Bulletproof vest protection levels

The bulletproof vests are an essential piece of tactical equipment for security forces, military personnel, and civilians seekingballistic protectionNot all vests offer the same level of protection, so it is essential to understand the different levels of resistance and choose the appropriate one according to the type of threat.

Normative NIJ and protection levels

In this post, we are going to talk about the most widespread type of certification in the world, which is governed by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standard, the United States Department of Justice institute., which establishes five levels of protection:

• Level IIA:Protection against low-caliber ammunition, such as 9mm FMJ and .40 S&W.

• Level II:Greater resistance, stops high-velocity 9mm ammunition and .357 MAGNUM.

• Level IIIA:Reinforced protection against more powerful ammunition, such as .44 MAGNUM and .357 SIG.

• Level III:Stops rifle projectiles, such as 7.62x51mm NATO (used in assault rifles like the FAL and M14).

• Level IVMaximum ballistic protection, capable of stopping high-caliber armor-piercing projectiles such as .30-06 AP.

For police forces, a level IIIA vest is sufficient to protect against most threats from handguns, while in the military field, level III or IV is recommended due to exposure to assault rifles.

Differences in Types of Ballistic Plates

Bulletproof vests can include ballistic plates of different cuts:

• Shooter or Marksman Cut: Plates with the upper corners cut off, which facilitate user mobility and are the most commonly used,they are compatible with most plate carrier vests on the market.

• Full or Rectangular Cut: Completely rectangular plates offer greater protection but limit mobility. They are mainly used on the back of the vest.

If there are doubts about the compatibility of the boards, it is recommended to choose theshooter cut,since most vests accept it.

Protection against bladed weapons: NIJ and HOSDB standards

Besides ballistic protection, some vests include protection against knives and sharp objects.This type of protection is essential in police work, private security, public safety, etc., as most attacks are usually with bladed weapons and can be as dangerous or even more dangerous than attacks with firearms.These protections are governed by NIJ standardsamericanand the British HOSDB, offering resistance to different levels of impacts:

• NIJ Level 1:Protection against low-intensity knife attacks.

• NIJ Level 2: Protection against sharper knives and stronger attacks.

• NIJ Level 3:Protection against high-intensity impacts and specialized sharp objects.

If you are looking for a vest with combined bulletproof and stab-resistant protection, there are options such as the Ballistic Panel MT Pro IIIA,that offers double functionality.

Tactical Helmets: FAST and MICH

For complete protection, it is recommended to complement the vest with a ballistic helmet. The most common ones are:

• FAST Helmet:Lightweight and designed for greater mobility, it allows the use of accessories such as scopes and headphones.It does not have protection in the ear area.

• MICH Helmet: Provides greater coverage and protection, ideal for operations that require additional protection.It features protection in the ear area.

Both helmets can be fitted with a ballistic protection visor, flashlights, and other accessories as they include Picatinny rails on the sides for greater customization.

Buy bulletproof vests freely in the EU

It is important to highlight that the purchase and sale of bulletproof vests in the European Union is completely legal and has no restrictions for civilians or professionals. Anyone can acquire their own protective gear without the need for special permits.

Conclusión

The choice ofbulletproof vestdepends on the type of threat you want to face. Knowing theprotection levels, types of plates, and current regulationsIt is key to making the best decision. If you are looking for a quality vest, we recommend exploring our ballistic protection collection to find the model that best suits your needs.