Some armor has default vest sizes. Using a sizing chart you can estimate the closest generic size, however ordering with a sizing form will always give you the most accurate sizing.
Female vests should always be ordered with a sizing for a proper fit. In some cases male vests could be used, but it is usually not recommended.
To estimate your size to the closest generic vest size:
Measure your chest and add 2, i.e. 40+2=42.
Measure your waist and add 6, i.e. 38+6=44.
Pick the larger of the two, in this case 44.
If you have more than 6 between these two numbers average them out and if necessary round up to the nearest even number, i.e. 48μ40=44.
Measure your front length while sitting.
(Clavicle to above the navel)
13 to 14 = R and 15 to 16 = L
If your vest rises up when sitting, the SSBS Neoprene straps can be trimmed to raise the vest.
NOTE: In this case, please call us so as not to damage the product and void your warranty.
Understand that these are estimations for a quick fit; for a proper fit it's always best to order with a sizing form. The professionals at Body Armor Outlet can walk you through the process if you have any questions.
How to tell if your concealable body armor fits correctly: Concealable body armor should cover your center mass vitals, and achieve anywhere from a 2 inch gap on each side (for the most mobility) to overlapping of the ballistic panels on the sides where the front and back panels meet (for the most protection).
The first thing to remember when trying on vests is that your front panel should always lay over your rear panel as threats typically come from in front of you, and this ensures that the overlap on the side of the vest is rear facing.
A correctly sized vest will cover you from 1-1.5 inches below the top of your breastbone, to 1-2 inches above your navel (belly button) in length. The width, as mentioned earlier, should achieve anywhere from a 2 inch gap to 1" of overlapping where the front and rear panels meet. Your personal preference may dictate minor variations in comfort, mobility, concealment, and protection.
A vest that is too small for the user will lack the needed coverage to ensure proper protection with large gaps of coverage as well as being too tight and constricting, whereas a vest that is too large will shift, bunch, and crumple while it's being worn, causing pinch points and poor protection. It is a crucial step when buying body armor to ensure that it fits properly so that it performs at its peak level.
If you have any questions at all about armor sizing, don't hesitate to call us. Our highly trained staff will assist you in getting the best fit possible.
For charts, choose from one of our available sizing charts below.
This BAO Tactical vest has a lead time of 8 weeks. If you need the item faster, please call us to check inventory.
X-Series IIIA Vests with Phoenix Ballistics
Buying brand name armor without the brand name can save you hundreds of dollars, and here at Body Armor Outlet we are doing just that with our X-Series Concealable Vest Carrier, as well as our levels II and IIIA concealable armor systems. When comfort and performance are your goal, we've got you covered. Using the perfect blend of design and functionality, BAO Tactical brings to the market the new easy-care X-Series Concealable Armor System as an ideal piece for layering under your own clothing or uniform.
Lightweight and easy to move in. The Phoenix IIIA ballistic panel sets are all certified in C1-C5 as per NIJ-STD-0101.06.
Carrier Features:
Color: Black, Navy, or White (white is by special request only)
Constructed of first quality Microfiber with stain repellant.
Internal liner made of antimicrobial treated Micro-Jacquar which repeals moisture and repels odor.
Removable four 2"x11" waist straps and two 2"x8" shoulder straps.
Provides 12-point adjustability.
Internal pocket, includes a 5"x8" soft trauma pack for additional Blunt trauma protection.
Standard front and rear tails to reduce shifting of ballistic panels or optional no tails.
Made in the U.S.A
Phoenix IIIA Ballistic Specifications:
NIJ Certification: 0101.06
Size: C1 to C5
Weight: 1.25 psf
Thickness: 0.22"
V50 .357 SIG: 1862 fps
V50 .44 Mag: 1702 fps
Comparison chart of armors by manufacturers
All are NIJ Certified Level IIIA in sizes C1 to C5. The X-Series price shown is with Phoenix IIIA ballistics.
Brand:
BAO Tactical
Survival Armor
Point Blank
Second Chance
Model:
X-Series
Performance 6
CIIIA-3
Monarch
Arial Density:
1.21 lbs/ft
1.44 lbs/ft
1.42 lbs/ft
1.27 lbs/ft
Thinness:
0.28"
0.34"
0.34"
0.296"
Price:
$654.50
$645.99
$590.00
$770.99
Brand:
Armor Express
Gator Hawk
RTS Tactical
RMA Defense
Model:
FMS
ProX PX03
Hero's
Protego
Arial Density:
1.53 lbs/ft
1.27 lbs/ft
1.42 lbs/ft
1.55 lbs/ft
Thinness:
0.32"
0.30"
0.34"*
0.35"
Price:
$559.95
$809.99
$499.99
$699.00
* This number only is an educated guess, since RTS Tactical does not apparently publish the thickness of their ballistic panels that we are aware of.
BAO Tactical X-Series Ballistic Panels are compatible with:
I have purchased a vest personally years ago, and then lost weight and needed a new one. Both experience were excellent, so when I opened my own firearms business I new I needed BOA to be a vendor of mine.
