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Ballistic Info

Introduction to Ballistic Protection

While the term “bulletproof” is thrown around in the media, in movies, and on television, this is a misnomer. The correct term is “ballistic protection” or “bullet resistant”. Since the purpose of body armor is to protect the wearer from bullets, it is important to understand bullets and ballistics. This page has been authored by Mr. Mathew D. Ingalls, one of our Personal Account Managers and a school-trained and certified gunsmith. We hope you find this information informative and that it assists you in selecting the best ballistic protection for your needs.

Selecting the Correct Protection Level

What ballistic protection level should I order?

  • NIJ Level II is a good balance between comfort, ease of concealment, and protection from blunt trauma.
  • NIJ Level IIIA and Level III is worn by many police officers and law enforcement agents. This is the most widely utilized type of vest in the industry for safety, cost, and the ability to be worn under another garment.
  • Level IV tactical vests require ballistic inserts and are thus heavier and also a bit more expensive. The plates will provide better blunt trauma protection and preserve the wearer’s ability to return fire after taking a hit. These vests are highly desirable when facing threats from high velocity rounds.