Wow, I was just checking ebay for these, and you can pretty much get them for under $100 easy. I was thinking they were MUCH more expensive. At that price, no reason each person in the family can't have one. That is awesome!
Well if you are getting kevlar be sure to buy new, if you are serious about it, and you think you will get shot. Bear in mind most kevlar vests arn't designed for rifles of the .30 calibre and above type, mostly just small calibre. Check out the NIJ ratings. A vest may be better than no vest but don't expect just to have one and put it on on a rainy day and expect to be tactical in it.
If you think you are actually going to take rifle fire, get plates and a plate carrier, you can also do a vest. IMO though Police flak vests level 3A and above are heavy and imo are only good in cool climates, if you are highly mobile - as it adds to the heat rating big time to be mobile in them, its like wearing a super insulated layer. the thin conceiled vests are a much better buy imo along with a plate carrier that you can put ceramics or metal plates in.
I've heard people mention that certain tire inlays for trucks can also be used.
Just remember kevlar degrades with heat, moisture and time.
I have my vest mostly for training, and the odd chance that gunfire breaks. None the less you don't want to get shot.
Just realize that more or less what you want is a plate carrier and plates (that can be bought real cheap from china in bulk).
The vests add weight and bulk. IMO if you get good plates you are covered for life. Kevlar however needs to be replaced periodically.
tactical gear isn't very practical to wear day to day... concealed body armour is, and plates can be inserted into normal clothing if modified to hold it. bear that in mind when opting for body armour.
Just remember your torso is only one part of your body if you honestly think you are going to get shot, consider getting a helmet that can be used for many different things like climbing, biking etc.. however these are normally only level 3A.. meaning if it is an assault rifle it is a plinker.
Most people don't opt for lower body protection, or arm protection. It costs about $1000 for a set of tactical armour. Also consider a full size legion riot shield to top out the riot body armour.
$100 is cheap but what exactly are you getting and how are you using it?
better than nothing true, but speed can be useful too. Also realize that some jurisidictions have body armour as a controlled product, so it isn't legal to wear or buy everywhere..
keep this in mind if you plan on travelling with it.
its heavy bear in mind what you are going to want it 1" or larger peices of metal like steel.. that are coated to reduce spalling. that is heavy.. think plate mail... it is really a toss up between comfort and protection. You will use more energy with serious armour.. until the carbon nanocomposites hit the market.
think of this type stuff when considering a lifelong armour choice
the carbon stuff is the future..
this is what the elite will have