Vest inquiry

[SERENAs UNIT]

Since I'm reserving, I have to buy my vest (been using a female's, but it doesn't fit right and is 7 yrs old).


So, what's the best for my money and where can I get it?

[SoCoDeputy]

I take it that you didn't buy the vest your using now. There are a bunch of good vests out there. I use a Second Chance Monarch and can't be happier. It's light weight, comfortable and above all, it's cooler then most vests.

The vest you have now is 2 years past service life. The Kevlar fibers supposedly begin to break down after five years of use and is no longer warrantied after 5 years, but if you have no other vest to wear, an old vest is better then no vest.

I can't tell you the best vest out there. I can tell you that I would recommend the Second Chance Monarch. It is rather expensive, but it's worth it.

Good luck

[Hoffa218]

As I mentioned in a previous post, just check to see if the vest contains Zylon. Most upper end vests have some Zylon content, and it's been found to break down well before that 5 year time frame. Apparently it contributed to a PA LEO's vest failure when he was shot with a .40 round.

Also, Second Chance recently filed for bankruptcy. You might want to check what their status is with sales and support and such.

Second Chance Bankruptcy

Zylon Info

Our agency uses the ABA Extreme vests, they're not bad. As far as pricing goes,I'm not really sure, since our union negotiated that our town establish a 'vest fund' to pay for new vests and replace our old ones. Perhaps contact some of the vest companies' local reps and see if they have any contracts with bigger agencies in your area that you might be able to latch onto....Good luck.

[ngcsubutterbar]

my personal opinion based on the business side of things is overall Point Blank is a better choice. (fwiw their parent company and ABA's parent company is the same)

[rdp]

I have been screwed by Second Chance and so have the numerous officers that have suffered injuries or death due to vest failures. I am apalled anyone would recommend a company that doesn't back its product or accepts blame for any of the injuries.

They weren't going to warranty their defect at first. A lawsuit was threatened over the pathetic credit they offered and they stated, if we pursued the case, they would go bankrupt just to screw us.

Find a major brand......BESIDES Second Chance. I will NEVER do business with them and I am not alone in the LE community. They are crooks, liars, and can't run a business.

[wild800]

I have a Safariland Zero G, it's very light and much more comfortable than my old one was, but the carrier and velcro are crap. The carrier is falling apart, and the velcro is rolling and wont stay flat.

My department uses grant money to fund 50% of the cost of our vests, does your agency? Not sure what the rules for the grant money are, but it is worth looking into it to see if you qualify to purchase your vest on the grant.

If your department hasn't applied for grant money for vests before, that would be an excellent project for you to take on...who knows, if you save them money on the vests maybe they could then afford to purchase vests for the reserves.

[SERENAs UNIT]

Yeah, this vest is a loaner. I had the same philosophy: an old vest is better than no vest at all.

Thank you guys for your input. I'm keeping tabs on all this info. It is VERY nice of you all to share your experiences w/these vests & companies so that someone like me can purchase w/confidence.

In fact, I'll prob. pass the info on to my lt.

[DamonK]

Hey guys I'm wondering what your opinions are of Protective Products International are? (www.body-armor.com)

I'm looking at buying one of their vests (Armorlite LFT), but wanna do some research before I do that.

Anyone here use one or know someone who has?

[Rad Diver]

I wear a safariland, but as mentioned above the carrier's suck. If you are going to order one, try and get it fitted and ordered through your agency (of course you'll be the one paying for it). It might be a bit cheaper and the person fitting you will hopefully get your measurements right.

[jmur5074]

I use Xtreme body armor.

No complaints

[Darin]

Hey guys I'm wondering what your opinions are of Protective Products International are? (www.body-armor.com)

I'm looking at buying one of their vests (Armorlite LFT), but wanna do some research before I do that.

Anyone here use one or know someone who has?

I have a PPI vest. It's light and comfortable. It comes with an extra carrier and gel packs that can be heated or put in the freezer. Had it about a year and it's held up nicely. Fortunately I havent tested the balistic capabilities.