Chicago;
No I have never worn modern armor only kevlar helmet and vests but then again I have never fought Zombie's either . An I don't have to be bit by a rattle snake to know that it's poisonous. Besides only a bomb disposal unit member would wear a full Kevlar body suit. I do know Kevlar is heavy in quality vest's adding ballistic plating/ceramic plating only makes it heavier by some 16-17lbs in some vests.
Most of all I agree with all of you in that practice and familiarity with your weapons and gear for everyone until things become second nature All have valid points but some times you just need to be able to sit back and laugh at yourself and not take things so seriously at times. Just my two cents.
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Have you worn modern armor? I'm curious because in my opinion modern armor is cumbersome compared to leather. A kevlar body suit would render anyone combat ineffective with 60+ pounds of BOB.
Protecting vital organs with kevlar is a must in the zpoc. Raiders and anyone with a gun will be your enemy.
Shot in your trigger arm? That's why we practice action arm shooting.