Newest Spall Guard Version Release, New Options For Spall Guards, Extreme Duty Plate Backers

D-Rmor Gear is pleased to announce the newest version, 4.4, of our classic Spall Guard, has been released. Still lightweight, even more rugged, with changes to make it easier to install your plates. Now you also have the option of lighter, FR treated 500D Cordura in Coyote Brown.

Check them out here:

https://drmorgear.wordpress.com/products/spall-guards/

https://drmorgear.wordpress.com/coming-soon-d-rmor-gear-extreme-duty-plate-backers/

Body Armor: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Glass Reinforced Polymer Armor

Recently I have had several inquiries about GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer, or “fiberglass”) armor. It’s important to review this material, as it is becoming more prevalent in the armoring world. It has advantages in certain applications, but is totally unsuitable in others.

GRP has been around for a while. Some of the first body armor and vehicular armor utilized this material. It is comprised of woven, large-denier S-Glass fibers in a resin (usually epoxy, but often polyester or similar). The panels are rigid, and range from a few millimeters to over an inch thick.

In applications such as structural hardening and vehicular armoring, this material is very suitable, as S-Glass is much less expensive than either Aramid or UHMWPE reinforcement. It also has excellent environmental stability, able to withstand long periods of exposure to the elements without appreciable degradation or maintenance.

Recently however, this material has begun to be re-introduced as body armor, either in standalone applications as “handgun resistant” plates, or as the backing component to ceramic rifle plates. In my experience, this material is to be avoided as personal armor.

First and foremost, during a ballistic event, glass fibers are thrown off at high velocity. Unlike Aramid fibers, these can embed themselves in the wearer, requiring exploratory surgery to remove (since glass fibers do not show up on X-ray). A projectile defeat of the plate will pull additional secondary glass fiber projectiles into the wound, complicating it.

Secondly, in handling. This material often has “slivers” or “splinters” of glass fibers standing proud from the surface. These are a non-inconsequential hazard.

Finally, GRP armor is nearly twice as heavy as an equivalent Aramid panel, and three times the weight of UHMWPE for its protection.

My advice would be to spend a little extra to ensure you are getting either Aramid or UHMWPE plates, and avoid rifle plates that specify GRP backing.

2017 Update

It’s already March, and 2017 is going fast. To all those that have waited patiently on the Spall Guard wait list, the backlog is shrinking by the day.

For 2017, I will be offering two new services: Gear repair/modification, and custom soft armor carriers.

If you have a piece of gear that is showing wear and tear, or have something about your EDC that bugs you, contact me and we can discuss fixing it or making it better. I have a decade and a half of experience building and fixing all sorts of gear and accessories, and can optimize your kit to make it suit you better.

If you have a set of soft armor that really suits you, but the carrier is starting to show its age, get in touch, and I can build you a top of the line carrier. I use advanced FR materials to craft a truly custom-fit carrier that is unparalleled in the body armor world.

Along with these options, I will be releasing nearly a dozen new and interesting items. Stay tuned…