From pointy sticks to modern ballistic weapons, men have been inflicting lethal harm on one another for millennia. It was only natural that countermeasures would be developed to protect against such threats. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days of chainmail and bulky metal armor . . .
Technological advances have placed lightweight, flexible, and concealable body armor within easy reach of police officer, soldier, and civilian alike. Quality body armor is simply one more layer of personal defense to augment our mindset and skill at arms. Concealable body armor is the preference for law enforcement and security folks who don’t want to go around looking like a one-man swat team. It’s also a smart option for the rest of us who don’t wear a uniform but could benefit from an extra measure of protection when working or traveling in heavy crime areas.
So, let’s suppose that you’ve decided that your life is worth investing in some quality body armor. The Safeguard Armor Ghost Level II vest is worth consideration. It’s an effective way to protect your vital organs from most handgun and stabbing threats.
Like all Safeguard products, the Ghost vest utilizes the proven ballistic protection of Kevlar®. This material has been around for the better part of 50 years and has a well-deserved reputation for being a lifesaver. Combined with Safeguard Armor’s Level I edged weapon protection, the Ghost vest can handle a 158gr. JHP round of .357 Magnum at 1400fps and all lesser threats.
The ballistic panels ride in a 100% Coolmax® carrier that wicks perspiration and helps keep you from overheating, especially in warmer climates. Sweat is a fact of life when wearing body armor.
Safeguard Armor’s Ghost armor is not the easiest to conceal, but that’s typically a concern for civilians. It disappears nicely beneath a loose fitting pullover or light jacket. In warmer weather, this could be a bit more challenging in terms of concealment and heat retention.
If you need a more discreet type of vest, check out Nick Leghorn’s review of Safeguard Armor’s Stealth model.
The vest we evaluated was very comfortable and gave a definite sense of security without making you feel like you’ve just donned a turtle’s shell. I asked a number of friends with either a law enforcement or security background to try it on and share their opinion.
Every person who slipped it on commented on how comfy it felt. This is critically important in the sense that we tend to make excuses not to wear items that we find uncomfortable.
That’s not a problem with this vest, the Kevlar® panels and stab proofing team up to give the Ghost a reassuring, no-nonsense feel.
At first blush, the vest appears a bit bulky, but the fit more than makes up for it. The cut of this particular vest works with the wearer. It’s generous enough to cover your vital areas yet not so long as to interfere with wearing a duty or tool belt or to ride up in front when sitting down.
When you’re not wearing your vest, it’s important that the ballistic panels are stored flat and protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Safeguard Armor thoughtfully includes a zippered storage bag that can either hang in the closet or store flat. It’s also an inconspicuous way to transport your body armor when it’s not in use.
The panels come with a 5-year warranty and are in compliance with NIJ standards for body armor ratings.
If six bills seems a bit high for something you hope you’ll never need, remember that even if you need it just once, it will be money well spent. Just think of it as keeping the scales tipped in your favor for those rare occasions when things go sideways.
Specifications: SafeGuard Armor Level II Ghost Vest
Weight: Approximately 2.5 kg
Sizes: XS to 3XL
Price: $581 (as tested)
Ratings (out of five stars):
Ease of Use * * * * *
Couldn’t be easier. Pull it on like a t-shirt and adjust the two Velcro straps if desired. This would be a real plus if needed quickly after hearing something go ‘bump’ in the night.
Utility * * * *
Per Nick’s testing: Safeguard Armor offers Level II ballistic protection and level I blade and spike protection that should save your hide from most handgun & stabbing threats. Being able to accommodate a small trauma plate would be a nice addition.
Overall * * * * *
It’s a solid piece of kit; very comfortable and functional. It would be a definite morale booster when danger arises unexpectedly.