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West Coast Armor | High-Performance Armor

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Body Armor used to be cumbersome and expensive, good thing it ain’t 2005 anymore. Happily, West Coast Armor has stepped up to the plate (no pun intended) with its Pure Dyneema and Pure Spectra plates.

In fact, the team at West Coast Armor spent five years on R&D before releasing their first product. They’re not messing around when it comes to the preservation of life.

Person pulling out West coast Armor out of a vest

Who Is West Coast Armor?

The diverse team at West Coast Armor has deep roots in the world of executive protection, military, law enforcement, and the private sector. In addition, the team at West Coast Armor has used and created body armor throughout their individual careers. They know firsthand the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of body armor.

With this knowledge and real-world experience, they achieved what they set out to do. West Coast Armor put five years of research and development, so they could create their industry-leading body armor. They were rewarded with Armor that is lighter, stronger, and more affordable than any others on the market.

What Sets Apart West Coast Armor?

Body Armor and other swat gear sitting together

West Coast Armor uses Pure Dyneema or Pure next-gen Spectra in the construction of its body armor plates.

Hard armor made with pure Dyneema and next-gen Spectra is up to 75% lighter than steel or other traditional armor materials. This is without compromising the level of protection traditional materials provide.

For military, law enforcement, and others working in high-risk environments, hard armor made from Dyneema provides not only maximum protection but also enhances the comfort, maneuverability, and efficiency of the person wearing it.

5 Benefits of Using Dyneema in Body Armor Plates

  1. Constructed from ceramics, compressed laminate sheets, metallic plates, or composites
  2. Designed to deform and capture the bullet upon impact
  3. Absorbs and distributes the kinetic energy of the impact
  4. Protects against NIJ Level III, III+ and works as an excellent backing for ceramics in III++ or IV rifle threats
  5. 75% lighter than steel and 25% lighter than Aramid

Where are West Coast Armor Plates Made?

West Coast Armor promo pic

All raw materials are 100% domestically sourced and made in the USA.

Is West Coast Armor NIJ Certified?

Yes. West Coast Armor is NIJ certified, and all their body armor plates meet or exceed NIJ criteria.

The NIJ conducts independent research on the Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor with the help of the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES). The most important attribute of the NIJ is its ability to remain objective to the industry and only adopt criteria based on scientific research and testing.

This research and testing are designed to save lives and improve the level of justice our law enforcement agencies can provide. This is why every company that wishes to sell body armor in the United States must meet the requirements set forth by the NIJ.

If you’re looking for a company that is selling armor, ensure they can provide an NIJ letter of compliance by doing a simple check on DOJ’s website to see if the company is certified.

Body armor and rifle leaning against a wall

West Coast Armor Hard Armor Levels

Patriot Armor IIIa Plate

The Patriot Armor level 3a body armor Plate is so unbelievably light and thin that you will forget you’re wearing it. At 0.82 pounds per square foot, these lightweights perform like heavyweights.

Forged from a proprietary manufacturing process, the IIIA Plate is constructed with some of the strongest and lightest ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers available.

West Coast Armor’s UHMWPE fibers are stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight.

Features and Specs

  • Designed for use as a standalone plate
  • Standalone NIJ threat level of IIIA
  • True multi-shot plate
  • Weatherproofing: spray-lined synthetic coating
  • 0.82 pounds per square foot
  • Available in black polyurea spray lining
  • Size: 10″ x 12″
Body Armor Stock photo

Patriot Armor IIIa Plate

Patriot Armor IIIP Plate

The performance of our Patriot Armor IIIP Plates is second to none. At an incredible 3.3 pounds per square foot, they are clearly some of the strongest level 3 body armor plates available today.

Forged from a proprietary manufacturing process, the IIIP Plate is constructed with some of the strongest and lightest ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers available.

West Coast Armor’s UHMWPE fibers are stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight.

Features and Specs

  • Standalone NIJ threat level of III
  • True multi-shot plate
  • 3.3 pounds per square foot
  • Sizes 10×12″, 11×14″
West Coast body Armor stock photo

Patriot Armor IIIP Plate

Level IV AP Plate

West Coast Armor’s IV AP Plate is just like its little brother, the IIIP Plate, in that it is unbelievably strong and light. Weighing 5.5 pounds per square foot, it takes the performance of your tactical armor to a higher level.

Their proprietary manufacturing process utilizes some of the strongest and lightest ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers available, allowing West Coast Armor to forge the strongest lightweight body armor on the market today.

Features and Specs

  • Ceramic strike face and UHMWPE backing
  • Finished with a spray-lined, weatherproof synthetic coating
  • 5.5 pounds per square foot
  • Available in black
  • Size: 10″x12″
  • Multi curve
West Coast Body Armor leaning against a wall

This is good armor; y’all think through your layout before throwing it on over your favorite warrior shirts and stepping off to do any hot work.

West Coast Armor Testimonies

“As a former Police Chief, I believe that one of the most important responsibilities we have is to give the men and women that serve our profession the best equipment to do their job and keep them safe. I’ve seen firsthand the superior quality of the West Coast Armor Body armor in action. I’ve been blessed to witness agencies across the country test West Coast Armor vests and plates, and the outcomes were superior. I recommend to all my colleagues that they reach out to West Coast Armor.” – Donald (Chief of Police Ret.)

“The West Coast Armor level 4 plates are the most well-balanced and comfortable plates I’ve used. After seven combat deployments between Special Operations and Contract work, I can only wish I’d had these issued to me. I have full trust and confidence in their ballistic properties as I’ve seen their performance through more rigorous testing than NIJ requires. These plates have my full endorsement.” – Kyle C.

“As a retired police officer of 23 years working long shifts and jobs from the jail to vice then on to detective. I was always issued uncomfortable, heavy stiff armor. After wearing all types of armor throughout my military and law enforcement carrier, I can say I’ve never seen anything like it. Without question, West Coast Armor makes me want to wear armor again; it’s the lightest, thinnest and strongest armor I’ve ever seen.” – Bob V. Esponisa

Person pulling body armor out of a vest

Read the original article here.

Down Range Baby – Got Your Six Baby Bag

Saturday, July 2nd, 2016

Down Range Baby

The ‘Got Your Six’ baby bag from Down Range Baby is the creation of Jeff Shepard, former Fireman and current Police Officer. It’s a baby bag made of Cordura nylon with modular webbing and plenty of storage space, and like a Model T, it’s available in any color you’d like, as long as that color is black.

www.downrangebaby.com/collections/tactical-diaper-bags/products/got-your-six-baby-bag-sold-out

SureFire Phone Case

Sunday, January 10th, 2016

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SureFire is now offering a branded protective phonecase for Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6/6S smartphones. Made of high-density polycarbonate, the SureFire Phone Case is shock-absorbing, and is designed to serve as a secure mount for the upcoming SureFire FirePak illuminator/phone charger, which has a reported output of 1500 lumens.

www.surefire.com/phonecase

Mission Spec EOC Now Available In New MultiCam Patterns

Friday, November 20th, 2015

raw

Mission Spec’s Essentials Only Carrier is now available in MultiCam Tropic, Black, and Arid patterns. These options are also available for the Shoulder Savers mkII and the Gibborim Gun Belt. As these MultiCam patterns are only available in 500D Cordura nylon, the listed products are not available in the Mission Spec standard 1000D fabric.

EOC – missionspec.com/products/essentials-only-carrier-eoc
Shoulder Savers – missionspec.com/products/shoulder-savers
Gibborim Gun belt – missionspec.com/products/gibborim-gun-belt

Magpul – GALAXY S6 Field Case Now Available

Thursday, September 24th, 2015

MAG488-Galaxy S6 MOOD-1

Magpul has just released the new Samsung GALAXY S6 Field Case. Like the rest of the Field Cases, the GALAXY S6 model features PMAG-style ribs, and is made from flexible thermoplastic. The Field Case is available in all standard colors.

www.magpul.com/products/magpul-field-case-galaxy-s6

Rasputin Item PenCott Clothing And Gear Now Available From Widowmaker Industries

Thursday, June 4th, 2015

PenCott Rasputin

Canadian-based Widowmaker Industries is now offering the full range of PenCott products manufactured by Rasputin Item. Rasputin Item manufacturers soft goods including plate carriers and combat uniforms, out of genuine licensed patterns and materials, such as Cordura fabric. The items are sold at a lower price point, making them a great option for airsofters, milsim enthusiasts, and paintballers.

www.widowmaker.ca/catalogsearch/result/index/?limit=all&q=pencott

Hat tip: Hyde Definition

LBX Tactical / Dynamis Alliance – Adaptiv Combatives Suit

Saturday, May 16th, 2015

LBX Tactical and Dynamis Alliance have linked up with IronClad Media to give you a look at the new Adaptiv Combatives suit.

Dynamis partnered with LBX Combatives to develop this advanced, 100% made in America fight suit. ADAPTIV gear allows the end user to train at real speeds in a multitude of environments. Its injury-prevention/impact-reduction system enhances training performance by allowing operators to realistically practice detainee handling, shoot/don’t shoot drills with approved marking cartridges, and other close-quarters combat skills. It can also adapt to MMA training, making it the most versatile fight suit on the market.

lbxtactical.lbtinc.com

Magpul Now Shipping iPhone 6 Field Case

Friday, November 21st, 2014

field case

Magpul has expanded their line of mobile device Field Cases to include the iPhone 6. Made from flexible thermoplastic, the Field Case features PMAG-style ribs and a snap-on design for easy installation and removal.

Available in Black and OD Green. Designed and manufactured in the USA.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG484/cases

cases

Starting in mid-December, Magpul will also start shipping the Field Case for iPhone 6 Plus, and the Bump Case for Galaxy S5.

The Field Case for iPhone 6 Plus is made from flexible thermoplastic, and features PMAG-style ribs and a snap-on design for easy installation and removal.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG485/cases

The Bump Case for GALAXY S5 features a two-material construction, consisting of a hard protective polymer shell and an inner shock absorbing layer. Low profile PMAG-style ribs add grip, and a snap-on design allows for easy installation and removal.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG479/cases

MaxPedition Medical Pouch Spotted In Furious 7 Trailer

Sunday, November 2nd, 2014

fastfurious7_trailer1_maxpedition_0226F_screenshot

The Foliage Green MaxPedition FR-1 Medical Pouch was spotted in ‘Furious 7’ movie trailer, the latest in ‘The Fast And The Furious’ series.

www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FR-1-Pouch-11p404.htm

High Speed Gear – ZERTified TACO Rig

Monday, June 16th, 2014

ZERTified TACO Rig By High Speed Gear

ZERT is currently working with High Speed Gear to produce a ZERT-themed TACO rig. The rig will be small, compact, and easy to store in a pack or under a seat. True to its name, the rig also utilizes HSG’s line of TACO rifle and pistol magazine pouches which are able to accommodate a variety of calibers and single or double stack magazines simply by adjusting the bungie.

www.highspeedgear.com
tarantacticalinnovations.com
zertnation.com

5.11 Tactical – Storm Grey

Monday, January 27th, 2014

56100_tacTecPlateCarrie_092 copy

Many tactical gear manufacturers have taken to introducing various shades of Grey into their available color options, and 5.11 Tactical is no exception, with their own Storm Grey color. Developed from research proving its functionality in a range of urban and naval environments, Storm Grey has been integrated into 18 products in the 5.11 Tactical portfolio, including gear packs like the RUSH and MOAB series, TacTec protective chest products, VTAC mag and utility pouches, clothing options, boots, and more. The TacTec Plate Carrier and XPRT 2.0 Boot will also be available in Storm Grey later this year.

www.511tactical.com/

FIRST Japan and RAG Industries Showcase Tactical Tailor’s Line Of Gear In PenCott Camo

Tuesday, December 17th, 2013

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Tactical Tailor has adopted Hyde Definition’s PenCott line of camouflage, and has produced many of their most popular products in both BadLands and GreenZone. FIRST Japan and RAG Industries has detailed the kit in a portfolio of product photos featured on their Facebook page.

Tactical Tailor gear in PenCott BadLands and GreenZone is now available on www.tacticaltailor.com/pencottproducts

Hat Tip: Hydedefinition.com

Thanks, Lawrence!

Boy Scout* Gear Round Up – Bushnell Bear Grylls 8X25 Compact Binocular

Sunday, November 3rd, 2013

There’s a wide variety of survival tools for the outdoorsman currently available in the market, including knives, flashlights, belts, etc. We purchased a small variety of survival tools, and put them to the test with our own weekend warriors, our three Boy Scouts. The rules were simple. They could select any of the products that wanted but had to write about their impressions.

Each week, we’ll feature a new product review written by one of the Scouts.

BG Binos

  • Magnification X Obj Lens: 8x 25mm
  • Close Focus (ft/m): 14 / 4.6
  • Lens Coating: Multi
  • Field of View ft@1000yds / m@ 1000m: 360 / 120
  • Adapt to Tripod: No
  • Eyecups: Twist-Up
  • Eye Relief: 13.5
  • Focus System: Center
  • Exit Pupil (mm): 3.2
  • Prism Glass: BaK-4
  • Water/Fog Proof: Yes
  • Prism System: Roof
  • Weight (oz/g): 10.2 / 290
  • Size Class: Compact
  • I like these binoculars because they’re waterproof and shock resistant. I can take them with me in a lot of environments and they still work. It’s also nice that they’re compact, so I can fit them in my pack with the rest of my gear and still have space left to store other items.

    www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Compact-Waterproof-Fogproof-Binoculars/dp/B00AMPJPHM

    *These reviews are in no way sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America.

    Juggernaut Defense – Juggernaut Case For iPhone 5 On Kickstarter

    Monday, October 14th, 2013

    The Juggernaut Case is a military grade rugged wearable case and mount for mobile devices designed to allow users to bring their smartphones to the field to enhance communication capabilities. The case itself is waterproof, dustproof, and shock and drop proof. It features hardened anti-glare glass screen protection, and offers quick phone insertion and removal. Available mounts for the Juggernaut Case will include sternum-strap and MOLLE/PALS chest straps, a forearm mount, and a back pack mount that attaches to any backpack shoulder strap in a vertical position. Juggernaut Cases are currently available for a variety of Motorola and Samsung mobile devices.

    www.kickstarter.com/projects/1497281316/ruggedized-wearable-iphone-5-case-and-mounts-for-a

    www.juggernautcase.com/index.html

    Universal Knife Sheath – Tactical Tailor

    Friday, June 7th, 2013

    DSC01906

    The Universal Knife Sheath from Tactical Tailor offers a versatile carrying option for most 6″ fixed blade tactical knives; pictured is the Benchmade Nimravus. Available in two versions: the standard dedicated leg rig, and the MALICE clip version which can be attached to modular webbing and features a resin impregnated nylon backer. The sheath comes with a removable injection molded felt lined sleeve that also allows for drainage. The Universal Knife Sheath is available in Black, Coyote Brown, and MultiCam.

    www.tacticaltailor.com/universalknifesheath.aspx

    Boba Fett Kydex Holster – OTG Concepts

    Thursday, June 6th, 2013

    download

    This Kydex tribute to one of the most awesome (yet admittedly over-hyped) bounty hunters ever to grace the Science Fantasy genre is sadly not for sale.

    offthegridconcepts.com

    LBT 24 Hour Sale – Modular Sustainment Pouch

    Friday, May 10th, 2013

    lbt-9032a-multicam2

    LBT has started the practice of putting up one item for sale every Friday starting at 1200 for a period of 24 hours. This week its the Modular Sustainment Pouch. It’s large sized and perfect for carrying a variety of items, from personal hygiene items to cleaning gear.

    http://lbtinc.com/pouches/miscellaneous-pouches/modular-sustainment-pouch.html

    LBT OEM Partner Sale

    Thursday, May 9th, 2013

    download

    LBT is currently having a sale on the Evolution line which was developed in conjunction with ITOTA(International Tactical Officers Training Association) for Security and LE training purposes. Due to the training program transitioning, LBT is selling off the remaining inventory at a massive discount.

    http://lbtinc.com/evolution.html

    The Ferro Concepts Kydex Triple Shingle Now Has A Name

    Saturday, April 27th, 2013

    20130427-154634.jpg

    The Ferro Concepts Kydex Triple Shingle I posted about awhile ago has an official designation now: FC-M4-KTS.

    This is the Triple Kydex Shingle by Ferro Concepts. It’s designed to curve to body armor or the user’s shape and fits most kangaroo pouches, giving the user fast access to three magazines. The Kydex inserts have holes punched in them for weight savings and are removable.

    http://ferroconcepts.blogspot.ca/

    Final Preparations Have Been Made

    Saturday, March 30th, 2013

    IMG_0892

    I’m all packed up and ready for the HSP Winter Problem Solver Course.

    SAGear – Tactical Shot Pouch

    Thursday, March 28th, 2013

    DSC_2037

    The tactical shot pouch is designed to hold a standard hip-flask with a capacity of 240 ml (8 oz). PALS webbing allows for attachment on MOLLE gear while a wide Velcro flap secures the flask to prevent accidental falling and a D-ring allows for easy opening and attaching small objects. Velcro on the flap allows for the attachment of morale patches. Available in the following colors: olive green, black, flecktarn, woodland, MultiCam, DPM, coyote, wz.93, red, CCE, snow.

    http://sagear.eu/en_US/p/Tactical-Shot-Pouch-Hip-flask-pouch/143

    POV / Action Camera Backpack Mount

    Saturday, February 9th, 2013

    Right on the heels of another body worn camera mount, comes another Kickstarter project, the POV / Action Camera Backpack Mount for GoPro, Contour, others by Rodger Dean.

    The key is the VuPackPole from VuVantage that attaches to your pack and places your camera in a 3rd person Point of View.

    VuPackPole

    www.kickstarter.com/projects/vuvantage/pov-action-camera-pack-mount-for-gopro-contour-oth

    This article was originally published on Solider Systems Daily.

    Ferro Concepts – AFCR

    Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

    The AFCR, or Air Flow Chest Rig, is Ferro Concepts’ latest product. The main body is constructed from heavyweight mesh. PALS webbing covers the front, and binding tape PALS webbing lines the back of the AFCR for non-load bearing pouches. Attachment methods include G-HOOKS for a low profile and quick on-and-off attachment method to the chest, attachment points for shoulder straps, wide-mouth buckles for attachment to a MOLLE cummerbund, and webbing adapters for use on any standard MOLLE vest. It is also designed to mount directly onto Ferro Concepts’ own FCPC (Ferro Concepts Plate Carrier). Currently available in: MultiCam, Coyote Brown, Desert Digital, and AOR 2.

    http://ferroconcepts.blogspot.com/

    Ferro Concepts Triple Kydex Shingle

    Monday, December 24th, 2012

    This is the Triple Kydex Shingle by Ferro Concepts. It’s designed to curve to body armor or the user’s shape and fits most kangaroo pouches, giving the user fast access to three magazines. The Kydex inserts have holes punched in them for weight savings and are removable. At the moment, it’s lacking an official name, however it will be released in February.

    http://ferroconcepts.blogspot.com/

    LBX Tactical Delivering Kit in Project Honor Camo

    Monday, December 17th, 2012

    20121216-184610.jpg

    Featuring the Honor Camo pattern developed for Project Honor and EA’s Medal of Honor Warfighter video game, LBX Tactical’s new line of gear based on proven LBT Inc designs is shipping. There is a wide variety of items including two styles of chest rigs, two plate carriers, a holster and other accessory items as well Transporter and Light Strike packs.

    lbxtactical.com/collections/gear

    This article was originally posted on Soldier Systems Daily.