Police officers and military forces always rely on body armor when out on a battlefield or encountering a criminal. They use different types of body armor to prevent serious injuries and save their life. Body armor is a necessity for those on the front lines. However, besides security personnel and police officers, body armor has also become popular among civilians. Many people are investing in body armor for a wide range of reasons. Whether you need body armor for personal use or professional reasons, it is important to invest in the right type of safety gear. There are various types of ballistic armor and different models and you need to take your time to research and buy the right one.
Body armor comes in many types and that makes it difficult to choose the right one. It is important to remember that armor vests are not one-size-fits-all. A bulletproof vest is typically made of very strong fibers like Kevlar. However, it’s noteworthy that no body armor is completely ‘bulletproof’. They are bullet-resistant because the fiber used in vests helps in trapping bullets or knife stab. It captures the energy and reduces the speed of the bullet. Body armor comes with a different rating that determines its ability to stop bullets. So, it’s important to carefully choose the right one that provides maximum protection. To help you make the right choice, here are some factors to consider when buying body armor.
- Choose Armor Type
Before you start looking for armor, consider what type of vest you need- hard or soft. You need to determine whether you’re comfortable wearing an external vest or need a concealed vest that can be worn under your clothing. Hard vests provide high-level protection but these are typically for police officers and military personnel. Civilians or undercover investigators mostly prefer soft armor that remains hidden inside clothing.
- Threat Levels
The best body armors come with the National Institute of Justice rating. To choose the right rating, you need to consider your threat level. Ideally, you should think about what type of threat you might face and how you plan on using your body armor. If you think you might encounter handgun threats, a Level IIA, II, or IIIA light, and thin ballistic vest can work for you. However, for soldiers in war zones, high-level protection is needed such as a Level III or IV armor vest capable of stopping rifle fire. So, make sure you consider your threat level to choose the right rating.
- Proper Fit
Fitting is also very important to ensure that you get the needed protection, as well as comfort. If the armor vest doesn’t fit properly, you won’t get the needed protection and also feel uncomfortable. So, make sure to take accurate body measurements to choose a vest that fully covers the front, back, and sides of your torso. If the vest is too big, it will slip off and expose key areas. On the other hand, a too-tight vest will feel uncomfortable.