What Are Bullet Proof Vests Made Of?
Bulletproof vests are generally made out of layer upon layer of High Tensile Strength fibers. These fibers work together to share the force required to stop bullets. Our vests are made out of layer upon layer of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). You may have heard the terms Spectra, Dyneema or Kevlar, UHMWPE is the generic version of Dyneema. These materials were originally created to replace steel belting in tires, so they are very strong. UHMWPE has the added benefit of being lightweight and wearable.
A UHMWPE bullet proof vest is an affordable vest that will protect you against gunfire. The National Institute of Justice recognizes five levels of protection: Levels IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV. A Level IIA (2A) and level II vests provides the least amount of protection and will be composed of fewer sheets of fibers or layers of weaker material.
Level IIIA (3A) is made from more UHMWPE and is currently the most protection you can get from a flexible vest. Level IIIA vests can protect you from virtually every handgun round.
Levels III and IV can protect you from various types of rifle fire (level IV being the most protective) This level of protection requires armored plates, which can be made out of a number of different materials, including ceramic, Dyneema and steel.
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Vest is made out of lightweight UHMWPE, with a nylon exterior. Because it is a Level IIIA vest, it provides protection against most handgun rounds. We offer this bullet proof vest because it provides the level of protection that most people need, and features large pockets that allow it to be upgraded to a Level III or IV. Most people don't find themselves in situations where they might be shot at by a rifle, but if that is part of your vocation, you will want to upgrade your vest with armored plates.
Level III and Level IV bulletproof vests may protect you from rifle fire, but they are typically five to eight times heavier than a Level IIIA vest, due to the armor plates. It is important to assess your safety needs realistically when choosing the right bulletproof vest for you. We carry a Level IIIA (3A) Bulletproof Vest because we think it meets the needs of most people, while being affordable.