Need help making a decision on body armor?

Question

Its about time I buy a new bulletproof vest, Im thinking of getting IIIA body armor, and plan on getting a vest on galls.com. Now Im trying to decide whether I should get a galls vest, as seen on http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=BP329&cat=3011

or point blank armor, as seen here

http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=BP349&cat=3011

I can afford both, but if there is no difference between the two I plan on getting galls brand vest. I also plan on getting a insert plate, so if I do, do you think there is a big difference between these two vests?

Answer 1

If you're a Police Officer, speak to your supervisor.  Some departments will only allow certain equipment.  If you're not  Police Officer, sorry, I can't help you.

Edit. http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&...

Answer 2

I've seen the Discovery channel episode on Dragon Skin, which seems like some neat stuff, but I know next-to-nothing about it.

As body armor goes, you'll find it to be quite restrictive and uncomfortable by nature, and even moreso if it's "off the rack," which is basically what you'll get from Galls.  I might recommend you also consider a police supply shop, where you can be professionally measured for your armor, and have it custom fitted to your body.  Pay special attention to the length, and the height of the side panels.  Armor, which is too long tends to grab your belt and push up around your armpits and chin every time you sit down, and can cause abrasions and infections in the armpits from constant rubbing.  Conversely, if it's too short, you lack coverage in the belly area.  The normal human reaction is to keep pulling the vest down, resulting in the neck being somewhere around your sternum, exposing a good portion of your upper chest.  

High-coverage models have been known to incorporate high side panels, which also contribute to underarm chafing and infections, and general but serious discomfort.  Given that armor is something, which doesn't help you one iota, if you're not wearing it, comfort is key.  You may want to lean toward sloping (almost v-neck) side panels, to give you some relief on arm movement, unless you're thin enough that it won't be a problem.  Discuss these things with the sales rep, and don't be afraid to walk if you get anything less than a satisfactory answer.   I'd also very strongly urge you to make certain (in writing) that you can send the vest back to be modified if it doesn't fit the way you like it when it comes in.

Point Blank has always been a trusted name in armor, as has Second Chance.   I don't know anything about the quality of Galls armor, but I strongly believe that whatever you get should be custom fitted.

** edit **

Phipsi, are they still running the Monarch series, or has that been replaced now?

Answer 3

I can't give you a specific answer as I am not specifically familiar with Galls body armor.  But what I generally tell people is you have to match the armor to your needs.  First, do you need level III armor?  It will be heavier and bulkier and doesn't offer protection significantly above a IIA.

Above and beyond all other factors, you should be concerned about the fit.  Body armor that doesn't fit properly is useless.  You should find out what the policy is if you order a vest and don't like the fit.  Can you exchange it?