What are side straps used for on body armor?

Side straps on body armor serve multiple purposes. They provide improved weight distribution, added comfort, and increased stability, especially when carrying a full loadout of gear. Tactical side straps also include pockets for optional side armor panels to provide protection for the sides of your torso. First Response straps incorporate elastic to increase range of motion, while standard comfort straps are designed for daily comfort with concealable armor.

What's the difference between the different types of side straps?

SafeLife Defense offers three main types of side straps: Tactical Side Straps include pockets for optional armor panels and provide maximum stability for heavy loadouts. First Response Straps incorporate elastic for increased range of motion and are available with reflective strips for high visibility. Comfort Straps are basic replacement straps designed for concealable body armor with focus on everyday comfort and minimal profile.

Are all SafeLife Defense side straps compatible with all carriers?

While most side straps are designed to be compatible with a range of carriers, there are some specific compatibility considerations. First Response Straps and Tactical Side Straps are compatible with all SafeLife Defense vests and carriers. Comfort Straps are specifically designed for concealable body armor. If you have questions about compatibility with a specific carrier, we recommend contacting our customer service team at 702-829-4029 for personalized assistance.

What protection levels are available for Tactical Side Straps?

Tactical Side Straps are available in several protection options: No Armor (straps only), HG2 (protection against handguns, shotguns, strikes, and slashes), IIIA+ (all HG2 protection plus stab, taser, and armor-piercing protection), Hyperline IIIA (ultra-thin protection against handguns and shotguns), and FRAS (rifle-rated flexible armor that protects against .223, 5.56, and 7.62×39 ammunition). Each option allows you to customize your side protection based on your specific needs and threat level concerns.

How many straps come in each set?

The number of straps varies by product. The Comfort Strap Set includes four straps for complete replacement of all straps on concealable body armor. The First Response Strap Set and Tactical Side Straps both include two straps, which replace just the side straps on your carrier. Be sure to check the product description for the specific set you're interested in to confirm the number of straps included.

What colors are available for side straps?

Color availability varies by strap type. Comfort Straps are available in Black, Desert Sand, and White. First Response Straps come in Black, Navy Blue, Red, and High-Vis with optional reflective strips. Tactical Side Straps are available in Black, Coyote Tan, Navy Blue, and OD Green. These color options allow you to match your carrier or create high-visibility configurations for specific operational requirements.

Do side straps with armor add significant weight to my carrier?

The weight added by side straps with armor varies by protection level. Basic side straps without armor add minimal weight. HG2 and IIIA+ side armor adds approximately 0.5-0.7 pounds per side. Hyperline IIIA is the lightest armored option at approximately 0.3-0.4 pounds per side. FRAS rifle-rated side armor is the heaviest option, adding approximately 1.0-1.2 pounds per side. Despite these weight differences, all options are designed to be as lightweight as possible while providing their respective levels of protection.