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BulletSafe, renowned for its high-quality body armor, has unveiled its latest innovation, the VP4 bulletproof vest. This new model surpasses its predecessor, the VP3, in every aspect, offering enhanced protection, comfort, and adaptability.

Uncompromising Protection

The VP4 retains the robust protection that BulletSafe is known for. Like the VP3, it is NIJ certified for Level IIIA, providing reliable defense against most small rimfire calibers up to large centerfire pistol ammunition, from .22LR up to .44 Magnum. This level of protection ensures that the wearer is safeguarded against a wide range of common threats.

Enhanced Fit and Comfort

One of the standout features of the VP4 is its improved fit and comfort. The vest comes with large hook and loop adjustment straps in two interchangeable sizes, allowing it to accommodate a broader range of body types comfortably. The expanded hook and loop surface area provides greater flexibility to adjust the fit, ensuring that users can tighten or loosen the vest as needed for optimal comfort and security.

Additionally, the VP4 boasts a lower profile for its hook and loop surfaces compared to the VP3, resulting in a sleeker and more streamlined appearance. This design enhancement not only improves the vest's aesthetic appeal but also reduces bulk, making it more comfortable to wear under clothing.

Advanced Mobility and Practicality

The VP4 body armor introduces a modified shooter’s cut, a significant upgrade from the VP3, designed to offer increased freedom of movement. This new cut allows users to move more naturally and comfortably, making the VP4 an ideal choice for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone needing a bulletproof vest that doesn't hinder mobility.

Moreover, the inclusion of elastic denim at the bottom of the vest helps support the weight of ballistic plates, which are often too heavy for standard soft armor vests. The elastic denim also minimizes chafing from duty belts or pistol belts made of hard materials or leather, enhancing overall comfort during extended wear.

Versatility for Enhanced Protection

The VP3 body armor was celebrated for its versatility, with pockets designed to hold Level IV plates capable of stopping rifle rounds up to .30-06. The VP4 continues this tradition but with improved fitment, thanks to its new shooter’s cut. This feature ensures that the plates fit better and move with the wearer, offering enhanced protection without sacrificing mobility.

Made in the USA

BulletSafe takes pride in manufacturing its armor in the United States, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. The VP4 is no exception, embodying the craftsmanship and attention to detail that BulletSafe customers have come to expect.

In summary, the BulletSafe VP4 bulletproof vest represents a significant advancement over the VP3. With its superior fit, enhanced comfort, increased mobility, and uncompromising protection, the VP4 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking reliable and versatile body armor. Whether you are in law enforcement, security, or simply looking for personal protection, the VP4 delivers outstanding performance to meet your needs.

On the morning of February 28, 1997, Los Angeles witnessed one of the most harrowing and transformative events in modern law enforcement history. Larry Phillips Jr. and Emil Mătăsăreanu, after meticulously planning and preparing for months, stormed the Bank of America branch at 6600 Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood. What ensued was a 44-minute gun battle that would change police tactics, equipment, and training forever.

Phillips and Mătăsăreanu were not your average bank robbers. They entered the bank armed with a cache of rifles, including illegally modified full-automatic weapons, and clad in homemade body armor, effectively preparing them for an extended firefight with the police.

The Outgunned Officers

At that time, most police officers were equipped with 9mm or .38 Special pistols, with some carrying 12-gauge shotguns. These weapons proved woefully ineffective. Additionally, the officers found themselves outmatched not just in firepower but also in range, as their handguns and shotguns were insufficient for longer-distance engagements. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes into the shootout, an officer was heard on the LAPD police frequency warning others not to stop the getaway vehicle because "they've got automatic weapons, there's nothing we have that can stop them."

The robbers’ use of automatic weapons and their heavy armor left the police pinned down, unable to effectively counter the threat. In a desperate move, several officers commandeered AR-15-style rifles from a nearby gun store to stand a fighting chance against the assailants.

The Turning Point

As the shootout raged on, LA SWAT units armed with AR-15s arrived on the scene. Despite their advanced training and equipment, the SWAT officers faced a formidable challenge. Phillips and Mătăsăreanu's body armor covered all vital areas except their heads, and a steel plate in Mătăsăreanu's chest armor even protected him against 5.56x45mm rounds from the SWAT operators’ rifles.

Ultimately, Phillips succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound followed by multiple shots from responding officers, after which police cuffed and secured his body, while Mătăsăreanu died from excessive blood loss after being shot 29 times in his unprotected legs. Thankfully, no one apart from the gunmen were killed.

The Aftermath and Its Impact

The North Hollywood Shootout exposed critical vulnerabilities in police preparedness and equipment. Before the shootout, only specialized SWAT units were typically armed with semi-automatic weapons like AR-15s. The encounter demonstrated that all officers needed access to more powerful firearms to effectively respond to such high-intensity situations.

In the wake of the shootout, police departments nationwide overhauled their armament policies. Many departments began equipping all officers with AR-15s, ensuring they could respond adequately to similar threats. Additionally, bulletproof vests became standard issue for officers, enhancing their protection during confrontations.

Today, the advancements in police body armor are significant. Departments across the country now utilize vests like those made by BulletSafe, which offer superior protection compared to the gear available in the 1990s. These modern vests are constructed from a blend of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and aramid fibers, providing durable and effective protection that far exceeds the homemade armor worn by Phillips and Mătăsăreanu.

Legacy of the Shootout

The North Hollywood Shootout stands as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face and the need for continual advancement in their equipment and training. It sparked a nationwide re-evaluation of police preparedness, leading to significant improvements that have undoubtedly saved lives in subsequent years.

This pivotal moment in law enforcement history underscores the importance of being ready for the unexpected. The lessons learned from that day continue to shape policing strategies and ensure that officers are better equipped to protect themselves and the communities they serve.

A few months ago, my cousin contacted me about wanting to buy a bulletproof vest for the first time. He wanted, in his own words, to be “armored like Batman” so he would be completely protected from gun and knife fire. In other words, he wanted to be covered in as much bulletproof material as humanly possible.

To save him from future embarrassment and buyer’s remorse, I told him in no uncertain terms that his idea was stupid. For someone armored head to toe like the Juggernaut, the simple act of walking from one room to another is a light cardio workout. Running will be slower, and changing positions from prone to kneeling to standing again would be another workout by itself.

This goes without mentioning the hassle of putting on such a cumbersome piece of equipment in the dead of the night while your adversaries are bearing down on you. In a worst-case scenario, you’d have to fight hand-to-hand with someone, and a bulky heavy vest works against you in such a scenario.

An approximation of my cousin's ideal home-defense loadout. There are more practical options.

In a practical situation, one would want the lightest, least obstructive armor one could get. The military knows this, and the Department of Defense has been trying to tackle the problem for decades. Since the military introduced true bulletproof armor after phasing out the light (but not bulletproof) PASGT armor system, designers and engineers have grappled with the challenge of striking the right balance between protection and mobility for American soldiers.

The Interceptor Body Armor (IBA), introduced in the early 2000s, was an initial attempt at providing comprehensive upper body protection to the individual infantryman. However, it quickly became apparent that the IBA was simply too heavy and limited a soldier’s movement too much to be as combat effective as the military wanted to be. In response to these issues, in 2008, the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) was introduced as its successor.

An American officer wearing the IOTV.

The IOTV, while an improvement, still faced criticism for the same problems of being heavy and cumbersome. Special Operations units took a different route, completely abandoning the IOTV in favor of lighter plate carriers. Furthermore, deltoid and groin protectors were rarely used since they did relatively little to save a soldier from a direct hit. While they protected fairly well against shrapnel from explosives, these accessory panels do nothing against direct hits from enemy rifle fire. Most realized the extra padding was more hindrance than help. Recognizing the need for a more agile solution, the military is now phasing out the IOTV in favor of the Modular Scalable Vest (MSV). Weighing 25lbs fully loaded, this new armor system is 5lbs lighter than its predecessor, signaling a shift towards enhanced mobility for regular troops.

Beyond the military, civilians, including security personnel and citizens who regularly wear body armor, are also seeking lighter alternatives to traditional full armor kits. Anyone who walks around with armor all day wants the same two things: protection and mobility.

One armor kit that offers the best of both worlds is the Advanced Vest with Reinforced Lightweight Advanced (RLA) Armor from BulletSafe. Crafted with a focus on comfort and mobility, RLA armor is a lighter and more flexible alternative to its predecessors. Maintaining the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Certified IIIA protection, RLA armor is capable of defeating most pistol caliber threats, including formidable .44 magnum rounds.

Designed with the user in mind, this armor prioritizes comfort and flexibility without sacrificing protection. Its construction allows wearers to move freely, making it an ideal choice for individuals who need to be both protected and agile when they’re on the job.

The evolution of body armor reflects a fundamental shift in priorities from sheer protection to a balanced consideration of mobility and comfort. As military forces transition to lighter and more agile solutions like the MSV, civilians are also benefiting from innovations like BulletSafe’s RLA armor, which strikes a balance between protection and the freedom to move. As technology advances, the future of body armor looks promising, with continued emphasis on enhancing both safety and usability for users across various sectors.

To purchase the BulletSafe Advanced Vest with RLA Armor, click here

BulletSafe has revolutionized the world of body armor with the new VP4 vest with Reinforced Lightweight Advanced Armor (RLA). Engineered to meet the demanding needs of high-speed operators, this soft shell bulletproof vest redefines personal safety by combining enhanced protection with mobility and unparalleled comfort.

The VP4 Vest with Integrated RLA Armor combines the best of both worlds: the mobility and comfort of the VP4 Vest with the formidable defense of RLA Armor. It's a game-changer, providing a comprehensive solution that prioritizes both safety and agility.

Crafted for optimal freedom of movement, the VP4 Vest features a superior cut and low-profile Velcro fastening system. Made from high-performance materials, it's built to withstand active use and offers front and rear plate pocket access, compatible with both RLA Armor and BulletSafe Level IV plates.

NIJ Certified to withstand impacts from pistol calibers up to .44 Magnum, RLA Armor delivers reliable defense against a wide range of ballistic threats. Its waterproof soft shell keeps users dry and comfortable in any weather, while its lightweight construction ensures all-day wear without fatigue.

Proudly crafted in the United States, the VP4 reflects BulletSafe's unwavering commitment to quality. With strategically angled and placed cuts around the shoulders, this armor enhances movement and provides operators with unmatched mobility during various activities, from driving to combat.

The VP4 is tailor-made for the tactical needs of armed professionals and individuals prioritizing personal safety. Its discreet yet effective protection makes it a versatile choice for those who demand mobility without compromising on ballistic defense.

At BulletSafe, we're dedicated to leading the industry with innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of high-speed operators. With the VP4, users can experience the perfect fusion of protection and mobility, setting a new standard in personal safety. Trust BulletSafe to keep you safe, wherever your mission takes you.

Click here to buy the VP4

Here at BulletSafe, we pride ourselves in being “NIJ certified,” and understanding what "NIJ certified" means is crucial for discerning consumers when they’re buying a piece of gear that could mean the difference between life and death. In essence, the term indicates a stamp of approval from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), showing that the vests have been thoroughly tested and met certain standards. While many brands claim to meet these standards, not all have gone through the rigorous NIJ testing process.

While nearly all body armor sold in America is rated according to NIJ standards (Level IIIA, Level III, Level IV, etc.), not every company can claim their products are NIJ-certified. This means that the NIJ has not actually subjected these products to its rigorous testing, and at most, the merchant selling the product has done its own individual testing, which is frequently substandard.

Some manufacturers produce armor that meets the bulletproof ratings set by the NIJ but fail to meet the temperature or atmospheric requirements. In practice, this means that these non-NIJ vests or plates may be bulletproof fresh out of the box but may deteriorate when subjected to extreme heat, such as when they’re stored away in a car and constantly exposed to the extreme heat of a hot parking lot.

These NIJ-rated but not certified vests, due to their substandard manufacturing and testing methods, are usually much cheaper than true NIJ-certified armor, which makes them an attractive option for those who don’t want to spend the money on the “real deal.”

Thankfully, BulletSafe does not have a price point issue because of the materials it’s made of. BulletSafe vests are crafted from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene blended with aramid fibers, a ballistic blend discovered by our founder, Tom Nardone, while he was working for Sikorsky, designing bulletproof fuel tank liners for their helicopters.

Understanding the importance of NIJ certification underscores the significance of BulletSafe's commitment to rigorous testing procedures. While some brands may cut corners to offer cheaper alternatives, BulletSafe stands firm in its dedication to quality and reliability. Our vests undergo meticulous testing by the NIJ to ensure they meet and exceed their standards, providing peace of mind to our customers.

Testing Procedures

NIJ Testing Procedures involve rigorous assessments to ensure the quality and effectiveness of body armor. All hard armor, such as ballistic plates, undergo a 24-shot perforation/backface deformation test, along with either a 24-shot or 12-shot ballistic limit test. Prior to testing, the armor is stored at a temperature range between 77° ± 18° F and a relative humidity of 20 – 50%, simulating ambient range conditions, for at least 24 hours.

For Level III protection, the compliance test involves shooting the armor with 7.62 NATO rounds, while Level IV plates are tested against .30 caliber M2 AP rounds, commonly known as the .30-06. These tests are tailored to the specific levels of protection expected from the bulletproof vests. Level III vests are designed to withstand medium to large caliber rifle rounds ranging from 5.56x45mm up to 7.62x51mm NATO rounds, while Level IV armor is engineered to resist .30-06 AP rounds.

Level IIIA soft armor undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its efficacy in protecting against various ballistic threats. Specifically, this type of body armor is subjected to testing with .357 SiG FMJ Flat Nose bullets and .44 Magnum rounds, reflecting the diverse range of pistol threats it may encounter in real-world scenarios. By undergoing such thorough testing, NIJ-certified Level IIIA soft armor, like that of BulletSafe provides wearers with confidence in its ability to provide reliable protection against a range of firearm threats, from handguns to more powerful firearms.

In simplified terms, this means Level IIIA soft armor is meant to defend against handgun rounds, Level III armor is made for intermediate centerfire rifle cartridges, while Level IV is made for large caliber armor piercing rounds.

While this is not a comprehensive examination of all the testing the NIJ subjects armor to, many brands may do the bare minimum and claim they offer a product that meets the standard, BulletSafe distinguishes itself through the thoroughness of the NIJ testing process and the adherence to established standards. Our armor not only meets but exceeds these standards, ensuring reliability and peace of mind in high-stakes situations. From Level IIIA soft armor designed to withstand handgun rounds to Level IV plates engineered to resist powerful rifle ammunition, each piece of BulletSafe gear undergoes meticulous testing to guarantee optimal performance. By prioritizing quality materials, innovative design, and stringent testing protocols, BulletSafe upholds its commitment to providing top-tier protection to its customers. In a world where safety is paramount, investing in NIJ-certified body armor is not just a choice but a necessity, and BulletSafe stands as a trusted ally in ensuring personal safety and security.