. The Bulletproofme thin IIIa looked like a solid option, one I was thinking of at the time as well.

Are there any other thin level 2 systems that are in the price range of the Midwest vest?

Think I’m going to buy one just want to shop around and find what’s best.

Also if they take PP thats a bonus.

So far, the only one thats comparable in thiness and price is the Protect The Force GS206 shared by PatriotNC.

https://protecttheforce.com/products/b-cool-concealed-carrier

This was the cheapest place I saw that listed, essentially identical in price, weight, and V50 to the Midwest/Slate SLSII:

https://swordandshieldstrategic.com/products/sentinel-concealed-body-armor-vest-by-sword-and-shield-strategic?variant=12419324870726

Both compare very favorably to the Level II offerings by Point Blank, scoring equal/better then almost all in terms of thiness, weight, and V50:

Looks like Midwest is the only way to go as far as price and payment.

I like the Midwest.

But in terms of price, that 2nd link I shared to 'sword and shield' should be $435 for the GS206 package if you select that one. You have to select the armor package.

Updating the review a bit.

Heres the Stinger II in a Lacoste Polo shirt:


It conceals, but not as well as the with the button up shirt. The 'meshier' fabric is more prone to printing, especially in the back, and can create small prints in the area by the velcro strap. It would be fine at night or getting gas, but probably wouldnt pass scrutiny in line at a grocery store with a woman staring at your back for 5 minutes.

However for the months of Fall, a useful combo would be the Vest+Polo, with a open windbreaker. This is a nice option, as with just a windbreaker, you'd need it zipped up to your neck.

Also, no one expects the Armored Yuppie


In the future I plan to try alternative carriers; something like this might be able to better pass the Polo test as it lacks any exposed straps.
https://www.bodyarmordirect.com/products/t-shirt-concealable-multi-threat-carrier?variant=22798568685626

You make a good point in that any public shooting situation will require either Level II (for most happenstances) or Level III or higher (for riots, SHTF, TEOTHAWKI).

Never heard of sword and shield. Need to make sure they are GTG.

They're just a random company re-selling the GS206 vest from Protect The Force, which is an OEM for a number of companies.

https://protecttheforce.com/products/b-cool-concealed-carrier

Just ran across This
set on sword and shield.

It has the same level 2 rating and same carrier as the GS206 linked above but is slightly thinner and weighs slightly less as well. The main deference I can see is the price which is $125 less than the GS206 or stinger II.

What’s the difference here? Am I missing something?

That is a great price.

It appears the difference is that vest is not NIJ 0.6 Certified, unlike the GS206.

It might be the Protect the Force L2MALAL-1? I know that PTF lists their L2 substantially cheaper then their GS206; $400 for a complete L2 vs $539 for the GS206.



I'd email and ask about it and confirm who makes the armor package. And maybe email Protect The Force and ask them whats the difference if any between their GS206 and L2MALAL-1.

Anybody got an average time between getting the "in production" email and a shipping email from Midwest? I'm curious where no the timeline I might be.

I ordered my Stinger II July 1st, Arrived October 20th.

Even before Covid, soft armor typically took 5-8 weeks to ship from most manufacturers; unlike plates, most soft packages seem to be made to order.

Interesting. I got the "in production" email after about 5 weeks. Hard to imagine it takes 4 months to actually make it after they get to my order. Terms like "in production" don't always mean what we think they should mean though.

Yeah I think armor sales are just going nuts 2020, and the armor is made by a couple OEM's who are less equipped to ramp up production then firearm companies are, as this is their first panic buying boost.

In terms of my armor, I order 7/2020; the date of the armor inserts manufacture by Slate (the insert OEM) lists 8/2020, and then its arrival was 10/2020.

On the plus side, this does ensure the armor is very 'fresh.'

Can you take a photo of the BALC measurement (thickness)?

Thanks op, very nice write up, great info.

I'm not sure what you mean by BALC measurement? Are you talking about the dimensions of the wraparound side armor?

The side armor has a height of ~7.75" (measurement is imprecise as its slightly tapered.) This is for a size Large.

I meant a photo showing the thickness of the soft armor (not armor + carrier).

I'll try, but its hard to photograph. The armor is sealed in a sort of ripstop nylon 'pillowcase' that fluffs up when its taken out the carrier, and then theres also a floppy ~4mm of sealed ripstop along the edge of the armor. Combined, it will be hard for the photo to convey the the thinness.  

Squeezing it between the fingers, its very thin. As we'd imagine from the specs, which is 0.19" / 4.826mm. Thats only slightly thicker then a Daisy BB Gun pellet.

Get 6 credit cards, stack them, and squeeze between your fingers. Thats very close to the thickness of the actual armor.

Nice thread.

As you found out, IIIA tends to print in the back.  Two questions:

1. Would this setup you have print much under a suit jacket?
2. Can you shoot a pistol two-handed comfortably with it on (without pinching your biceps or deltoids)?

1. Hard to say; I haven't worn a suit in years, and now I'm 30lbs heavier then all the suits I got tailored for.

"Wow, Im in the best shape of my life based on an unsustainable diet and workout routine - I should get all my clothes tailored now!" Was my undoing. Now I've got a few thousand in suits, jackets, and pants that I'll never fit into again.

I'd say walking / standing, it shouldn't print. But any type of bending over is where the vest is subject to print in the back. I think thats likely unavoidable; bending forward tightens the clothing against your back, while the vest itself doesn't maintain full tightness with the upper back when bent forward.

2. Standing, the distance between my shoulder blades is 12". In an aggressive forward iso stance, the distance between the shoulders compressed to 6".

So with both my II and IIIA vest, the vest folds forward, creating a sort of turtle shell my neck tucks into. In effect, shooting iso, the armor reaches my chin. Basically 'free neck armor.' I'll try and get a photo of this.

Edit photo; held phone in iso grip, slightly high to try and show the vest flex. Head on shooting at me, none of my neck is exposed, its armor to chin.


With the IIIA, the vest is stiff so this is not particularly comfortable as its pressing into my arms/shoulders, although doable. With the II its thin and flexible enough that it doesn't bother me.

Thank you.

Well I ended up buying this the other day. Not the same panels as OP but same carrier. Its supposed to be slightly thinner as well .17 vs .18 which is negligible.  

It is level 2 rated and cost $310.00 which is about $100 cheaper than the model listed by OP. The model listed by OP is level 2 just like the MALAL but tested under the new standard vs the old. This panel does not appear on the NIJ list of rated armor. But it also says that everything on that list is the new rating not the old. So I would go into buying this as a non NIJ approved panel but a NIJ tested panel.  

Attached File


Attached File


Also I contacted the company and inquired about Public Safety discounts which they stated they do. The guy I spoke with said he would refund the discount back on my order.
They also do group discounts as well 4 or more.

Attached File

Also found this interesting.

NcStar has actual rated panels. I have always viewed them as Airsoft clone company.

Attached File


And below is the midwest tactical offerings.
Attached File

Thats a great value, and good to know about group discounts. At that price, especially with discount, you could get one for the whole family for the price of a decent AR.

Did they mention who the OEM is for the Armor? Was it 'Protect the Force' like we guessed?

So no matter what vest you buy, I suggest following these instructions from Armor Express on breaking in Kevlar:



I did this with both my Level II and my IIIA, and in both instances it helped break in the vest and make it more flexible and comfortable.

Also quite the forearm workout.

Also sword & shield refunded me $18.00 on the order as a public safety discount. I’d imagine the bulk pricing would be that or better.

Does Midwest have a sizing guide somewhere? I can't seem to find it.

I don't think they have one on the website; they need to add one.

I used this sizing guide for getting the relevant measurements:

http://www.bulletproofme.com/Sizing.shtml

https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Flexible-Measurement-Centimetre-60-inch%EF%BC%88White%EF%BC%89/dp/B07MT89MCW

Then I emailed those measurements to Midwest and they told me what size to get.

Here is the one I got from Sword & Shield. I had to email them and as for it.

Attached File