Back when they were all the rage I stupidly purchased an "airsoft quality" tactical vest as I wanted to get into some carbine matches and when I left the Guard I had to give back my LBV-88. I didn't want to run around in my old LBE so I purchased this crap vest. I didn't use it as much as I thought I would instead I went to belt mounted magazine pouches and a lower profile. I still kept the vest ready with loaded magazines and a blow out kit in the event I quickly needed to "grab and go" - somewhat analogous to an active shooter vest without the plates.
The other day I was inspecting the vest I noticed that the "high quality" and way over-priced Chinese fabric had deteriorated the in intense sun of my small single window garage and was basically falling apart so it's time to s-can the thing. The question is do I replace it with a higher quality vest or is it simply a waste of money that will get me "killed in the street."
I'm not envisioning fighting the "Battle of Cheyenne" as the elder mentor to a group of high school age freedom fighters, but I do see a potential need to secure my neighborhood in a post disaster scenario much like in the days after Katrina and Ike.
Right now I'm leaning towards getting a surplus LBV-88 for $15 and calling it good.
Any good arguments for spending more?