Although commonly associated with members of law enforcement, bulletproof vests can also be useful for common security officers, private guards, and anyone who needs to protect themselves from any shooting or flying bullets. Also known as ballistic vests, the first modern body armor vests were developed in 1960 for the military, and began being used by the police in 1969. If you are planning to purchase one for your personal safety, you will find everything in this guide. you need to know about it.
Steps
Step 1. There are two types of body armor, hard or soft construction
The first is internally composed of metal or ceramic plates that block the passage of anything, obviously including bullets and splinters. The soft-structured vest, on the other hand, uses layers of special fabrics to capture the bullet in flight and disperse its impact force; this type of vest can very well protect against the bullets of most guns, up to 9x21 caliber, speeds up to 600 m / s.
- The ballistic panels of the rigid structure vests are made of steel, ceramic or polyethylene. They are highly impact resistant on both sides (front and back), but, especially in the case of non-metallic sheets, they are vulnerable along the sides, requiring very careful packaging at the time of shipment.
- The ballistic panels of soft internal structure vests are generally made up of multiple layers of interwoven aramid fibers (Kevlar or Twaron) or woven and bonded to polyethylene microfilm (Spectra or Dyneema). The latest generation polyethylene fibers are impact resistant like the aramid fibers used in the past, and have the advantage of being lighter, but unfortunately they are much more vulnerable to the wear and tear of time than their ancestors. New types of padding are currently being tested, such as those made with carbon nanotubes or with gel-like fluid substances to be combined with the aforementioned fibers in order to add further impact resistance.
Step 2. Know the available security levels
Bulletproof vests are classified based on the amount of blunt impact force they are able to stop and contain. The protection levels currently available are as follows:
- Level II-A. Jackets with this level of protection are the thinnest on the market. They are generally 4 mm (0.16 inches) thick and are made of soft materials designed to be worn under clothing for extended periods of time.
- Level II. At this level, the thickness reaches 5 mm (0.2 inches). They are the most commonly used vests by law enforcement and can be worn both over and under clothing.
- Level III-A. The vests of this level have a thickness ranging from 8 to 10 mm (0, 32-0, 4 inches). Heavier and stiffer than Tier II-A and II, they are designed to stop heavy bullets, such as those from a Magnum 44, and rapid-fire attacks, such as those from a 9mm machine gun. They are designed to handle minor combat situations, but can still be worn under clothing if needed.
- Level III and IV. At this level, the jackets incorporate 25 to 30 mm thick padding with an external structure of 6 to 25 mm. Each additional plate increases the vest's base weight (which is already around 2kg) from 1.8 to 4.1kg. They strongly reduce the mobility of the wearer and cannot be used under clothing. They are the ones supplied to the special forces.
- Stab-resistant vest. Uses armored plates similar to those of Tier III and IV; they are worn by correctional institution staff to protect against potential stab wounds caused by smuggled blades or improvised weapons created by inmates. They are classified according to the impact energy they can deflect. The protection levels currently available are 3 and they are tested for protection against blade pressure: Level 1: protects against pressure of 24 Joule (J); Level 2: protects against pressure of 33 Joule (J); Level 3: protects against pressure of 43 Joules (J).
Step 3. Like the plates of the Level III and IV vests, those of the stab vests add weight and bulk to the jersey, reducing mobility; they can, however, be worn under clothing
Pending the outcome of further research, the plates can be replaced by fluid pads with a gel-like consistency such as those described above.
Some bulletproof vests are designed to allow the wearer to insert additional plates to increase the level of protection as needed. They can accommodate plates to make the vest resistant to stabs as well as bullets. It should be noted, however, that the soft plates can only protect against possible cuts, they are not effective in the case of real stabbings
Step 4. Decide if you want a vest that is also wearable under clothing
Those of Level II and II-A can be hidden under a shirt and even under a simple t-shirt. Level III-A vests may require a sweater or jacket to be effectively concealed. Those of Level III and IV require at least a jacket or heavy sweater to be concealed, and if used with a combat uniform they must be worn over clothing.
A vest to wear under clothing is often white in color, so it can be mistaken for a tank top if you normally wear the shirt with the first button undone. A vest worn over clothing is usually dark in color
Step 5. Choose your size carefully
A bulletproof vest should fit you and be reasonably comfortable. If it is too big it will tend to slip, if too small it can expose vital organs to unnecessary risks. Some manufacturers only make bulletproof vests in standard sizes, which can be a problem if you buy online and can't try it on before purchasing.
Step 6. Selecting and purchasing additional accessories
Bulletproof vests protect the torso only, front and back. If you also want to protect your shoulders, neck, hips or groin, you will need to get some additional accessories.
- There are several types, which fit most bulletproof vests on the market.
- The accessories can be attached to the base structure and protect different parts of the body. There are additional protections for the shoulders, abdomen, neck and even the groin.
- Make sure that the additional accessories you are purchasing are compatible with your vest and that they adapt perfectly to your body, so as not to hinder its movement.
Step 7. Always keep an eye on your budget
The additional accessories not only add weight to the vest, but also add to the costs. Remember that there are some dealers of used jackets, which sell discarded garments or from retired agents.
- The used bulletproof vests are however tested by the National Institute of Justice to check their effectiveness before being placed on the market by authorized dealers. Aramid fibers like Kevlar and Twaron last for many years; however, the outer fabric can wear out faster in a used jacket and you will need to remember to replace the support elastic.
- Some licensed retailers offer substantial discounts for multiple purchases, and this can be great news for anyone setting up a bodyguard agency or group of private security officers.
- Always take into consideration the warranty offered by the retailer, as well as that of the manufacturer.
Advice
- Some retailers offer test tests to check with you the safety level of the type of body armor you are proposing to buy. Remember never to buy the garments used for these demonstration tests, as their structure may have been damaged.
- To clean soft-structured jackets, use only mild detergents and do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals. Also remember not to dry them with direct heat sources.
- If you are going to wear a bulletproof vest under your clothes for a long period of time, it is best to wear a tank top made of breathable fabric.
- If you have to take a plane, make sure you are familiar with the rules prescribed in this regard both at the arrival and departure airports, as there may be restrictions, and specify if it is for personal use or if it is brought for professional purposes.
Warnings
- Some countries do not allow civilians to purchase bulletproof vests or for personal purposes. Check the laws in your area before purchasing.
- If you buy a jacket from the United States, know that you must have an export license that will be issued by a special office in a period of time ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months, and only after obtaining it can it be shipped or transported to the abroad.
- Although it is called "bulletproof", no vest will still protect you from the concussive impact of the bullet upon impact.
- You cannot buy bulletproof vests of any kind if you have been convicted of a crime.
