NIJ Certified Hard Armor Plates: What are they, and why are they important?Hard armor plates are an essential part of protective equipment for many professionals in law enforcement, the military, and the security industry. But what does it actually mean when something is NIJ certified, and why is it so important?In this article, we will go through what NIJ certified hard armor plates are, the threat levels they protect against, and what you need to be aware of when purchasing this type of protection. What are hard armor plates?Hard armor plates are protective plates with a rigid construction, typically made from materials like steel, ceramics, or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). These plates are designed to stop high-velocity projectiles, primarily from rifles. The plates work by spreading the force of the projectile's impact over a larger area, reducing the risk of penetration and serious injury. Hard armor plates are often used as part of a complete ballistic system and provide effective protection against various threats, making them indispensable in many situations for both civilian and military or law enforcement applications.ICW and SA - What do they mean in relation to hard armor plates?
 Protection LevelsNIJ classifies protection levels from Level IIIA to Level IV for hard armor:
NIJ (National Institute of Justice) is a U.S. organization that sets standards for testing and quality of protective equipment. An NIJ certification means that the product has been rigorously tested and meets strict performance and durability requirements. With an NIJ certified hard armor plate, you get: |
