Police officers and other law enforcement officers require more protection from gunshots and explosions. As a result, they must always carry the best safety equipment for maximum protection. One of such equipment that is made especially for protection against gun fires is bulletproof vests.
Bulletproof vests, often known as personal body armor, can protect officers from gunshots and explosions. These armors have been worn by soldiers for over thousands of years to safeguard themselves against adversaries. Additionally, military, police, and bodyguards wear military bulletproof vests all around the world.
These vests are designed according to their level of protection. Some vests, for example, are designed to withstand attacks from small firearms, while others are designed to withstand attacks from larger weapons. As a result, it’s vital to wear the appropriate vest for the risk posed by a certain mission or location.
How Do Bulletproof Vests Work?
Bulletproof vests work by altering the shape of an impacting bullet, slowing it down, and dispersing the strike’s energy. Depending on the material, the process can be completed in a variety of ways. Kevlar or Twaron are the most common materials used in bulletproof vest armors.
Bulletproof vests were made to stop bullets from long range rifles and various hand guns. They are made of a combination of Kevlar and other materials that are both lightweight and durable. While the level of protection will vary depending on the vest, level 3A bulletproof vests offer a modest level of protection. This is because they’re capable of stopping bullets fired from rifles, which have higher muzzle velocities than hand guns.
Bulletproof vests come in three different levels: Level 1, Level 2A, Level 2, Level 3, Level 3A and Level 4. The highest level offers the most protection against high-velocity rifle rounds, while Level 1 provides the least amount of protection.
Best Ways to Use Bulletproof Vests-
A bulletproof vest is simple to use. You just have to put it on correctly and go. However, in order to shield a person from bullet impact, these conditions are important:
- The vest must be the right size for your body type and have the appropriate NIJ armor grade level for the threat.
- It must be worn according to the body size and fit.
- Keep in mind, the vest is meant to protect your important organs. Therefore, your torso, arms and head will be vulnerable to damage.
People buy bullet-resistant vests for a variety of reasons, but they all have one thing in common: bullet protection.
Materials Used for Bulletproof Vests-
The most often used materials in bulletproof vests are Polyethylene (PE), Kevlar, steel, and ceramic. Hard vests consist of steel and ceramic, whereas soft vests consist of PE and Kevlar.
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Polyethylene
The ballistic vests industry has seen many changes because of polyethylene. These vests are maybe thin and lightweight, but they offer complete protection.
Even at higher levels of protection, PE vests are flexible and comfortable to wear. In addition, these vests can stop and suppress bullet force, resulting in less to no blunt trauma.
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Kevlar
Soft body armors uses Kevlar frequently . The majority of Kevlar bulletproof vests have Level IIA or III ratings. Kevlar is used to make full bulletproof vests as well as insert plates for carrier vests. Kevlar is a durable and lightweight material.
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Steel and ceramic:
Ceramic and steel are both robust and heavy materials. Their main use is to manufacture hard armor plates. Ceramic is used because it is lighter than steel and less expensive than PE. Steel, despite being the heaviest, is known to be the safest material.
Things to Consider While Buying a Bulletproof Vests
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Proper Fit:
The first and foremost thing to consider while buying the vest is that it should match your physique, structure, and size. Oversize vests will prevent you from executing your job to its full potential. Make sure you choose a body armor of your correct size if you want maximum protection. Do not buy any bulletproof vests until it has pads or adjustable.
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Coverage
For best ballistic protection, the vest should cover your sides, front, and back. Some bulletproof vests on the market only cover the front of the vest, which is inadequate because a bullet could arrive from any direction. For maximum protection around your sides, make sure the front panel is large enough to overlap the back panel by 2 inches.
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Lifespan:
Mostly bulletproof vests have a 5-10 year warranty, depending on the manufacturer and producer. However, wearing these vests every day weakens their defensive properties. To extend the lifespan of vests, always inspect the vests for burns, minor tears, or creases. Also, keep these vests in a proper place after using it. This will help them stay in a good position for a longer period of time.
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Protection:
Owning a bulletproof vest is all about protection. If someone comes at you with a knife or a gun, your body armor should be able to protect you from physical damage. If it can’t accomplish this, there’s no purpose in wearing it or even buying it in the first place.
Make sure you understand the various levels of protection offered by the body armor you’re buying. It is important that you obtain the high level of protection that is most appropriate for the hazards you may face. Many countries have their own body armor standards, however, the NIJ standard is most known worldwide.
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Comfort:
Another factor to think about while purchasing a bulletproof vest is comfort. These vests must fit properly, or they will not be able to accomplish their purpose, which is to protect the body.
Not only just proper fitting but also the vest should be comfortable to wear. It should at least be adjustable so that you can obtain the perfect fit. Do not buy any bulletproof vest until it has pads or fully adjustable.
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Flexibility & Mobility:
Aside from a correct fit and level of comfort, your vests should be flexible enough to allow you to move around. While body armor’s primary purpose is to shield you from bullets, knives, and other types of attacks, you can’t have it slowing you down. With your vest on, you must be able to move quickly without lagging. When you’re under attack and attempting to defend yourself, mobility is crucial.
Is it Legal to Purchase a Bulletproof Vests?
Yes, any US citizen or legal resident over the age of 18 who is not a convicted criminal can buy bulletproof vests in person or from an online store for security. Some states, however, have their own laws regarding body armor. So, you can check these laws by visiting your state’s official government website for any further information.
When buying bulletproof vests for yourself or your squad, keep the above features in mind. And more importantly, be practical in your approach. A bulletproof vest can be an important gear but they can also get damage. So, ensure you take care of them properly for prolonged use. To get the best quality bulletproof vest, it is essential to order them from a reputable defense store. If you are planning to buy the vest online, like most of the people, then always choose a reliable online supplier to buy the best bulletproof vests for sale in the USA
