Bullet proof vest

Don't get steel.

You want Ceramic plates even if they cost more.

The guys I know in the industry only sell to LEO/MIL. Hesco is probably the best civilian option with Mira and R&D as generally respected brands that are probably OK.

You will have to decide if you want level III or level IV plates, you can get a variety of vests, as long as they hold the plate where you want it just make sure it doesn't have reviews of being complete crap.

If you want cheap... expired ceramic plates made for .gov contracts are a better option than cheap new plates. Obviously you would need to do research on the plates being offered but I'd rather an out of date LEO plate than a brand new plate made in China.

Do you want rifle plates?

Do you want to wear it under a shirt?

Point Blank

They have some options.

I’ve only had them issued, not bought by me, so I don’t know what’s considered a decent value. I sure as hell wouldn’t buy one from Amazon, though. Look at law enforcement/military supply vendors and get an idea of cost, then it’s just a matter of how nice and expensive you want to go.

You mentioned a rifle plate; I doubt you’re going to find a rifle combo that’s easy to wear under a shirt. This is about odds, and the odds are pretty good that a dirtbag is going to use a handgun. Honestly, if I had to go somewhere I felt I needed a rifle plate for I’m going with 3 people minimum, all armed with ARs.

https://www.ar500armor.com/
They have sales alot.
I have 2 soft ones level 3A I use in backpacks. Would just have 1 but the first I got was big and only fits one bigger backpack.
Got 1 steal level 3+ coated. No way am I lugging that thing around all day. shite has to be horrible for me to use it and it can last a lifetime.
Had bought them all at the beginning of the BLM "peaceful protests" you know because they were so friendly.

Depends on how much money you want to spend and what your purpose for body armor is. I would not purchase anything off of Amazon.

As noted already, Safelife Defense is a good option but on the pricey side. However, there is always a trade off between weight and effectiveness. Lighter plates with better stopping power will cost more.

Midway has several options, Caliber body armor has some decent prices and there are many others.

You will need a plate carrier unless you are getting an “under garment” style shirt, those are generally handgun rated. Again, depends how much you want to spend and your purpose. If you will wear it all day then the undergarment is the way to go. If you want it for a potential home invasion scenario then a plate carrier rig and some good plates. You’ll have to decide if you want side plates or just front and rear plates. Also, if you want your plate carrier to support other gear or simply be a plate carrier. Do you want a backpack to carry and use as a shield? All sorts of options.

Just take some time to look around. John Lovell, Warrior Poet Society, has some body armor reviews on YouTube. Also, Mr. Guns and Gear along with 1,000 others.

Check those out, see what you like and get what you can afford. You will probably end up with a few sets before it’s all said and done.

Good luck!

Classic Firearms just put some plate carriers and body armor on sale.