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Bulletproof vests provide protection up to the rating of the body armor. If you are concerned about the level of protection you desire, then you should understand what a Type 1 rating means.

Type I Rated Bullet Proof Vests

The National Institute of Justice has created the rating system that is used to explain the protection afforded by particular bulletproof vests. Each bullet proof vest manufacturer is required to have their body armor tested to ensure that it has the applicable rating.

A Type I rated bulletproof vest are light in weight and is considered to be the least amount of protection any law enforcement official should wear. This vest will stop the following bullets:

• .22LR – A long rifle lead round nose bullet with a caliber of .22 impacting at a minimum velocity of 1050 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 40 gr.
• .380ACP – A full metal jacket round nose bullet with a caliber of .380 impacting at a minimum velocity of 1025 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 95 gr.

Vests with these types of ratings are not typically worn these days because they do not provide enough protection from some of the common handguns that are carried by individuals today. If you are looking for more protection, then you should consider a bulletproof vest with a higher rating.

Selecting a Bulletproof Vest

When making the decision to purchase body armor, you should take the time to research the proper type of vest. While you may want the best protection possible, you may find that the highest rated body armor will not suit your needs because of the sheer weight of the vest. Therefore, you should keep in mind a few points when purchasing a new bullet proof vest:

• Select a vest that has a rating that matches the kind of firearm you currently carry
• Make sure the vest fits your properly
• When purchasing body armor, make sure the tag on the inside of the vest clearly displays the rating from the National Institute of Justice
• Determine if you want a concealable vs. a tactical bullet proof vest

Since you are going to be wearing this personal body armor every day, you should make sure that you are confident and comfortable with it. When searching for the right bulletproof vest, it is important to note that not all bulletproof vests and manufacturers are alike so you should consult with your colleagues to find out what works for them.

Searching for the right bulletproof vest can sometimes be a daunting task. With so many companies selling body armor and the different types of materials being used to make the vests, you can sometime get overwhelmed with the decision-making process. For instance, there are vests made from Kevlar, Spectra Shield, Dyneema with ratings of Type I, II, and IV.

To start the process of selecting a bulletproof vest, you should first determine the rating that your need. Currently, there are six ratings that the National Institute of Justice uses to signify the protection specific body armor affords. Below, you can examine the protection a Type IIIA rated vest provides.

Type IIIA Bulletproof Vests

For body armor to have a rating of Type IIIA, the National Institute of Justice requires that vests stop the following bullets:

• .22LR – A long rifle lead round nose bullet with a caliber of .22 impacting at a minimum velocity of 1050 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 40 gr.
• .380ACP – A full metal jacket round nose bullet with a caliber of .380 impacting at a minimum velocity of 1025 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 95 gr.
• 9mm – Full metal jacketed round nose 9mm bullets, which impacts the vest at a minimum velocity of 1090 feet per second and a nominal mass of 124gr.
• .40 – Full metal jacket .40 S&W bullets that impact at a minimum velocity of 1025 feet per second and a nominal mass of 180 gr.
• 9mm – Full metal jacketed round nose bullets that impact at a velocity of 1,175 feet per second and have a nominal mass of 124 grams.
• .357 – Magnum jacketed soft bullets with a caliber of .357 that impact at a velocity of 1,400 feet per second and have a nominal mass of 158 grams.
• 9mm – Full metal jacketed round nose bullets with a caliber of 9mm, impacting at a velocity 1,400 feet per second, with a nominal mass of 124 grams.
• .44 – Magnum jacketed hollow point bullets with a caliber of .44, impacting at a velocity of 1,400 feet per second and a nominal mass of 240 grams.

Type IIIA rated body armor is the highest rated concealable vests that are available on the market. These bullet proof vests can be worn for daily use and full protection.

Once you have determined the proper rating you require for your bulletproof vest, you should then search for the material and manufacturer that you would like to purchase. Once you have found the right vest, make sure that it fits your properly so that it can properly protect you from the potential dangers.

Body armor that is meant to protect a wearer from various types of bullets may not provide this same protection from other types of incidents. Specifically, if a person was to be stabbed with an object , then the bulletproof vest may not provide the protection that is required.

This is all too common in jails and prisons where inmates will create shivs and other ‘ice-pick’ like devices to injure the officers. In order to properly protect themselves against these types of attacks, individuals should purchase stab-resistant vests. This is because the points on these weapons are much smaller and can pierce the protective layers of regular bulletproof vests.

Stab-Resistant Armor

The National Institute of Justice has two rating levels for body armor and they are Edged Blade Class and the Spike Class. Edged Blade resistant body armor resists of weapons such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, whereas Spike Class vests stop weapons made in prison systems.

For each class mentioned above, the Institute has three levels of protection. These levels were developed based on the impact the body would sustain from the impact, which ix expressed in joules. Below are listed the levels with their associated amount of joules (where 1 joule is equal to 1 foot-pound of energy):

• Level 1 – can defeat 24 joules of energy and is the lowest level of protection and concealable
• Level 2 – can defeat 33 joules of energy
• Level 3 – can defeat 48 joules of energy and is considered the highest level of protection

Purchasing Stab-Resistant Armor

When shopping for the right body armor, you need to make sure that you select a vest that fits your body correctly. If the vest is too big, it may not fit you properly and the movement of the vest may allow the blade or object to enter your person. In contrast, if the vest is too small, it may leave vital organs exposed resulting in injury.

If you are purchasing the vest online, you should be aware that some manufacturers create standard sized vests. You may not fit exactly into one size, so you should make sure that you can find a company that offers the ability to purchase a vest that fits properly.

There are some bulletproof vests that offer the ability to insert extra panels into their carrier. This would effectively transform the vest from a bullet-resistant vest to a stab-resistant vest.

When body armor was first created, vests and other protective gear were typically heavy and limited in motion. These earl vests were typically made up of metal plates that were placed into pockets on the bullet proof vest.

As time went on, Kevlar and Spectra Shield would be introduced to the market. These special fibers would create a resistant yarn to make sheets of cloth that would be used to for form-fitting and comfortable bulletproof vests.

Scientists and manufacturers alike are constantly looking for the next big item – stronger and lighter materials. In this pursuit, new materials have been created for use in bulletproof vests.

Dyneema SB61

Several years ago, a company from the Netherlands called DSM created a new polymer that is much stronger than Kevlar. According to DSM, Dyneema SB61 is 40% stronger than Kevlar and 15 times stronger than steel. This new type of material is already being used by law enforcement personnel today for body armour purposes.

Carbon Nanotubes

Researchers have also been working with carbon nanotubes to create strong fibers that can be used to make protective gear. When these fibers are created, they are said to be 4 times stronger than spider-silk, 20 times stronger than steel wire and 17 times stronger than Kevlar. These fibers can also be used to create stronger materials for military personnel.

Colloidal Shear-Thickening Fluids

With standard bulletproof vests being created with dry fibers, there are some scientists who believe that injecting those fibers with a colloidal shear-thickening fluid because it will make the body armor even stronger.

These fluid-fibers are stronger because when the fabric undergoes stress, the fluid turns rigid in order to protect the body. In addition, since the material is stronger than traditional bulletproof vest materials, there are fewer layers that need to be used in order to allow for less restrictive movements.

As more and more products are created, it is important for you to consider the danger your current position posses. Each bulletproof vest that you look at will have a different rating that alerts you to the type of protection the body armor will afford you.

Performing research on the current types of bullet proof vests that are currently available will allow you the opportunity to compare the materials and protective capabilities each has to offer. Bulletproof vests are quickly becoming lighter and stronger.

The first product placed on the market which was used to create bulletproof vests was Kevlar. Afterwards, Spectra fibers were created and became the competition for a Kevlar vest. Although there have been other products that have been created, such as Zylon, these two products remain the major players today.

Kevlar

Kevlar was created in 1965 by Stephanie Kwolek at DuPont. The process by which the thread is made is called polymerization. Put simply, the liquid polymers are passed through a metal plate that has many holes on it and all the single strands come together to form the Kevlar yarn. This yarn is then used to weave the cloth to make the armor. To increase the strength of the cloth for the body armour, many layers are added together to create the desired level of protection.

Spectra

Unlike Kevlar, Spectra fibers (created by the Allied Signal Company) are not woven together. Instead, the fibers are laid parallel to each other and a special resin is used to hold them in place. Then the process is repeated again to create another piece of cloth. The second piece of cloth is turned ninety degrees and is laid on top of the first cloth and then the resin is applied to bond these two sheets together. The end product is a non-woven cloth.

Zylon

This resistant material is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used in tennis racquets and other applications. It was created by a Japanese manufacturer called Toyobo and was used for body armor products starting in 1998. However, the product began to have problems in 2005. Second Chance Body Armor made bulletproof vests that used the Zylon product, but later learned that the material degraded at a rapid rate.

Toyobo would later settle a large class-action lawsuit in the United States and the settlement included covering legal expenses for attorneys and creating a fund to help replace officers’ bulletproof vests. The company also agreed to provide police departments with discounts for five years so that they could replace their bulletproof vests affordably.

While it is clear that not all bulletproof products are the same, the tried and true materials will continue to be used to create quality body armor. There have been newer versions of Kevlar and Spectra that are providing lighter and stronger protection to law enforcement individuals. You can be sure that more unique products are going to be developed in the future that will provide the same protection or better.

When a company has creates a new material that is focused on protecting an individual from the threat of bullets, the manufacturer must first undergo testing. The testing is necessary because a bullet rating must be associated with it in order to advise the wearer of the level of protection it affords.

In order to begin selling a particular bullet proof vest, the National Institute of Justice has a procedure that must be followed to properly rate body armor.

The Testing Process

To register a new body armor product and to sell it to the government and other personnel, the vest must meet the following test:

Two samples are taken of the vest, one from the front panel and one from the back panel and 2 types of ammunition must be used.

6 shots are fired at each panel, with two of the shots impacting at a 30 degree angle.
This sequence is carried out twice, for a total of 48 shots.
The deformation of the material that is behind the bulletproof material must be no more than 44mm or 1.73inches.
These testing limits must also be achieved when the armor is wet.

Testing Example

If you are looking to purchase a bulletproof vest that has a rating of Type IIIA (the highest concealable rating for a vest), then that vest had to meet the following test:

The first sample fired 9mm full metal jacket round nose bullets that weighed 124 grams that impacted the vest with a velocity of 1,430 feet per second.

The second sample fired .44Magnum Semi-jacketed hollow point bullets that weighed 240 grams that impacted the vest with a velocity of 1,430 feet per second.

The vest will them be checked to make sure the deformation of the vest and material is within the test limit.

Once the vest has passed the testing phase, the National Institute of Justice will issue a certification attesting to the validity of the test, as well as registering the vest for sale.

It is important to note that you should not purchase a vest that does not have a size label on the vest. This label will indicate the size, manufacturer, date of issue, protection rating, lot number, serial number, and care instructions. If you have in your possession a vest that does not have this tag, then you should not use it and if possible, return it to the company that you purchased it from.

The bulletproof vest test is in place to ensure that you are aware of what level of protection is being afforded to you. It also provides uniformity across manufacturers to create the same high-quality body armor that is demanded of them.

Developments in the area of body armor have led manufacturers to improve the durability of existing materials allowing bulletproof vests to be lighter and stronger. Traditional bulletproof vests that are made out of Kevlar are created by layering Kevlar cloth on top of one another until a desired level of protection is reached. As the number of layers increase, the vest becomes more rigid and also heavier.

Fluid-Impregnated Fibers

In an effort to make bulletproof vests lighter, there are some individuals that are experimenting with a special sheer-thickening liquid. This liquid is the impregnated into the Kevlar cloth so that fewer layers are needed. When the fibers are hit by a knife or object, the fluids freeze into a solid state deflecting the object and once the energy has subsided, the material will once return to its fluid state.

While this type of product is beginning to be introduced into bulletproof vests, you can see the advantages of having a lighter, stronger bulletproof vest. These types of fibers are perfect for prison system personnel as they are more likely to get stabbed while on the job.

Bulletproof Vests

If you are looking to purchase a bulletproof vest, then you should consider several key points when making your selection.

Protection rating a good rule of thumb to consider when purchasing body armor is that you should you purchase a vest that will stop the type of bullet that is fired from your gun. This will provide you with a gauge of the rating that you should choose.

Size there are many manufacturers of Kevlar vests that only have a couple of sizes. You may find that it could potentially not fit well and you should therefore check to see that it has the comfortable dimensions that you need.

Label make sure that the vest you are purchasing has a clearly legible label on the inside. This label is vital because it will tell you exactly the level of protection the vest is going to afford you. In addition, it will tell you the date of issue, a serial number, and a lot number among other things. All bullet proof vests are required to have this tag.

Bulletproof vests provide protection against a variety of bullets. To ensure that you have the right vest, make sure that it fits you properly, that you understand its rating, and that it has the proper label.

Protecting yourself with a bulletproof vest is critical if you are employed in law enforcement, private security or the military. Body armor is designed to stop the bullet from penetrating your body, which will allow you to continue to do your job and to provide for yourself and your family. However, there are a few important facts to consider when purchasing a bulletproof vest.

The Different Materials Used to Make Body Armor

There are several types of materials that are used to create the bulletproof vests of today. Kevlar is a popular product that has been providing protection for many years. This material is created by spinning Kevlar thread together to make yarn that is then weaved into cloth. This cloth is then layered to create a Kevlar vest.

Spectra Shield is created by lining Spectra fibers into parallel rows. Once a layer is complete, a second layer is created which is then turned to lay perpendicular to the first row. These layers are then affixed with a special resin.

Concealable vs. Tactical

Depending on the line of work you are in, you may be required to purchase a bullet proof vest that is worn under your clothes. This type of vest will provide protection from small to medium sized bullets. There is also tactical personal body armor that is worn over your clothes, which will protect you from small to medium bullets, as well rifle bullets.

Size Does Matter

If you are purchasing body armor, then you need to make sure that it fits you properly. Oversized bulletproof vests may restrict your movements, as well as leave certain sections of your torso vulnerable. There are a lot of bulletproof vest manufacturers that make standard sized vests. If you order one, you should make sure that you feel comfortable wearing it.

Make Sure Your Vest has the Proper Rating

Each bulletproof vest will have a rating that is assigned to it (Type I, IIA, II, IIIA, III and IV). These ratings indicate which type of bullets the vest will stop. If you are in a position where you may be fired upon by rifles, then you want to select a vest that has a Type III or IV rating. It is extremely important that you do not purchase a vest that does not clearly indicate what the rating is.

These are a few of the facts that you should consider when purchasing a bullet proof vest. By taking the time to determine the size, rating, material, and style of vest you require, you will be in a better position to select the right one.

Adequate protection of your body and extremities while engaged in dangerous lines of work is an important point to consider. To assist you with the right protection, body armour companies have created different types of bulletproof vests.

These vests are designed to stop a bullet from injuring the body, as well as provide protection from other projectiles that may potentially cause injury. When selecting a bulletproof vest, it is important to determine if you prefer to have a concealable or tactical bulletproof vest.

Concealable Bulletproof Vest

If you are working for a client that wants you to have the appearance of an ordinary individual, then a concealable bulletproof vest is the perfect choice. Manufacturers of these types of vests have created form-fitting, comfortable personal body armor that will blend well with your street clothes. These vests can be worn under dress shirts or jackets to allow you the anonymity that is required.

An important point to make regarding concealable body armor is that these vests have limited protection as a result of their concealable nature. The vests can have a rating of up to II or IIIA, which is the cause of this limited protection. A bullet proof vest that is a Type II can protect the wearer from various bullets that include .22, .380, 9mm, .40, and .357 Magnum. These types of vests are not able to protect the wearer from bullets that are fired from a rifle.

Although concealable bulletproof vests will afford the an individual with protection from small arms fire while also providing a concealed appearance in the general public, you may want to look into tactical grade vests for protection from larger caliber bullets.

Tactical Bulletproof Vest

A tactical bullet proof vest will provide the ultimate in protection. These vests can have a Type III or IV rating which provides protection from small arms fire (the caliber of bullets listed above), as well as protection from bullets fired from rifles. This type of body armour is much larger and can only be worn over clothing. The manufacturer of these vests creates loops and pockets that provide the wearer with storage to hold ammunition and other important items.

These body armor vests are traditionally worn by individuals that are constantly in tactical situations, such as SWAT and military personnel. However, an individual’s mobility is somewhat reduced because of the size of the body armor.

Concealable and tactical body armor will provide you with the protection you require. By determining your current needs, you will in a better position to make an informed decision about the level of protection you require.