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 generally 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 come through a bulletproof vest, even if 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 stab-resistant vest 100% stab-resistant?
A stab-resistant vest is not stab-resistant against everything. The vest is approved within a standard and a specific level. If the vest is subjected to more than it is approved for, it can be penetrated by knives or spikes. The stab-resistant vest will protect you against knife attacks that occur in public spaces. An example of how a stab-resistant vest can be penetrated could be if a person is lying flat on the ground, and another person is sitting on them and dragging the knife over their head to then stab down into the vest repeatedly at the same spot.
3. How does the material stop the bullet in a bulletproof vest?
The vests are made of very strong non-woven and woven fibers. The material will stop a bullet in the same way that a net would stop a tennis ball or volleyball. It causes the bullet to spin, slow down, and transfer energy throughout the 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 allows the vest to stop them. The speed of a .357 SIG and a 9mm pistol is faster, and thus they cannot be stopped as easily.
Many consider a .44 Magnum to be the most dangerous handgun, but as a wearer of a bulletproof vest, it is the speed of the bullet you should be afraid of, and not the size of the bullet as a general rule. Important: Shots from a shotgun are very dangerous for the wearer of a bulletproof vest because vests are not rated 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 known as 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 should be checked for damage – including scratches, odors, burns, etc.
If the vest is to last 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 when five years have passed, one should buy a new one.
6. The warranty card.
Always ensure that the sender fills out the warranty card in connection with the registration of a vest. If they do not do so, it is important that you take care of 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 thing to have at least two covers for the vest, so you always have one cover, even if the other is in the wash. It is indeed possible to wash the bulletproof vest 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 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 they also cannot withstand being ironed, 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 multiple layers of fibers, which means that if they become bent or misshapen, it is not possible to straighten them out 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 lay 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 performance of the plates because the 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 spills on your vest, it is important to wipe the plates with a damp sponge or cloth and then lay 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 for your bulletproof vest as a regular piece of clothing and treat it accordingly. That is, 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 individuals have been shot while wearing their bulletproof vests. The majority 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 also be damaged.
13. Avoid your vest becoming too worn and changing fit
Regular clothing can also change fit and wear out in specific places if used too much. Therefore, we recommend that you have several covers so you have some to switch 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 is 5-10% of your body weight, and you should then have yourself measured for a new vest, as it must neither be 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. It is essentially the same as wearing a regular T-shirt.
16. Place the plates the right way!
The plates are designed to fit into the cover in a specific way. If the wearer places them incorrectly, it can lead to tragic results. The plates are created to slow down and disperse the bullet's energy, where the back of the plates is designed to reduce trauma. If the plates are turned the wrong way, there is no guarantee that the vest will stop the bullet.
17. Is a bulletproof vest stab-proof?
It is important for the wearer of bulletproof vests to be aware that the vest is not stab-proof. Stab-proof 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 stab-proof 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 is not from bullets. Therefore, it is 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 snugly against the body. This is not a good idea! One of the reasons is that duct tape cannot move with the body properly. Therefore, it is 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 damaged by the bullet and cannot be repaired.
21. Protection must be found both front and back.
It doesn't matter what time of year it is, as the wearer needs protection both front and back. Too often, people only use protection in front during the summer, as it is warm, which is very risky.
22. Use of trauma pocket in the bulletproof vest!
Many are inclined to use it for many other things, e.g., to place 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, the 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.