FIE Gear and Heat and Light

[BenTheEMOP]

Can anyone tell me how sensitive FIE gear is to heat and light and all the other things the label tells you not to expose it to?

I am trying to slowly up grade my gear and I bought an Uhlman FIE underarm protector. Its label says to avoid exposing it to heat and light.

So, if it sits in a hot car for a couple hours, or on a drying rack in the living room in the sun, is it compromised?

I have heard of cops having problems with heat, sweat, light, and kevlar vests.

Thanks in advance.

[Purple Fencer]

I don't know that modern FIE material is that sensitive...KEVLAR was, tho. Chlorine and UV sunlight broke it down...which is one reason it;s not used anymore for our purposes.

[MyraTrue]

I have to agree with Purple on this one. From my experiences with FIE equipment, it's not really all that bad. Most FIE uniforms have moved to a form of balistic nylon, or similar materials. You are right that some of the old FIE stuff was Kevlar, which is light sensitive. That is why the bullet-proof vests need replacing every several years.

If it helps you at all, I own FIE jacket and mask, and both have been used heavily for almost three years, left in hot cars for days, hung up to dry in the sun, etc. I believe the warnings about heat and light are based on the idea that these can reduce the protective value of the uniform, but as far as I have seen, it isn't noticable. (IE- don't use bleach, don't wash in hot) If you're worried about it, use some Oxyclean, and wash in warm water, or cold except the occasional warm wash to "brighten up" your whites. I've found that if I treat my FIE stuff well, it holds up very well too. They are a good investment, and are not terribly high maintenence.