Liberal Gun Owners

RMA is the go-to for budget armor.

Hesco is the real deal if you have the cash to spend. They range from basic models to outrageously expensive and featured, like $3-4k a plate.

~~I went with Mira Safety plates because they did well in one test I saw and they were a smidge lighter than others, and also not terribly expensive.~~ Read my reply on these plates.

For carriers, the Crye JPC is usually baby's first plate carrier, but for good reason. There's...really a lot of brands that make at least acceptable stuff. I like Direct Action for soft gear, good quality but a little pricey, and they're a Polish company so you're not 100% supporting domestic fash.

I would also consider at least getting some IIIa side panels (and therefore a carrier that can support them), if not getting something with full torso protection + the plates. Without a robust medevac apparatus, your vest stopping a round could be a life or death difference, and the coverage of the popular front+back carrier leaves a lot to be desired.

If you plan to need them, also get training ones so you can familiarize yourself on moving around in them.

I would also recommend a suitable first aid kit, and again, familiarize yourself on how to use each piece of equipment, and for which kind of injury. Remember, in a stressful situation, you will fall back on your training.

Whatever plates you get, make sure they are NIJ Certified. That means the NIJ themselves have actually tested the plates. Lots of manufacturers out there don't actually get NIJ to test them, and do their own testing (if any). They'll say like NIJ tested or tested to NIJ standards. Those are a no go.

Also, don't get steel plates.

Doesn’t Lemmy.world federate with meta? Given Zuckerberg’s… views and recent actions, I would take this community elsewhere