How to Choose a Bullet Proof Vest

For police officers, vest the most common choice is the type that can stop the caliber of weapon carried by the department's officers. Each individual has to evaluate their home town area or assigned area where they will work, and the possible threat levels that they might encounter in that area. When your life is on the line, it would make sense to find the most protective vest possible that offers the most flexibility so that you would not mind wearing this protective vest day after day for extended periods of time. Here is a bit more information about each level of ballistic protection.

I: A level I vest is the lightest on the market, but has the least amount of stopping power. They are capable of resisting.22 caliber rifle bullets (lead) with an impact velocity of 1,050 feet per second (or less). They can also stop 38 Special rounds, as well as.32 and.25 caliber handgun rounds.

IIA: These vest options are designed to withstand low-velocity 357 Magnum and 9 MM rounds. 38 Special +P,.45 automatic and other low-level threats can also be protected against.

II: This is a higher protection version of the type IIA vest which offers protection against higher velocity 357 Magnum and 9 MM rounds, as well as lower-velocity rounds covered by the IIA vest.
IIIA: This vest is rated against 44 Magnum rounds (lead, gas checks), with 1,400 FPS velocity or less. It can also withstand 9 MM rounds with full metal jackets (1,400 FPS) and most handguns.

III: This is the best bullet proof vest or those in danger from high-powered rifles, such as 7.62 MM full metal jacket rounds, or M80 military designations. 12-gauge slugs, 30 Carbine FMJ and 223 Remington rounds can also be protected against with this bullet proof vest.

IV: For those who will face armor-piercing rounds, level IV is the best option. It can protect against.30 caliber armor-piercing rounds, as well as lower level threats covered by other bullet proof vest options mentioned above.

Note that the level III and the level IV rating are achieved by having a level III-A vest first and then inserting hard armor plates either made of dynnema or ceramic into specifically designed pockets in the front and back of the vest which increases your protection to these higher levels of protection.

EN 471 Class 2 100% Polyester Security Vest