Selecting Tactical Armor
 
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TIPS FOR SELECTING THE PROPER TACTICAL ARMOR
One of the most important purchasing decisions a SWAT unit can make is one of tactical armor. However, the process choosing a tactical vest is often confusing and frustrating. The result is often that a team ends up spending their budget on a model that is not appropriate for their needs and is therefore stuck with for years. While this is sometimes the result of receiving poor or incomplete information from a vendor or manufacturer, it is often the result of ailing to properly define their needs and consider all options before purchasing.
A vest that is "popular" or "in the news" may not necessarily be the best choice for you.
Consider the following issues before purchasing:
Tactical vests are generally available in WAIST length or FULL length and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. A waist length vest allows you to keep your primary equipment (pistol, mags, etc.) on the duty belt allowing removal of the vest without removing other gear. A waist length vest, however, exposes and inch or so of abdomen protection.
A full length vest provides the maximum amount of abdomen coverage possible. However, there is difficulty in accessing items on your duty belt. All equipment must be carried on the vest which requires you to both train with it and wear it all items. They also have a tendency to ride up into the throat when sitting or squatting.
Tactical vests are available in MODULAR or FIXED pocket configurations. A fixed pocket vest is generally less expensive and provide uniformity for team members allowing for rotation of vests within a unit. However fixed pockets do not allow for changes in assignments, unit rotation or new equipment.
A modular pocket vest is flexible for individual configuration. Changes in team assignments or personnel are as easy as removing and replacing pockets. However, they tend to be more expensive and may be noisier due to the Velcro backing.Sleeves?
Collars offer greater ballistic protection and protection from broken glass or other debris and eliminates the slipping of rifle slings down into the area between the vest and collarbone.
However, the may interfere with some ballistic helmets and may inhibit peripheral vision. They can also be uncomfortable when observing or shooting from a prone position.
Ballistic sleeves almost completely cover the arm opening and provide protection from the single most vulnerable, and perhaps most dangerous, area in which one can be shot. A shot can easily penetrate an officer's arm and go into the chest cavity. Some say that sleeves may be more valuable gear than a helmet because an officer is twice as likely to be shot under the arm than in the head!
Sleeves, however, do increase the cost of the vest by a couple of hundred dollars.
I've made my choice, now how should I set up a vest?
Here are a few suggestions on what to do based on much feedback from a variety of teams.
Keep your gun close to your hip - Most officer training is based on a duty holster worn on the hip. Your body will default to basic training in time of need, i.e. reaching for the hip. Therefore a thigh holster or a low ride holster is a great idea, wearing your gun on the vest is
Keep your gas mask on the BACK of your vest - Thigh pouches may be a popular way to carry masks nowadays, however, your thighs may be best used to carry gear used more often (ammo, holster, etc.). Besides, gas mask on the thighs are bulky and can easily bang on doorways and ruin your element of surprise or slow you down.
Keep things close to wear you would normally wear them - Meaning keep your mags low on the front of the vest, cuffs in back, etc. Try to place the gear on your vest as close to how you set up your duty belt. This is specially true for part-time teams that do not frequently train in their tactical gear.
If its heavy, its better on the legs - Our center of gravity is approximately at our waists, placing heavy items below the waist causes less fatigue than wearing them above. So your flashbangs may be best on a thigh rig.
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