Pros and cons of body armor. Is it even needed for your prep kit?

[freddy]

Sorta thread bump . . . Was at a LGS the other day and I saw something called Paraclete, made by Point Blank. It is a super lightweight plate made of polyethylene. I think it's less than a half inch thick and a 8x10 weighed less than a pound. Demo had 30-06 hits that didn't penetrate. Price on the back was $110 ! ! ! Naturally I said "I'll take one." Sorry, no go for non LEO. Any LEO using this stuff? I think a couple of 11x14 plates in a carrier would be the DEAL!


Hard Armor Plates | PARACLETE
Check out the pdf file.

If you are referring to the 'Paraclete speed plate 8x10' (which is, as you claim, under a pound and 1/2" thick), based on the pdf linked this armor is not actually rated with any NIJ certification whatsoever. The manufacturer claims it will stop certain pistol rounds. We can infer this is for one single shot since they do not define the number of rounds (nor do they state velocity, as is protocol mind you). I would not want to take multiple hits from a 30.06 rifle in a 1/2" poly plate, even at $110. You will wind up like that recently deceased dude holding a book to stop a 50 Desert Eagle that his lady friend shot in order to gain youtube notoriety.

For pistol rounds you might be better off to get a (NIJ certified) soft vest which is more concealable and has much better coverage.

Perhaps, based on the name of the company ('Paraclete'), they are counting on Zeus, Poseiden, or JC to stop the boolits after the first round. Personally, I pass on any vest/plate not NIJ certified.

 

[freddy]

A question I have asked and been asked. Do you need it? I realize there are different scenarios we all prepare for, but do you forsee the need for body armor in some/any of your possible scenarios? Is the cost worth the benefit? What about the sheer weight of carrying around ballistic plates? Anyone have a favorite plate/carrier manufacturer?

Lately I am thinking that some type of night vision (eg: pvs14 or flir thermal) is more important than armor. True, good night vision can cost an order of magnitude more than armor. Nonetheless, if I had to pick one or the other, NV would be it.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I've looked into this on the past but have never pulled the trigger.

Gen 2 is not as expensive as 3. It's actually pretty decent. It's just not as sharp. Gen 1 is cheap and usable with a separate, powerful infrared torch. The only issue with that is that other NVG users will see your torch.

 

[freddy]

I've looked into this on the past but have never pulled the trigger.

Gen 2 is not as expensive as 3. It's actually pretty decent. It's just not as sharp. Gen 1 is cheap and usable with a separate, powerful infrared torch. The only issue with that is that other NVG users will see your torch.

This seems to be a primary argument for thermal.

 

[FLA45fan]

If you are referring to the 'Paraclete speed plate 8x10' (which is, as you claim, under a pound and 1/2" thick), based on the pdf linked this armor is not actually rated with any NIJ certification whatsoever. The manufacturer claims it will stop certain pistol rounds. We can infer this is for one single shot since they do not define the number of rounds (nor do they state velocity, as is protocol mind you). I would not want to take multiple hits from a 30.06 rifle in a 1/2" poly plate, even at $110. You will wind up like that recently deceased dude holding a book to stop a 50 Desert Eagle that his lady friend shot in order to gain youtube notoriety.

For pistol rounds you might be better off to get a (NIJ certified) soft vest which is more concealable and has much better coverage.

Perhaps, based on the name of the company ('Paraclete'), they are counting on Zeus, Poseiden, or JC to stop the boolits after the first round. Personally, I pass on any vest/plate not NIJ certified.

Ok, just wondering . . . Although I did see three hits from different rifle calibers on it. I figured that because it was a Point Blank product it might be pretty good. Also the LGS claimed that the LEO only was mandated by Point Blank, not the store. Still interested in it, but need more info.

 

[FLA45fan]

Absolutely store policy. Anyone can buy vests and armor!

Nope, Paraclete for LEO only is a Point Blank policy, not the store. Would sell me other stuff apparently.

 

[Acer-m14]

with all the armor stuff for sale these days .. every one can buy .. i'm shootin you in the crotch first .. never have seen a ar500 jock strap plate for sale yet ..
LMFAO ...

 

[freddy]

with all the armor stuff for sale these days .. every one can buy .. i'm shootin you in the crotch first .. never have seen a ar500 jock strap plate for sale yet ..
LMFAO ...

There is in fact groin armor.

Always wear mine when I carry AIWB.

 

[Marine Cpl]

There is in fact groin armor.

Always wear mine when I carry AIWB.

Lol

 

[carpediem]

They have shoulder and I believe arm armor too. You could end up looking like a multi-cam knight!

 

[freddy]

Don't forget a helmet.

In multicam, of course.

 

[FLA45fan]

Buy it online. These FFL's and gun shop employees are worst than the gun grabbers themselves.

Why LEO only??? Was that a store policy or a law?

Absolutely store policy. Anyone can buy vests and armor!

Well, Quartermaster won't sell it to me - must ship to a law enforcement agency address. Also wanted $180 for the 8x10 plate.

 

[freddy]

Well, Quartermaster won't sell it to me - must ship to a law enforcement agency address. Also wanted $180 for the 8x10 plate.

Bulletproofme.com
Bulletproofme.com
Bulletproofme.com

 

[FLA45fan]

Bulletproofme.com
Bulletproofme.com
Bulletproofme.com

Not seeing Point Blank Paraclete speed plates, not to mention $110 price point for 8x10 plates . . . Think I'd rather have a name brand for less dough. But thanks for pointing them out.

 

[freddy]

Not seeing Point Blank Paraclete speed plates, not to mention $110 price point for 8x10 plates . . . Think I'd rather have a name brand for less dough. But thanks for pointing them out.

So you want a 8x10 plate to stop pistol rounds, correct?

 

[FLA45fan]

Yeah, I guess so. I'm just looking for the magic bullet . . . Or in this case, magic bullet proof! So I see this ultra lightweight plate that is pockmarked with bullet indentations for $110 and I am intrigued! Is this my replacement for my used IIIa? Not being really educated about this stuff I'm wondering about its ability to stop rifle rounds (as shown on the demo plate). What have you heard or seen about this polyethylene plate system? How does it hold up to heat, sweat, day to day use, etc.? Is this as good as, or better than Kevlar? I dunno . . .