Beginners Guide to Understand Body Armor 

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In the past few years, violence and gun-related incidences have been on the rise where hundreds and thousands of people were left unprepared during these threat situations. Because of this, purchasing body armor has been part of people’s survival list whether you are a police officer, in the army, a judge, lawyer, or a civilian living near a war zone. Ballistics vests are created to protect the individual from handguns, shotguns, rifles, and even knife-related attacks. These vests have been beneficial in protecting people such as law enforcement and even the local public across the globe. At Bulletproof Zone you will find some of the best body armor that can help you according to your specific need.

With modern advancement, it is important to understand the different types of ballistic vests you can purchase for your own safety. In fact, some modern vests can even protect your body from explosive devices, shrapnels, or high-powered rifles. In order for you to find the right body armor, as a beginner, you must understand the different armors, materials, and features you must look out for before you order your first ballistic body armor. In this article, we will give you a basic beginner’s guide for body armor that will protect you during a threat situation.

What are body armor plates?

Body armor plates are a flat piece of bullet resistance material is that joined to your vest which is known as a plate carrier. These plates ensure that bullets cannot penetrate through them and protect you while being fired upon. There are different types of body armor available in the market with each providing protection according to the situation. The materials used to design and create these armor vests disperse the energy of the bullet across the fibers of the vest which slows down the bullet to a complete stop. The two most common types of body armor that you will come across are soft armor and hard armor. These body armor plates come in different shapes and sizes that provide comfort and mobility to an individual. For instance, some plates have a slight curvature giving the user the ability to wear these vests for a longer period of time. Below you will find the different types of body armor you will come across while you hunt for the right one.

Covert or Overt

The styles of body armor are covert and over. Each designed for a specific purpose or a specific need.

• Covert 

These vests are mainly designed to blend in with your regular clothing as they are worn under the clothes. These vests are made so that they go unnoticed when worn which is suitable for undercover operatives, protection officers, and so on. They also help in keeping the wearer cool when worn for longer periods of time.

• Overt

These vests are the opposite of covert as they are worn over your clothes. They are mostly black in color but provide excellent protection. These vests are harder compared to covert vests which are mainly worn by police officers, security guards, and so on.

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Types of Ballistic Armor

• Soft Armor 

These vests are design to protect you from small caliber handguns and shotguns. They are lightweight which allows you to be flexible and mobile while wearing it. It is an excellent choice for civilians and locals near war zones.

• Concealed Vests 

Concealed vest are those that cover all the crucial areas of the torso which are front, back and the sides. These vests are popular amongst police officers, security guards, prison guards as they can protect against blunt force trauma to the chest as well.

• Tactical Vests

These vests are designed and intended for military and police use as they are often stand-alone armor. These vests protect the shoulder, groin, neck and even sides of your torso. Some vests additionally have magazine pouches or other accessories which allow you to keep essentials close to your chest.

• Hard Armor 

The popular hard armor plates are made of steel or ceramic that can provide protection from higher caliber guns and rifles. They are ideal for high level threat situations such as warzones and combat scenarios. Most hard body armor can withstand multiple shots at once which can be a lifesaver in certain situations.

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NIJ Threat levels

The National Institute of Justice is a government agency that has set body armor standards so that people who are interested in purchasing armor can know what to expect at each level of armor. So if you in search for a new body armor, you must understand the capabilities of five vest category.

• Level llA: This threat level vest is great for average civilians who live near a war zone. This type of armor can be worn easily under your clothes.
• Level ll: This threat level works best against .357 magnum and 9mm caliber handguns.
• Level lllA: This threat level vest can protect you from larger caliber handguns such as .357 SIG and .44 magnum
• Level lll: This threat level vest will protect you against 7.62mm core rifle ammunition.
• Level lV: This threat level vest gives you maximum protection, not only from the above-mentioned caliber guns but also against .3- caliber armor-piercing bullets.

It is important to note that the first three levels may not be effective in stopping bullets of a rifle. So choose the one that works best for you.

For Perfect Fit

One of the crucial aspects in choosing a ballistic vest is to ensure that the armor fits perfectly on your body. In simpler words, if your body armor is loose or does not provide enough coverage, your vest won’t be able to protect you from bullets. You can consider getting them custom-fit so that you don’t have to readjust everything you wear it.

Bottom Line

Once you have purchased your desired body armor, make sure it is well maintained so that the material of the armor remains intact. In case of any damage such as cuts, tear or cracked plates, you must get it fixed immediately. Any sort of self repair can weaken the capability of your vest so make sure that you get it fixed by the manufacturer itself.

Always check your vest before you wear it and step out as it can save your life.

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