Generally when one thinks about a security vest, they assume the main consumer is in some form of military, security, or law enforcement position. Though this is the core purchasing group, the audience for these vests is actually a wider array of citizens than one might think. Civilians who do not occupy a hazardous position can still easily find non-doomsday applications for these products, such as hunting, aid work, bounty hunting, and even recreational paintballing. It is important to understand the options available and the intended application in order to choose the best vest for the situation. In fact, depending on planned usage a single individual may opt to own multiple security vests. It is important to note that though the average civilian cannot purchase a wide variety of heavy duty plated or Kevlar vests through common channels like Amazon, there are many options that can provide adequate protection or be retrofitted with plating if the need arises.
21" Adjustable Tactical Outdoor Hunting Vest
One of the most basic differentiations between the many vests on the market is armored versus non-armored. There are plenty of tactical vests available that come with pouches and compartments for carrying gear and ammunition, but the majority are “soft” and do not come with any sort of Kevlar or plating to protect the wearer. If this extra protection is desired, a plate carrier type vest should be sought out. Alternately, if one chooses to purchase an un-armored vest it can always be paired with an armored security vest underneath such as the 21" Adjustable Tactical Outdoor Hunting Vest by Modern Warrior.
Modular Vest
The next basic choice in considering a security vest is fixed configuration versus customizable. A fixed configuration vest has a permanent installation of pockets and fasteners and is generally cheaper than customizable options, but they are usually made with right handed wearers in mind. Left handed wearers or those with specialized needs may be better off with a customizable vest even though they can be more expensive since attachments are often purchased separately. Condor is a popular brand that sells an extremely versatile Modular Vest with a wide variety of attachments, but the only downside is that it cannot be modified with plating. If heavier protection is desired, consider the GLORYFIRE Tactical Vest Elite which can accept medium or large ESAPI plates up to 10.25”x13.25” and is also completely customizable. In choosing a vest where the configuration can be changed, the owner may spend more on individual pouches, fasteners, and gear, but they can also save money in the long run if they will be using it often and for varying situations.
GLORYFIRE Tactical Vest Elite
If a fixed configuration vest is preferred, situational factors should take the forefront in the decision-making process. The wearer may need to prioritize ammunition, water, auxiliary gear, or even minimizing all the above for endurance or mobility. Even ammunition needs should be considered with care as different weapons require specific gear for carrying their ammo. Shotgun shells are best carried in a manner vastly different from magazines, and even magazines come in many different sizes, so generic pouches often go to waste. The wearer also may want to consider the ability to mount a secondary weapon like a handgun or knife. The UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest is a great compromise of these needs for the wearer who has many requirements. UTG also offers a lleft handed draw version.
UTG 547 Left Handed Draw Version
UTG 547 Law Enforcement Tactical Vest
For the heavy duty wearer who may be using their vest for paintball one day and high risk scenarios the next, the Yakeda Tactical Vest is a moderately customizable option that is lightweight but can also carry plating. It is worth noting that the padded shoulder straps and rifle-sized magazine pouches make this particular selection more appropriate for rifle usage.
Yakeda Tactical Vest
One of the most convenient features of tactical safety vests is that they are generally one size fits all due to the adjustable straps. There are some products that are better suited to smaller sizes, like the NC Star Children’s Vest, but for the most part these vests fit most body types from average to multiple XL.
NC Star Children’s Vest
Since most vests available to civilians do not come with armor plates and instead are simply considered plate carriers, some consideration should be given to the types of plates that can be purchased to augment their security. For basic lightweight use, Airsoft has a Wargame Tactical Soldier Gear product made from EVA foam that can be added to vests, backpacks, and other plate carrying gear. It is lightweight and best used for non-lethal activity such as paintball and light combat.
Wargame Tactical Soldier Gear
If one is looking to prevent injury from pistols, level IIIa (3a) NIJ certified inserts are recommended, such as the Level IIIA UHMWPE 12”x10” panel by Level 4.
Level IIIA UHMWPE
For a more serious use, the NCStar PE Ballistic Panel is a level IV panel which at 12”x10” and 3.2 pounds will fit into most tactical entry vests and not add a significant amount of weight. It is advertised as being able to withstand any rifle round, including 7.62x39, 0.223, and 0.308. Phalanx makes a comparable level IV ceramic composite plate that is sold in a set of 2 and is also 12”x10”. It is important to note that most inserts meant for ballistic use are not necessarily rated for stab effectiveness.
NCStar PE Ballistic Panel
Though not necessarily the most important decision to make in the vest buying process, color may also be a concern. Most vests come in black as a basic offering, but since black is not a color commonly found in nature sellers tend to offer their products varying degrees of camouflage and natural colors. Often the camouflage patterns can cost more than solids, so it is worth considering an olive or tan vest and accessorizing with camouflage Molle gear if possible.
Ceramic Composite Plate
A basic tactical safety vest is easy to find but it is important for the wearer to seriously consider usage when making the purchase and in potential modifications. There are plenty of options from reputable sellers but proper research should always come first since this gear can literally be the difference between life and death.