The Different Types of Bulletproof Vests and Body Armor

When it comes to body armor, it’s important to note that while all bulletproof vests are body armor, not all armor is bulletproof. The term "bulletproof vest" refers to a specific type of body armor, but there’s a broader spectrum of protective gear, each designed for different threats, mobility needs, and applications. While some armor is made to stop bullets, others might only protect against shrapnel or low velocity ballistic threats.

Flak Jackets

The flak jacket is one of the earliest forms of modern body armor. Flak jackets were first used during World War II, and while they look like bulletproof vests, these jackets were actually designed to protect pilots against shrapnel from anti-aircraft flak shells (hence the name) and were widely used in the Vietnam War before being phased out in the 1980s.

A flak jacket’s protection comes from Doron plates—a fiberglass-based laminate—combined with ballistic nylon. The idea was to offer some defense against low-velocity threats, but it was never built to withstand bullets and would not protect the user from rifle rounds. While later PASGT-style flak vests were able to stop small pistol caliber ammo from short range, flak jackets stood no chance against high-velocity rounds, such as those fired from a 7.62x39mm AK-47. The flak jacket's limited protection made it somewhat impractical for civilian use and got phased out as better materials emerged.

Bulletproof Vests

It wasn’t until the late 1970s that the general public got something closer to the bulletproof vests we see today. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) introduced a rating system that classified armor based on its protective capabilities. The system ranges from Levels I to IV, with Levels I through IIIA covering soft armor (which is flexible), and Levels III and IV being rigid plate armor.

The levels of soft armor are as follows:

- Level I: Now considered obsolete, this early level was designed to stop small-caliber rounds such as .22LR and .380 ACP but is rarely used today.

- Level IIA: Comparatively rarer than its higher rated counterparts, this type of vest protects against 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP rounds. Since this vest tends to be made of relatively thin material, it was frequently favored for concealed wear. However, in the rapidly changing world of body armor technology, lighter and newer variants with better protection are pushing the Level IIA armor category into obsolescence.

- II: Similar to Level IIA, this armor is rated to stop 9mm +P and .357 Magnum.

- IIIA: Built with flexible materials to withstand most types of pistol ammunition up to .44 magnum. Companies like BulletSafe manufacture Level IIIA vests from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and aramid fibers (like Kevlar), layered to create vests with high tensile strength fibers and flexibility that does not hinder a user’s range of movement.

Soft armor is popular among law enforcement and civilians who need protection from pistols but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or mobility. Because it’s flexible, this type of armor wraps around the body, offering a larger protection area compared to rigid plate carriers, which we’ll get into next.

Plates and Plate Carriers

While soft armor is used by bodyguards and patrol officers, hard plates is tough, no-nonsense anti-rifle armor used by the military. Designed to withstand rifle fire, these ballistic plates are rated at Levels III and IV. They’re made from rigid materials like ceramic or steel and backed with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, which allow them to absorb high-velocity impacts, including rounds from large caliber weapons.

Plates are primarily designed to protect the torso—your vitals—by covering a smaller area than soft vests. Typically, they extend from the collarbone to the belly button, leaving the ribs more exposed than a soft vest. Why? Because full-body coverage with rigid plates would severely limit mobility, making it hard to move, run, or even sit comfortably.

- Level III: Designed to stop rifle rounds like the 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39, and 7.62x51mm NATO (the same round used in the M14 rifle).

- Level IV: Can withstand a single shot from an armor-piercing.30-06 round, a serious threat on the battlefield.

The trade-off with plates is coverage versus protection. While a plate carrier covers less surface area than a bulletproof vest, it’s built to stop rounds that soft armor simply can’t handle. Most military personnel and SWAT teams use plate carriers because they provide better defense against rifles, which are far more lethal than handguns.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a civilian or security officer looking for basic protection or a contractor heading into a combat zone, the type of body armor you choose matters. Flak jackets might hold a place in military history, but they’re no match for modern firearms. Soft bulletproof vests offer solid protection against pistols and mobility for everyday use, making them a favorite for police officers and security personnel. And when the big guns come out, plate carriers with rigid armor offer the best defense against rifles and armor-piercing rounds, albeit with some loss in coverage.

So, next time you’re thinking about body armor, ask yourself: what threats am I most likely to face? Once you answer that, you can find the armor that fits your needs—literally and figuratively.

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