For When SHTF, Would You Prefer Soft Body Armor or Hard Body Armor?

[jerrob]

OK, tell that to my wife. She is 60 this month, last week her best was 19 out of 25 clays from her Red Label, she hits quail as good as I do with a Wingmaster. Wouldn’t want to be downrange from her with a short bbl. pump gun with 00 Buck. Also wouldn’t want to be the one to tell her to “stay” when the ugly hits home. I do agree with you though, just not gonna happen in my case.

Count your blessings that your wife's health allows her that option.

 

[rooster]

Idk nothing about shtf but for larping Gucci gear like some hesco l210 or guardian 4s17m’s are the way to go. No heavy steel it slows you down for pictures and doesn’t look as good. Soft plates don’t fill out a carrier right anyway

 

[Blackhawk2001]

Relax bro, it's just life. None of us make it out alive

But today's the day to start getting rid of the gut. Tomorrow never comes so you gotta start today.

I dunno man. With food shortages on the horizon, that gut may help out. (At least that's what I'm hoping for myself )

 

[DDadams]

I dunno man. With food shortages on the horizon, that gut may help out. (At least that's what I'm hoping for myself )

Oh for sure. I would actually advise TO put on ten pounds right now if you're still able to maintain fitness levels.

I have and I made sure my son and the Mrs did too. We won't be short for a while but I'd rather not risk it should we somehow lose our supplies.

 

[longbow]

Trauma Doc ( Family ) told me really fat people have the best body armor. He has been amazed what a heavy layer of fat does to slow down a bullet.

 

[WETSU]

I have both, in several configurations. I wear soft a lot. I have a heavy carrier that has plates, backed by soft, with side coverage as well. I'd say if I HAD to choose one, I'd pick my heavier soft vest with the ceramic trauma plate and call it done.

 

[Timjoebillybob]

Trauma Doc ( Family ) told me really fat people have the best body armor. He has been amazed what a heavy layer of fat does to slow down a bullet.

Can help a lot with stab wounds as well, unless they use a really long blade. A bouncer I knew years ago was stabbed multiple times (iirc at least 4 maybe more) with a 6" blade hunting knife, no internal organ damage.

 

[manifest destiny]

Soft. Something basic that defends against pistol calibers and hopefully cutting edge weapons as well.

 

[2tonic]

There's a company called Safe Life Defense that makes a soft, flexible armor that's rated NIJ Level 4, equivalent to hard plates.
I don't know how to put a link in from my phone, but they have many testing videos up on the Tube, so they should be easy enough to find.
Looks like a very interesting concept.

 

[Blackhawk2001]

Soft. Something basic that defends against pistol calibers and hopefully cutting edge weapons as well.

Most soft body armor provides little protection against stabbing penetration; it's strictly to spread the impact (and therefore, the penetration) of bullets.

Personally, while I'd prefer to have the newer polyethylene plates, or even ceramic plates, steel Level IV plates are what I can afford, and I'm prepared to accept the risks of spalling from bullet impact.