Guide to Buy the Right Body Armor

Investing in ballistic armor is a great decision but it is important to consider all options before investing. There are various types of body armors out there and you need to pick the one that perfectly suits your individual needs. When it comes to body armor, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The product you choose should match your threat level, as well as perfectly fit your body. Depending on different security needs, some may need soft inserts while others may require ceramic plates. So, before you go shopping for ballistic armor, you should first get to know a little about body armor and its types.

There are different types of body armor which means that a concealed vest that best suits undercover agents may not be the right choice for war soldiers. Military officers need more robust security for which heavy external combat plate works best. It means that different situations need different types of body armor. Now you may feel that choosing the right armor is complicated. So, here we’ve discussed some key points to help you easily select the right body armor that fits your specifications.

Threat Level

Your choice of body armor largely depends on what type of threats you’re likely to face. In most countries, ballistic armor is categorized based on bullet resistance. When shopping for body armor, you will come across terms like levels I, IIA, II, and IIIA in the softer materials, and III and IV for harder armors. There’s no need to get confused with these ratings. In simple words, the higher the rating, the higher level of protection the vest offers. However, remember that the body armors that offer the highest level of protection are typically made of heavier material and have costly price tags.

Types of Vests

When choosing an armor vest, you need to first determine whether you want a covert or overt vest. The whole purpose of getting body armor is to protect you from the dangers you are facing. Some vests offer more protection than others, as well as have more weight. Covert vests are worn under your clothes while overt are worn over clothes and are heavier than the covert ones. Overt vests are mostly used by soldiers operating in war zones. Covert vests are designed to be as thin as possible so that you can wear them under the clothes. The premium quality covert vests are made with high-quality material to absorb moisture and keep you comfortable. These are also known as soft (concealable and lightweight armor) and hard armor (made from either steel or ceramic).

Find the Perfect Fit

If the ballistic armor doesn’t fit you properly or feel uncomfortable then it may fail to provide you optimal protection. Ideally, the best body armor covers your vital organs to prevent fatal injuries. If a vest isn’t sized correctly, there’s a risk of bullet penetration. So, always use a measuring tape to get accurate measurements. Also, it is best to take a trial before taking the armor vest home to ensure that it feels comfortable. You should walk and sit wearing it to ensure that the vest is not hitting your throat or interfering with the duty belt.