Okay, this is probably going to stir up some controversy.
I have worn the Interceptor Body Armor in the field that the troops are issued. I, personally, hate the fit, the feel, and the overall effect of ceramic plates in the vest with "pockets".
I have worn, in a "show room environment" the Dragon Skin Body Armor by Pinnacle.
I do not feel there is even a competition. The Dragon Skin, hands down, fits better, feels better and will stop just about anything that you can throw at it.
If you do the research, and don't listen to the standard answer of "They failed the government's tests" you will see that this armor is something special. For the record, the story behind the scenes looks a lot like this...
"It would appear the corruption and drama that is the Dragon Skin vs. The Military & NIJ continues. After several corrupt attempts ( strictly my opinion ) by people in very powerful positions to keep what I consider to be a far superior product out of the hands of our troops in harms way, it would appear some charges are now being levied & the military's hypocritical slip is showing.
"Retired Army Colonel John D. Norwood (West Point '80), former head of the Army office responsible for allocation of body armor, is reported to be under criminal investigation for alleged violations of federal law related to his taking a post-retirement job with Armor Holdings, Inc., one of the major providers of Interceptor Body Armor to the Army ."
Now, let me break this down here a minute. A Colonel, the former head of the Army Office
RESPONSIBLE for the allocation for Body Armor - for the Army troops in harms way all over the world, has recently retired from the Miltary and taken a high paying job WITH the company who is one of the makers of the armor that is currently used by the Army. Do I need to ask Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!?! Is it just me, or does this stink to high hell?
Now, in addition, there are several former West Point graduates who have been summoned to an Article 32 hearing in direct relation to what is becoming a very high reaching case.
"As the editor notes above a presumption of innocence must be made. Are any of you familiar with how a military investigation is conducted? Early on you’re given an “Article 32†hearing, which often includes the proceedings required under Article 31, and is the military’s equivalent under UCMJ and is approximately analogous to the civilian law enforcement agencies conducting an investigation, issuing a Miranda warning, and performing the sort of detailed collection and consideration of evidence done by a grand jury in the civilian world.
Having granted COL Norwood his due right to be considered innocent, it’s noteworthy to remember that by the time the military gets to Article 32, there is an assumption that the matter will go further, and that’s all I’m going to say about the matter for now.
Most military summoned to an Article 32 hearing bring a defense attorney with them for very good reason."
If this wasn't infuriating enough, get a load of this horse****:
"Currently nine U.S. generals stationed in Afghanistan are reportedly wearing Pinnacle Dragon Skin body armor, according to company spokesman Paul Chopra. Chopra, a retired Army chief warrant officer and 20+-year pilot in the famed 160th "Nightstalkers" Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), said his company was merely told the generals wanted to "evaluate" the body armor in a combat environment."
It's perfectly fine for 9 generals in Afghanistan, but the average grunt, the kids kicking in doors and doing the dirty work don't warrant it?
I believe treason is still punishable by death in this country's military, is it not? I consider someone taking money, and securing himself a high paying job with huge incentives to promote one product and stand "watchdog" at the gate to keep other products out to be an act of the highest treasonous basis. Keeping the best products, be them gas masks, combat boots, firearms or body armor from troops that leads to them not having the best possible material to do their job is a crime!
As of Spring of 2007 - a Senate Sub Commitee had demanded that a new test between Interceptor, Dragon Skin and all other comers was to be conducted in June of 2007 - side by side and in full view of all interested parties. the Army, with input directly from Col. Norwood, postponed the tests until March of 2008 - because the Interceptor brand was having difficulty fielding a new plate to meet the new test Standards. ****ing Hypocrits!
Source:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...%3Doff%26sa%3DG
I look forward to seeing the test results, if the Army has the "sand" to actually put on a fair test and not keep everything in the dark when their chosen product is upstaged and embarassed."
I have a complete 2006/2007 price list for Dragon Skins Products if you guys are interested. I am going to need some help with the .pdf format it came in though to get it published...
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS0pSwdQfbY"]Dragon Skin on Future Weapons[/ame]
JD