Surplus Irish Body Armour?

Would a medium or large fit a guy my size? I was going to pick up a large, but after reading the comments, a medium may do the trick. 6'2" 195 lbs. Not muscular, not fat.. Just your average Joe I suppose.
 
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Want it to fit now in mid summer, or have the adaptability to toss it on in fall/winter/spring... or in a few years/kilos down the road.

If it doesn't matter because your going to toss it into a plate carrier now or down the road I'd go larger anyway... more kevlar/plate to play with.
 
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incorrigible said:
Want it to fit now in mid summer, or have the adaptability to toss it on in fall/winter/spring... or in a few years/kilo down the road.

If it doesn't matter because your going to toss it into a plate carrier now or down the road I'd go larger anyway... more kevlar/plate to play with.
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All good points, never thought about having a winter jacket underneath or bulky clothing when its colder out.. Was also playing at the idea of a plate carrier. Thanks for your input, will probably go with a large.
 
Decivox said:
Would a medium or large fit a guy my size? I was going to pick up a large, but after reading the comments, a medium may do the trick. 6'2" 195 lbs. Not muscular, not fat.. Just your average Joe I suppose.
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Joe I am 6'1" 210 LBS and the medium is a comfortable fit, as per other comments if you haven't "filled out yet" or if you are looking to put it on over a winter jacket as opposed to under, then Large would suit you just fine. However if you plan to train with the vest on jogging, running shooting drills ect. the medium will be a better fit and you won't have it bouncing around and giving you rugburn.

On another note If you are planning to put the armour into a molle carrier, I highly reccomend the medium as the plates/soft armour in the large are bigger than those in the medium vests, thus you may have some difficulty finding a carrier which has pockets big enough to hold the large armour.

From my personal experience the Blackhawk Large Carrier perfectly fits me and my size medium plates/soft armour

Joel
 
Frontier Firearms said:
Joe I am 6'1" 210 LBS and the medium is a comfortable fit, as per other comments if you haven't "filled out yet" or if you are looking to put it on over a winter jacket as opposed to under, then Large would suit you just fine. However if you plan to train with the vest on jogging, running shooting drills ect. the medium will be a better fit and you won't have it bouncing around and giving you rugburn.

On another note If you are planning to put the armour into a molle carrier, I highly reccomend the medium as the plates/soft armour in the large are bigger than those in the medium vests, thus you may have some difficulty finding a carrier which has pockets big enough to hold the large armour.

From my personal experience the Blackhawk Large Carrier perfectly fits me and my size medium plates/soft armour

Joel
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Just like my Dad used to say, if you want answers from the horse, you talk to the front end of the horse, not the back end.

Good info Joel, thanks;)
 
Frontier Firearms said:
Joe I am 6'1" 210 LBS and the medium is a comfortable fit, as per other comments if you haven't "filled out yet" or if you are looking to put it on over a winter jacket as opposed to under, then Large would suit you just fine. However if you plan to train with the vest on jogging, running shooting drills ect. the medium will be a better fit and you won't have it bouncing around and giving you rugburn.

On another note If you are planning to put the armour into a molle carrier, I highly reccomend the medium as the plates/soft armour in the large are bigger than those in the medium vests, thus you may have some difficulty finding a carrier which has pockets big enough to hold the large armour.

From my personal experience the Blackhawk Large Carrier perfectly fits me and my size medium plates/soft armour

Joel
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Thanks Joel, I will probably pick up a medium later this month or early next. Already bought too much stuff this month lol.. Hopefully there will still be stock
 
Decivox said:
Thanks Joel, I will probably pick up a medium later this month or early next. Already bought too much stuff this month lol.. Hopefully there will still be stock
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No worries,

If there is a specific vest you are after we do offer layaway as well

Joel​



We offer $15.00 flat rate shipping Canada wide (Excludes remote locations) and 2% discount on your order when you pay with EMT​
 
I'm 6'1", 262lbs, and the very good condition extra large that I purchased, is actually too big for me.

Have to keep an eye out for a good condition large.
 
mopar guy said:
Has anyone tested these against 5.56 or 7.62 yet?

And yes, I read the whole thread...
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My ex-wife's cousin took a mag of 5.56, 2 hits to the neck, 2 hits to the arms, 2 hits to the legs, plus grenade fragments. The armour saved him on that occasion. I simply cannot watch Robocop ever again.

Someone in a UK magazine tested the RUC 13-layer codpiece, 44 Magnum didn't penetrate the plastic wrapper, .357 magnum penetrated the plastic but not the paper label underneath, 7.63 NATO went straight through. 22lr penetrated a few layers, so did 9mm para. No plate.
"http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30013986
 
Well, I just ordered a vest and an aftermarket plate carrier, maybe should have ordered 2 to test one out.

I guess it's a moot point really as I wasn't about to buy new level IV plates and soft armor anyway so this is better than nothing.
 
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Thanks for the links Bigfooter, very informative.

I haven't read anywhere that the Level IV plates from the Irish armor are stand alone so I don't think I'd be running them without the Kevlar backing like that fellow in the video is. The Kevlar backing also gives the wearer level IIIA protection right into the outer chest area where the plate no longer covers.

This stuff does expire but from my research as long as it hasn't been chemically treated, gotten wet, or creased it should still perform fairly well. Considering it's sewn into the vest and in the additional watertight inner case my hopes are high.

Level IV plates should, in theory, protect against 5.56 and 7.62 steel core rounds. I figured they will be good to have when doing drills with a partner, accidents do sometimes happen.

A new order is being placed and I'll try to snag one with the square plates if any come in, and if that happens I'll be happy to make a video testing the vest I just ordered against a variety of rifle ammo.
 
mopar guy said:
Thanks for the links Bigfooter, very informative.

I haven't read anywhere that the Level IV plates from the Irish armor are stand alone so I don't think I'd be running them without the Kevlar backing like that fellow in the video is. The Kevlar backing also gives the wearer level IIIA protection right into the outer chest area where the plate no longer covers.

This stuff does expire but from my research as long as it hasn't been chemically treated, gotten wet, or creased it should still perform fairly well. Considering it's sewn into the vest and in the additional watertight inner case my hopes are high.

Level IV plates should, in theory, protect against 5.56 and 7.62 steel core rounds. I figured they will be good to have when doing drills with a partner, accidents do sometimes happen.

A new order is being placed and I'll try to snag one with the square plates if any come in, and if that happens I'll be happy to make a video testing the vest I just ordered against a variety of rifle ammo.
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This really isn't an area to budget in, if you seriously think you may need to shield yourself from .556/7.62 in a training mishap - and I think that's pretty sound judgement, I'd buy the best stuff you can get your hands on.

I'm willing to best you've easily spent 10 times on guns and ammo, than you're planning on spending on a protective vest. When you consider what's on the line, it's crazy to economize on protective equipment, IMHO.

All the best, and safety first.
 
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