Top 10 Things People Should Know About Bulletproof Vests

For those new to the world of bulletproof vests, it's easy to assume that all vests are created equal, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The rugged plate carriers sported by soldiers and tactical teams and the discreet, soft black vests favored by beat cops and undercover agents serve very different purposes. Soft armor and hard armor vests each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they offer protection against different kinds of dangers.

Yet, beyond this fundamental difference, there are numerous other factors to consider when purchasing your first bulletproof vest. From sizing and fit to level of protection and comfort, navigating the world of personal protection gear can be daunting. That's why it's crucial to delve into the nuances and intricacies of vest selection and do your research before making a decision about what type of armor is best suited for your needs.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the five things everyone who wears a bulletproof vest should know.

Printing

In the context of bulletproof vests, "printing" refers to when the contours of your bulletproof vest become discernible through your clothing, potentially revealing to others that you're wearing body armor. It's the last thing you want when discretion is paramount—whether you're working undercover, operating in sensitive environments, or simply prefer to keep a low profile.

Hard armor vests, like plate carriers, aren't exactly subtle. Their rigid structure and angular plates make them difficult to conceal under clothing, unless you're opting for the baggiest of outfits, and even then, someone wearing a plate carrier as concealed armor would not be using the vest as intended. These vests are typically designed to be worn visibly, providing easy access to essentials like mag pouches for firearm reloads. Often seen as part of a uniform, plate carriers come equipped with Velcro straps for patches, aiding in identification.

On the flip side, soft armor offers more versatility. While some soft vests are designed for covert wear under clothing, their thinner profile means they may offer less protection compared to overt options worn over a uniform.

At BulletSafe, we understand the importance of staying under the radar while still being protected. Our VP4 Concealable Vests are designed with sleek profiles and advanced flexible materials to reduce printing as much as possible. So you can feel confident knowing you're protected without drawing unwanted attention.

Fitment

Selecting the right bullet or stab proof vest has to do with fit and comfort as much as it has to do with protection.

A vest that doesn't fit properly won't just feel awkward; it'll compromise your safety. Optimal fitting vests should allow for unrestricted movement while providing the necessary protection. When trying on body armor, ensure you can move freely without any restrictions.

Choosing body armor is not like picking out clothes. While the size charts may look similar, it’s always best to measure yourself before you buy your vest. Those with long torsos or pot bellies may find that bulletproof vests do not cover their stomachs. This makes little difference, since a properly worn vest should sit just above the belly button and not extend lower than the navel, safeguarding your vital organs without hindering your mobility. Armor covering the entire torso would make it very difficult for the wearer to sit down, which is the same reason why on a suit of medieval plate armor, the cuirass (chest piece) and the faulds (flexible armored skirt) met at the knight’s belly button.

If you're unsure about your size, it's better to go larger. Body armor is highly adjustable thanks to Velcro straps, making it easier to achieve a snug fit with a larger vest. Trust us, it's far better to have a vest that's a bit too big than one that's too small. A vest that's too small won't provide adequate protection and can put you at risk.

Protection Rating

Not all armor is made to the same standards. The National Institute of Justice, or NIJ, established standard 0101.06 to evaluate ballistic protection. This is the gold standard when it comes to evaluating body armor and allows consumers to make informed decisions about the level of protection they need.

Here's a breakdown of the existing NIJ protection levels:

• Level IIA: Tested to stop 9mm and .40 S&W ammo.
• Level II: Offers protection against higher-velocity handgun rounds, including 9mm and .357 Magnum.
• Level IIIA: Guards against even more powerful handgun rounds, like .44 Magnum and .45 ACP, as well as some shotgun projectiles.
• Level III: Designed to stop rifle rounds, such as 7.62mm NATO and .223 Remington (5.56mm).
• Level IV: Offers the highest level of protection, capable of stopping armor-piercing rifle rounds like .30-06 M2 AP.

Note that Level IIA and Level II vests are slightly harder to find nowadays as they once were, since modern vests like the BulletSafe VP4 provide Level IIIA protection while remaining as light and slim as its IIA counterparts.

Each level represents a higher degree of protection, allowing you to select the appropriate level based on your specific needs and potential threats. Likewise, the higher an armor’s protection rating is, the denser the materials are and the harder it becomes to conceal. Armor at Levels IIA and II is very thin and light material reserved for concealable vests, while Level IIIA is typical of soft armor vests worn over clothing. Levels III and IV represent hard plates, which are typically worn inside plate carriers. Whether you're a law enforcement officer facing potential threats from the undesirable elements of society or a civilian preparing for the unexpected, there's a NIJ-rated vest to suit your requirements.

NIJ Certified vs. NIJ Compliant

Let's clear up some confusion about NIJ compliance. While "NIJ Compliant" and "NIJ Certified" may sound interchangeable, they're actually quite different.

A vest labeled as "NIJ Compliant" doesn't necessarily have the stamp of approval from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) itself. Instead, these products undergo testing by their manufacturers using methods that mimic NIJ standards. Think of it as a close approximation, but not the real deal.

On the other hand, "NIJ Certified" armor has been sent to the NIJ itself to be tested according to their standards. These vests have undergone rigorous ballistic and temperature tests to meet the same standards required for law enforcement and military use.

Now, not every bulletproof vest company goes the extra mile to get true NIJ certification. But here at BulletSafe, we're committed to delivering top-notch quality at affordable prices. That's why we ensure that our vests are sent to the NIJ for certification, so you can trust that you're getting the real deal without breaking the bank.

Therefore, there is no reason to settle for an "NIJ Compliant" vest at a higher price when you can get superior "NIJ Certified" protection with BulletSafe. We believe in giving our customers peace of mind, knowing they're getting the highest quality protection they deserve.

You May Still Get Hurt

It's crucial to understand that bulletproof vests aren't magical shields that make you invincible. Instead, they're designed to do one thing exceptionally well: prevent death. Here's how it works:

When a bullet strikes a vest, it absorbs the impact and spreads the force across a wider area, reducing the likelihood of penetration. But even if the bullet doesn't pierce the vest, it can still cause serious harm. When hit, a user is still very likely to suffer from broken ribs, bruising, and internal bleeding — all from the force of the impact alone.

These injuries are a result of what is known as backface deformation. This occurs when a bullet hits a vest, creating a dent or deformation on the opposite side. While this deformation might sound harmless, it can actually cause significant injury, especially if it occurs over vital organs like the heart or lungs.

So, let's be crystal clear: a bulletproof vest will save your life, but it won’t prevent hospitalization. Armor is designed to prevent death by reducing the likelihood of a bullet penetrating vital organs, but they can't guarantee protection against injury, especially from the force of impact.

At BulletSafe, we're committed to providing you with the highest level of protection possible. That's why our vests undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards. So, when you're suiting up with BulletSafe, rest assured that you're equipping yourself with the best defense against life-threatening situations.

From understanding the nuances of bulletproof vest selection to grasping the importance of NIJ certification, it's clear that informed decision-making is key. At BulletSafe, we want to empower you with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether it's navigating the complexities of different protection levels or recognizing the limitations of body armor, BulletSafe has your back. Our commitment to providing top-notch, affordable, NIJ Certified vests ensures that you can face whatever comes your way with confidence. Because at the end of the day, your safety is our priority.

An investment in BulletSafe is an investment in your life. We offer everything from soft IIIA vests for security use to Level IV plate carrier kits for hard-charging operators to use in dangerous locales. So, whether you're navigating the challenges of law enforcement, security, or simply prioritizing your personal safety, trust in BulletSafe to provide you with the protection you need to face the unexpected with confidence.

Click here to browse BulletSafe’s selection of bulletproof vests