How long does armor last?
- Thread starter DJAG1381
- Start date
Re: How long does armor last?
3-5 years if I recall correctly. I seem to remember that sweating, and all the salt slowly breaking the material down over time. Also depends on amount of use.
3-5 years if I recall correctly. I seem to remember that sweating, and all the salt slowly breaking the material down over time. Also depends on amount of use.
Re: How long does armor last?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mackdrvr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3-5 years if I recall correctly. I seem to remember that sweating, and all the salt slowly breaking the material down over time. Also depends on amount of use. </div></div>
That's pretty consistent with what I found through some searches. Thanks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mackdrvr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3-5 years if I recall correctly. I seem to remember that sweating, and all the salt slowly breaking the material down over time. Also depends on amount of use. </div></div>
That's pretty consistent with what I found through some searches. Thanks
Re: How long does armor last?
Every armor manufacturer that I know of is five years. That's what they "warranty" them for. There have been tests on 20 year old Kevlar vests, and I do mean REAL KEVLAR, vests that still meet the spec. New materials and construction methods have watered down armor over the last few years to where the don't last as long and are more vulnerable to environmental conditions.
Every armor manufacturer that I know of is five years. That's what they "warranty" them for. There have been tests on 20 year old Kevlar vests, and I do mean REAL KEVLAR, vests that still meet the spec. New materials and construction methods have watered down armor over the last few years to where the don't last as long and are more vulnerable to environmental conditions.
Re: How long does armor last?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jguerry81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With minimal wear, how long does a Kevlar vest last? </div></div>
I still own the Second Chance Model Y panels that I paid $90.00 for the whole vest in 1977 when I signed on as a rookie policeman.
I'd still rely on it today over nothing at all. Installed in a new carrier, I believe it would STILL stop .22/32/380/38/9mm/357/40 (which didn't exist then)/45.
Even thinking of taking a .357 mag hit while wearing it makes me wince a bit....
Now, do I know for sure that it will still work?
No. But I don't think vests wear out in 3 - 5 years either.
YMMV
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jguerry81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With minimal wear, how long does a Kevlar vest last? </div></div>
I still own the Second Chance Model Y panels that I paid $90.00 for the whole vest in 1977 when I signed on as a rookie policeman.
I'd still rely on it today over nothing at all. Installed in a new carrier, I believe it would STILL stop .22/32/380/38/9mm/357/40 (which didn't exist then)/45.
Even thinking of taking a .357 mag hit while wearing it makes me wince a bit....
Now, do I know for sure that it will still work?
No. But I don't think vests wear out in 3 - 5 years either.
YMMV
Re: How long does armor last?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jguerry81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With minimal wear, how long does a Kevlar vest last? </div></div>
There is no set answer.
Five years is the industry standard for service life, but that assumes you are wearing it every day and caring for it properly. If it's cleaned and stored in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight it could be a very long time.
However if I am going to wear armor, I am going to make sure it works. I would replace it after five. It's cheap compared to a bullet removal or burial.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jguerry81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With minimal wear, how long does a Kevlar vest last? </div></div>
There is no set answer.
Five years is the industry standard for service life, but that assumes you are wearing it every day and caring for it properly. If it's cleaned and stored in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight it could be a very long time.
However if I am going to wear armor, I am going to make sure it works. I would replace it after five. It's cheap compared to a bullet removal or burial.
Re: How long does armor last?
5 years is so the armor copany's can sell new vests ever 5 years. I have personally shot 16+ yr old vests ( 8 to 10 for demo's four last month ) with 9mm, .40, .45, OO buck and slugs and have never had any round go more than 4 layers.
5 years is so the armor copany's can sell new vests ever 5 years. I have personally shot 16+ yr old vests ( 8 to 10 for demo's four last month ) with 9mm, .40, .45, OO buck and slugs and have never had any round go more than 4 layers.
Re: How long does armor last?
We tested some old vest that had been stored stacked up in large boxes, stored in an unheated or cooled house trailor for several years. The vest tested did not fail to stop the rounds they were rated for. However, they were placed in front of jugs of water, and I'm not really sure jugs of water offered enough resistance to simulate the human torso.
An old vest is better than none.
We tested some old vest that had been stored stacked up in large boxes, stored in an unheated or cooled house trailor for several years. The vest tested did not fail to stop the rounds they were rated for. However, they were placed in front of jugs of water, and I'm not really sure jugs of water offered enough resistance to simulate the human torso.
An old vest is better than none.
Re: How long does armor last?
Usually I wouldn't jump in a thread like this, but I have something to add. I have an old set of police armor, PACA, and a set of interceptor armor. The police vest has to be from 99 or 2000 maybe, new old stock. The interceptor would have been from 03 or 04. I knew how to store them, keeping them flat in a cool dark place (and really hope that is where they stay). But I'd heard of it "wearing out" over time and they have warranties that rarely last over five years.
Then I ran across a guy on another site a year or two ago and he knew a LOT about armor, he's an industry insider it turned out. He said the kevlar doesn't have a known expiration date provided it is stored properly, but that some of the newer "wonder fibers" ie, not kevlar, do. Some of those only last a few years and it depends on what you have. Some of those fabrics that degrade are used in plates too, but apparently when laminated they don't degrade like they do in fabric form. That was interesting.
You want to look and find out what kind of fabric your vest is made from first, then note the lot or serial number on it and call the vest company and see if there were ever any recalls on it. They can also tell you what it is made of, but because of their warranties and lawyer shit, they won't tell you if it is any good or if it holds up still. Some companies won't want to talk to you at all. If that is the case, then just throw everything you have at the search engine and you'll find it that way.
But if it is kevlar and it has been stored properly, it should last for quite a while. It's a lot like nylon, and like nylon, it lasts a long time if stored well, but if left in the sun it becomes brittle. Store flat on the floor in the closet or under the bed.
Usually I wouldn't jump in a thread like this, but I have something to add. I have an old set of police armor, PACA, and a set of interceptor armor. The police vest has to be from 99 or 2000 maybe, new old stock. The interceptor would have been from 03 or 04. I knew how to store them, keeping them flat in a cool dark place (and really hope that is where they stay). But I'd heard of it "wearing out" over time and they have warranties that rarely last over five years.
Then I ran across a guy on another site a year or two ago and he knew a LOT about armor, he's an industry insider it turned out. He said the kevlar doesn't have a known expiration date provided it is stored properly, but that some of the newer "wonder fibers" ie, not kevlar, do. Some of those only last a few years and it depends on what you have. Some of those fabrics that degrade are used in plates too, but apparently when laminated they don't degrade like they do in fabric form. That was interesting.
You want to look and find out what kind of fabric your vest is made from first, then note the lot or serial number on it and call the vest company and see if there were ever any recalls on it. They can also tell you what it is made of, but because of their warranties and lawyer shit, they won't tell you if it is any good or if it holds up still. Some companies won't want to talk to you at all. If that is the case, then just throw everything you have at the search engine and you'll find it that way.
But if it is kevlar and it has been stored properly, it should last for quite a while. It's a lot like nylon, and like nylon, it lasts a long time if stored well, but if left in the sun it becomes brittle. Store flat on the floor in the closet or under the bed.
Re: How long does armor last?
We ended up with several old flak jackets from like 1983-1985.
I took mine to the range. It stopped all of the usual calibers. .22lr, 9mm, .357 mag, .44 mag, bird shot, and slugs.
7.62x39 and 5.56 ripped through it.
I don't know how those compare to a modern vest in terms of material and thickness, though.
We ended up with several old flak jackets from like 1983-1985.
I took mine to the range. It stopped all of the usual calibers. .22lr, 9mm, .357 mag, .44 mag, bird shot, and slugs.
7.62x39 and 5.56 ripped through it.
I don't know how those compare to a modern vest in terms of material and thickness, though.
Re: How long does armor last?
We changed ours every 3 to 5yrs. It depends on how often the were worn, if they got wet, and if they were stored right. A lot of variables, some in the same lot will quit working before others.
We changed ours every 3 to 5yrs. It depends on how often the were worn, if they got wet, and if they were stored right. A lot of variables, some in the same lot will quit working before others.
Re: How long does armor last?
While getting sized today I asked some questions from the new company that we are using. Their vests are warranted for 5 years but I asked how long they are good for and they stated that they have shot 20 year old vests and they held up. Looks like they will give a killer deal on a plate/soft tactical molle carrier for my old soft armor and plates to keep at home. Unbelievable price compared to the ones I have seen sold on some of the sites.
While getting sized today I asked some questions from the new company that we are using. Their vests are warranted for 5 years but I asked how long they are good for and they stated that they have shot 20 year old vests and they held up. Looks like they will give a killer deal on a plate/soft tactical molle carrier for my old soft armor and plates to keep at home. Unbelievable price compared to the ones I have seen sold on some of the sites.
Re: How long does armor last?
Most people that work the sales counter at a police supply store or even the phone lines at an armor company don't have any freaking clue what they are talking about. If you ask them what they are selling, they can tell you what the brand name of the armor package is, but they don't know anything past that. If they can't tell you the composition of the panels(what materials are used AND the method of putting them together) ask for another rep or take your business elsewhere.
Laminated products, in general, are not are durable as woven products
It's like the difference between marine grade plywood and chip/fiber/OSB board. Soak both in water, add heat, and see which one you want to bet your life on.....
Most people that work the sales counter at a police supply store or even the phone lines at an armor company don't have any freaking clue what they are talking about. If you ask them what they are selling, they can tell you what the brand name of the armor package is, but they don't know anything past that. If they can't tell you the composition of the panels(what materials are used AND the method of putting them together) ask for another rep or take your business elsewhere.
Laminated products, in general, are not are durable as woven products
It's like the difference between marine grade plywood and chip/fiber/OSB board. Soak both in water, add heat, and see which one you want to bet your life on.....
Re: How long does armor last?
Google "Gary Roberts body armor" and set back for a few hours of reading.
Here is one of the better ones
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19912
Google "Gary Roberts body armor" and set back for a few hours of reading.
Here is one of the better ones
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19912
Re: How long does armor last?
In the Army, at least SPEAR cut armor and SAPI, you replace them every 5 years or if the ceramics were dropped from above waist onto hard surfaces i.e. concrete. Or if it was hit by shrapnel, small arms, or anything that could puncture the surface of the PC to make a gash larger than a quater.
In the Army, at least SPEAR cut armor and SAPI, you replace them every 5 years or if the ceramics were dropped from above waist onto hard surfaces i.e. concrete. Or if it was hit by shrapnel, small arms, or anything that could puncture the surface of the PC to make a gash larger than a quater.
Re: How long does armor last?
It depends on what you are using it for..SHTF, military use or LE use. I can only speak from LE use..the recommendation is 5 yrs and is subjective based on its use, care for, enviourmental conditions, etc. It does degrade with time if used or not cared for properly. Any other opinion/research done by NIJ we take seriously to limit our liability since we purchase and issue them out.
I have vests from the 90's that will still stop rounds however it's nice to know you have the latest technology in armor protecting you. I'll choose my vest born in 2012 over my vest born in 1995.
So how long does it last...hard to say to be honest but even old armor is still somewhat effective.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jguerry81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With minimal wear, how long does a Kevlar vest last? </div></div>
It depends on what you are using it for..SHTF, military use or LE use. I can only speak from LE use..the recommendation is 5 yrs and is subjective based on its use, care for, enviourmental conditions, etc. It does degrade with time if used or not cared for properly. Any other opinion/research done by NIJ we take seriously to limit our liability since we purchase and issue them out.
I have vests from the 90's that will still stop rounds however it's nice to know you have the latest technology in armor protecting you. I'll choose my vest born in 2012 over my vest born in 1995.
So how long does it last...hard to say to be honest but even old armor is still somewhat effective.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jguerry81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With minimal wear, how long does a Kevlar vest last? </div></div>
Re: How long does armor last?
http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/440107306/m/61120452763
http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/440107306/m/320104903
Nylon will deteriorate from heat and the material can deteriorate from Ultraviolet radiation. Keeping in mind UV radiation penetrates very short distances into fibers. Kevlar itself is very resistant to deterioration to heat. It melts at 850 degrees and is full strength to 350 degrees.
Some vests use different forms of plastics as mentioned above. Which have radically different properties.
It's almost completely inert to most common chemicals with some degradation to acids.
http://www2.dupont.com/Kevlar/en_US/assets/downloads/KEVLAR_Technical_Guide.pdf
http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/440107306/m/61120452763
http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/440107306/m/320104903
Nylon will deteriorate from heat and the material can deteriorate from Ultraviolet radiation. Keeping in mind UV radiation penetrates very short distances into fibers. Kevlar itself is very resistant to deterioration to heat. It melts at 850 degrees and is full strength to 350 degrees.
Some vests use different forms of plastics as mentioned above. Which have radically different properties.
It's almost completely inert to most common chemicals with some degradation to acids.
http://www2.dupont.com/Kevlar/en_US/assets/downloads/KEVLAR_Technical_Guide.pdf
