Most people mistakenly believe that as long as the bulletproof vest is not damaged, it will last a long time. However, this idea is completely wrong.
The protective ability of the bulletproof vest will slowly decrease with his damage. His protective ability is not a constant value. The older the vest is, the less protection it provides and it is unsafe.
Therefore, it is very important to understand the factors affecting the service life of the bulletproof vest, how to judge whether it is damaged, how to maintain it when it is just worn, and ensure that the bulletproof vest is replaced when absolutely necessary.
Most NIJ certified bulletproof vests can maintain their ballistic capability for at least five years. Even some bulletproof vests have seven years of protection.
When you are ready to buy, the best thing you can do is to study different models to understand what kind of bulletproof vest you need and what parameters you need, such as protection grade, weight and size, etc. (if you want to know how to buy a suitable bulletproof vest, you can see our last article, which has a very detailed description)
Today, let’s learn how to judge the status of your bulletproof vest and how to take care of it.
Wash The Vest But Only The Vest
In order to prolong the service life of bulletproof vests, you must ensure that they are cleaned regularly.
Most vest racks can be put in the washing machine. However, before you do this, make sure it is possible and remove
the bulletproof plate before throwing your vehicle into the washing machine.
Clean Your Bulletproof Plate
All you need is a wet sponge and a drop of detergent to clean the bulletproof plate. Don’t immerse them in water or try to iron them, even if you notice creases.
Ironing creases with an iron will never get them out, because there are many layers of fiber. If you force an iron, it will destroy the structure of the bulletproof plate and affect its bulletproof performance.
In addition, you don’t want to risk fiber melting. Even a low iron will burn a hole in the textile envelope covering the panel. This will allow moisture or dust to enter and weaken bulletproof. Remember! Never iron your vest!
The interior must be protected from sunlight or liquids
Are you curious why bulletproof vests or military and police equipment must be placed in tents?
Because the fiber combination inside the bulletproof product is the main reason why the product can be bulletproof.
Long term direct sunlight will destroy the fiber combination inside the product. Water is the same
Good Storage Location
You need to make sure your vest is properly stored, usually in a place where you can put it completely flat, so that the vest can be fully extended and avoid any degree of crease.
Therefore, people often choose to hang them up or put them in large enough drawers.
On the one hand, you can imagine that there is a whole wall or drawer composed of bulletproof vests in the police station, which is very spectacular.
On the other hand, this is the best way to save bulletproof products, rather than throw them away at random, and pick them up in a hurry when you want to use them.
How Can I Correctly Wear A Bulletproof Vest
Another factor that can greatly shorten the life of bulletproof vests is the way they are worn. Moisture, heat and bending will affect the panel, which will affect the service life of bulletproof clothing.
Another person’s weight will also affect the life of bulletproof vests. If a person loses weight significantly, it will put pressure on the ballistic plate.
These panels are designed to be close to the body, so as to protect your body from the greatest range. If a person gains weight, the vest may wrinkle, and the bulletproof plate will bend a little around your body, and may even be damaged
Replacing A Damaged Carrier And Bulletproof Plates
Heavy loads may also be damaged during the use of bulletproof vests. Therefore, the carrier must also be inspected regularly to ensure that the vest can be used normally.
If you notice that the straps start to stretch or the Velcro doesn’t work properly, it’s time to buy a replacement strap. When the carrier is damaged, it will shorten the service life of the bulletproof vest and greatly reduce its protection level.
In addition, you also need to pay attention to the situation of your bulletproof plate at all times. If the bulletproof plate is damaged, grooved or creased, it is best to replace the new bulletproof chest insert plate immediately, so as to ensure the normal operation of bulletproof clothing.
It is crucial that the bulletproof vest can work properly, whether your vest is in the best condition, and if not, whether you can find and adjust the armor engineering as it should. In order to ensure the service life of bulletproof vests, you must maintain them, store them properly, and replace protective equipment when necessary. In doing so, the bulletproof vest will last for a long time.
Once you find any wear or damage to the vest, you need to replace it immediately to ensure safety.
Summary
You may wonder why bulletproof vests are so fragile? Can’t there be any damage? How can we rely on them to protect ourselves?
In fact, it’s not. Today we’re talking about how to keep your bulletproof vests in the best state. Can’t you use bulletproof vests that are not in the best state? Of course not. He can use it and protect you.
But if you are an ordinary person like us, we don’t often use bulletproof vests. Of course, we hope that one day when we need him, he can protect us at his best! Protect our family!
If you are still confused after reading this article, please contact us safe body armor! We will answer your questions at any time!
