Armor

ndaholic

Private
Minuteman
Jan 9, 2021
47
5
Huntsville, AL
Hey fellas. I served 6 years Security Forces in the AF but all we used was flak jackets and I have no idea what kind of bullet proof vests they issued us. So...I am thinking about getting plates and a carrier and would like some advice please.

1. Budget: $400.
2. Height 6' and weight 210.

Anything else I need to add in order to give you guys an idea of what to suggest? Thinking about Crye Precision but not sure if I'd need the JPC 2.0, CPC, JPC, etc...

I'd also like a soft bulletproof vest.
 
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I run a SKD PIG with Hesco 4400 MC plates. I’m pretty much an Oompa Loompa at 5’10” and 260 but I’m working on getting back to a more useful weight. I have a shorter torso so I’ve always preferred medium plates although I did wear large plates for a bit when I first joined the Army.

Don’t buy AR500 plates they are not worth it and if you look around you can find special threat plates that stop a lot of the more common rounds for not much more in price. I hate to direct you to another forum but Primary & Secondary have some really good threads on everything you need to know about armor.
 
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Hesco level IV sapi plates.

JPC 2.0 is awesome for a lightweight functional carrier. if you want a full cage heavy duty carrier, get the AVs package as it’s modular.

no feedback on soft armor. Don’t have any.
 
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There is a really good thread somewhere that discusses body armor. I’ll try and find it. I also saw some hesco IV’s in the PX not to long ago that were shooter cut for a good price.
 
Hey fellas. I served 6 years Security Forces in the AF but all we used was flak jackets and I have no idea what kind of bullet proof vests they issued us. So...I am thinking about getting plates and a carrier and would like some advice please.

1. Budget: $400.
2. Height 6' and weight 210.

Anything else I need to add in order to give you guys an idea of what to suggest? Thinking about Crye Precision but not sure if I'd need the JPC 2.0, CPC, JPC, etc...

I'd also like a soft bulletproof vest.
first rule is don't get shot, dawg
 
You arent going to be able to buy a Plate Carrier, hard plates, and soft armor with 400 bucks.

What level of protection do you want?

In general, for 400 bucks i'd get either a set of Hesco L210 plates, or Hesco 4400 Level 4 Plates, and a Ferro Slickster or Pig Brig PC. That would probably put you a little over budget, but get you close.
 
You arent going to be able to buy a Plate Carrier, hard plates, and soft armor with 400 bucks.

What level of protection do you want?

In general, for 400 bucks i'd get either a set of Hesco L210 plates, or Hesco 4400 Level 4 Plates, and a Ferro Slickster or Pig Brig PC. That would probably put you a little over budget, but get you close.
Ferro slickster is a fucking unicorn these days. Never I’m stock and when they r, gone in 60 seconds. Been trying to get one for months.
 
Ferro slickster is a fucking unicorn these days. Never I’m stock and when they r, gone in 60 seconds. Been trying to get one for months.
I’m sure I’ll catch some shit for this, but I bought a an LAPG Low Vis carrier a while back for use as a workout weight vest. Found it to be a surprisingly well made carrier, especially considering the price point. A decent Slickster temporary replacement/budget option if anyone is looking.
 
Don’t discount the SKD First Spear carrier. You’ll be about $50 a $100 over budget but you can get shooter cut HESSCO IV plates and a First Spear carrier for the 10x12 plates. The cummerbund that comes with it works Ok, it’s comfortable to move in, etc but I don’t have my radio or IFAK added yet so my impression may change. I added shoulder pads and I run either a Blueforce or tactical tailor mag shingle depending on if I want retention. Don’t forget to factor in pouches. They are expensive unless you live next to Ft Bragg and buy that shit used.

I’m sure there are less expensive setups but this is one of the least expensive brand name kits I’ve seen.
 
I was in the AF from 2007 to 2013 and I’m pretty sure the armor I had while deployed was made by shellback tactical. But I could be mistaken.