1. Is a bulletproof vest 100% bulletproof?
The reality about bulletproof vests is that they are not 100% bulletproof, but rather bullet resistant. A bulletproof vest is basically only bulletproof within the standard it is approved for. Some manufacturers' vests can handle more than the specified standard.
A bulletproof vest does not protect the wearer against every threat. In extremely rare cases, a bullet can penetrate a bulletproof vest, even though it has been rated to stop it. The bullet could, for example, have a serrated edge or something similar, which means that a bulletproof vest does not make the wearer Superman.
2. Is a Stabproof vest 100% Stabproof?
A Stabproof vest is not Stabproof against everything. The vest is approved within a standard and a specific level. If the vest is exposed to more than it is approved for, it can be pierced by knives or awls. The Stabproof vest will protect you from knife attacks that occur in public spaces. An example of how a Stabproof vest can be pierced could be if a person is lying flat on the ground, and another person is sitting on them and repeatedly dragging a knife over the head and then stabbing down into the vest in the same spot multiple times.
3. How does the material stop the bullet in a bulletproof vest?
The vests consist of very strong non-woven and woven fibers. The material will stop a bullet, in the same way a net would stop a tennis ball or volleyball. It causes the bullet to spin, slow down, and send the energy through the entire panel. Remember, the slower the bullet is, the better for the wearer. Bullets that have a hard tip or are fired at high speed can penetrate the fibers and go right through the bulletproof vest.
4. Every single bullet is deadly.
Many pistol enthusiasts ignore the deadly potential. A single bullet – small or large – flying at high speed can, however, penetrate a bulletproof vest. Large weapons such as a 44 Magnum or a 45 ACP shoot at a slower speed, which makes it possible for the vest to stop them. The speed of a 357 SIG and a 9mm pistol is faster, and therefore they cannot be stopped as easily.
Many consider a 44mag to be the most dangerous handgun, but as a wearer of a bulletproof vest, it is the speed of the bullet you should fear and not primarily the size of the bullet. Important: Shots from a shotgun are very dangerous for the wearer of a bulletproof vest because vests are not classified for these types of bullets. The reason? The bullets do not have a uniform speed.
5. What is the lifespan of a bulletproof vest?
The National Institute of Justice, also called NIJ, has a five-year minimum warranty on bulletproof vests. When a vest is used every day, it naturally wears out and thus loses its protective ability faster than if it just sat on the shelf. The vest must be checked for damage – including scratches, odor, burns, etc.
If the vest is to last for five years, it is also important that the care instructions are followed. If the vest is cared for, it can generally last longer than 5 years. However, it is important to remember that a bulletproof vest is a life insurance, and after 5 years, you should buy a new one.
6. The warranty card.
Always ensure that the sender fills out the warranty card when registering a vest. If they do not, it is important that you do it yourself. The reason for this is that it makes it easier for the sender to contact customers regarding, for example, a recall or similar. The warranty card is in many cases your invoice.
7. Wash your bulletproof vest – but only the covers!
It can be a really good idea to have at least two covers for the vest, so you always have a cover even if one is being washed. It is indeed possible to wash the bulletproof vest's cover - however, it is very important to be aware that the plates must not be washed! Therefore, the plates MUST ALWAYS be removed before the vest goes into the washing machine. Keep the plates dry to ensure they last for a full five years.
8. How do you wash the vest's plates?
When you need to clean the vest's plates, you should use a damp sponge or cloth. You must never throw them in the washing machine or dryer, and furthermore, they cannot withstand ironing, as the fiber can burn or melt depending on what the vest is made of.
9. How do you store the vest?
The plates consist of several layers of fibers, which means that if they are bent or out of shape, it is not possible to straighten them again. Depending on the type of bulletproof vest you have, it may vary whether a vest benefits from hanging. It is therefore recommended that you place the vest on a shelf.
10. Can a bulletproof vest get wet?
The worst idea you can have is to swim with your bulletproof vest on. The reason for this is that some bulletproof vests lose the plates' performance because water acts as a lubricant. When this happens, it becomes less resistant to the bullet. However, keep in mind that some manufacturers have treated their vests with waterproof material so they can also be used in water. If liquid is spilled on your vest, it is important to wipe the plates with a damp sponge or cloth and then place the vest on a drying rack until it is completely dry.
11. See your vest as clothing.
It is important that you see the cover of your bulletproof vest as an ordinary piece of clothing and treat it accordingly. That means it should also be washed like all your other clothes.
12. After being shot, you can still fight.
There have been a significant number of cases where people have been shot while wearing their bulletproof vests. Most of them compare the feeling of being hit by a bullet to being hit by a hammer. The result of being hit while wearing a bulletproof vest is an unpleasant bruise. In rare cases, vital organs or bones can be injured.
13. Avoid your vest becoming too worn and changing fit
Regular clothes can also change fit and wear in specific places if used too much. Therefore, we recommend that you have several covers so you have some to alternate between, as, for example, the velcro can deteriorate over time.
14. The vest must fit perfectly!
It is important that you buy a new bulletproof vest if you either lose or gain weight. The golden rule of thumb is 5-10% of your body weight, and you should then get measured for a new vest, as it must be neither too big nor too small.
15. The vest cover provides no form of protection!
No one should wear the cover as the only protection against bullets. That is the same as wearing an ordinary T-shirt.
16. Place the plates the right way!
The plates are made to fit into the cover in a specific way. If the wearer inserts them incorrectly, it can lead to tragic results. The plates are designed to slow down and disperse the bullet's energy, where the back of the plates is made to reduce trauma. If the plates are reversed, there is no guarantee that the vest will stop the bullet.
17. Is a bulletproof Stabproof?
It is important that the wearer of bulletproof vests is aware that the vest is not Stabproof. Because Stabproof vests are made from a different fiber composition than bulletproof vests. There are vests with both functions, so it is possible to get a bulletproof and Stabproof vest.
18. Bulletproof vests can ensure your safety - even in traffic accidents!
Several have been saved by their bulletproof vest in an accident, e.g. in the patrol car, where it was not from bullets. It is therefore important to wear a bulletproof vest in several respects. A bulletproof vest can save lives in ways other than just from bullets from firearms.
19. Duct tape should never be used as a replacement for damaged covers.
Many users use duct tape to ensure that the vest fits tightly enough to the body. This is not a good idea! One reason is that duct tape cannot move properly with the body. It is therefore a good idea to have an extra cover for the bulletproof vest.
20. Can the vest be used after it has been shot?
It is important to understand that when the vest has been shot, it is time for a new one. The fibers in the vest are destroyed by the bullet and cannot be repaired.
21. Protection must be found both front and back.
It does not matter what time of year it is, because the wearer must use protection both front and back. Far too often, people only use protection in front during summer because it is warm, which is very risky.
22. Use of trauma pocket in the bulletproof vest!
Many tend to use it for many other things, e.g. placing their phone in it, etc. It is important to use it correctly so that it can reduce the bruises that may occur.
24. Women should have a bulletproof vest that fits them.
Women need extra trauma protection for their chest and bra cups. Here bulletproof vests are specially made for women.
25. Bulletproof vests must be tested!
It is important that a bulletproof vest is tested, here NIJ standard 0101.06 is one of the most well-known tests available. The standard is from the USA and is your assurance that the vest has been tested according to the strictest standard available.