Bullet-proof vests?

[Whitewater]

Anyone here wear a vest? If so, any recommendations/reviews?

[Justaguy]

My recommendation:

Don't wear this one

Seriously, if you feel you need to wear a vest as a civilian, you probably ought to consider some lifestyle or career changes.

[Whitewater]

I love my job. However things can end up sketchy, espically in the rural areas, very quickly. I'm not going to change jobs to minimize my risks, however a vest could be a very prudent measure. I was hoping for a somewhat serious response.

[rdhays2000]

I wear a vest for my job as an Armed Security Officer and its a Level IIIa vest by Point Blank. Real good vest, very concealable, but if you've never worn one before it will take alittle bit of time to get used to wearing it. because after wearing it for 8+ hours you will want to get it off.

[hygyliac]

I guess that your initial post is a little confusing. My first thought when I read it went along the the same path that Justaguy took. Now that you have added the information that it is work related, I can understand why you posted the question. I would probably do more research. If you expect to wear it for extended periods of time then you want comfort along with protection. I would plan for the most probable scenario then take one step forward from there. Riverside County SD issues Level Three to their new graduates I believe.

[Sigman]

Originally Posted by Whitewater

I'm not going to change jobs to minimize my risks, however a vest could be a very prudent measure. I was hoping for a somewhat serious response.

Did you just recently apply for a ccw?

[Whitewater]

Originally Posted by Sigman

Did you just recently apply for a ccw?

Yes. I recently had a job related incident (that led to an arrest) recently that prompted me to apply for the CCW and re-evaluate my safety/ risk factors.

[akulahawk]

There are a dizzying array of vests out there. Probably the most popular is the Level II and Level IIIa vests. You're going to be uncomfortable (usually) with any vest you buy. What is the most likely threat range you're going to face? Once you know that, you'll know which level vest to buy. Now, thinner vests will be less uncomfortable than the thicker ones, but they'll also be more expensive.

Figure out what you can afford in the protection level and that'll basically narrow the field down. You might want to ask LEO's that you come into contact with what they wear and how they like it.

No, I don't wear one, but I do have experience fitting sporting equipment and some of the same issues arise there too. Eventually, I'll likely end up getting a vest for myself. Yes, I know it'll be almost insufferable in the Summer and will help keep me warm in the winter.

One other thing to consider is how tolerant your body is to heat. A vest could start you down the path of having heat illness and heat exhaustion issues more easily than normal. If you do take precautions, it would not normally be much of a problem.

[SierraNevadaCCW]

Wearing a vest in your job is probably a good idea. The more it costs, the lighter and more comfortable they supposedly are. Check out Gall's. for vests. They are online too.

[Justaguy]

Originally Posted by Whitewater

I was hoping for a somewhat serious response.

Sorry for the offhand remark....

Seeing you work for a county position, I assume, and you are in El Dorado County, consider talking to the EDC Sheriff's department. I'm sure, once you explain your situation, they would be more than willing to help.

Getting "first-person" advice to help with the appropriate level of threat protection and style of vest (after accounting for your needs).

I hope that was more helpful.

[Sigman]

Originally Posted by Whitewater

Yes. I recently had a job related incident (that led to an arrest) recently that prompted me to apply for the CCW and re-evaluate my safety/ risk factors.

What I mean was did you interview on Monday?

[Whitewater]

Originally Posted by Sigman

What I mean was did you interview on Monday?

No, I interviewed on Friday.

[Whitewater]

Originally Posted by SierraNevadaCCW

Wearing a vest in your job is probably a good idea. The more it costs, the lighter and more comfortable they supposedly are. Check out Gall's. for vests. They are online too.

I checked out Gall's site. THANKS! They sure have a lot of stuff! Besides carrying different vests, they have an entire section explaining the different levels of protection. They have more info for people interested in development history through explaniations on how they work. The outfitting instructions are also very clear, I'll be ordering one soon.

[45 ACP]

Originally Posted by Whitewater

I checked out Gall's site. THANKS! They sure have a lot of stuff! Besides carrying different vests, they have an entire section explaining the different levels of protection. They have more info for people interested in development history through explaniations on how they work. The outfitting instructions are also very clear, I'll be ordering one soon.

As someone who wears a vest everyday at work, here is my advice:

Make sure you have it fitted by a competent person!! I would strongly suggest you avoid mail-ordering a vest if at all possible.

Aside from the potential comfort issues, it may not fit correctly. If it doesn't fit right, then it won't provide you the protection it was designed for.

[Whitewater]

They have a few retail locations with one in the bay area. I'll give them a call and see if they could fit one.

Originally Posted by 45 ACP

As someone who wears a vest everyday at work, here is my advice:

Make sure you have it fitted by a competent person!! I would strongly suggest you avoid mail-ordering a vest if at all possible.

Aside from the potential comfort issues, it may not fit correctly. If it doesn't fit right, then it won't provide you the protection it was designed for.