Its elastic bands will stretch out. When you purchase one of our carriers for your non U.S. Armor ballistic panels, we will make your new carrier to fit your existing panels based on measurements and ballistic panel tracings you provide for an additional fee. These substances could damage the fibers and render your plate carrier vest unusable. Details. Manufacturer directions are usually on the inside of the vest carrier. Ballistic vests are expected to last five years, but their real-life will depend on how the plates and carriers are used, maintained, and stored. Soft ballistic armor can stop a bullet, but it is not machine washable. Can I use bleach to clean plate carrier vests? Remove any detachable straps, as well as fasteners like Velcro before you wash the carrier and secure any that you cant detach. You can then manually scrub down the gear with a soft brush and rinse it. Your body armor is one of the most important pieces of equipment you use, but are you taking proper care of it? My first line of defense is my undershirt. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Now, you must not put your plate carrier in the washing machine as it will affect the fabrics fibers. Dab the detergent directly onto tough stains, like red mud or food. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I have talked with so many wives/girlfriends that are afraid to touch the vest in fear of ruining the ballistics but you actually can care for it as long as you follow these easy steps. UV easy coming from the sun is too harmful and can affect numerous other things like your skin. So, be careful about everything and first learn about washing the plate carrier. Offering the end user the capability of adding rifle protection on the go, the plate carriers can be an essential part of any kit, so finding one that stands up the challenges of your mission enhances personal protection. View Dealers Popular Products TexTrop Shirt 1, Blueberries 0 One of our customers recently shared a story with us about how pleased he was with his white Elbeco TexTrop2 shirt when he had a run-in with yogurt. Sometimes I'll get a vest here and start trying to work it in for the officer, she said, because otherwise, the only way theyre going to work it in and make it feel comfortable is by wearing it.. Now, pick up your recoil spring/guide rod. The plate carriers are more durable and do not require delicate cleaning, however, you must take care to not damage them. ON the outside is the guardian angel device, med kit, cobra cuffs, magazines, Olight. Never put a plate carrier in a washing machine or dryer. On top of that, our police outer carriers can be equipped with pouches and pockets made for all kinds of law enforcement gear and an officer will be able to customize their outer carrier tactical vest to suit their personal needs. When you are done, You can air dry it or tumble dry it using the lowest temperature setting on your dryer. Available in MOLLE, Dress, and slick options to meet your departmental requirements, while still providing the wearer as much customization and utility as possible. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. UNITING LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILIES ONE SHIFT AT A TIME. Sponsored. Your email address will not be published. POINT BLANK PLATE CARRIER. Step 2: Fill your bathtub with at least six inches of warm water then add a small amount of laundry detergent. 99. The Traverse is an overt patrol vest that features a front zippered opening system. There isnt a hard rule on the lifespan of your vest, but there are certain things that make replacement a no-brainer. Step 5: Rinse the soapy plate carrier in clean water until all the detergent is washed away. Be sure to use a mild soap detergent like Dawn or baby wipes. Was totally skeptical and didn't believe but wanted to save my discontinued plate carrier I grew fond of but hated the smell. Beaker Geeks With such names as Kevlar, Twaron, Dyneema (also known as Gold Flex and Spectra) and at one time, Zylon, the average cop knows very little about what any of these products are. OneTigris FYR Tactical Vest - Quick Release Adjustable MOLLE Airsoft Vest with Removable Cummerbund Pouch for Men, Black Features : Quick and Easy Detach System: OneTigris FYR Tactical Vest has the quick release slide buckles for easy donning and doffing It might be tempting to spray a vest thats gotten particularly funky with Febreze or Lysol, but dont those liquids can also damage the ballistic material. 12621 Corporate Lakes Dr. #8 Fort Myers, FL 33913; info@survivalarmor.com; 239.210.0891; Sign Up For Updates " *" indicates required fields Step 5: Rinse the soapy plate carrier in clean water until all the detergent is washed away. Vortex PST Vs HST: Which Is The Better Option? I remember having so many opps moments with my husbands vest in the past. Copyright 2023 Police1. Many users of an external vest carrier recommend them to offload the weight of required accessories, from the belt or waist area to the carrier vest compartments, to alleviate lower back or hip discomfort. A week? The first advantage is comfort. AR500 Armor 14,000 views Jun 18, 2020 393 Dislike Share Save AR500 Armor 81.3K subscribers. Do not store your armor in a low airflow environment or in extreme temperatures (like a car trunk) for prolonged periods of time, as this could threaten the integrity of the armor. This includes using chemicals you may think are harmless, like Febreze, to freshen up your vest do not use anything unless youre absolutely sure it wont affect the integrity of the plates. Careful : Plate Carrier (Buckles, Mesh, Stitching, etc.) But, so often we're talking about people who place ideology over practicality. Be sure to first remove any ballistic panels, trauma plates and straps and clean them separately, and reassemble your armor only after the carrier is completely dry. It is a high-quality odor eliminating spray made for bulletproof vests and tactical gear. Do not use bleach, the washing machine or dry cleaning. Ballistic vests are made to protect you from bullets, but they arent necessarily comfortable. If your locker is anything like mine (way too small), the vest is constantly compressed during storage, creating the damp environment. First, fill a bucket with cool water and two tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. Start by brushing it regularly to remove dust, hair, and other particles you cant see. But theres a specific method to cleaning you should employ and a number of things you need to watch out for. Remember to correctly orient the plates when you put them back in the carrier. We used a Uncle Mikes in waistband cloth holster one size bigger so it is like a pocket, out of view, sewn to the carrier. Additionally, some smaller framed officers may not have room on their duty belts for all of the equipment their departments allow them to carry. and manufacturers. I actually use this spray all over my house and car as it is safe for kids and animals (including K-9s) and uses no harsh chemicals. More Propper International, Inc. Products, A new collection of durable, utilitarian pants and polo shirts offers increased comfort and affordability for on-the-job garments, Proppers Duralight Tactical Boots provide all-day comfort for patrol as well as key tactical features to support SWAT officers, Keep critical supplies, from gloves and tourniquets to extra ammo and backup batteries, in a purpose-built carryall like Proppers new Bail Out Bag. Ours are black, so some things stand out more on it like dead skin cells. Check your paperwork to be sure, as different manufacturers may offer different warranties. Prices as marked. Step 3: Use a dull tool to scrape away dried mud and dirt because a sharp edge can abrade or damage the fabric. Heavy use can also decrease the life span (and you should be wearing your armor daily). It accommodates any level 3 or 4 trauma plate sizes from small through large long plates. When should you replace your body armor? The Armor Express Traverse External Carrier is a patrol vest that will convert your concealable soft armor into a front zip-side opening external vest. Check the panel seams for any separation. To remove dirt and dried mud from your equipment, use a soft brush. FRK 1080 PLATE CARRIER. Talk to an Armor Express professional today to find the perfect fit for your needs, here. The instructions on the label become extremely important in this situation. Then, follow these steps: Brush away loose dirt and debris. By placing the vest outside the uniform shirt, several additional hand holds are created to help carry the officer. Our dept issued the outer carriers w/pockets and velcro side adjustments. It is best to store vests indoors at room temperature so you do not void any warranty. It will reduce its durability. I had thought about using a bleach/water mix before but didnt know if it would harm the ballistic panels. Protection of your brain during a mission is essential, choose from our wide variety of bump and ballistic helmets and accessories. Only one, Angel Armor RISE has truly made an impact on me. This is a sponsored post on behalf of Arrest My Vest. Copyright 1996-2021, Officer Media Group, Endeavor Business Media - Public Safety Interactive. Keeping your plate carrier in good condition can mean the difference between safety and equipment failure, or, at the very least, discomfort and funky odor. I Febreeze the vest every night at the end of shift. Lexipol. Hand wash with cold water; do not machine wash the carrier unless the manufacturer states its OK to do so. Yep, and I second Sig's bleach treatment for mildew. Remember, this is not a disinfectant, instead, it eliminates odors. If you gain or lose weight, its also time to replace your vest as an improper fit could lead to catastrophe. Step 3: Use a toothbrush to reach hard-to-reach crevices. How Tight Should A Plate Carrier Be? no long lead-times: sentinel ARV builds available, Follow these dos and donts to prolong the life of this lifesaving investment. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. So its necessary to use the right tools for this. Scrub your vest with a sponge. Since every situation is unique, the more options officers have to evacuate a wounded officer, the better. You shouldnt use a dryer on your plate carrier or chest rig. Hand washing is the best way to clean the front and back carriers. These documents will also contain important information like the certified service life so youll know when its time to replace your armor. Rounds like the .44 Magnum, .45 ACP, and other large handgun rounds will travel at slower speeds, which makes it easier for body armor to stop them. The shirt can help absorb sweat and odor instead of it all going straight to the vest. Learn how to keep your gear funk free. VSKA Vs WASR: Which Rifle Has the Best Output. Make sure the plate is out. Here are seven dos and donts for proper cleaning and care of body armor to keep your ballistic vest in good shape as long as possible. Assuming the watertight seal has not been broken, its OK to get the ballistic insert wet without damaging the fibers. The simple answer is yes. To avoid any chance of accidental damage, we recommend contacting us if you have any concerns about how to properly clean your vest. I wear mine two shifts before washing it. The topic of cleaning body armor and ballistic protection vests is a ripe discussion for today's first responders. Instead, you want to spot clean with a damp cloth and Dawn dish soap or mild laundry detergent. If you have a Level II or Level III plate carrier vest or a ceramic plate vest, you must be careful about cleaning as these plates are not hard enough to bear harsh chemicals. Advantages of a Police Outer Vest Carrier, If you prefer a traditional, uniform style, many outer vest carriers mimic the look of your everyday uniform shirt. A vest meant to go over your uniform keeps the ballistic material off your skin, but a concealed vest requires an undergarment, such as a moisture-wicking T-shirt, to prevent chafing and minimize odors from sweat. PLATECARRIERPLANET.COM IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING. They hold more sweat than the plain ol' white undershirt. Do not put it in the washing machine, do not dry clean it, and do not use an electric dryer, says Laserna. Dunham is out about $2,000 in unreimbursed travel expenses. You must wear a shirt under a plate carrier vest to avoid friction as it can get itchy and uncomfortable. Copyright 2023 For more information, please refer to your use and care guide. Add to wishlist; V1 Textrop External Vest Carrier, LR Blue V1713 This is an overstock item. Once the vest has been cleaned, it must be rinsed with fresh water. Special Price Coupon Available. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. Afterward, add a small amount of mild laundry detergent to the water. After emptying all the pockets and removing all the accessories, its time to wash your chest rig by the following steps: Step 1: After applying a small amount of dish soap, scrub any stained areas with a soft brush or toothbrush. You can wash the carrier vest by itself on the gentle/delicate setting, but hang it to dry and don't use fabric softener. It looks easier to clean to plate carrier, but there are a few things to keep in mind for proper cleaning and avoiding damage because bleach or other cleaning agents might damage the plate. I don't think it would be a good thing for long term use though. Officers will also be able to lighten the load of their duty belts. But what do you need to know to prolong the life of this lifesaving garment? , making for a more discreet way to wear your body armor. Enter https://www.police1.com/ and click OK. Mechanically designed to secure your portable wired or wireless microphone to your uniform or bullet-proof vest carrier. Spot Clean & Hang Dry. Yes, you can wash your ballistic vest by the following process. It is usually on my thighs and around where my pens are. Always keep your plate carrier on top of other gear, where you can see it. All rights reserved. We are global innovators who make purpose-built technical apparel, footwear, and gear for life's most demanding missions. Sharp edges can abrade the fabric or poke holes in it. How To Clean Your Plate Carrier! Web. ROE Tactical offers a variety of plate carrier vests from several manufactures, such as as Armor Express, 5.11 Tactical and other more. In the warzone or on duty, your vest might get dirty, due to which its necessary to know. Wipe away excess water as you clean. Before using or storing, make sure it is completely dry. First, remove all the accessories attached to it, like magazines or other necessary items. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Spot-clean your plate carrier using a soft cloth and mild detergent, like liquid dish soap mixed with water. Using a washing machine may shrink the carrier as well as damage buckles and retaining clips. Consider purchasing an extra carrier so you have one on hand while you hand wash and air dry the other. If youre wearing aTactec Plate Carrierfor fitness, keeping it clean is just as important these items last longer and keep you more comfortable when you care for them properly. Sort By. US Armor HVC Carrier. He Saw A "Pink Dot" in the Woods - Then Its Arm Moved. After cleaning, try to rinse it thoroughly and hang it in a shady place. So, we urge you to replace your existing vest if you have been using it for more than 5 years. As the name implies, it is a carrier, it is not a cover. Repeat the process between uses two or three times in each direction, alternating between rolling horizontally and vertically, for a more comfortable vest. Step 2: Then remove the accessories such as magazine pouches and straps. An outer vest carrier provides several additional options to evacuate an officer who is unable to move under his or her own power. I usually spray it with. You must lay it flat, and in the case of hanging, hang it properly and avoid hanging it from the corner. Ensure not to use harmful agents while cleaning. If you need to remove stains on your suit, use a wet cloth and mild detergent and let it air dry. First and foremost, it's important to avoid prolonged exposure to water when cleaning your plates and carrier. It is perfect for taking away those sweaty odors from the summer heat (or any other time of the year). Wipe the ballistic panels with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt and stains. Plate Carrier Vs Chest Rig Whats the Difference? Never dry the carrier outside, even in the shade. It is best to wash the part by hand with cold water if the label is absent or unreadable. Besides, who wants to lug dirty gear around? Use Arrest My Vest to help with odors then refer to the rest of our tips for other care needs. Brushes can sometimes create holes in the vest, so never rub it too hard. To avoid damaging the carrier, you should avoid abrasive and high-temperature cleaning methods. One common (but wrong) storage method is putting armor on a clothes hanger; this can stretch out the carrier straps over time and cause armor to sit incorrectly on the body. Follow the following steps to clean the plate carrier vest. I rinse down the panels with warm water, and use soap if they are dirty, and when particularly stinky, I spray them with Fabreeze, and let them air dry. He would clean it but I made the mistake of putting it in the dryer a time or two. Avoid any chemicals aside from a mild detergent and air-dry the carrier indoors unless the manufacturer recommends using a dryer. AEROSHELL 75 POLYESTER 25 WOOL VEST COVER. With a modern aesthetic, this front or side overt/external carrier is ultra lightweight and features many choices to choose from.