Intro to Armor.
Tl;dr: Armor is not ‘bullet proof’. Armor is intended to catch a bullet and disperse the energy to prevent penetration. This ability to catch a bullet is limited to the armor’s caliber rating and is limited to covering your vital organs.
Do NOT buy steel ‘armor’ due to spalling/shrapnel that WILL occur when a bullet impacts steel. Even ‘anti-spall’ coated steel will create spall.
All armor has tradeoffs in cost, size/weight/comfort, and effectiveness where you must pick two. For a given budget, consider the threats you might encounter and whether the additional weight from higher levels of protection is acceptable vs lighter armor.
Ensure that whatever armor you buy is “NIJ CERTIFIED”. Not to be confused with “NIJ tested” or “NIJ compliant”. You can search across the numerous options available from the NIJ Certified Armor Database: https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/equipment-and-technology/body-armor/ballistic-resistant-armor#1-0
Armor Ratings from the NIJ: https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/equipment-and-technology/specification-nij-ballistic-protection-levels-and-associated-test-threats-nij-standard-012300
Most armor will use the ‘Former Threat Level’ markings to indicate efficacy. Those will typically include lvl IIIA, lvl III, and lvl IV. Some manufacturers will list a plate as ‘special threat’ plate which may meet the new NIJ RF2 standard.
Terminology
Hard Armor: Typically referred to as ‘plates’, these are composed of ceramic or polyethylene, are purchased individually, and so will require the purchase of two of any given individual plate for front and rear protection.
Plate Carrier: An external nylon vest that has bags for holding plates of armor. Be aware that some plate carriers are designed to hold specific cuts of plates, so be sure they are compatible. May have MOLLE webbing to allow additional to be secured, such as medical equipment, firearm magazine pouches, or communication equipment.
Soft Armor: Typically layers of kevlar woven together to resist pentation from handgun rounds. These can come in the form of panels or vests that allow placement into backpacks or under normal clothing, respectively
Popular armor manufacturers
- RMA
- Hesco
- Highcom
Popular plate carrier manufacturers
- Defense Mechanisms
- Spiritus Systems
- LBT/LBX
- AWS Inc
Pricing: The typical cost to entry is around $500, assuming you’re budgeting for around $200 per plate, and a $100 carrier. This price will continue to expand based on your needs.
Author’s opinions: Most private individuals are best served with a soft armor vest that can be concealed, as they are not likely to encounter rifle threats. Additionally, the lighter weight will encourage usage as opposed to a loaded plate carrier that can cause strain over time and discourage the wearer. Most plate carriers are also conspicuous in nature, and can draw unwanted attention. Consider a lvl IIIA soft vest or backpack inserts. If you’re considering rifle threats, be realistic in what kind of rifle threats you may encounter, as lvl IV plates may bring undue weight and bulk for a given threat. Lvl III plates may be better in that case.
FAQ
Is ceramic armor only good for a period of time?
Ceramic armor, like most products, carries a warranty that the manufacturer will honor up to a certain time period. If well maintained, ceramic armor does not ‘expire’.
Will ceramic armor break if I drop it?
Ceramic plates can be broken when dropped, but the drop resistance is substancially higher than you expect. This is not your planter pot type of ceramic; after all, it’s rated to disperse the energy from a bullet.
I can only only afford steel right now. Can’t I just get that and upgrade to ceramic later?
Ceramic has come down in price substancially to effectively match steel in pricing. More importantly, ask yourself whether the risk of death from spall to yourself and others around you is worth the small savings you get with steel.
What cut should I get?
Typically a 10x12 SAPI cut or shooter’s cut will fit the vast majority of plate carriers on the market. These offer good coverage and compatability. The only cut that is likely to have compatability issues would be square cut.
Should I get single curve or multi-curve?
If you budget allows it, multi-curve armor will be more comfortable and fit to your body more closely than single curve armor.
I have boobs! What now?
You may want to explore ‘female armor’ from companies like RMA or The Safe Civilian.
How can I buy armor?
There are a number of good and bad online vendors. Read reviews for a given vendor to ensure prompt shipping times. Local gun stores may also carry armor, but ensure the armor is ceramic and/or otherwise NIJ Certified.
Should I get a trauma plate or soft armor backer?
If you armor meets the modern NIJ standards without an ICW moniker, they will not require a trauma plate or backer as the plate or vest must not produce any backface deformation upon impact.