What is one of the most crucial factors you must take into account while considering how should Body armor fit? A good fit. Without it, wearers may become exposed to dangers from which they may have otherwise been shielded. Additionally, a proper fit can increase comfort for prolonged use and ensure that the wearer is able to perform in the manner required to remain safe. Your intended use case, surroundings, body type, and expectations will all play a significant role in this.
How should Body Armor Fit
Knowing these intricate details can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to wearing body armor and are attempting to figure out which vests, carriers, armor, and side protection are the best options for your needs while gazing at a computer screen, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Choose your style
Comparing covert and overt carriers Some people choose to wear their body armor covertly—under their clothes or their duty uniform—while others want to wear it over the top (overtly). The decision depends on personal preference and the needs of the intended use. For both situations, Safe Life Defense offers a variety of options.
Ease of use
There are surely many possibilities accessible when it comes to the carrier’s style. In this area, where movement can become painful or constrained, the neck and arms are frequently a source of conflict. Without the ability to move, you either become an easy target or serve as a scapegoat. We advise using a modified shooter’s cut or a carrier that has a shooter’s cut.
Considerations for Perfect Fit
When considering your options, there are a number of cuts to consider to ensure how should body armor fit, and the market now has more diversity than ever.
Full Cut: A rectangle or square with little to no shoulder cut. These are frequently used as side protection or as backpack plates. A minor incision made at the shoulders to provide the user more range of motion is known as a shooter’s cut. The most popular choice is this one. Swimmers Cut: A bigger shoulder cut that goes deeper down the sides to improve range of motion and mobility while reducing overall body weight A shooter’s cut may provide more coverage than this alternative. A 45-degree cut or close symmetrical clip, frequently with radius rounded corners, is known as a small arms protective insert (SAPI).
ArmorSoft Armor Panels come in several sizes that offer full circumferential protection, which means they will cover more surface area and wrap around your sides. Historically, older versions of armor had not adequately covered this area, but today, it is common practice to modify the size of soft panels in accordance with body size.
Manufacturers typically supply plates, such as Hard Rifle Plates or Flexible Rifle Armor, in sizes of 10″ W × 12″ H, but they can also be found in lesser dimensions of 8″ W x 10″ H and bigger dimensions of 11″ W x 14″. The U.S. Military may also use inserts that are 9.5″ W x 12.5″ H.
Panels that are self-contained Self structuredTM describes the way that all Safe Life Defense Panels are constructed to provide enhanced strike resistance and long-term use. It enables the panel to float freely inside the carrier without the use of a cumbersome Velcro system or suspension. These panels reduce drooping and distribute the panel’s weight uniformly over the body, making the armor much more comfortable because they don’t hang from the shoulders. Since our panels are self structuredTM, curling, a problem with many other manufacturers, is also eliminated. Curling happens when the panel’s bottom turns over on itself after sitting at the vest’s base. This is something that is both irreparable and expensive.
Testing
Now that your Body Armor has been delivered and you are prepared to use it, where do you begin? These items don’t always come with manuals or instructions. Fear not; by according to the tips below, you can make sure that your armor fits properly, is comfortable to wear, and provides the most amount of protection.
The “Rib Cage Rule” states that carriers should be positioned so that their bases cover your ribcage. Your navel should be at the top or in the middle of the base of your vest. The vest shouldn’t be too long since it can obstruct your belt (see our belt options here), but it shouldn’t be too short either because it might not provide enough coverage. The most important organs of your body are all protected as long as it covers your ribcage.
Checking the Sternum: The neck of your vest should be positioned 1-2 inches below your finger, on the first notch of your sternum, in the middle of your chest, between your collarbones. Here, you’ll determine and confirm the optimum neckline height. You might need to size up or down to get your center of mass completely encased in the armor if your vest doesn’t fit in this location with your optimal belly button configuration.
The Gap Filler: Make sure your side straps are straight and do not cross when you fasten them, working from front to back, one side at a time. This stops your vest from sagging or riding up. Your side straps should be snug enough to close any holes in your armor’s protection while also allowing for unrestricted movement. Additionally, the bottoms of your front and rear panels should be equal. This helps prevent unneeded wear and tear from friction. You should place the front panel on top of the back panel if there is a tiny overlap. For enhanced concealability, you can think about scaling down if your overlap exceeds 1-2 inches.
The Back Bulge: On the backside of a body armor vest’s neckline, a tiny bulge or protrusion may appear with certain body types. But fixing this is quite simple! Simply remove the front of your shoulder strap, move the vest shoulder to the side, and secure the strap straight down onto the Velcro if you notice that this area is protruding significantly. Your vest’s back ought to be flush and flat at this point.
The Security Check Final Sit Test! You’re relaxed, you can move easily, none of the straps are sagging, your vest is secure, and—this is the most crucial factor—you take the time to make sure you can sit comfortably.
Finding the ideal gift—let alone one that fits—can be challenging, whether it’s a t-shirt, belt, or body armor. You may consider how may body armor fit. Once decided, you may choose body armor for someone else with confidence thanks to Safe Life Defense’s FREE Size Exchanges and Satisfaction Guarantee!
