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, as a rule, only bulletproof to the standard it is certified for. Some manufacturers' vests can handle more than the stated standard.
A bulletproof vest therefore does not protect the wearer against every threat. In extremely rare cases a projectile can penetrate a vest even though it was assessed to stop it. The projectile could, for example, have a serrated edge or something similar, which means a bulletproof vest does not make the wearer Superman.
An important detail many overlook: bulletproof vests have a recommended service life of 5 years from the production date, not from the purchase date. Always check the production date on the label inside the vest, and replace the panels in time — it’s about your safety.
2. Is a stab-resistant vest 100% stab-resistant?
A stab-resistant vest is not impervious to every stab. The vest is certified to a specific standard and level. If the vest is exposed to more than it is certified for, knives or awls can penetrate it. A stab-resistant vest will protect you from knife attacks that occur in public spaces. One example of how a stab-resistant vest can be breached is if a person is lying flat on the ground and someone sits on them and repeatedly drives a knife into the same spot on the vest.
3. How does the material stop the bullet in a bulletproof vest?
Vests are made of very strong non-woven and woven fibres. The material will stop a bullet in much the same way a net would stop a tennis ball or volleyball. It causes the bullet to yaw, slow it down, and distribute the energy across the entire panel. Remember, the slower the bullet, the better for the wearer. Bullets with a hard tip or fired at very high velocity can penetrate the fibres and pass right through the vest.
4. Every single bullet can be lethal.
Many pistol enthusiasts ignore the lethal potential. A single bullet — small or large — traveling at high speed can penetrate a bulletproof vest. Large cartridges such as a 44 Magnum or a 45 ACP fire at a slower velocity, which makes it possible for the vest to stop them. The velocities for a 357 SIG and a 9mm pistol are higher, and therefore they are not stopped as easily.
Many consider a 44 mag to be the most dangerous handgun, but as a vest wearer it is the bullet’s velocity you should fear rather than its size. Important: shots from a shotgun are very dangerous for the wearer of a bulletproof vest, because vests are not classified for these types of projectiles. The reason? The projectiles do not have a uniform velocity.
5. What is the lifespan of a bulletproof vest?
The National Institute of Justice, also called NIJ, has a minimum five-year warranty on bulletproof vests. When a vest is used every day it will of course wear and thus lose protective capability faster than if it simply sat on a shelf. The vest should be inspected for damage — including scratches, odors, burns, etc.
If the vest is to last five years, it is therefore important to follow the care instructions. With proper care, a vest can generally last longer than five years. However, it is important to remember that a bulletproof vest is a life insurance, and after five years you should buy a new one.
6. The warranty card.
Always ensure 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 is that it makes it easier for the sender to contact customers in case of 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 very useful to have at least two covers for the vest so you always have one available while the other is being washed. It is possible to wash the covers of bulletproof vests — but it is crucial to ensure the plates are not washed! Therefore the plates MUST ALWAYS be removed before the vest goes into the washing machine. Keep the plates dry to ensure they last the full five years.
8. How do you clean the vest's plates?
When you need to clean the vest's plates, use a damp sponge or cloth. You should never throw them in the washing machine or tumble dryer, and they also must not be ironed, as the fibres can burn or melt depending on what the vest is made of.
9. How should you store the vest?
The plates consist of multiple layers of fibres, which means that if they become bent or misshapen, 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 being hung. It is therefore recommended that you lay the vest on a shelf.
10. Can a bulletproof vest get wet?
The worst idea is to swim with your bulletproof vest on. The reason is that some bulletproof vests lose plate performance because water can act as a lubricant. When this happens, they become less effective against a bullet. Keep in mind, however, that some manufacturers have treated their vests with water-resistant materials so they can 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. Treat your vest like clothing.
It is important that you treat the cover of your bulletproof vest like any other piece of clothing and care for it accordingly. That means it should also be washed like your other clothes.
12. After being shot you can still fight.
There have been a significant number of cases where people were shot while wearing their bulletproof vests. The majority compare the feeling of being hit by a bullet to being struck 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. Prevent your vest from becoming too worn and changing fit
Ordinary clothing can also change fit and wear in certain spots if used too much. Therefore we recommend you have several covers to rotate, since, 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 is a 5-10% change in your body weight, and you should then be re-measured for a new vest, as it must be neither too large nor too small.
15. The vest cover provides no protection!
No one should wear the cover as their only protection against bullets. That is the same as wearing an ordinary T-shirt.
16. Place the plates the right way!
The plates are designed to fit into the cover in a specific orientation. If the wearer inserts them incorrectly, it can lead to tragic results. The plates are made to slow and spread the bullet’s energy, while the back side of the plates is designed to reduce trauma. If the plates are oriented incorrectly, there is no guarantee the vest will stop the bullet.
17. Is a bulletproof vest stab-resistant?
It is important for the wearer of a bulletproof vest to be aware that the vest is not stab-resistant, as stab-resistant vests are composed of different fibre constructions than bulletproof vests. There are vests with both functions, so it is possible to get a vest that is both bulletproof and stab-resistant.
18. Bulletproof vests can protect you — even in traffic accidents!
Several people have been saved by their bulletproof vest in an accident, for example in a patrol car, where the protection was not from bullets. It is therefore important to wear a bulletproof vest for multiple reasons. A bulletproof vest can save lives in ways other than just from firearm projectiles.
19. Gaffer tape should never be used as a replacement for damaged covers.
Many users apply gaffer tape to make the vest fit more tightly to the body. This is not a good idea! One reason is that gaffer tape cannot move correctly 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 fibres in the vest are destroyed by the bullet and cannot be repaired.
21. Protection must be present both front and back.
It does not matter what time of year it is; the wearer must use protection both front and back. Far too often people only use front protection in the summer because it is warm, which is very risky.
22. Use of the trauma pocket in the bulletproof vest!
Many are inclined to use it for many other things, for example to place their phone in it. It is important to use it correctly so that it can reduce the bruising that may occur.
24. Women should have a bulletproof vest that fits them.
Women need additional trauma protection for their chest and bra cups. There are specially manufactured bulletproof vests for women.
25. Bulletproof vests must be tested!
It is important that a bulletproof vest is tested; NIJ standard 0101.06 is one of the best-known tests available. The standard is from the USA and is your assurance that the vest has been tested to one of the strictest standards available.
