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Flying Under the Radar
If there is one thing we’ve emphasized time and time again, it is the importance of dressing for the situation. In our quest for the “perfect” loadout, we must remember that different circumstances will call for different clothing, different equipment, and different weaponry. Yes, that includes body armor and plate carriers as well.
Here’s a question: What first comes to mind when you see this photo?
Something a bit out of place here?
While the photo is obviously meant to be more of a joke, it actually provides a reasonably legitimate lesson for our topic today. Just because you have all the “cool-guy” equipment and gadgets, does not mean every situation will call for them. Oftentimes, that gear will only serve to make you an easier target for the bad guys.
In other words, the most potent weapon for a sticky situation is often subtlety; getting the drop on your enemy, moving and operating undetected or unnoticed. Understanding the difference between those two words - “undetected” and “unnoticed” - is equally crucial. Stealth does not always entail being out of your enemy’s field of range. Sometimes, hiding in plain sight is a viable (and even the preferred) solution for specific missions and situations, and it is scenarios like these where concealable body armor truly shines.
And so the question arises - What do you do, when you need to maintain a low, inconspicuous profile, but still require adequate ballistic protection?
You head over to Predator Armor, that’s what.
Introducing the Predator Armor Concealable Plate Carrier
We’ve been working on this beauty for a while now, and are proud to offer it within our catalog of plate carriers and tactical equipment.
The Predator Armor Concealable Plate Carrier is the lightest and most low-profile carrier we currently have available. It is designed to live up to its name, and be just that - concealable. Lightweight, low profile, and comfortable, it can be worn under button-up shirts, jackets, and similar articles of clothing. It is built for low visibility and concealment. It is your ultimate low-vis carrier. The unit is designed specifically in conjunction with our Level IIIA Soft Armor, though it can fit any standard 10"x12" plate as well.
Made of a nylon and spandex blend, it is comfortable and breathable, allowing it to have a stretch that better contours and fits your body. It includes elastic cummerbund straps that fit around your sides for tight fitment and provide ample adjustment. The shoulder straps are adjustable as well, to ensure a near-perfect fit.
Some great features of the carrier include:
Concealable
Lightweight - Less than 10oz
Elastic cummberbund
Adjustable shoulder straps
Designed for 10"x12" soft armor
Like all of our gear, these carriers are built to last. They are 100% made in the USA and ready to roll.
Check them out here, and consider grabbing a pair of Level IIIA soft armor plates while you’re at it.
What are some practical uses for a concealable plate carrier? Why should I want one?
This is an important question - and truthfully, it is one we encourage the reader to research and figure out for themselves, if an adequately thorough answer is to be had.
That’s not to say we won’t provide examples here and now, but if you are in a situation where stealth and being inconspicuous are major priorities, you better believe no two situations will be the same. To master the art of blending is to master the art of adaptability. We say this, not to bore you with cliches, but as a disclaimer - to remind you that as helpful as example scenarios may be for illustrative purposes, the best preparation for the unknown is a brain that knows how to adapt.
Security Detail - Probably the most common use for concealable body armor in the United States. If you’ve ever seen sharp-dressed, seemingly unarmed men accompanying a high-profile individual, you can reasonably believe they are both armed and armored. Concealing both firearms and body armor allows a security element to present less of an apparent target - this makes it much easier to get the drop on a potential assailant when moments matter.
Humanitarian Work/Disaster Relief - Those who go to the aid of communities experiencing hardship as a result of war, natural disaster or other catastrophes often put themselves at risk in a plethora of ways. Whether that risk comes from gunfire, debris, or anything else, wearing protective armor underneath clothing can be an invaluable lifesaver - quite literally - should the need to use it actually arise. And again, it allows you to maintain a level of inconspicuousness, which is invaluable in an unpredictable environment.
Home Self Defense - Many have a weapon in their home for self defense. If you have a weapon then you perceive a threat, so why not have body armor as well. In the scenario that someone breaks into your home you are not likely to need 3 extra rifle mags, a few pistol mags, IFAK and the works on your person. Your extra gear adds bulk and can take longer to don and doff the kit. The concealable plate carrier is perfect for this scenario. The flexible makeup of the carrier makes it extremely easy to get on and off. It is low profile and can be set next to a bed, in a closet, or wherever is quickly accessible. It is discreet as well so just in case your significant other doesn't want a full load out kit sitting in the bedroom for all to see. Most home invaders will not be entering with a rifle either so Level IIIA protection is most likely sufficient in this scenario.
“Shit-hits-the-fan” - In the astronomically-unlikely scenario where society itself has collapsed, and everyone is running around causing pure chaos, it may seem tempting to don that fully-loaded 6+1 kit with a helmet and NVG’s, right? Well, this is one of those situations where you must read the action before making a decision. Location, local demographics, political affiliations, and more will significantly influence how catastrophes and doomsday scenarios play out in your area - and consequently, should influence how you prepare and equip for them. Chances are, you will have a much higher chance of surviving these scenarios by keeping a lower, inconspicuous (seeing a pattern there?) profile. If you need to travel, keep in mind that people will be looking for targets - and nothing paints a target quite like someone running around in full Multicam with a shiny new AR15 and 300 rounds of ammo.
As always, we must mention that this does not mean situations calling for that type of gear are nonexistent. We wouldn’t sell equipment for them if that was the case; they do happen all the time. Dress for the situation, dress for success.
Remember - they (probably) can’t hit what they can’t see.
Body armor is a protective instrument; one specifically designed for when a situation is utterly FUBAR - in other words, has gone to absolute shit. You’re not always going to have the drop on your enemy, and you can never guarantee you’re a better shot than them or have superior training - or that they won’t just get lucky.
People like to say they don’t need body armor because they don’t plan on being shot. I respectfully try to get these folks to recognize how naive a statement like this truly is, often by asking one question: does anybody plan on getting shot? Of course not. And although body Armor is not a perfect solution - mostly because such a solution does not exist - it is designed to give you the best fighting chance for the situation you’re in.
Concealable body armor takes that concept to the next level.
Having armor is one thing; convincing people you don’t have armor provides a monumental advantage, as you will simply be less of a priority-target in their mind. And, if they do decide to take a shot at you, they will likely aim straight for your armor (center mass), increasing your likelihood of survival. After all, if I don’t think my target is wearing armor, why would I adjust my shot to accommodate armor?
Train hard, train smart. Make the right decisions now, and be better off when that training actually matters.