Since Spartan soldiers wear metal to protect themselves as bulletproof vests in battle, bulletproof vests have made great progress.
Today, bulletproof vests are equipped with a series of advanced protective equipment, which can resist the most lethal weapon fire.
Although vests and board carriers are well known, bulletproof backpacks and even bulletproof vests are now on the market. They all follow the same principle: place a layer of super strong material between your life and bullets, projectiles or blades.
In safety body armor, we know that it is very important to understand this potential life-saving equipment before deciding which equipment to buy. This is the goal of this guide: we will help you understand bulletproof vests and when to use them for tactical loading.
What are the different types of bulletproof vests?
When it comes to body armor today, you have many choices:
Bulletproof vest (also known as bulletproof vest, most people will think of it when they hear “bulletproof vest”)
A: Plate carrier
B: Stab / Stab Vest
C: Bulletproof backpack
D: Bulletproof vest
But in fact, there are many kinds of bulletproof vests, of which the most obvious classification is Hard Body Armor / Soft Body Armor.
Today, let’s learn all about bulletproof vests!
What can I do with a bulletproof vest?
You will be surprised at how many situations you can use bulletproof vests. The most common are:
Peace of mind and protection in daily life – shootings are becoming more and more common, although we hope this is not true. Enterprises, supermarkets, schools and university campuses are no longer safe places.
Safety and protection at work – some jobs put you at risk more easily than others. Police, correctional personnel, security guards, etc. need protection.
Protection during hunting / sports shooting – no one is perfect. The gun may have been fired by accident. Many hunters wear protective equipment.
Protection in amateur scientific experiments – listen, we don’t advocate blowing up things (at least if you’re not a trained professional), but we also know that blowing up things is a favorite pastime for some people. If projectiles occur, wear protective equipment!
Can we legally buy bulletproof vests?
Yes, you can safely buy bulletproof vests – despite public opinion. It is difficult not to associate bulletproof vests with wars, crime scenes, dangerous situations, terrorist attacks, accidents and other similar terrorist scenes. Therefore, many people believe that the purchase of bulletproof vests is (or should) Limited.
But this is not the case! It is a good thing that any legal adult citizen can buy bulletproof vests through e-commerce websites such as safety body armor. Bulletproof clothing is not a dangerous attack tool: it is a kind of protective equipment that can give you the ability to protect yourself in an increasingly turbulent society, which should be advocated by us.
Think about car seat belts. They are related to car accidents just as bulletproof vests are related to bullets and blunt impacts, but you won’t think twice before you fasten your seat belt (at least we hope you won’t!)
The same is true for body armor: you wear body armor and hope you never need it. If there is such a need, you and your loved ones will appreciate someone who saved your life.
Is it legal to have a bulletproof vest?
Yes, now. U.S. citizens and legal residents have the full right to buy and wear bulletproof vests. However, some state laws on bulletproof vests always change.
So, although you can buy bulletproof vests in most states, you should always know the laws of your state and local bulletproof vests. We will also try our best to let you know the changes!
Can I bring a bulletproof vest on the air plane?
Generally speaking, yes. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) page on bulletproof vests stipulates that bulletproof vests can be used on the aircraft as long as they are placed in checked baggage or luggage. It cannot be worn at airports or on airplanes. Seriously, don’t try, or it will become a blacklist of airlines.
Although bulletproof vests are usually allowed in baggage or checked baggage, TSA has the final decision on what items are allowed and not allowed to be carried on a daily basis.
This means that when you appear at the airport, your body armor may be banned (and completely legal). If this happens, the body armor must be removed from the bag and cannot fly with you.
This may be very inconvenient, especially during the peak travel period, so be sure to contact the airport in advance to ask about your situation. Either way, be prepared to comply with TSA requirements on arrival.
The last thing you want to hear in this place is, “we need you to unpack.”
Call in advance! Confirm relevant laws and regulations! It’s best to put bulletproof vests into your luggage for check-in. Don’t wear them on your body! Cause unnecessary trouble!
When is it illegal to have a bulletproof vest?
Just said that everyone can legally buy and own bulletproof vests is actually too absolute. There are three exceptions to the legitimacy of bulletproof vests:
No one convicted of a felony can have or wear bulletproof vests.
Connecticut is the only state that prohibits e-commerce from buying bulletproof vests. You can only buy bulletproof vests in person opposite the store counter.
Wearing a bulletproof vest while committing a crime or any illegal activity will be detrimental to the offender during the trial. It is used as evidence of criminal premeditation, which is why he or she is equipped with protective equipment such as bulletproof vests in advance.
Why do people think it’s illegal to have bulletproof vests?
One reason is that some manufacturers only sell their products directly to the military, law enforcement agencies, security agencies or official government entities, rather than retail or through e-commerce to the public.
However, many companies do sell to the public, but buyers need to have the ability to clear imports. Therefore, most customers who order our bulletproof clothing and protective articles are government or security companies. If you are interested in this aspect, please browse our bulletproof clothing series to find out how many choices you have.
What does NIJ’s Level of bulletproof vests mean?
NIJ represents the National Institute of justice, which sets standards for the effectiveness and safety of bulletproof vests.
NIJ rating tells you what kind of bullet a bulletproof vest can protect you from.
When a manufacturer manufactures a new bulletproof product, it is tested under highly controlled conditions to determine which type of ammunition it can resist penetration. These tests are very detailed and thorough, considering many variables.
You can see how strict this test is in the following video. The Spartan armor system elaphros III light bulletproof vest is being certified by NIJ.
NIJ takes its standards seriously. When a company tests ballistic equipment at these quality levels, there is no shortcut. As a potential wearer of protective equipment, if the level of protective armor meets the NIJ standard, you will be very confident.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the NIJ level of bulletproof vest to make sure you know which protection level is suitable for you. After all, you buy bulletproof vests to provide protection in dangerous situations, not at parties.
What are the different ratings of NIJ?
Bulletproof vests are rated according to their function and ability to resist or deflect projectiles. These levels help you choose the right armor for your specific needs, and you should use them as a guide to the type of armor you need.
NIJ rating covers two categories: soft armor and hard armor. Soft armor includes lower level and hard armor includes higher level. We will briefly summarize the NIJ level and the advantages and disadvantages of each level. For more information, please see our previous more in-depth guide article on NIJ protection levels.
SOFT BODY ARMOR
Soft armor is used in light warfare, such as low caliber pistols or stab attacks.
Soft armor NIJ level
Class I
This is the first level of NIJ. It is now considered obsolete because the weapon has far exceeded the level 1 protection capability. You really only see this level on old or used bulletproof vests. For quality and safety reasons, we urge you to avoid using them.
Class IIA
After level 1, this level is the most effective but hidden armor for those who need to remain mobile and don’t want to be found, such as undercover, intelligence personnel or VIP. It still provides a degree of protection from slower projectiles or knives.
Level II
This level achieves the ideal balance between weight, flexibility, protection and concealment. Secondary armor includes specific pistol and shotgun calibres.
Level III
IIIA is the most commonly recommended armor that can withstand most pistols and shotguns. This is usually the highest level of commercial covert armor.
Advantages and disadvantages of soft armor
Advantages of soft armor
It can be worn by anyone without anyone noticing
Soft and flexible material – comfortable and feels like a flannel shirt
Lightweight – does not increase the total weight of safety equipment
High deflection range – can effectively resist all kinds of bullets and shrapnel
Composite layer – Kevlar, Dyneema and other composite materials produce excellent resistance while being user-friendly
Disadvantages of soft armor
Low protection – unable to withstand high caliber or high-speed bullets.
Common Materials In Soft Body Armor
Kevlar
One of the key materials used in mainstream bulletproof vests is Kevlar, which is why they are often called “Kevlar vests”
Kevlar is a synthetic fiber with high strength and light weight. Its strength is five times that of steel. When its stratification is appropriate, such as in soft ballistic bulletproof clothing, it can absorb most of the impact force of pistol bullets or explosive shrapnel, making the impact force more difficult to penetrate. It will blunt and deform approaching objects and change the shape into a relatively harmless dish shape.
While passivating the incoming object, the armor also distributes all energy on the whole structure, weakening the impact force.
Trevallon
This is a material similar to Kevlar. In fact, both fibers come from the aramid family. Twaron’s first commercial production was in 1986, produced by Diren aramid company.
Dyneema
Dyneema is a creative product of Dutch material technology experts. It is extremely light but very strong. A 1mm long Dyneema can withstand an amazing weight of 240 kilograms., But it’s light enough to float in the water!
Graphene
New magical materials! Graphene has incredible strength and weight and can easily block high-speed projectiles. This is a science fiction story.
At present, the price of graphene is too high to be manufactured in the solid structure of ballistic vest. But with the development of technology, this is the material that needs attention!
Types Of Soft Body Armor
This armor provides a protective needle against blows and stings, and prevents manual blows with a blade or straight knife and other sharp weapons.
Stab proof armor
Stab resistant armor is a common classification of soft armor. Unlike bulletproof vests, it can resist two types of sharp weapons – “edge” blades, such as kitchen knives or pocket knives, or “spike” blades, such as ice picks.
“Multiple threat” or “dual threat” vests can resist ballistic impact and stab wounds.
Disadvantages of stab / stab armor
Can’t prevent guns.
Bulletproof vest — an auxiliary safety equipment
As the name suggests, bulletproof armor is a series of tights that extend the function of bulletproof armor to other parts of the body. They can be worn with or instead of bulletproof vests or carriers.
Bulletproof vests are made of materials similar to soft armor. Therefore, they have flexibility, natural wearing feeling, air permeability, operability and concealment.
There are many kinds of bulletproof clothing, including:
Upper and lower body wear, such as vest, jacket, coat, trousers, trousers, shorts, etc
Carry on luggage and backpacks
Business and professional accessories, such as business bags, computer and other accessories boxes, display boards, packaging bags, etc
Vest and clothing for safety training dogs, called “K-9 clothing”
You can’t guess that Talos’s wool vest is NIJ certified IIIA, can you? Isn’t it a great accident!
HARD BODY ARMOR
After learning about soft body armor, let’s talk about hard armor.
First of all, hard armor also has his NIJ level
Level III
This is a rating specifically designed for rifle bullets; It can resist rifle bullets such as AK-47 bullets.
Level III+
This is not the official level of NIJ, but armor manufacturers use this level to describe armor that can resist higher speed rifle bullets and other threats, such as M855 (“green tip”) and mi93.
Level IV
This is the most advanced bulletproof grade and has excellent resistance to most rifles, pistols and shotguns. However, its size and weight limit its use. However, when you need the best possible protection, you can purchase and customize your armor according to the level LV standard
Advantages Of Hard Armor
Compared with soft armor, hard armor is extremely bulletproof – very suitable for heavy combat
Externally wearable – alleviates some of the inconvenience associated with hard armor and is often used as a separate hard plate that can be replaced from the plate carrier to increase flexibility.
Disadvantages of Hard Armor
Short service life – the hard steel plate certified by NIJ can usually be used for about 5 years. If the steel plate is purchased through other channels, the service life may be shorter.
Hard armor is not easy to hide. Unlike soft armor, hard armor can fit the body well. Generally, hard armor will become an additional accessory in combat equipment to help you fight.
Poor comfort (in hot / warm weather, of course) and bulky. Wearing heavy armor will increase the total weight of safety devices. If you don’t have a body that often trains and exercises, high-quality heavy armor is likely to crush you.
Armor piercing shells are specially designed to overcome hard armor. Armor piercing shells are likely to be the bane of most hard armor. If you need to protect armor piercing shells, you can come to us and we can do it.
Hard armor has a hard shell. If the wearer slips, it may hurt the wearer or limit his mobility.
Common Materials In Hard Body Armor
Hard armor uses a combination layer of lightweight but strong materials, such as:
Steel
Special metal alloy
Ceramics (often heavy)
Titanium
And there is usually a backing of pressed laminate, which can enhance the resistance
Remember, armor plates can also come in different shapes and sizes, some curved or flat. This affects their comfort and protection, which is another thing to consider when buying hard armor or steel plates. Most steel plates are paired with steel plate racks, so make sure you buy the right steel plate or compatible steel plate for proper installation.
WHAT ARE PLATE CARRIERS ?
The plate carrier is basically a vest with special pockets. You can insert the bulletproof soft armor or hard armor plate into it to make the equipment bulletproof. Basically, now the bulletproof vest is composed of Tactical Vest + bulletproof chest insert plate.
Soldiers, federal and military special forces all use tactical vests with high-quality bulletproof chest inserts. In several ways, they are similar to hard armor and are often used interchangeably.
However, unlike the single use of bulletproof vests, armor plates have multiple uses. They have pockets, shoulder straps, belts, padding, webbing, and even hidden compartments.
Advantages of plate carrier
High degree of protection – they are very effective at rifle shooting, which makes them popular with the military, special forces and federal law enforcement.
Scalability – this means that their functionality can be increased according to customization requirements. This is a unique function that ordinary bulletproof vests cannot provide.
Disadvantages of plate carrier
Uncomfortable – compared with a hidden vest, the armor plate may be hard, heavy and cover a limited body area.
What is the best bulletproof vest to buy?
Your best body armor depends on who you are and what kind of threat you are most likely to encounter.
That is, it depends on who you are and what you intend to do with it.
For example, someone in the army will face a very different threat than shooting enthusiasts. We can’t tell you exactly what armor is best for you, but we can give some examples.
Let’s take a look at the best bulletproof vests we choose according to your situation
FAQ
Which bulletproof vest is the cheapest?
Ballistic backpacks or flat packs are often the cheapest, usually between $99 and $490, but they will have much less functions than normal bulletproof vests, and be wary of anything that looks too cheap. Quality is often accompanied by higher price tags. When quality may be a matter of life and death, you don’t want to be stingy with quality.
Generally, bulletproof vests with lower NIJ protection level (such as IIA) are much cheaper than those with higher level.
But remember: the mission of this equipment is to save your life. If the gun threat you are more likely to face is not covered by a specific vest, there is no reason to buy the vest!
Occasionally, you will encounter incredible deals in protective equipment, especially in our series (no boasting – just facts)
Which bulletproof vest is easiest to install / wear?
To be honest, bulletproof backpacks and clothes. They are easy to install and wear.
Once you have mastered the appropriate wearing method, the hidden vest is not difficult to wear, and the bulletproof vest with bulletproof chest insert plate is also easy to install, because as long as the chest insert plate is placed outside.
As for comfort, it all depends on how long you wear bulletproof vests and why. For example, if you want to wear lighter clothes at the music festival, you can choose a bulletproof jacket or vest.
For example, if you need to perform tasks on water, you need to prepare bulletproof vests with floating function. What kind of armor and bulletproof vests you choose depends entirely on your needs!
What bulletproof vest is suitable for women?
Technically, any vest that fits the correct size guidelines can be suitable for female wearers.
But the reality is that many law enforcement women wearing “men’s” vests often feel that the vests are too heavy and bulky.
Today, many bulletproof clothing manufacturers are doing more to meet the needs of female wearers. They provide special cutting ballistic equipment that conforms to women’s body structure
If you find a vest you like from a brand, but it is not cut by women, please consult the women’s size guide of that brand. You can also leave us a message on the product page of SBA, or contact us about your problems. We will customize it for your needs!
Is the bulletproof vest valid?
Bulletproof vests are made of synthetic materials and their properties and characteristics are manufactured in the laboratory, so they tend to “age” or become less effective over time.
The material loses the ability of deflection, resistance and kinetic energy dilution. Therefore, bulletproof vests have a definite life. Generally, NIJ certified armor has a service life of 5 years.
Of course, the storage conditions of all bulletproof vests and armor have a great relationship with their service life, so store them in a dark and dry place as far as possible, and it’s best to put them flat!
Is it OK to wear expired bulletproof vests?
Generally not recommended. If armor is used for more casual and occasional purposes, such as VIP public appearances, wearing slightly outdated armor will not affect their effectiveness.
This is because most armor maintains its standard efficiency after the specified expiration date. However, for combat, conflict and security purposes, don’t use expired armor If you have a better choice.
Always remember that if a bullet hits your vest, it needs to be replaced.
How to use and maintain a bulletproof vest correctly?
Here are some useful tips for keeping armor “combat healthy”:
- Remember to wash the armor after use
- Do not expose the armor lining to sunlight or liquid
- Do not hang or fold the armor. Placing it flat will prolong its service life
- Avoid exposing armor to excessive moisture or heat
- The armor should be close to the body, not too loose or too tight. Excessive binding will affect your action and protection effect.
The most important point
Bulletproof vests are actually a matter of life and death. Conduct research to determine which type of equipment is appropriate for your specific needs and always buy from reputable retailers. With proper care, you will feel safe and ready for the years to come. Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at the bulletproof vests we choose and see what suits you best!
Do you have any favorite tactical equipment or useful suggestions for purchasing bulletproof vests? Please let us know in the comments below!
