Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I have recently joined the reserve unit for the sheriff's department in my county and I was informed that we have to purchase our own body armor. At the moment I am paying to put myself through college and attending the academy at night so I am unable to work for income. As a poor starving individual what must purchase his own equpiment for the department, one of my classmates suggested that I look into used body armor.

I found a website

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

that sells used armor. I was hoping that knowledgable individuals with experience would educate me on the pros and cons of selecting used armor. Responses are greatly appreciated.

Since it is the last line of defense between me and a bullet I would not buy it used. The armor I've seen is typically only guaranteed for 5 years. Abuse will greatly shorten the life of the fibers. Since I don't know what the last person did to the vest I would not ever buy used armor. I like life too much. This is one area I do not go cheap. I want the wife to be rich one day, but I want to be there to enjoy it too.

Spend the money and get a good vest. Not only that, go someplace and get fitted for it. If you get one too big your belt will screw it up from sitting in the car. Always good to have something made for you.

As previously mentioned what fits someone roughly your size may not be good for you.

My issued vest is less than 3 years old, and was exchanged no questions asked today as it appeared to be rusting from the inside (metal wire is used as "chain mail" for stab protection).

This caused the storesman concern and will be tested, but did the used set you look to buy develop a fault that wasn't noticed or mentioned?!

Jim

Would you buy a used condom?

If you're worried about protection, there's not much difference between the two ...

The federal govt. has grants to purchase vests for leo's. This also includes reserves. I am not sure what the site is but I will look. I am guessing the grant will cover atleast half the amount of the vest.

Good luck!!:D

Found it...
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/

I read somewhere that there is a company that will purchase used vest. They then sew them together and place them inside the doors of police cars. Sounded pretty interesting, dunno how effect they would be at stopping a round, but I guess it can't hurt.

I understand that money is tight, I am putting myself through school as well. But you have to think, what price would you put on your life? I used to work at a motorcycle dealership selling helmets and such. That would be my best selling line. I wouldn't buy used, I wouldn't buy cheap. I would spend the money and get something that is going to help you survive if you get shot. If you have to save longer to get it I would do it but that is only my 2 cents.

In addition to what everyone else has said, Second Chance recalled some of their vest a few months ago, I would be worried that a used vest could be a recalled or defective vest. Save up the bucks and buy a new. Ask your parents or friends to give cash as a birthday gift for you to put towards buying a new one.

Would you buy a used condom?

YES! Only if it washed really well though!:p

YES! Only if it washed really well though!:p
Nah just turn it inside out, you'll be fine:D

Ebay.

I got a brand new (Manufactured 2005) lvl IIA point blank vest for 130.00 and free shipping. Also came with a shock plate.

Ebay is way to go. Just type in Bulletproof vest

Ebay is way to go. Just type in Bulletproof vest
That's odd ... I wear body armor, not a bulletproof vest.

Where does one find these bulletproof vests?

Do you have one of these bulletproof vests?

Do you and your friends wear these bulletproof vests to school?

I have an nice AR-15 I'd like to test your bulletproof vest out with ............ I mean .... if it's bulletproof, you shouldn't have a worry, right? :rolleyes:

That's odd ... I wear body armor, not a bulletproof vest.

Where does one find these bulletproof vests?

Do you have one of these bulletproof vests?

Do you and your friends wear these bulletproof vests to school?

I have an nice AR-15 I'd like to test your bulletproof vest out with ............ I mean .... if it's bulletproof, you shouldn't have a worry, right? :rolleyes:

AS much as I hate to say it RO56, hes right, you get much better search results with Bulletproof Vest than with Body Armor.

I searched Bulletproof Vest, but bought Body Armor. :D

AS much as I hate to say it RO56, hes right, you get much better search results with Bulletproof Vest than with Body Armor.

My point wasn't that you'll get more hits on eBay by searching for 'bulletproof vests'. Then again, since you don't rely on body armor on a regular basis to potentially save your life, I can see how you missed it.

Personally, I wouldn't put my life on the line by relying upon something being sold by Raul on eBay, who also sells Beanie Babies and used computer parts to supplement his income :rolleyes:

Most law enforcement officers I know wear body armor ... thugs and wannabes call them "bulletproof vests" ...

I can see how you missed it.


I didn't miss it, thats why I threw in the "As much as I hate to admit it..."
Just showing how mosat people call it Bulletproof Vests, even though Body Armor is FAR from that.

I can see how you missed it.


I didn't miss it, thats why I threw in the "As much as I hate to admit it..."
Just showing how mosat people call it Bulletproof Vests, even though Body Armor is FAR from that.



Personally, I wouldn't put my life on the line by relying upon something being sold by Raul on eBay


Thats what I thought at first, but I got a brand new (Back in 05) level IIA point blank, fitted to my size of course with a hard trauma plate for $150. When I recieved it it was in origional package with all of the warranty info. Personally I would say im lucky I didn't get jipped but so far my experiences with Ebay have been good.

Thats what I thought at first, but I got a brand new (Back in 05) level IIA point blank, fitted to my size of course with a hard trauma plate for $150. When I recieved it it was in origional package with all of the warranty info. Personally I would say im lucky I didn't get jipped but so far my experiences with Ebay have been good.I hope you never have to worry about finding out if it truly was a good deal, young man. Regardless, unless I can verify the chain of custody, it's not going to be counted on to save my life.

Buying a used CD or DVD is one thing. Saving your life is another.

When it comes to eBay, there's no telling where people obtain merchandise from, where/how it was stored BEFORE or AFTER the got it, etc. I'll continue to rely upon our LE supplier, who is a certified dealer for the manufacturer.

I hope you never have to worry about finding out if it truly was a good deal, young man. Regardless, unless I can verify the chain of custody, it's not going to be counted on to save my life.

Buying a used CD or DVD is one thing. Saving your life is another.

When it comes to eBay, there's no telling where people obtain merchandise from, where/how it was stored BEFORE or AFTER the got it, etc. I'll continue to rely upon our LE supplier, who is a certified dealer for the manufacturer.

Very true... Very true.

I hope you never have to worry about finding out if it truly was a good deal, young man. Regardless, unless I can verify the chain of custody, it's not going to be counted on to save my life.

Buying a used CD or DVD is one thing. Saving your life is another.

When it comes to eBay, there's no telling where people obtain merchandise from, where/how it was stored BEFORE or AFTER the got it, etc. I'll continue to rely upon our LE supplier, who is a certified dealer for the manufacturer.


Not only that you still have to get fitted. Im guessing that the armor is already sized. It wouldnt be a good idea for him make that purchase especially knowing that armor usually last for 5 years.

Not good!