Get the Best out of your Bulletproof Vest

Bulletproof vest, every law enforcement officer, and military personnel understands that they can be a crucial factor in life and death. However there are certain things that some of them don’t know about this precious and valuable gear. So it’s our goal to provide you information that’ll help you understand the bulletproof vest a little better, and help save more lives along the way!

First thing you need to know is that bulletproof vest aren’t actually bulletproof. Instead they are bullet resistant. The reality is that bullet resistant vests don’t protect the wearer from every threat. Nothing is bulletproof. In an extremely minute percentage of cases, a bullet can get through a vest that’s been rated to stop them. The bullet could have a serrated edge or something similar to it. So bulletproof vests do not make the wearer all of a sudden become invincible.

Next thing that is important to know is that ALL guns can be deadly! Many gun enthusiasts disregard the deadly potential some kinds of handgun calibers have. However, any bullet – small or large – that travels at a high rate of speed will get through body armor. Huge handgun rounds such as .44 Magnum and .45 ACP will travel at slower speeds, which allows the body armor to stop them. However, .357 SIG and 9mm guns travel at a quicker speed and can’t stop them as easily. Also the shells of a shotgun are very dangerous to bulletproof vests wearers because vests are not rated for these kinds of bullets. The reason? Shot shells do not have a consistent velocity.

Another thing for you to know is that bulletproof vest do have a lifespan. So it’s important that you know the lifespan of your chosen vest. The majority of the United States’ body armor has a standard National Institute of Justice five-year service rating. When a vest is worn each day, it loses the protective capability quicker than one that sits on a shelf. It doesn’t matter how short or long the body armor is worn, the vest should be carefully looked over for any signs of damage – creases, tears, smells and burns. If properly taken care of, the vest should last five years. However you must be sure to follow the care instructions.

Now another rule of thumb for most bulletproof vest is to not get the vest wet. The reason is that some bulletproof vests lose their ballistic performance because the water acts as a lubricant. When this happens, it makes it susceptible to bullet penetration. Keep in mind though… there are some manufacturers that have treated their vests with water resistant materials, which then allows them to be used in water. So definitely be careful before you enter water with your vest on.

In addition bulletproof vest wears need to know and understand that bulletproof vests are not knife resistant vests. Stab vests are made of another kind of fiber and weave than bulletproof vests. Now there are multi-threat vests on the market; but, these are generally heavier and costs more money. So be sure that you have the right kind of vest as protection for your particular situation.

And last but not least for you to know is that if ever you happen to be shot or the vest gets pierced by a bullet. Then you definitely need to get a new one. This being because when one gets shot in the vest, the fibers have been ruined by the bullet and cannot be repaired. So it is definitely a must that you replace the vest.

Hopefully this information about bulletproof vest will help you better understand them more. Which in turn will help you better choose and take care of your vest. Therefore helping to protect and save more lives along the way!