Body Armor info needed

[Soccerdad1995]

I'm not sure where to put this question, so I put it here since it seems to fall under "equipment".

I am looking to get some body armor to keep in my trunk / BOB. But the problem is that I know basically nothing about it, and from researching online, the prices seem to vary tremendously. Any information is greatly appreciated. I also have some specific questions from what I have researched thus far:

Are the brands of plates pretty much the same, assuming the same rating and materials? In other words, is one plate rated IIIA the same as another plate rated IIIA, or are there specific brands to look for and/or avoid?

What should I be looking for in a plate carrier?

Pros / cons of hard versus soft plates / panels? The soft ones seem to weigh less but is there a trade off (assuming the same rating) versus hard plates?

Most of the set-ups I have seen provide protection for a fairly limited area (10 X 12 inch plates, etc). Is this sufficient, or should I try to find something that protects my entire torso?

What rating is sufficient for a urban crisis scenario (riots, civil unrest, etc)? Is IIIA sufficient, or should I go with III?

Thanks in advance.

[GeekwithaGun]

I've been looking at this company - https://safelifedefense.com/

They are HQ'd in las vegas, I plan to visit their store front next week to try them on and check the fit.

[Soccerdad1995]

I've been looking at this company - https://safelifedefense.com/

They are HQ'd in las vegas, I plan to visit their store front next week to try them on and check the fit.

They definitely look interesting. Please let me know your thoughts after you visit with them.

[Bitter Clinger]

I keep this in the truck, with IIIA soft armor:

http://www.ar500armor.com/escort-plate-carrier.html

[Excaliber]

I keep this in the truck, with IIIA soft armor:

http://www.ar500armor.com/escort-plate-carrier.html

That looks quite clever.

With a hard 11x14 plate it would provide a very significant level of protection without a lot of bulk.

[Pariah3j]

I've had my eyes on the AR500 guys for a while, never seen a bad review, and their QA testing for their armor is supposedly top notch. I believe the one complaint I've seen, and this has been a while back, was there was a bit of delay/back order on some of their armor.

Personally, I plan on getting a full sized plate carrier with side plates holders, and I want to get a hard plate plus soft for backing it up. Seeing some of the demos, this seems to be the best defense, not much will make it through both. (Something like this - http://www.ar500armor.com/plate-carrier ... rrier.html)

As far as coverage, the plates are typically designed to cover the 'critical zone' on your front and back - the 10x12 plates should cover the important bits. It's intended to give you a fighting chance, and to keep those fatal shots from being instantly lethal.

[Soccerdad1995]

I keep this in the truck, with IIIA soft armor:

http://www.ar500armor.com/escort-plate-carrier.html

Can you store the plate(s) in the carrier when it is folded up into a briefcase?

[Bitter Clinger]

I keep this in the truck, with IIIA soft armor:

http://www.ar500armor.com/escort-plate-carrier.html

Can you store the plate(s) in the carrier when it is folded up into a briefcase?

Yes. I actually have the soft Level IIIA's along with a trauma pad in each half and it all folds up nicely.

[nightmare69]

Www.officersurvivalsolutions.com

Got my level 4 ceramic curved plates and carrier with mag holder for $399. Just take the "Police" tags off.

[Excaliber]

http://Www.officersurvivalsolutions.com

Got my level 4 ceramic curved plates and carrier with mag holder for $399. Just take the "Police" tags off.

That looks like a great setup at a very reasonable price.

[Soccerdad1995]

A lot of good info in these responses. So from what I can see, a decent set-up will run anywhere from $350 to $600 or so, with a lot of options for concealability, protection level, etc. It looks like I need to do some more thinking on exactly what I want to use this for.

[rtschl]

I've haven't bought one yet but have been thinking about it for responding to alarms at night at church. This is one I have been looking at: https://bulletsafe.com/ for $299.00 for Level IIIA. You can add ballistic plates to it as well.

[WTR]

I've haven't bought one yet but have been thinking about it for responding to alarms at night at church. This is one I have been looking at: https://bulletsafe.com/ for $299.00 for Level IIIA. You can add ballistic plates to it as well.

Just remember, just because the vest says bullet safe, it is actually bullet resistant. No vest is bullet proof.

[rtschl]

I've haven't bought one yet but have been thinking about it for responding to alarms at night at church. This is one I have been looking at: https://bulletsafe.com/ for $299.00 for Level IIIA. You can add ballistic plates to it as well.

Just remember, just because the vest says bullet safe, it is actually bullet resistant. No vest is bullet proof.

Exactly. That should be assumed without having to say it.

[WTR]

I've haven't bought one yet but have been thinking about it for responding to alarms at night at church. This is one I have been looking at: https://bulletsafe.com/ for $299.00 for Level IIIA. You can add ballistic plates to it as well.

Just remember, just because the vest says bullet safe, it is actually bullet resistant. No vest is bullet proof.

Exactly. That should be assumed without having to say it.

I have been surprised at the number of educated people ( US Marshall service. US border Patrol) who assumed bullet "proof" doors, windows and panels meant they were impenetrable.