Body Armor 101
Nothing is Truly "Bullet Proof"
The term 'bullet proof vest' is frequently the common vernacular used by many civilians and in Hollywood movies. However there is no such thing as a material that is 100% bullet proof. Rather there are various forms of bullet resistant material available on the market today. It is an important distinction to understand the features and limitations of all body armor materials and packages.
Soft Armor
Is very effective against most common handgun threats seen on the street today. It is relatively lightweight (approximately 5 pounds), flexible and allows for use over long periods of time. In simple terms, most soft armor technology utilizes various fibers aligned in certain patterns or configurations to create a type of fabric capable of ‘catching’ the bullet trying to penetrate it. Each successive layer of the armor material absorbs and disperses the impact energy of the bullet within a fraction of an inch, until such time the bullet has been stopped. The now deformed bullet is usually seen in the familiar ‘mushroom’ form and entrapped within the armor.
Soft body armor has proven effective at muzzle velocities approaching 2,000 feet per second and capable of defeating 9mm and .40 S&W caliber bullets (these handgun calibers represent two of the most popular and best selling ammo rounds). However, soft armor is a type of protection designed to defeat handgun bullets...is it not designed nor rated for use against the higher velocities seen from rifle ammunition.
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Hard Armor
Is usually found in steel plate or ceramic form and is used for protection against rifle threats (frequently referred to as Level III or Level IV hard armor). While they are capable of stopping higher velocity rifle bullets, the downside to these thick plates are the heavy weight this imposed upon the user. Multiple plates added to the chest, back, ribs, neck and groin can easily add 30-40 pounds of added weight, thus making mobility and user fatigue a huge problem. Typically worn by military personnel or by law enforcement for shorter periods of time during high threat level scenarios. This type of technology deflects or breaks apart the incoming bullet without allowing penetration.
Comfort vs. Protection
Obviously the type of threat encountered, protection level required and overall comfort level are key factors in determining the best armor option. Armor that doesn't work as intended is worthless...nor is the 'value' of any armor that is so hot, heavy and cumbersome that the user chooses not to wear it in the first place.
Some users prefer a more outward (overt) and intimidating presence, wearing tactical vests with accompanying weapons and accessories attached to the outside. While other users prefer a more covert approach by hiding their armor under jackets and loose clothing. At a minimum, most law enforcement agencies purchase armor that is rated to defeat the caliber of weapon carried by the officer (should the weapon become compromised and turned against the officer during a struggle). This is also sage advice for anyone that concealed carries a weapon on a regular basis. If you are wearing body armor, it should at least be rated to stop the caliber of your own carry weapon.
NIJ Testing Protocol
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) establishes various levels of ballistic armor protection, testing parameters, protocols and standards. Official NIJ certification is often required as part of any government agency or law enforcement procurement contract. The NIJ laboratory not only tests various bullet calibers at different velocities for bullet penetration, but also tests for allowable Backface Deformation distance. Backface Deformation is the force transferred inward towards the user’s body as the bullet is coming to a stop. The armor material does the job of preventing bullet penetration, but significant blunt trauma force can be sustained by the user. Gunshot survivors that were wearing body armor describe this experience as being punched incredibly hard or being hit with a hammer. Not a pleasant experience for sure, but survivors were able to get back up and fight on…something that would be highly unlikely should the bullet have penetrated the body.