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Regular Guy
06-27-2010, 09:38 PM
I have done a lot of browsing around the net for a while,
but I can't seem to find suitable pads of D3O armor, or the putty-like raw material available.
I was wondering if any of you know of a vendor (online/offline) that may carry what I am looking for.

I was wanting to make a light vest to line the body-side of my trauma pads in my vest with.
Right now it's just a light foam vest that goes between my body and the vest, and I think the d3o material would be a more suitable replacement to absorb shock and contour a more comfortable fit. I am not using the pads on the outer layer as a bullet resistant, but as an inner layer as a shock absorber.

I have checked Ebay and a few online vendors suggested by the d3o site, but all I seem to find are replacements pads that are not quite as large as I would hope for or clothing such that may not have suitable pads to remove from. And stitching a vest out of these smaller pieces is not as ideal as if I were to have a larger piece.

127572
This vest from Bliss features about the size I am looking for, but it is just a spine padding.
I am not sure if having the same pad on your chest would be as ergonomic.

From what I understand, you can create a mold using the liquid state of the D3O to create your own pads, and if I can get a hold of some of the raw material I am willing to make my own molds for front/back/head paddings.

Right now it seems my best option is to buy the iBand ipod covers, cut them, and seal them together.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Bacon
06-28-2010, 01:17 AM
This might work.

http://www.911tacticaldirect.com/511-tactical-594151.html

Regular Guy
06-29-2010, 05:09 AM
Thanks, that's a very helpful link.
Do you know anyone who has purchased one of these? three main things concern me with it
1) It says it has an adhesive back, and I am not really wanting to stick this onto anything, do you think prolonged usage of this would cause the adhesive to start smooshing out and cause damage the the vest or comfort wear I have underneath?
2) Any idea how thick this is? I'm concerned with it being too thick or having a low heat transfer. This is going to be the material closest to my body, and if it doesn't dissipate heat well it's going to cause more discomfort then I want.
3) The size of the pad seems to be a bit smaller then I am wanting. I was wanting something that encompasses at least a majority of the area the sapi plates are taking up. So 12x10+ would be nice.