riot gear

Why would we use metal when plastic is lighter and gets the same results?

They're not meant to be bullet proof; they're meant to deflect thrown objects, protect the user from blows, and act as a force multiplier. Plexiglass serves all of these purposes and doesn't obstruct the user's view.
Like a lot of other outdated things that the Russians use, it's for one of two reasons. It looks scary and intimidating, or they can't be bothered to modernize.

>>32735858
Oh and it's probably cheaper to issue a department with sheet metal shields rather than plexiglass ones. That's really the only benefit.

I'd prefer a steel plate shield then a polycarbonate one

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be glad you're not dutch riot police, we are still using the same gear from 1970 and the same round wicker shields as well.

>>32735910

I think I'd prefer lexan infused kevlar.

Light, small arms resistant, etc

Because Russia has a "just werks mentality".

>>32735820
>use steel plated Russian shields?
This are made from aluminum.

>>32735920
Wouldn't a molotov light those shields on fire? It looks like they are made from a Rotan Chair.

>>32735920
And the rioters throw potatos?

>>32736040
>>32736321
Well the Dutch haven't seen any large riots ever so that's why they don't upgrade the gear but that might change in the future

>>32735910
>I'd prefer a steel plate shield then a polycarbonate one

I see you've never been on a march before. Do you also go on frequent rants with how M14s should've never been replaced with the BB gun M16?

>>32736622
>>32736040
I'd be more worried about the coverage if we're going into some sort of Dutch euromaidan

Those are aluminum, aluminum is actually lighter than polycarbonate since it doesn't have to be as thick and doesn't suffer UV degradation but it won't stop projectiles any better and you can't see through it as well.

I have a 24" round aluminum riot shield, it looks nice hanging on my wall along with my aluminum PR-24.

>>32736820
Are you Ukrainian, or just prepared for the oft chance of riots?

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>>32736844

I'm a Pennsylvanian, a buddy of mine was a career Marine and Corrections officer, his garage/man-cave is full of such things. He recommended I go with aluminum due to the aforementioned degradation. He has half a dozen 30-odd year old shield/baton combos hanging in his garage, the shields have all yellowed and the batons have all become curved with age.

I wouldn't care to be caught out in the street during a riot so they're mostly for fun and decoration, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have them.

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>>32736901
Neat

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>>32736844
I have some friends in ukraine. they don't really talk about the stuff they have for riots i think they just get some shit together and go