What is a bulletproof vest?
A bulletproof vest is a garment designed to protect you from gunfire and thereby help save lives. The vest is built to catch and contain projectiles from handguns.
There are vests for different tasks, and they come in six different protection levels.
A bulletproof vest can be made from various materials, and each will protect you according to the standard it is rated to. What they have in common is that they are made from fibers that manufacturers combine based on what they want the vest to withstand.
There are typically two types of fiber used in bulletproof vests: Aramid and Polyethylene. Their purpose is to absorb and contain projectiles to stop them and thereby save lives. These fibers can be produced and woven together in many different ways; flexibility, weight, and the thickness of the vest are typically important factors.
There are, however, other equally important considerations. If you are struck by a bullet, it is important that the energy from the shot is distributed across the vest to minimize damage to internal organs. You may be protected from penetration, but the impact itself can still be harmful, and in some cases lethal.
What is meant by "bulletproof"?
As mentioned, there are six different levels used to classify a bulletproof vest. It is important to know that a vest is only bulletproof within the limits of its classification.
The protection levels range from Level I to Level IV.
Level I to Level IIIA fall within what is called soft body armor — in other words a soft bulletproof vest that protects you against a .44 Magnum.
Level III to IV are where you add a hard plate that can protect you against armor-piercing rifle ammunition.
So, are you protected against all handguns if you, for example, have a Level IIIA, the highest level among soft vests? The answer is both yes and no!
If specially manufactured projectiles with a pointed metal tip are used, and they are fired at an angle or velocity different from those the vest is rated for, penetration is possible.
The same applies if you are shot multiple times in the same place. Calling a vest "bulletproof" must be understood in relation to the vest's classification.
Bulletproof vests for Military and Police
Previously, a bulletproof vest was associated mainly with the Military and Police. Today the picture is very different, and bulletproof vests are used by many different professions.
People with an increased risk of attack now wear bullet- and stab-resistant vests. Security guards use bulletproof and stab-resistant vests for duties such as manning the door at a nightclub or events, and they are also used for patrols.
Journalists used to wear bulletproof vests only when deployed. Today they are used for routine assignments both at home and abroad where there is an increased risk of attack.
Public-sector employees who work with vulnerable groups also use vests. Gangs and criminals use bulletproof and stab-resistant vests against each other, but ordinary people have also begun to protect themselves.
In the USA there are bulletproof vests for children, and there are also bulletproof plates that can be inserted into children's schoolbags.
Bulletproof vest — cheap or used?
If you want a cheap bulletproof vest, ask yourself one question: What is your life worth?
At Elite Armor you will find professional vests for all needs — you can buy a bulletproof vest here and have it delivered quickly.
A bulletproof vest is life insurance, intended to save your life.
Therefore, never buy a used bulletproof vest. You can find bulletproof and stab-resistant vests cheaply on sites like eBay; it is strongly advised against buying used.
You do not know how the vest has been treated, and therefore there is no guarantee for the protection it should provide.
There is typically only around 1,000 DKK to save by buying a cheap used bulletproof vest. So ask yourself, isn't your life worth that?
