Understanding The Options in Body Armor

Where ancient armor had to withstand the force of club, mace, sword, pike or arrows, modern armor must withstand the force of firearms, that is far larger than another weapons employed in earlier times. Selecting the most appropriate armor solution for your needs is imperative. How would you do it, though?

Dispelling a Myth

First, it is important to recognize that there is absolutely no such thing being a industrial strength vest. Body armor was designed to resist the force of bullets, by dissipating the impact force through the fibers from the vest material (or by deflection when it comes to hard body armor). Vests and other lightweight armor options still deform with all the force of your bullet, which deformation affects your body with the wearer. The amount of deformation towards the wearer’s skin is called backface deformation.

Hard or Soft?

There are 2 primary options in protective armor today. Soft and hard armor systems can be obtained, but both serve unique needs. For instance, a soft vest is much more easily worn, not as cumbersome and a lot convenient than hard armor. It is then a good choice for everyday use by police officers.

Hard armor is made more for battle and also other conditions, where high-powered rifles include the more common threats (soft armor is better for resisting handguns). There’s also a third option, semi-rigid body armor, that will come between soft and difficult armor options in comfort and protection.

Protection Levels

Picking out the correct body armor is important, but sometimes be hard. You’ll find seven classifications for industrial strength vests and other armor solutions, all of which depend on the caliber, bullet weight and impact velocity they are able to withstand.

You will find vest available that offer both comfort and protection. An amount III-A vest which is highest rating in a soft armor will protect you from most hand gun threats that an officer, body guard or security personnel can be facing yet still be mobile. Be aware that the larger the protective rating, your mobility decreases slowly and gradually. These vest generally will also have an additional pocket on the inside of top with the vest to insert a trauma plate that is six by eight inches in size cover up the spot in the heart of your chest for further protection and impact dispersion.

Selecting the best options vital, but it may be complicated. Most public safety officers choose bullet resistant vest that will withstand the caliber of handgun utilized by their officers, though some choose higher protection. The decision needs to be based on comfort, wearability, the requirement of concealment as well as other key elements. However, the level of protection afforded the wearer may be the paramount consideration and really should trump all the others.

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