In my opinion the dog is way too Vulnerable in the lower chest/armpit area.I have run eight different stags and stag crosses in these plates, but recently have hung these plates up. A lot of people use them and use them successfully but after having dogs take serious hits in the forementioned areas, I have gone back to the guardian vest fit just a little loose on my running style dogs. I really don't think it slows a dog down that much. I know people are going to say that my dogs is holding style is poor and that's why they were exposed, That's fine, but it will just be a matter of time if you hunt long enough and catch hogs that they will take an unnecessary beating on their underside - especially if a rank boar makes it into the brush.
With that being said, Josh White makes excellent products and is a very honest person to deal with. If you were going to buy a plate, I would highly recommend him.
I feel the same as you on your opinion...your opinion that was formed through experience...and some will say you stags don't hold clean or whatever...I don't run that style of dog but if I did my logic would not allow me to use that style of protection...some of my dogs wear vest the whole time and they keep up with the dogs that don't have running vests...not much difference in the running vests I use and catch vests...
