Time for a new IDPA Vest: Which One?

[cclaxton]

My XL too-large Woolrich IDPA logo vest must be retired, too big and worn out on the inside draw area.

I have three options:
1) Armadillo Concealment (Standard Cotton Canvas, typically starched cardboard-hard). Idea being that the vest doesn't bunch upon the draw. Advantages: More comfy, more options, nicer looking. Disadvantages: Keep it starched, softens when wet, wait 10-12 weeks.http://www.armadilloconcealment.com/Home_Page.html
2) Competitive Concealment (Made with Cordura blend, no need to starch, stiff enough without it). Idea being that the vest does not bunch upon draw. Advantages: More durable, material color won't fade, no need to starch, quick delivery. Disadvantages: Less comfy, fewer options, looks like a skirt in the back..not as fashionable. http://www.competitiveconcealment.com/index.htm
3) Concealed Carry Outfitters (4-ply taslon Nylon) with weights added along the front to toss-back the vest on the draw rather than rely on the stiffer material of #1, and #2, above. Advantages: More comfy, much nicer looking, inside pockets are nice, no need to starch. Disadvantages: Higher chance of vest bunching on the draw? http://www.concealedcarryoutfitters.com/index.php

Mike Elliott, a Maryland Expert/Master has the Competitive Concealment vest and he really loves it. I am leaning in that direction right now. I thought about going with a Large Woolrich and starching the hell out of it, but I need a fashion change.
Cody

[Sparks2112]

Just out of curiosity, is this an every day wear item, or just for competition?

[GJM]

Since none of those three choices is going to win a fashion award, I would just pick the fastest. For the last 3 or 4 years, I have been using this Filson vest as a concealment vest:

http://www.filson.com/products/travel-vest.10060.html

It conceals well, allows a fast draw, doesn't look "tactical/gunny" and is not something I am embarrassed to be seen wearing off the range.

[cclaxton]

Just out of curiosity, is this an every day wear item, or just for competition?

Primarily for competition, but I was thinking the right answer is to get two vests, one for everyday and one for competition.
CC

[cclaxton]

Since none of those three choices is going to win a fashion award, I would just pick the fastest. For the last 3 or 4 years, I have been using this Filson vest as a concealment vest:

http://www.filson.com/products/travel-vest.10060.html

It conceals well, allows a fast draw, doesn't look "tactical/gunny" and is not something I am embarrassed to be seen wearing off the range.

Thanks for the recommendation...very nice, but maybe out of my price range.

CC

[Sparks2112]

Primarily for competition, but I was thinking the right answer is to get two vests, one for everyday and one for competition.
CC

I'm not much of a vest guy, mainly because I think they're a glaring tell, and I'm faster from a closed front cover garment. In the interest of actually trying to be helpful though, why not something like a north face or Duluth trading company vest? Or even just a flannel shirt left unbuttoned? Does it have to not have sleeves? Not being obtuse, I've just never gotten the whole vest thing and I'd like to try and understand?

[cclaxton]

I'm not much of a vest guy, mainly because I think they're a glaring tell, and I'm faster from a closed front cover garment. In the interest of actually trying to be helpful though, why not something like a north face or Duluth trading company vest? Or even just a flannel shirt left unbuttoned? Does it have to not have sleeves? Not being obtuse, I've just never gotten the whole vest thing and I'd like to try and understand?

In competition, every 0.1s counts. So, your suggestions for EDC make perfect sense. But the competition vests need to move out of the way without any extra time/movement/snag.

The most popular are the highly starched Armadillo Cotton Canvas vests, although I think the Woolrich ones are second only because they are inexpensive, available, and sold by the IDPA store with the logo.

But, thanks for the other ideas.

CC

[peterb]

I'm not much of a vest guy, mainly because I think they're a glaring tell, and I'm faster from a closed front cover garment. In the interest of actually trying to be helpful though, why not something like a north face or Duluth trading company vest? Or even just a flannel shirt left unbuttoned? Does it have to not have sleeves? Not being obtuse, I've just never gotten the whole vest thing and I'd like to try and understand?

Around here(rural NH), a Carhartt or similar vest is standard attire for anyone in the trades or doing outdoor work except in summer. Fleece or softshell vests are popular for recreational and casual wear. Fleece vests with logos are used as employee uniforms. The travel/safari/IDPA-type is NOT common and would be out of place.

[ST911]

For IDPA/shooting use, I wear a old (pre-5.11) Royal Robbins. Daily wear vests are various forms of fleece or other softshell from Cabelas, Columbia, LL Bean. My favorite is the LL Bean.

The Filson gear is nice. You'll pay for it, but you get what you pay for. For a less expensive travelers-vest option, look at the Cabelas offering of the same name. It has good functionality at a much lower price point.

Another premium manufacturer to add to your list is King of the Mountain: http://shop.kingofthemountain.com/. They have a line of vests that incorporate some interesting fabrics and features, such as an extended "beaver tail" for concealment and warmth. Build quality is excellent. Like the Filson, you'll pay a premium, but you'll get what you pay for.

[rudy99]

When I took a class from Scott Warren, he let me borrow his IDPA vest for a specific drill we were doing. He had it custom made and the fabric was almost like cardboard, in that if you push the edge of it open, the whole vest moved with it. Obviously this vest was designed to win competitions and was not something one would wear out and about. Not sure what kind of material it was made of though, perhaps just heavy cotton/canvas. Food for thought.