When a bullet strikes a body armor panel, the fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact across a generalized area. Most concealable body armor is made of a number of layers. These layers assist in the energy dispersion process and help to reduce the effects of blunt trauma caused by the force of impact energy that is delivered by the projectile.

There are a number of factors that can influence the service life of body armor. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has done research that indicates that age is not the only determining factor. Other factors to consider include: how regularly the armor was worn; how it was cared for; whether the armor fit the wearer properly (most people lose or gain weight over a period of years); and the overall condition of the armor (do the fasteners still work properly, and so on). We encourage departments that issue body armor to have a routine inspection program for body armor, just as they would for weapons, vehicles, and other types of issued equipment.

All of our body armor comes with a 5 year warranty.

There are a number of materials used in the manufacturing of body armor. Concealable, or Soft; body armor can be made from a number of different types of woven or non woven materials. The most recognized of these is Kevlar®, which is made by DuPont. GoldFlex® Made by HoneyWell. Other materials include Spectra®, which is made by AlliedSignal, and Twaron®, made by Akzo Nobel. These materials are manufactured in a variety of styles and weaves. Hard armor plates can be made from a number of materials, including metals, ceramics, and other composite materials.

Each fiber has its own advantages and disadvantages. The construction of the vest (what type or types of materials and the number of layers of each material used) and the weave of the fibers can influence the performance of the vest. To determine which is best for you, look at and try out a number of vests in the protection level you desire. When you narrow your choice to several vests, call NLECTC for the test data. In the end, it is your choice based on the factors that are most important to you.

Do you need protection from pistol threats or high-powered rifle threats? Soft vests stop pistol and fragmentation threats, but it takes a rigid ceramic plate to stop a rifle bullet.
For handgun protection it is important to know that Level IIA, Level II and Level IIIA all stop the majority of ammunition you are ever likely to encounter (plus 12 gauge, OO buckshot).

There is always a tradeoff between more protection and wearability or concealability - so the level of protection chosen is a personal choice. Better to get a lower protection level that you will wear consistently, than the highest protection that isn't worn at all. The best vest for you is the one you are actually wearing.

Ballistic Threat Levels:

Level IIA: Might be the best choice if thinness, comfort and concealability are the most important factors, for example, if you are wearing it for long periods, or with a lot of movement. Protects against 0.22 caliber through lower velocity 9mm bullets.

Level II is often worn by police officers. A great balance between blunt trauma protection, versus cost, and thickness / concealability & comfort. (Higher Velocity 9mm, .357 Magnum)

Level IIIA is a little thicker, stiffer, heavier and more expensive, but will stop more of the uncommon pistol threats, for example, it is tested for 9mm sub-machine-gun and .44 Magnum. Plus it gives you more blunt trauma impact protection – possibly better to return fire in a gunfight.

Level III: This body armor and worn full time by officers seeking protection against higher velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm ammunition.

Level IV: Stops high powered rifle

General Thickness:
Level IIA is ~4 mm thick
Level II is ~5 mm thick
Level IIIA is ~8 - 10 mm thick

Ultimately, assess the type of threat you face on a daily basis. Review data from shooting incidents in your area, as well as the types of weapons being confiscated from suspects. Also factor in what type of sidearm you are carrying; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data indicate that approximately one in six officers killed in the line of duty were shot with their own weapon. Other considerations are: the climate in which you work, typical duty assignment, and personal preference considerations (comfort and fit). Again, the decision is ultimately yours.

We test body armor from many manufacturers to verify their products meet minimum performance standards necessary for police use. The test does not compare one manufacturer or their products with another. We recommend that you look at armor from a number of manufacturers. Inquire about their customer service/support, and talk with other agencies about the armor they have purchased and used. All vests we carry comply with up-to-date NIJ standards

Very comfortable, unless it gets hot. You usually don't notice an extra 3 - 5 lbs. much and vests don't restrict freedom of movement if fitted properly but heat buildup is always a problem in the summer. No vest on earth can honestly claim to be comfortable when it is hot. The thickness of the ballistic panel insulates you and the waterproofing of the ballistic panel simply prevents effective cooling through the vest.

We strongly recommend at least one of our CoolMax T-Shirts to keep you drier and cooler in the summer months. This specialized t-shirt is made with an innovative fabric that is designed to push moisture out and bring air in to the skin.

As a last resort, wear your vest on the outside. This makes ventilating under the vest with outside air MUCH easier. You do sacrifice the concealment of the vest, thus letting the bad guys know to aim for the head or hips, but it's better than not wearing a vest at all.

Yes it is for law-abiding citizens. A felony conviction makes possession of body armor illegal under federal law and in many states.

We have had civilian clients with many different civilian needs for bulletproof vests. Our policy is to only sell to law-abiding adults who have a lawful purpose for body armor and you must be 18 years or older to shop on our website.

We fully stock most of the vests we offer except the custom made vests which we order from the manufacturer in your custom size. We have been supplying body armor to civilians and government agencies for over 40 years and have one of the quickest turn-around time in the business, so you know you'll be receiving your vest FAST.

We pride ourselves on customer service and sometimes do things the old fashioned way: we pick up the phone and talk to you! When you call us, you'll be speaking to one of our veteran sales people whom have been in the security business and know every product first hand, every time you call.

We want you to be happy with your purchase so please do contact us with any and all concerns with your order. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

In most cases yes, we sell in wholesale amounts. Please fill out our Volume Pricing Form with what you are interested in and we will get back with you shortly.

Shipping Level III and IV RIFLE Plates outside the US requires a U.S. State Department export permit which can take 3 weeks to 2 months, generally at least a month. Please plan your purchases accordingly.

Level IIA, Level II and Level IIIA body armor generally does not require a Bureau of Industry & Security export license to most countries.

To check on body armor regulations in your country, or estimate import duties and taxes into your country, please consult your government.

At the US Transportation Security Administration, Body Armor is NOT on the list of prohibited items. But they also say:

"The prohibited and permitted items list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone's security the screener may determine that an item not on this chart is prohibited."

So you can carry your armor onto the plane to ensure that you have it when you arrive - but with possible extra questioning from security if the vest is noticed...
OR
...do you want to put your armor in your checked luggage, and avoid possible security hassles, but at a higher risk of lost bags, damage or theft in transit, etc., etc.

If you want to carry-on we suggest:

bring your professional credentials as the TSA is generally not used to seeing travelers with Body Armor
get to the screening checkpoint with plenty of time to spare, in case of extra security procedures
have the appropriate materials to pad and protect your Rifle Plates, just in case they request that you check your armor in baggage.