Dragon Skin

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:46:32 -0500

When will the Army accept the Dragon Skin Body Armor? It protects more of our body. It's flexible. It's just a light weight as the plate carrier. Yes it cost a lot, but it's much better. Why do you think?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 10:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:52:28 -0500

It's fatally flawed.

While it is everything you say, there is an angle at which it provides next to no protection. Admittedly it is a low angle--the attacker would be shooting upward, but there is no such vulnerability with the plates we use now.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 11:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:06:22 -0500

Man, I thought this topic was dead. I hadn't heard Dragon Skin uttered in at least five years.

The problem with it is protection level and how heavy it is. It also lacks attachments to mount MOLLE equipment. While it can take repeated hits with minimal degradation in performance unlike ESAPI plates, it does not protect up to the same caliber as ESAPI and the vector of the incoming rounds can circumvent some of the protection as well.

It was looked at and roundly rejected back in 2006.

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Mar 1 at 2015 11:06 PM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 23:06:27 -0500

I am all for continued R&D to turn it into a viable option. Especially with how bulky the ESAPI designs have been becoming. It may be heavier, but it is easier to get used to weight than a restriction in movement I think...