Stay Cool under Fire: How to Choose a Bulletproof Vest

When it comes to body armor, you cannot afford to compromise on quality. Wearing a bulletproof vest has proven to be one of the most effective methods of protection, provided you choose the right one. Before making your purchase, consider reading through this article where you will learn all you need to know about this life-saving gear. One of the more popular vest are IWEAPONS®, Israeli Weapons made vests are comprehensive guide for this types of vests, functions and features of ballistic resistant wear.

What is Body Armor?

Most are familiar with the bullet proof vest. However, the vest can also include external armor plates these plates come in lvl III and IV. This plates should be worn in front of the lvl IIIA vests to increase protection. The purpose of this bullet proof armor is to prevent injuries from bullet impact. When you are shot, the fibers of the vest and armor plates absorb the incoming force and disperse it over the area it covers. In other words, the concentrated energy of the impact is what causes the bullet to pierce through. If you scatter that energy or force, you are likely to walk away without injury.

Types of Vests and Bulletproof Gear

The main difference between vests is the materials they are made out of and their protection lvl, most popular lvl is IIIA. The same is true for armor plates that come with protection lvl of III and IV. While some vest have a layer of high density foam in addition to bulletproof material, to reduce impact, others have composite materials, metals and even Ceramics and polyethylene armor plate. Thanks to developments in technology, Israeli Weapons makes its vest from top materials in the market and these vests are fast becoming a favorite among manufacturers and consumers. IWEAPONS® vest is preferred because it combines light weight with extreme strength. This material is so strong it is used in tires and military vehicles. It also happens to be much lighter than its counterparts, making it comfortable, cooler and easy to conceal.

How to Choose the Best Vest and Panel Plate for You

Buying anti-trauma panels to reduce the impact for the ballistic-resistant gear needs careful consideration. Expensive gear does not necessarily guarantee the best protection, and not all vests are designed to resist bullets. Here is a list of important factors and recommendations to keep in mind. You should consider:

  • The weapons you encounter daily
  • Weight of the gear
  • Fit/Size
  • Ability to be concealed
  • Affordability

Weapons

What sort of weapons do you encounter daily? The answer to this question should be a guide to the level of protection you need. A good test is to pit the bulletproof vest and plates against your own weapon. Studies show that police officers, military personnel and gun owners are more likely to be confronted with their own weapon or one that is similar. A great place to start assessing your threat level, therefore, is the kind of weapon you use often and the type you are likely to encounter.

If you are often involved in high-risk situations, it is best to find a vest made of tougher material and one that provides more coverage for optimum protection. It is advisable to pair your vest with a matching armor plates for better energy absorption. If you are involved in low-risk situations with minimal firearm contact, you might want to look into softer armor without external like Ceramics and polyethylene plates.

Weight of the Gear

The weight of the gear is mostly determined by the materials used to make it and its area of protection. Bullet proof vest with additional Ceramics and polyethylene plates, tend to be heavier and might be challenging for everyday wear. At the same time, soft armor made from other materials might give additional support but not be enough to withstand heavy assault. How do you choose? The general recommendation here is to keep your armor softer and lighter when you are on patrol and save the heavier gear for high-risk, tactical situations. Wearing heavy armor for extended periods of time can slow you down and cause fatigue.

Fit/Size

Does your vest fit well, and does it allow you to gain or lose a few pounds? If you get a vest too big, it lessens its effectiveness. Get one too small and it might limit your movement. A good fit should allow freedom and ease of movement. Unfortunately, the body rarely stays in the same shape for long so aim to find a vest that can accommodate minor weight fluctuations. If you lose a significant amount of weight or your physique outgrows your gear, it’s wiser to get a new one.

Ability to be concealed

Concealability is a factor that can greatly affect your safety. This is because assailants are more inclined to shoot if they spot your armor. In certain situations, the ability of a vest to be concealed can save your life. It also prevents the attacker from aiming for unprotected areas like the head and legs.

Affordability

Investing in protective gear is always beneficial, but before you do, assess your needs thoroughly. Make sure your armor is appropriate for your threat level and it can provide the coverage you need. Don’t neglect the features you need in an attempt to save money. However, be careful not to invest in expensive gear if you don’t have a genuine need for it.
Protection, safety, ease of movement, fit and cost should be at the top of your priority list when looking for ballistic-resistant wear. When worn in conjunction with a panel plate, your vest can be your best defense under fire.