Second Chance Armor, Inc. was founded in 1970 and is a leading manufacturer of concealable body armor, ballistic vests, and external carriers for the law enforcement, government and security markets. The company focuses on comfort and wearability in its vest models.

Second Chance is part of the Armor Holdings Products Group, a business segment of Armor Holdings, Inc. Armor Holdings, Inc is a leading manufacturer and distributor of security products and vehicle armor systems serving military, law enforcement, homeland security and commercial markets. With the companies great base of knowledge they are able to develop and manufacture great products.

Second Chance currently manufactures three styles of ballistic vest systems. Those are: Summit, T2, and Monarch 329. In this police equipment review we will take a look at each of these three ballistic vest systems.

The Second Chance Summit ballistic vest is a breathable, Gore Tex waterproof vest available for men and women. The vest offers a full wrap and max coverage pattern for added protection. The Summit ballistic vest is available in IIA, II, and IIIA threat protection levels.

The Second Chance T2 ballistic vest is manufactured out of 100% Twaron with LFT and Araflex VI material. The T2 ballistic vest is water resistant with a nylon rip-stop fabric panel covering. The vest offers a full wrap and max coverage pattern for added protection. The Second Chance T2 ballistic vest is available in II and IIIA threat level protections.

The Second Chance Monarch 329 ballistic vest is manufactured with the patented ButterflyLite stitching that creates a very flexible vest. The Monarch 329 ballistic vest comes with water repellant panel coverings, but can be upgraded to Gore Tex fabric panel coverings. The vest offers a full wrap and max coverage pattern for added protection. The Second Chance Monarch 329 ballistic vest is available in II and IIIA threat level protections.

Protection levels are based on the type of bullet the vest will protect against and a set velocity and range. For instance, a Type IIIA protects against an 8.1 gram, 9 mm bullet at traveling at 398 m/s or a 10.2 gram .357 Magnum Jacketed Soft point bullet at a velocity of 436 m/s. These levels vary slightly depending on if the body armor is new or a conditioned armor product. The lowest range on the scale is a Type I, which is not even standard anymore and goes up to Type IIA then Type II, then Type IIIA then Type III, with the highest rating being a Type IV. A Type IV will protect against armor piercing rifles.

Here is a general breakdown of the armor protection level and the bullet size each will protect against:

• Type I: .22 LR, .380 ACP (no longer part of the standard)
• Type IIA: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP
• Type II: 9mm, .357 Magnum
• Type IIIA: .357 SIG, .44 Magnum
• Type III: Rifles
• Type IV: Armor Piercing Rifle

In addition to the ballistic vests, Second Chance manufactures four styles of a concealable carrier for those that need a vest that is completely concealed. The four Second Chance concealable carry vest styles are: Apex, SPA+, Pr4, and Deep Cover.

The Second Chance Apex carrier offers the maximum concealability. The carrier is manufactured with thermodynamic, anti-static, anti-microbial materials to increase comfort and prevent odor. The carrier is designed for quick and easy installation of the ballistic panels.

The Second Chance SPA+ carrier is made of 100% spun polyester and climatron lining. The carrier features front and back tails to keep it tucked in better. The SPA+ also features a built in suspension system that holds ballistic panels securely in place.

The Second Chance PR4 carrier is made of 100% spun polyester which resists shrinking over countless washings. There is a single pocket for soft and hard ballistic panels and four non removable sewn on straps.

For those looking to take the concealable carrier to the next level, the Second Chance Deep Cover is for you. This is a perfect carrier for undercover and plain clothes officers. The shirt is made of microfiber, Intera, and Spandex which creates a cool and comfortable shirt. The tank style shirt has one pocket in the front for the insertion of a ballistic panel. The Deep Cover is available for men and women.

Second Chance saw that not all the time do police officers want a concealed vest. There are some situations were external vests are better. As a result, Second Chance produces several different types of external vests. Those styles include vests equipped with the MOLLE system, firearms instructor vests, traffic control vests, heavy duty vests, quilted vests for comfort, uniform matching vests, and K-9 vests.

Like all other ballistic vests, Second Chance’s body armor saves lives. When a police officer puts on a Second Chance ballistic vest, they can have confidence and peace of mind knowing they are wearing a fine product. In addition, Second Chance Body Armor has a selection of Trauma Inserts that can be added to a NIJ (National Institute of Justice) approved soft body armor vest. These inserts are designed to protect against stab wounds from spike and edged blade instruments.

Visit the Second Chance website to find the right body armor to add to your police equipment.

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