11 Considerations For Buying A Bulletproof Vest

11 Considerations For Buying A Bulletproof Vest

If you are thinking of buying body armor like a bulletproof vest, aka a Kevlar vest, plate carrier, ballistic vest, or bulletproof clothing in general, keep in mind that you are investing in your safety, and your choice could be the difference between life and death.

In ancient times, warriors had to protect themselves from spears, arrows, and swords and they quickly realized that wearing armor made a big difference. Today, both war and the weaponry involved have advanced dramatically. Spears and other projectiles have transformed into lethal bullets and shrapnel that can kill with deadly accuracy.

The use of body armor has expanded to areas other than just the battlefield. These include civilian crime scenes, terror attacks, bomb disposal squads, federal and military special force, law enforcement agencies, and security services, and the list continues.

According to an FBI report, approximately 505 law enforcement officers were killed while on duty between 2005 and 2014 due to firearm attacks.

Following the advances in combat weaponry and its extended uses, the needs for body protection have also changed. Contemporary bulletproof vests are ultra-light and flexible, but very strong and capable of blunting most bullets and projectiles.

As the bulletproof vests and other ballistic vests modernize, they are also becoming more expensive. Today, buying a bulletproof vest is a serious investment which means that you must carefully weigh many different options when committing to getting a vest.

It is vital to choose only the best bulletproof vest and highest quality body armor that will meet all your needs.

IS BUYING BODY ARMOR FOR EVERYONE?

11 Considerations For Buying A Bulletproof Vest

Due to the military and security aura around the entire range of body armor including bulletproof vests, Kevlar vests, armor plates, and bulletproof clothing, there is a general feeling that such items are restricted for sale to only the military, security, law enforcement agencies, and other such outfits.

The fact is that buying any type of body armor by any law-abiding US citizen or legal resident is completely legal. Anybody in the streets can walk into a store making body armor sales and make a purchase.

The only restriction that the US law imposes is that any kind of body armor cannot be bought overseas and then brought in the country. Similarly, ballistic vests cannot be bought in the country and taken abroad.

This important legal condition being clear, here are 11 important things to consider while looking for solid body armor or the best bullet proof vest for sale.

THE COST OF BODY ARMOR

Your budget will, in many cases, be the deciding factor in which vest or type or armor you end up purchasing.

Make sure to properly evaluate all the options within your budget range and also consider whether or not investing slightly higher than your budget for the best bulletproof vest could be worth it.

At the end of the day, you can’t put a price on your life and coming back home safely to your family. The average lifespan of a bulletproof vest, or kevlar vest, is 5-7 years even if it isn’t used often. After that period the materials, even with proper care, will be less effective than when new. We carry a wide assortment of brands and types of bulletproof vests for every budget.

COMFORT IS IMPORTANT

One of the first things you have to keep in mind is that even though a plate carrier or bulletproof vest will definitely not feel like a soft sweater, it must be comfortable for extended periods of wear or else it can become a cause for distraction.

The piece you choose must fit your body snugly without making you feel like it’s squeezing you too tightly. If you lose or gain weight after purchasing a properly sized vest it could become less effective in protecting your body.

A loosely fitting vest may initially feel more comfortable but the level of protection it provides is diminished if it doesn’t fit properly. In that case, you should consider other types of ballistic wear.

While there are lots of choices when it comes to carriers, sizing is the most vital factor as far as comfort is concerned. Look for one that fits you best.

Also, it's important to consider the amount of time you will be wearing the ballistic vest. Will you wear every day, all day? If so, that is a lot of time to carry the extra weight which can affect your comfort, stamina, flexibility, and so on.

Considering these factors, make sure that you choose a proper fit of your bulletproof vest or body armor plate. It should neither be too tight to the degree of being uncomfortable, nor too loose to compromise on protection.

PROPER SIZING IS CRUCIAL

11 Considerations For Buying A Bulletproof Vest

Different manufacturers have different sizing policies. Those who supply law enforcement agencies tend to customize the size to fit individuals. However, this comes at an added price and the delivery will take a little longer, as the custom vests are customized and made to order. This can be something to consider as you choose to make a purchase.

THE WEIGHT OF BULLETPROOF VESTS WILL VARY

Through the years, carriers and body armor plates have notably become lighter and much more effective.

The biggest improvements compared to the vests of the past is that the latest ones have become lighter and more comfortable to wear – not that much different than heavy, comfortable clothing. Pick a vest designed for the type of protection you will need rather than the maximum protection you can obtain.

Always remember that the weight of the equipment you select will always have an effect on your fatigue levels and this is also impacted by body armor plates or armor inserts. If you plan on wearing the vest for long periods of time, narrow your search to lighter armor such as bulletproof Kevlar vests.

MOBILITY WHILE WEARING A BALLISTIC VEST

When a vest is too large, it can impair your movement on the field; conversely, if it is too tight or cumbersome, it can limit your range of movement.

Your vest must allow for an optimum level of movement meaning you should not find it hard to rotate your torso or arms as you would normally.

During tactical situations, it is crucial for you to be able to react and move quickly. Can you enter or exit vehicles without being inhibited? Your ballistic vest must be comfortable enough to ensure this. A second of delay in these types of situations can prove to be fatal.

DOES YOUR BODY ARMOR NEED TO BE HIDDEN?

Depending on the specific situation you are in, it matters a lot how your Kevlar vest or body armor plate fits your body. In tactical situations, when your assailant sees your vest, they may target those areas of your body that are not protected.

When your body armor plates poke out of your shirt, it can feel and look awkward. If you prefer not to use an overt armor vest, here are some great alternative concealed carriers.

THE DURABILITY OF TACTICAL CLOTHING

Bulletproof vests for sale are usually made of either nylon or cloth. The materials used during the production can affect how they absorb moisture from sweat, the kind of maintenance required, price, and comfort level.

You also need to consider what you will be wearing underneath your body armor and length of time that the armor will stay on. Be aware of the fact that certain materials can cause skin abrasion or discomfort under certain conditions. Check out here for additional accessories for your ballistic vest and clothing.

ARMOR PLATES & KEVLAR OFFER ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

These can be either hard or soft panels that slide into the front of the Kevlar vest to provide the wearer with additional protection. See to it that the panels that hold the plates are sealed with heat as the ballistic material and panels, typically Kevlar, hence the name Kevlar vests, will be protected from sunlight and moisture.

Be sure to consider the weather conditions you may encounter, extreme heat, rain, cold can all impact the ballistic materials used in your armor.

For more information, you can view our packages.

ARMOR RATING LEVELS: NIJ LEVEL I, II-A, II, III-A, III, AND IV

The National Institute of Justice or NIJ provides the official ratings for bulletproof vests and body armor. Without proper specifications or any indicators of quality, it can be difficult to find that piece of gear tailored for your needs.

In many cases, people do not know exactly what type of body armor they really need. This can lead to bad decision making which can negatively impact any given tactical situation.

Each bulletproof vest or piece of body armor is classified under 6 protection levels.

Level I, which protects against small caliber, low-velocity rounds. These levels have an A alternate that cycle upwards to Level IV, the highest protection level.

Knowing the protection level you will need is going to be one of the most crucial deciding factors of which vest you get because everything else will be determined by it – be it the cost of the vest or its size and fit.

Besides just the vest’s round stopping power, you may want to consider additional properties that any given ballistic vest has to offer, such as the material composition, shape, and shock distribution. These factors may be helpful in determining which vest will specifically suit your needs better. See our blog for more in depth information about Body Armor Protection Levels.

11 Considerations For Buying A Bulletproof Vest

BULLETPROOF VEST QUALITY & WARRANTIES

Check to see which of the vests you’re considering offers warranties if any on their products. Because body armor is a large investment, it is something you want to be able to rely on for a long time. As a general trend, most manufacturers offer 5 years' warranty on most types of bulletproof vests for sale.

Warranties can add to that peace of mind that if anything should happen to your gear, there is the support to get it fixed. Can you return the vest or is there a price match guarantee like our company offers?

MAINTAINING YOUR BULLETPROOF VEST AND BODY ARMOR

11 Considerations For Buying A Bulletproof Vest

Buying body armor plates such as bulletproof vests, Kevlar vests, plate carriers, and bulletproof clothing is an investment so you’re going to want to properly maintain your armor and a ballistic vest. Make certain that you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule.

You should also do some research regarding cleaning and caring for your tactical gear. The US NIJ is a good resource to take advantage of. As a general guideline, you should know that most materials that go into the making of the best bulletproof vests, body armor plates, Kevlar vests, and all other ballistic clothing are sensitive to the following materials:

Liquid or solid detergentsBar soapsCleaning chemicalsBleaching agentsDry cleaning agents

These materials are sensitive to climatic and ambient conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, and freezing temperatures, among others. Since these are comprised of synthetic materials, they may cause skin abrasions or allergies.

Whether you are a private citizen or in line of duty, body armor of any kind is critical, and in certain exposed situations, the only means of protection. You certainly don’t want to let criteria such as pricing be a compromising factor but we also know budgets do matter. Any type of viable protection is better than nothing.

So you need to make sure that you are making a prudent, need-based decision while investing in ballistic gear. Check the fit, ensure there is a product warranty, and most of all, maintain your valuable body armor plate or ballistic vest as directed by the manufacturer.

Make sure to carefully consider these things when deciding on the bulletproof vest or plate carrier that will protect you in whatever situation you may encounter. Before you make a purchase, conduct some research or you can ask one of our Militech support team members to figure out what is best for you.



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