7 Key Factors To Consider While Buying A Bullet Proof Vest

Bulletproof vests are essential for many professionals, including military personnel and law enforcement officers. They protect against bullets and other projectiles like shrapnel. However, many brands are on the market, and no one bullet-resistant vest is perfect for everyone. 

Bulletproof vests come in various styles and types, making it difficult to find one that fits perfectly for your needs. To help narrow down your search, we have compiled seven key factors you should consider when buying a bullet-resistant vest: 

Determine Your Threat Level 

The first thing you need to consider when shopping for a bulletproof vest is the level of threat you face daily. For instance, if you have a high probability of encountering a rifle threat, you can’t wear a vest that only protects you from a pistol threat. You need a vest that will protect you from both threats. 

Bulletproof vests come with different levels of threat protection, and it’s essential to determine the one that fits your needs. For example, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level IIA vest is enough for someone who faces pistol threats regularly. Still, if you work in the police force or military, where rifle threats are more common threats, you’ll need a higher-level bulletproof vest. 

Understand NIJ Standards 

Once you’ve figured out your threat level, the next crucial thing to determine is the NIJ Standard that your bulletproof vest must comply with. Different vests have different levels of threat protection and are tested against various threats. 

The National Institute of Justice conducts most of the tests that a bulletproof vest has to undergo. It rates all vests based on their threat level, and most manufacturers use this standard to sell their products in the US market. 

Prioritize Fit 

You should never buy a bulletproof vest that is too big or small because it will not provide you with the protection required. Instead, consult your supplier on how you can correctly measure yourself for the right size of armor while wearing casual clothes. If they don’t offer this service, it may help to measure yourself while wearing your usual underclothes. 

Ensure the Armor is Certified for Stab Resistance 

Not all bullet-resistant vests will protect you against all knife attacks. To be sure that your vest will protect you in case of an attack with a blade, make sure it is certified at stab-resistant level three or above by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). 

Ensure the Vest Can Protect You From Rounds Fired By Your Gun 

Most officers injure themselves from rounds fired by their own guns. To make sure that your bullet-resistant vest will protect you from the rounds fired off by your service weapon, be sure to purchase one with level three or above protection against all ammunition types used in law enforcement firearms. 

Understand the Difference Between Stand-Alone and In-Conjunction Armor 

You’ll find two types of ballistic panels: stand-alone and in-conjunction armor. Stand-alone ballistics are soft, flexible, and contour to your body shape while providing blunt trauma protection. They don’t stop bullets from penetrating the vests but distribute pressure across the vest, reducing injury by reducing peak force applied to bone tissue. In most cases, officers wear them underneath their clothes. 

In contrast, in-conjunction armor provides hard, rigid plates which are capable of stopping projectiles. Since they’re not flexible like stand-alone panels, in-conjunction armor is more likely to cause blunt force trauma than stand-alone armor might. 

In-conjunction armor is often worn over the clothes and works best when combined with the stand-alone armor it was tested with. 

Find a Vest that Works for You 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bullet-resistant vests. You must find one that fits your preferences while providing adequate protection against your threat level. You also need to consider things like budget since these vests come at different. Prices. 

Other factors to consider are features like comfort, durability, and customization options. You might also want to check how easy it is for you to put on the vest if you need quick access to it in case of an emergency. A good fit will keep your armor close to your body even when moving around during physical activities or wearing heavy clothes over your armor. 

Wrapping Up 

There you have it. These are the main factors you should consider while buying a bullet-resistant vest. Remember, all vests are not created equal, and you shouldn’t compromise on quality. Follow the above points to pick a bullet-resistant vest that meets your needs, fits well and offers good protection. 

If you’re new to the force and are looking to buy your first bulletproof vest, it may be best to seek guidance from your experienced colleagues to ensure you buy the right vest for you.