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.
Please note: there is currently a 12 week lead time on all US Armor products.
Mission Specific Tactical Vest (MSTV) Tactical Carrier, Gen 2
Because US Armor's sizing specifications change from time to time, we strongly suggest that these concealable carriers should only be purchased to match existing ballistic panels. Without doing this, we have found that all too often the sizes will be off and not match the panels they were intended for.
If at all possible, please enter the serial numbers of your US Armor ballistic panels in the fields provided above to ensure a perfect fit.
The Mission Specific Tactical Vest (MSTV) has both the ability to receive soft body armor ballistic panels as well as front/back/side hard armor plates for rifle threat protection. The MSTV is designed specifically for the first responder to include Threat Level lllA ballistic protection at the shoulders and at the officer's sides. This vest is to be worn over the officer's uniform shirt as a stand alone vest or as an up-armor plate carrier when placed over an officer's existing soft body armor vest.
When donned over body armor, the MSTV provides ballistic protection in the exact locations where concealable body armor vests do not provide coverage. The MSTV adds soft body armor and/or hard armor plates onto the areas that is required to quickly protect the officer for any first responder threat.
This item does not come with ID tags unless requested. If you require tags with your purchase, please click the link above or give us a call at 1-888-884-2427. Professional ID will be required.
Features:
Front/back 10" x 12" rifle plate pockets
Left/right 6" x 6" side plate pockets
Dual M4/AR15 magazine pouches located in front panel cummerbund
Side-opening style
Front/back/side MOLLE for additional pouches/holsters
Adjustable VELCRO® shoulder straps for a perfect vertical fit
Easy ballistic panel access
VELCRO® loop sewn into front/back top (2) rows of MOLLE for adding optional ID patches
Strategic weight distribution points for reduced officer fatigue during extended operations
300 lb. capacity Drag Bar on rear panel for rescue operations
Options:
Polyethylene, Ceramic, or Steel Hard Armor Plates - Levels lll or IV (8"x10" / 10"x12")
