Body Armour Blues

[guy incognito]

Picked up my new body armour this week and I hate it already. It's made by this lot...

www.hawkprotection.co.uk

and I'm told it ties in with the rest of forces in Scotland who are getting issued with it too.

My major gripe is it is covered with airwaves clips (4) but there is no old style radio loops. I found a carabiner ideal for cliping keys to the front of my vest and a torch could be slipped under the old loops.

From a comfort point of view, it's much worse too. Yes, it covers more of my body than the old style, but it has to go on/off over my head, which takes longer than a simple zip up the middle. If in the office I'd wear my old armour, but have it unzipped for comfort. This new thing has to be taken completely on or off.

Even the style looks daft with a blue and white reflective stripe round it so all the bad people can see you coming and run away. 

The only plus point is the pockets are slightly bigger and can now hold a sandwich AND a mars bar 

Bah!

[FN21]

I agree it is a pain that armour manufacturers seem to have an addiction to klikfast.  It is a great system but 4 attachment points is overkill when you want somewhere to clip things like peli lights and pens.

Enforce Logic do an klikfast thingy for clipping stuff to but you wouldn't fit your torch behind it!

http://www.enforce-logic.co.uk/versabrite_iii.php

I guess the over the head design will come down to personal preference, some will like some, like yourself wont.  Personally I prefer my over head armour.

[guy incognito]

I've managed to get a clip connected to my airwaves cover which will do the job of holding keys. 

I just prefer a bit of flexability in my gear. To my mind the system that you see on military body armour (Molle I think it is?) seems much better, as you are able to attach holders, pouches, radio etc. when and where you want them.

It looks ideal to me and is used by our firearms teams on their bodyarmour.

[FN21]

My bodyarmour is basically velcro all over the front.  We get issued all sorts of different velcro backed stuff to stick to it, for example handcuff holder, airwaves docks etc.  It works really well, but I hear the bosses are looking at something slightly different to replace it with.

[Juggernaught]

Does anybody have any recommendations on what to wear underneath the uniform to help with the sweating.

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

The 5.11 tight fit shirts are expensive but ideal...
http://www.enforce-logic.co.uk/511_40005.php

[Juggernaught]

That looks ideal does it come in white?

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

It does come in white as well but at the moment we don't stock the white at enforce-logic.  Most forces have moved over to the black tops now and most prefer the black.  We can get the white though.....we do stock the muscle mapping in white, expensive at £36 but very very good kit
http://www.enforce-logic.co.uk/511_muscle_mapping_shirt.php

[guy incognito]

Has anyone ever used any of the bladerunner tshirts?

[scottishcammy]

Unfortunately I don't have any muscles to map!

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

It pulls your tummy in tho.....

[scottishcammy]

It pulls your tummy in tho.....

Ouch!