Thread: Point Blank Bullet Proof Vests - Do They Work?

Here in NYC, ABC News ran a story tonight regarding at least 900 Point Blank vests that were purchased by the NYPD and were later found to be defective.

ABC News reported that during shooting tests by the NYPD, bullet fragments from a .357 hollow-point passed all the way through the vests.

According to ABC, the NYPD is now reportedly in talks with Point Blank to replace the vests for the NYPD. ABC News inferred that Point Blank regularly ships "bad" vests out to keep costs down and profits up.

I attempted to locate the article on-line with no success.....

Hi:

This is old news. It's been written about in the local rags; the cop-hating Newsday had a piece on it. The NYPD is in negotiations with Point Blank to replace those vests. Check the NYPD PBA web site.

Personally, I think the folks at Point Blank should be criminally prosecuted for selling this garbage to those who put their lives on the line every day.

Be safe,

Minotaur

Point Blank sold the same vests to the military and an investigation is ongoing. Trust me, if there is criminal liability to be imposed, DoD will handle it (or Point Blank will pay a very high settlement to avoid prosecution).

Geo

Well I must say I hope they do something about those damn vests!! I mean I saw the same thing on the news tonight.. And I must say I do not trust me vest.. It is a sad thing.. We can not even get a vest that works in NYC...

This is why they are referred to as Bullet "resistant" vest and NOT Bullet "proof" vest. IMHO nothing is a sure bet. Even if the thing was made to proper spec there is still a slight chance of it failing. I just hope mine holds up if I should ever have need of it.

Now as far as these Point Blank people shipping a product that they KNEW for sure was sub standard, hell yes they should be held criminally liable. No police agency should deal with them either, not after violating their officer’s trust like that. IF the story is straight up that is. We all know how accurate the media can be at times, .


Stay Safe, Da Foot

Now I am glad they do not sell to civilians.

HOLY SMOKES!!

This is surprising to me since I was sent by the Army Rangers on behalf of the Infantry school at Ft. Benning to go to Point Blank and make recommendations on the new vest that Rangers and Marines were getting. This was in 99.


I will tell you that they rolled out the red carpet for us for obvious reasons. Its not rocket science to know that a lot of equipment we are issued is made by the lowest bidder in the Army. I dont know how LE is and how you all aquire your equipment but would venture to say it is the same. Its all about $$.


I will tell you this though, I was given a tour of their entire operation and how they make a vest from start to finish. Materials they use, how its constructed, and testing for quality control. It was top notch!! I had the opportunity to meet the CEO/Owner who is an older woman and employees to talk with them about their work. There were a couple that had prior military experience. These folks took their work seriously folks, Im here to tell you.


The walls of the company are filled with letters and news paper articles sent from LE Officers from all over the country about how their vest saved them. Everything from car accidents to shootings.


They have the capability to test their vests everything from a .22 to 30-06. I witnessed a test on a vest an Agency in the G was getting. It was impressive to say the least. It was half the weight and offered the same level of protection we were getting. They have a 25 yard range in house and they place the vest on a clay dummy to measure blunt force trauma. I dont recall the round they used to test a vest they pulled off the floor but they shot it multiple times at different ranges with no penetration but a lot of blunt force trauma. I know your Dept. or Agency probably has different standards but I am not convinced that they are a bad company regardless of what the media tends to say. I was sent on a dog and poney show but, It gave me confidence to know that there are people out there working to make me live a little longer so I can fight another day. Take care and be safe.


Ski

Does anyone have the model#. I have an INS issued Point Blank.

I agree with HAVEGUNWILLTRAVEL. I met one of their R&D managers on a flight one time. He knew more about ballistics and bullet resistant materials than anyone I've ever spoken to or read. He impressed me with his professionalism and dedication to the product and its intended use. I have his card in my desk. I'll shoot him an e-mail and get his opinion.