What is Soft Body Armor Good For?
What is Soft Body Armor?
Soft body armor is designed as a flexible, lightweight alternative to hard bulletproof plates. This type of armor is typically made of layered composite materials or ballistic fibers to provide defense against shrapnel and low-energy rounds, such as those fired from common pistols or shotguns.
The construction of soft body armor often involves the integration of ballistic fabrics and advanced composites like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). This combination enhances the armor’s ability to disperse impact energy and maintain flexibility, making it suitable for various applications where mobility is essential.
NIJ Standards and Protection Levels
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor protection levels, with soft body armor generally rated at Level II or Level IIIA. These levels indicate the armor's capability to stop specific types of ammunition. Per NIJ standards, Level IIIA armor can stop the most common pistol rounds up to .44 magnum, while Level II armor is built to stop multiple shots from a .357 magnum. It's important to note that Level III armor, which is designed to stop rifle rounds, is typically made from ballistic materials such as steel plates or ceramics and is not classified as soft armor.
What Can Soft Body Armor Stop?
Soft body armor is engineered to stop a range of ballistic threats. As previously mentioned, Level IIIA armor can effectively stop the majority of pistol rounds, including the powerful .44 magnum, while Level II armor provides sufficient protection against multiple shots from a .357 magnum.
However, soft armor has limitations, particularly against high-velocity, pointed-tip projectiles. For instance, a .22 TCM round, which is essentially a sharp-nosed .223 short bullet with a 9mm casing, can penetrate soft armor due to its high velocity and pointed design.
Conversely, larger but slower rounds like 12-gauge slugs, despite their significant size and concussive force, can be stopped by Level IIIA armor. Nonetheless, the impact from such rounds can still cause severe injuries to the wearer due to the immense blunt force trauma.
How much does soft body armor weigh?
The weight of soft body armor varies based on its size and cut. For instance, the VP4 Concealable vest from BulletSafe ranges from 2.83 pounds for a 14x14 inch vest to 6 pounds for a 28x17 inch vest. To better understand the "heaviness" of body armor, its areal density is measured instead. A BulletSafe VP4 Concealable vest, for example, has a density of 1.17psf (pounds per square foot), compared to the army’s Interceptor Body Armor’s density of 8.05psf. Even though both are rated to Level IIIA, the civilian BulletSafe vest is 85.4% less dense than the IBA, resulting in a more comfortable, lighter fit while retaining the same protection.
How does soft armor work?
Soft body armor works by leveraging the high tensile strength of ballistic fibers. Kevlar, for example, boasts a tensile strength greater than steel. This attribute allows the armor to function like a powerful net, capturing bullets in its multiple layers of ballistic fibers. These fibers absorb and distribute the bullet’s impact energy across a wide area, slowing down the projectile and reducing the force transmitted to the wearer.
What is soft armor made of?
Modern soft armor systems, such as those produced by BulletSafe, primarily utilize ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a blend of aramid fibers. UHMWPE is among the lightest armor materials available, offering equivalent protection to traditional materials like Kevlar while being lighter.
This material excels in absorbing the impact of multiple hits, as its fibers effectively distribute the energy from each bullet over a larger area. This material’s flexibility also helps to minimize backface deformation, which is critical in reducing blunt force trauma to the wearer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right soft body armor requires understanding its construction, NIJ standards, stopping power, weight, and material composition. NIJ standards ensure the armor is tested against specific threats and dictates which ammunition the vest can reliably stop. Comparing its weight to hard armor systems presents a comfort versus protection trade-off. By considering all these factors, prospective body armor customers can make informed decisions. A security guard might prioritize a heavier, highly protective vest, while someone seeking concealed carry might opt for a lighter option for better mobility. Understanding these specifics empowers users to select the right gear for their specific needs.
To buy the VP4 Concealable Vest, click here.