What level should I get?2A, 2, 3A? in either zeroG or secondchance,superfeatherlite?

[BLACK Z]

What level should I go with is there a big diffrence in comfort level between them? I carry a .40 cal. Thanks

[Kahuna5150]

Originally posted by BLACK Z
What level should I go with is there a big diffrence in comfort level between them? I carry a .40 cal. Thanks

The old train of thought for the type of vest to get *USED* to be somewhat based on the caliber of gun an officer carried. The old thought was you should get a vest that would *AT LEAST* stop a round from your service weapon (as sadly many officers are shot with their own guns).

Current vest technology has given us super light, super thin, and super flexible vests. Personally I would get the most protection I could afford (both money wise and comfort wise). Most good IIIA vests are no more or less heavy or uncomfortable than their IIA or II counterparts.

I always wore a vest to court and *WHENEVER* I was in a uniform (even if just working inside the station). Many people asked me if I got uncomfortable. My response was always...

"Yeah it's a bit uncomfortable, but I can't imagine it being as uncomfortable as being shot and having a chest tube in my side".

Go for the max... Don't skimp on your safety equipment. Buy good leather, a good weapon, a good holster, and a GOOD VEST!

Kahuna

[nclawdawg2001]

I just got my Gold Level II Zero G, very comfy and will stop what we carry, 124gr, 180gr, and 200 gr +p speer gold dot.

[jaybird]

good vest.

Our Pd issues the level IIIA vests from Safariland.

Also, my sentiments exactly Kahuna. I where mine ANY time I am in uniform.

I went one time working a plain clothes detail in an unmarked regular street car that I didn't wear it. I did have it in the backseat with my shotgun though. Never leave home without it.

[nsedet]

Comfort level between vests is pretty negligible...there is a weight difference, but it is not all that significant when you compare vests of similar models. I wore a IIIA when I was on patrol, in a very hot and very humid climate, and never had an issue with it (a good quality IIIA vest is far easier to wear than a poor quality IIA vest).

The best vest for you depends on your assignment and personal preferences. For a patrol cop, there is no great reason to wear anything other than a IIIA. For detectives/investigators, if you plan to wear a vest everyday, then a IIA or II may be more comfortable and concealable...if you will only wear it at certain times (warrants, high risk contacts, etc.), then a IIIA is a better choice. That said, go with whatever you will wear...find some high quality suppliers and check out their products...the more money you are willing to spend, the better (i.e., lighter and more flexible) the vest...find a make and model you like, and get it custom fitted. DO NOT spend money on a vest--no matter what the level of protection--if it is poor quality, heavy, or stiff to the point that you will never wear it. Better to have a IIA vest that you will actually wear everyday than a IIIA vest that sits on your backseat.

Personal opinion, it is a bad idea to not wear your vest anytime you are acting in a PATROL capacity, whether that is uniformed or plainclothes (anti-crime). It's one thing to be working undercover, but most anti-crime assignments are not truly undercover, and there is no reason not to wear a vest...I don't get involved in patrol work anymore, but I don't recall ever driving around in a plainclothes/anti-crime capacity where someone on the street saw me and yelled "he's got a vest on underneath his t-shirt, must be 5-0." Even with street contacts, unless you are u/c, by the time they spot your vest, they will know you are a cop anyway.