I am approved to get a new vest and seeing as it has been a few years since I have had a new one everything changes. My question is from which company would be the best one to order. I want one that is comfortable, bendable, and light. I will take your advice under advisement on this issue. Thanks.  

We are issued "Second Chance" vests, and have the option of upgrading at our exense to a higher threat-level of protection.

MH557 is right, get fitted so it covers what it's supposed to.

Check the vest ratings at: http : / / w w w . o j p . u s d o j . g o v / b v p b a s i /

I recently purchased a new vest....... Point Blank Vision series.  It is by far the most comfortable vest I have worn EVER.  It is ALL of the things you listed as wants in your next vest purchase....... Comfortable, Bendable and Light.

Of all the vests I have worn ( probably 7 or 8 fifferent ones total) I found the Safariland zero G gold by the far the most comfortable (mine was level II), in fact that is the one I currently wear.

Thanks folks under advisement.

I prefer Second Chance.

Do your homework and get the most comfortable and highest protection level for your buck. If you don't like it after you purchase it you will be inclined to not wear it 100% of the time. Never work a tour without a vest, mine paid off on a traffic stop, being on the slow midnight shift other officers I was working with left theirs in the trunk in case they needed it.

Cedardale says ...

TNDEPUTY says ...

Do your homework and get the most comfortable and highest protection level for your buck. If you don't like it after you purchase it you will be inclined to not wear it 100% of the time. Never work a tour without a vest, mine paid off on a traffic stop, being on the slow midnight shift other officers I was working with left theirs in the trunk in case they needed it.

If you don't mind and can, you might elaborate on how the vest paid off.  At least the spare tire is safe with the vest in the trunk LOL.

Theres only one situation I know of where wearing a vest pays off.

JIMROC says ...

We are furnished out vests by the State, so we have to get what the State bid is.  Our vest seen to be good, they fit well and are made by Survival Armor, which use to be owned by Second Chance.  Level IIa, is what we are issued. 

IIA? I would seriously consider upgrading to a IIIA.  Does your agency allow you to buy your own? We are provided with vests, but have the option of purchasing and wearing our own.  Since they supply us with IIIA I see no need to upgrade on my own. 

Please EVERYONE keep in mind that most vests have a shelf life of 5 years before they begin to degrade.  Turns out the first vest I was first issued (point blank)was found to be defective.  Wore it for about 5 years.  Until the department replaced them we had the option of not going on patrol if we were on the list for defective vests.  Sgt. pitched a fit when I told him I wasnt going out... But I stuck to my guns, I aint no dummy.  Wasnt going out on patrol in Brooklyn North with a defective vest.

Well cared for vests will last a lot longer than 5 years, but if the dept is footing the bill replace every 5 years and donate the old vest to an agency/officer that can't afford one.  While I would not use a IIa vest, preferring a higher rated one, unless it was that or none, it is certainly better than nothing. 

NYTRDT1 says ...

JIMROC says ...

We are furnished out vests by the State, so we have to get what the State bid is.  Our vest seen to be good, they fit well and are made by Survival Armor, which use to be owned by Second Chance.  Level IIa, is what we are issued. 

IIA? I would seriously consider upgrading to a IIIA.  Does your agency allow you to buy your own? We are provided with vests, but have the option of purchasing and wearing our own.  Since they supply us with IIIA I see no need to upgrade on my own. 

 .......... EDITED..........

My Point Blank Vision Series is a level IIIA that feels like a level IIA in comfort and fit.  I have had it now for almost a year and as I stated earlier, it is by far the most comfortable vest I have had in my career.

Destined4SWAT says ...

 I have heard that Dragon Skin is supposed to be one of the most technologically advanced vests out there. I know nothing about the average price of vests but the last I knew it was something crazy like $3k for one of the Dragon Skin vests. They will take substantial numbers of rounds (even high powered rounds) without penetration. I also saw on Future Weapons that they took one and put it on a dummy torso and laid it on a frag grenade and even that did not penetrate. Also not sure how heavy or hot they are compared to other good vests. I'd love to have one though, seems like the ultimate protection!!

I've heard about it also. Even saw the same show. If I remember correctly though, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) did not approve it for use in the field.

I would reconsider and get that model in a IIIA threat level.  I believe Skoolcop said his was a IIIA.