1. Gannon

    Gannon Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2007
    Messages:
    3,975
    Likes Received:
    55
    Location:
    Manchester, England

    Bullet Proof Hoodies in Development Stage

    Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by Gannon, Apr 4, 2008.

    By Sky News SkyNews - Friday, April 4 07:24 am

    A new bullet-proof hoodie to protect against street violence is due to go on sale later this month.

    The £300 "Defender" hoodie makes the wearer's upper body invincible to 9mm Magnum handgun bullets, according to its maker.

    It was developed by London-based company Bladerunner, which also manufactures stab-proof tops.

    Company owner Barry Samms said a mother from Walthamstow, east London, whose son had been mugged three times, was among customers asking for bullet-proof clothing.

    "We've had quite a lot of interest from the US and a couple of calls from the UK," he said.

    "Our current customers range from undercover police to security workers to concerned parents."

    The top is made from a new fibre called Dyneema, which is thinner than the material used to make traditional bullet-proof vests.

    Mr Samms denied his firm was targeting teenage gang members with the invention, claiming the hoodie was the best way of disguising its bullet-proof nature.

    "It's only a hoodie because you can't really put a zip across the front of something bullet-proof," he said.

    "Adults wear hoodies too. My mum wears one and you don't see her hanging out on street corners.

    "We really thought last year when we brought out the stab-proof top that they were going to be for teenagers, yet they are the last people to actually buy one."

    Mr Samms said the hoodie was primarily aimed at US customers concerned by the amount of gun violence in their country.

    "I don't see that there is much of a market in the UK, because luckily we have such strict gun laws," he said.

    "People don't have to go to such extremes to protect themselves over here."

    The hoodie is currently in the prototype stage, but orders can already be placed with Bladerunner, which has offices in Romford, Essex.
     
  2. Crazy Ivan

    Crazy Ivan New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,291
    Likes Received:
    11
    Location:
    The dumpster behind your McDonalds.
    That's...actually pretty cool. Or, at least it will be when it's cheaper.
     
  3. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    If this really start selling, look for gangs to move to ammo with more penetrating power, such as teflon-coated bullets. :(
     
  4. ValianceInEnd

    ValianceInEnd Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2007
    Messages:
    1,667
    Likes Received:
    11
    Location:
    Phoenix, Arizona.
    Yeah, if it can only stop a weak little 9mm then they'll move up to .40s and .45s. Still, that is pretty cool. I'd like to see an actual one that works.
     
  5. Raven

    Raven Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2006
    Messages:
    9,751
    Likes Received:
    72
    Location:
    The NetherWorld
    LMFAO

    I had to re-read that Gannon. lol Now I've seen it all. LMFAO.
     
  6. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    says a lot about the low level of animal behavior in so-called 'most advanced' countries, that something like that would even be thought of!
     
  7. ValianceInEnd

    ValianceInEnd Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2007
    Messages:
    1,667
    Likes Received:
    11
    Location:
    Phoenix, Arizona.
    Wait a second... lemme guess... :rolleyes:
     
  8. Daniel

    Daniel I'm sure you've heard the rumors Founder Staff

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    2,815
    Likes Received:
    696
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    That is pretty cool. The maker says it's not targeting gang members, but that doesn't seem to be the case, imo.
     
  9. soujiroseta

    soujiroseta Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2008
    Messages:
    199
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Harare, Zimbabwe
    that sounds cool but inevitably gangs will start to buy them once they get cheaper. real clever innovation though.
     
  10. Oasis Writer

    Oasis Writer Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2008
    Messages:
    3,935
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Boise, Idaho
    I can see the television ad

    "You're hoodie isn't safe enough for a bullet," *shoots a kid* "See"

    *New kid, with new hoodie*

    "Now it is" *shots the kid but the kid is still standing, smiling, and gives a thumbs up.
     
  11. Neha

    Neha Beyond Infinity. Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2007
    Messages:
    4,061
    Likes Received:
    38
    Location:
    India
    But won't it be as helpful for criminals, as for civilians??
     
  12. Oasis Writer

    Oasis Writer Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2008
    Messages:
    3,935
    Likes Received:
    27
    Location:
    Boise, Idaho
    Yup, it will be.
     
  13. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    and i have to predict it will sell more to gang-bangers whose illicit activities enable 'em to afford the latest in weapons, armor-piercing ammo, and cellphones, than to the law-abiding, who have mortgages, kids' college tuition and the like to pay for, so can't afford 'em...
     
  14. ValianceInEnd

    ValianceInEnd Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2007
    Messages:
    1,667
    Likes Received:
    11
    Location:
    Phoenix, Arizona.
    Um, I wonder if anyone actually read the whole thing understands it's true point...
     
  15. Neha

    Neha Beyond Infinity. Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2007
    Messages:
    4,061
    Likes Received:
    38
    Location:
    India
    'y don't ya clear?
     
  16. Raven

    Raven Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2006
    Messages:
    9,751
    Likes Received:
    72
    Location:
    The NetherWorld
    Funny that was the very exact image I conjured up in my thoughts after reading this. :eek::);)

    I'm afraid this is something I cannot take seriously. ;)
     
  17. Daniel

    Daniel I'm sure you've heard the rumors Founder Staff

    Joined:
    May 14, 2006
    Messages:
    2,815
    Likes Received:
    696
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Possibly. It would help someone anticipating getting shot, but it could do more harm in the long run. Someone stated that gangs will just find more powerful weapons. More powerful weapons can result in by standards potentially getting hurt more often and increased violence (theoretically).
     
  18. Kit

    Kit Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2007
    Messages:
    1,985
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Nottinghamshire
    I have to agree, it seems more to me like these hoodies will sell to the people who are in anticipation of being shot - such as gang members, or people involved in that sort of activity. Also, they will be too expensive for the majority and for those that are involved in violence it will prompt them to use stronger weapons.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice