Bulletproof vests are a must-have for anyone who’s in harm’s way. It doesn’t matter if you’re an officer, security guard, or something else – your life may depend on the protective gear that you wear.
However, when you think about buying a bulletproof vest, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices. If you wanted to upgrade your vest. You can also choose the best Plate Carriers in Bulletproof Zone they have a great collection.
But make no mistake, this is an investment in your safety–you can’t take too much time when making this decision. There are many factors to consider before buying one of these pieces of body armor.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some important considerations when shopping for body armor so that you can make an informed decision about which type of vest is best for your needs.
Contents
Categories Of Body Armor
Bulletproof vests come in three main categories:
- A concealable vest: This type of bulletproof vest is worn under regular clothing. It’s often made from Kevlar and protects against handguns, knives, and other threats.
- A tactical vest: This type of bulletproof vest is worn over clothing. Depending on the threat level, it typically protects against both handgun and knife threats.
- Overt body armor: This type of body armor is generally worn by tactical teams during raids and other high-risk operations.
Types of Bullet Proof Vests
There are two main types of bulletproof vests:
- Soft body armor: This type of ballistic vest comprises multiple layers of tightly woven fibers, such as Kevlar. It’s designed to stop low-velocity rounds.
- Hard body armor: This ballistic vest comprises metal or ceramic plates that stop high-velocity rounds.
Things To Keep In Mind Beforehand
Consider The Material
Bullet proof vests come in different materials – some brands use Kevlar while others opt for Dyneema. Kevlar is lightweight and thin, but it’s also very durable. This means that you have to choose between mobility or protection when wearing this type of vest.
A Kevlar bulletproof vest can be worn comfortably under clothing because there are no metal components on the inside.
Dyneema vests may cost more than those made of Kevlar. Still, these materials provide additional comfort since they use ventilation holes and interior pockets to accommodate soft, lightweight, protective plates.
Think About The Protection Level
Next on the list is the level of protection needed. If you’re a police officer, security guard, or in the military and your job requires that you wear body armor regularly, then it’s crucial to pick a vest with NIJ-level protection. This type of ballistic rating ensures that your vest will protect you from bullets fired by handguns – up to .44 Magnum caliber.
In addition, these vests are tested for resistance against rifle ammunition such as M193 rounds fired from an AR15 assault rifle. If this is what you require from your bulletproof vest, then look for one that meets or exceeds level IIIA standards which can stop all handgun calibers, including high-velocity ones like 44 magnum and 357 Sig ammo types.
Choose The Right Size
To ensure that your bulletproof vest provides adequate protection, it has to fit correctly. This is why you need to choose the right size when buying one of these pieces of body armor. A poorly-fitting vest could end up doing more harm than good since it won’t protect you from bullets as effectively as a well-fitted ballistic product would.
When choosing between different sizes and styles, consider the circumference around your chest over your shirt or jacket – this will give you an idea about which torso length should work for you best.
In addition, ensure that there’s enough room at the sides, so that arm movement isn’t restricted by bulky material while also ensuring no wrinkles across the front panel.
Look For Quality
When it comes to protecting your life, you shouldn’t try to save money on the equipment that’s meant to protect you. Poor quality body armor made with low-grade materials is more likely to fail when exposed to bullets – which could prove fatal in an emergency.
Always buy from reputable brands and manufacturers who are known for producing reliable bulletproof vests.
It might cost a little bit extra, but it’s worth investing in something of good quality since this will ensure that you’re getting maximum protection every time you wear your ballistic product out in public or at work.
Bulletproof Vests vs. Bullet-Resistant Vest
Bulletproof vests are designed to stop projectiles from penetrating the garment and reaching your body. They’re usually made of layers of ballistic fibers that protect against different types of ammunition like handguns, shotguns, and rifles, depending on what protection level you choose.
There’s a tradeoff between weight and protection here: heavier armor is more protective and makes it harder for you to move around in it. A bullet-resistant vest or BRV doesn’t always mean “bulletproof.” These pieces of gear only provide some resistance or non-penetration without offering complete coverage as a bulletproof vest does.
Conclusion
There are lots of factors to consider when buying a ballistic vest. This is why you must take the time to research your options and determine which body armor best suits your needs before making a purchase. When in doubt, consult with an experienced professional who can guide you towards choosing the right gear for your situation and help ensure that you’re getting the best quality protection possible.