A bulletproof vest is something that many do not consider as necessary equipment; after all, if you are well-stocked, well-armed, and aware of your surroundings, why would you need one? The fact of the matter is that a bullet is deadly, and it only takes one to kill you. Firearms are not easy to master, and many people will not be a good shot. However, when it only takes one errant bullet to end your life, why take the risk? This is why more and more people are opting to keep themselves protected with a covert bullet proof vest.
Covert bulletproof vest provide even more advantages, many of which you may not consider. Not only do they provide all the tactical protection that any normal vest would offer, but they can keep you discreet, cool, and comfortable in a variety of situations, allowing you to respond to whatever threat you may encounter. Just like any protective vest however, it is important that you choose the correct one for the situations you are likely to find yourself in. Covert vests are available in a wide variety of sizes and levels of protection, and it is important you understand the options to ensure you choose the correct vest.
The levels of protection bullet proof vests are available in comes from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is the world leader in testing and standardizing body armor. The NIJ Levels it outlines explain exactly what a vest can protect against, with Level IV being the highest. Level IV body armor can protect against high-powered ammunition commonly used in rifles and automatics. For example, the 7.62x51mm NATO, even in armor-piercing (AP) variant, can be stopped by a Level IV bullet proof vest. Body armor that uses Kevlar and similar materials to offer ballistic protection is known as ‘Soft Armor’, whereas vests that use rigid plates of ceramics and/or polyethylene are known as ‘Hard Armor’. Hard Armor will also utilise the soft fabrics found in Soft Armor materials to help absorb the impacts of attacks. Soft Armor is available up to and including NIJ Level IIIa, which not only provides the protection offered by lower levels, but can also protect against high velocity 9mm full metal jacketed round nose bullets, as well as .44 Magnum jacketed hollow points.
Each level of protection can stop the ammunition listed at lower levels. Level IIa armor is considered the minimum recommend protection for all armor, and is capable of protecting against 9mm full metal jacketed round nose and .40 S&W full metal jacketed ammunition, which are commonly found in most handguns. Even this ‘basic level’ is capable of protecting against a wide variety of rounds, with 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and even .45 ACP rounds all covered by this level of protection. The Level II armor, conversely, can protect against all this as .357 Magnum jacketed soft points and the 9mm Parabellum fired at higher speeds. As mentioned above, however, the 9mm fired from a semi-automatic will require Level IIIa armor.
Understanding the options available in protection is important, as it shows you what ammunition you are protected against. Thanks to the advancement of material technologies, even the highest levels of armor are now available in covert styles. Many people will therefore simply opt to wear the highest level of armor, believing that this will cover them against all threats. While it is certainly true that this will offer the most protection of any bullet proof vest, the extra weight and bulk will be unnecessary if you are not facing automatic or high caliber weapons. Therefore, by choosing a lower level you will remain just as protected, but far freer in terms of movement.
The flexibility and comfort of a covert vest are one of its main draws. Designed to be worn close to the body, most covert vests are specifically tailored to move as you do, ensuring a free range of movement without sacrificing protection. Similarly, by eschewing quick release systems and protective covers for example they can be far thinner and lighter than overt vests, making them exceedingly comfortable to wear. Indeed, vests like the CoolMax from SafeGuard Clothing (https://www.safeguardclothing.com/15-bullet-proof-vests/) are created using temperature-regulating materials that actively draw moisture away from the skin, making the vest breathable and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
This is especially important as covert vests are not designed to be taken on and off regularly. This can be seen as a hindrance to many, as it means that you are stuck wearing your vest no matter where you are. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, and it is an important part of survival to be prepared for anything. Many assume that a bulletproof vest is any suitable for incredibly dangerous areas, or even extreme situations like the collapse of society. One need only turn on the news however to see report after report of people being shot to death while going about their business. The world is a dangerous place, particularly in places where firearms are so accessible, and keeping yourself protected should always be your number one priority.
Just like any protection, however, it is only as good as its wearer, and comes with several caveats: firstly, if you are attacked and the vest does stop an otherwise fatal bullet, it can no longer protect you to the same degree. While you can stay standing and continue to be protected after taking a bullet, the vest will not be as secure, and should be replaced as soon as possible. Secondly, if it is not cared for properly, it cannot protect you properly. Part of being prepared is knowing how to care for the tools and equipment you will be using. This is just as important for body armor, and you should take steps to maintain and clean your armor regularly. Thirdly, a bullet proof vest at any level can only stop the threats it is designed to stop. While a Level IV vest is incredibly strong, and can stop the vast majority of ammunition, it will not make you invulnerable, and should never be considered a replacement for common sense and caution. Finally, a vest can only protect you if you wear it. Make sure you are wearing your vest whenever there is the threat of an attack.
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