For those of you that are new to bulletproof jackets and vests, also known as ballistic resistant clothing, or even if you are familiar with these products; here are a few things to consider.
NIJ is the National Institute of Justice. They set the standards for ballistic resistant clothing. There are several “Levels” of resistance. You will see ratings such as Level II and Level IIIA attached to all of our products. NIJ has Levels I, IIA, II, IIIA, IV and beyond. What you need to know: Levels I and IIA are old ratings and do not offer sufficient protection for the weapons that are on the street today. Usually body armor is not made lower than level IIIA. Level II is the standard for the street today. It is the Level that most police departments use. Level IIIA is a higher rating which resists large caliber (all the way to 44 Magnum) and high velocity hand guns.
This is the highest Level of soft body armor there is. What should you buy? For general day to day protection, Level II is adequate for most situations; it resists most hand guns. For the highest protection you can get without going to “hard armor” Level IIIA is for you. You will have to assess your environment and decide what is best for you. Some products only come rated at Level IIIA ; that is just a bonus if you like that product. Will you be bulletroof? No. You will be wearing clothing that is resistant to bullets. Like all “bulletproof” clothing, these products are designed to prevent the bullets they are rated for from penetrating the fabric but not deflect them. See our Ballistic Chart for more detail.
There are a lot of people buying and legally carrying hand guns today. But consider this; if you carry a hand gun, your security depends on your actions. When you are dressed in ballistic resistant clothing; your security is always there; no action is required on your part. You can go about your business knowing that you are surrounded with security. Ballistic resistant clothing should be your first line of protection.
Even people who already wear ballistic resistant clothing may not consider this; this clothing is resistant to any form of impact. Even in a car accident, you have a level of protection no one else has.