Fit & Size Questions
Custom Approach
We do not have a hard and fast fit chart guide for our products, as we handcraft and assemble our panels into every jacket we produce. This is NOT simply a vest worn under a jacket, rather the ballistic panels become part of the jacket.
This allows for tremendous freedom of choice when choosing the right jacket for you.
NIJ Certified
Our ballistic panel technology is independently tested and certified by the National Institute of Justice according to the latest NIJ-0101.06 requirements, in the standard NIJ panel sizes range from C-1 (X-Small) to C-5 (X-Large). These sizes approximately equate to the 'off the rack' sizes you would see in the store.
Where to Begin?
Most 'off the rack' sizing is where most of our clients start begin the process. Soft-shell athletic jackets and canvas style workwear type coats are two of our more popular choices.
These are very familiar styles most people see on the street every day and these styles tend to work well in hiding ballistic armor...perfect for blending into the crowd.
While not every commercial jacket style is a good 'candidate' for our technology, our expert production shop is adept at figuring out solutions that can work on most styles. In fact in many cases, we have even retro-fit our ballistic solutions into somebody's 'favorite' jacket found hanging in their own set.
Protection Trade-offs
Softshell Athletic Jacket
Anyone choosing ballistic armor is faced with many challenging decisions: Protection level vs. freedom of movement. Weight vs. comfort and heat buildup Show of Force vs. Concealment. Coverage area vs. functionality.
Desiring increased values in one decision aspect often have the inverse effect in another area.
What we do best: We collaborate with leading scientists within the ballistics industry to develop armor that is lighter, stronger and more effective than ever seen before.
Best selling styles
Our jackets offer a handgun threat solution that is lightweight and low profile. Our jackets are made to look like just that...jackets. We specialize in providing ballistic protection while blending into the local surroundings. We pride ourselves on producing covert armor that is virtually undetectable on the street.
What we are not: Our jackets are not a replacement for a daily duty vest. Nor are they meant for battlefield operations. We are not trying to 'out tactical' the pure tactical companies that specialize in military and law enforcement sales.
While the internal ballistic technology within our jackets is identical in many ways, the stated mission objectives are very different. The coverage areas, relative fit, comfort level and range of motion in our jackets is nothing like a traditional vest carrier.
Key Features of a Covert Jacket
Protection
Level IIIA panel placement covers critical front and back torso areas. Panels are held securely but also allows for normal user movement. Proper placement also maintains the original shape of the panels throughout the life of the jacket.
Stealth
Central suspension system keeps weight of the panels from tugging down the shoulders of the jacket; also prevents panels from rolling, bunching or sagging (all telltale visual signs that would indicate something 'weird' about the jacket).
On/Off
The jacket remains flexible and easily dons on/off like any other jacket, without the need for any special straps or assistance.
Lightweight
Advanced armor technology typically only adds 5 pounds (2.3kg) onto our average jacket. It sits comfortably on the shoulders, easily worn during typical activities.
Comfort
Effective weight distribution keeps jacket comfortable to wear while walking, biking or riding in a vehicle. Fits different than traditional duty vest, helping keep heat buildup to a minimum.
Easy Cleaning
Panels are removable for easy wipe-down cleaning. Once the panels are removed, the jacket can be cleaned in traditional methods appropriate for that coat (e.g. washing machine, dry cleaning).