Bulletproof vests are the most common form of body armor. Bulletproof vests protect the wearer from high-velocity projectiles, such as bullets fired from handguns and some rifles.
Bulletproof vests use layers of very strong fibers to “catch” and deform a bullet, spreading its energy across the material’s mass and preventing penetration. The vest absorbs the energy from the bullet, bringing it to a stop before it can completely penetrate the textile matrix. Some bulletproof materials are not affected by handgun ammunition at all.
The word “bulletproof” may be used in popular culture to describe materials that are resistant to any type of projectile, but this is incorrect. In reality, no vest can protect against all types of ammunition, as different types of ammunition have different properties that affect their ability to penetrate clothing or other barriers. Some people also use accurate terms such as “bullet-resistant”. However, these terms are misleading because they fail to convey that while these materials may be able to stop a bullet under certain circumstances, they might not prevent injury if other factors come into play (such as distance from an attacker).
The level of protection offered by a bulletproof vest depends on two things:
- The thickness of the material used to make it – thicker material provides more protection
- The type of material used – some materials are better at absorbing impact than others
Bulletproof vests are also commonly known as “bulletproof jackets”, “bulletproof waistcoats”, or “bulletproof” and are not actually a vest, but rather a jacket. However, the term bulletproof vest is often used by the media and the public when referring to both types of bullet-resistant clothing.
Types of bulletproof vests
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Level 1:
Level 1 bulletproof vest is the most basic type of body armor and offers protection against low-caliber handgun rounds. Level 1 vests are typically worn by police officers and private security guards.
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Level 2:
Level 2 bulletproof vests offer more protection than Level 1 vests against higher caliber handgun rounds and some types of rifle ammunition. Level 2 vests are typically worn by security personnel who handle high-risk situations such as VIP protection or cash in transit operations
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Level 3:
A level 3 ballistic vest is the best protection available for everyday use. Level 3 armor provides the highest level of protection against rifle bullets (including armor-piercing rounds), handguns, and shotgun slugs. Level 3 armor is designed for use as an outer layer of protection by law enforcement officers or anyone who requires maximum protection from extreme threats such as high-powered rifles, body armor-piercing ammunition, or explosive devices. The NIJ Standard 0115.00 specifies that the minimum threat level for Level IIIa body armor is 9mm Parabellum FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) at 1,200 fps while the minimum threat level for Level III body armor is 7.62x. The level 3 bulletproof vest is the most advanced and robust type of body armor available. It is designed to protect against rifle rounds, including armor-piercing ammunition.
Level 3 bulletproof vests are much heavier and bulkier than other types of body armor. They can be worn by anyone who needs this level of protection, including police officers and military personnel.
Level 3 bulletproof vests are made from multiple layers of material that have been woven together in a very tight weave. This material provides maximum protection against bullets while remaining flexible enough to move with you as you walk, run or crawl.
The most important feature of level 3 bulletproof vests is that they protect against both handgun ammunition and rifle ammunition. This means that if an assailant shoots at you with a handgun or rifle, your bulletproof vest will stop their bullets and prevent injury to your body.
The main difference between the different levels of a bulletproof vest is the amount of protection they offer. Level 3 offers the highest level of protection, while levels 1 and 2 offer lower levels of protection.
Bottom Line
A bulletproof vest is a highly effective and important piece of equipment for law enforcement people. But if you want to use these powerful vests for personal protection then you can get them from an online defense store. No matter which one you choose, ensure to purchase bulletproof vests from a reputable online supplier.
