Wyluli's RPG Forum

Armory Book vs. Main Book
Flak Jackets: If you want the higher rating, you need to be able to afford the "better quality" version of it. Joke -> "Better Quality" a/k/a private sector vs. government standard issue
Armory: Rating 1/2, Strength 1, Defense -1, Speed 0, Cost 1
Core Book: Rating 2/3, Strength 1, Defense -1, Speed 0, Cost 2

Reinforced Clothing: This would cover work safety equipment like hard hats.
Armory: Rating 1/0, Strength 1, Defense 0, Speed 0, Cost 1
Core Book: Rating 1/0, Strength 1, Defense 0, Speed 0, Cost 0

Bulletproof Vest:
Armory: Rating 2/3, Strength 1, Defense -1, Speed 0, Cost 3
Core Book: Rating 1/2, Strength 1, Defense 0, Speed 0, Cost 1
The differences are because the one in the core book is notated as (thin). If it's thinner, less material is used and it is a lesser cost.

So, essentially, if you are min/maxing cost vs. protective gear; then you would want to take:
Cost 1: Core Book Bullet Proof Vest - that way all bullet damage is reduced to bludgeoning.
Cost 2: Core Book Flak Jacket - note padding vs. thin carbon so concealability is diminished. Also, bullet/piercing damage taken over it's rating (2/3), is not bludgeoning, it's lethal. Can be purchased at army surplus stores.
Cost 3: Armory Bullet Proof Vest for concealability & ratings. All bullet/piercing damage is downgraded to bludgeoning. Can be purchased because y'all are FBI now. There, I gave ya something from having a FBI badge