Selecting the proper body armor is not as simple as it may seem. You might want to consider many things before choosing body armor, as these things could mean the difference between life and death. But what are the main criteria when choosing body armor? Here are five that you will want to think about:
Thickness
Body armor comes in many different thicknesses. Different types of body armor will also be thinner or thicker depending on the material it is constructed of. This should be a big consideration before selecting a body armor, as you will need to consider your intended use and preferred protection level associated with the thickness. For example, if mobility is your biggest priority, then a thinner armor that is easier to move around in might be the better option, even if it might be heavier or provide less protection than other types of body armor. Thinner armor can make it easier to move around and do other work, while thicker armor can do the opposite. Consider what you will be doing while wearing your armor, and attempt to choose an armor that works well with this intended use.
Consider what you will be doing while wearing your armor, and attempt to choose an armor that works well with this intended use.
Weight
Along with thickness, weight is one of the biggest considerations when looking at body armor. Weight will usually correlate with thickness, but not always. A great example of this is steel body armor. While it is generally much thinner than quality body armor materials such as ceramic, it is much heavier. And like the thickness, weight must be considered and thought about when it comes to what you want to prioritize with your armor. Heavy body armor will weigh you down and tire you out quickly, but can also provide more protection against heavier rounds. Lighter armor, on the other hand, will allow you to be more mobile and comfortable but might not be able to stop as big of threats. Weight will also vary from body armor type and material, so something like hard plates will generally weigh more than soft panels. Body armor of all types will have some weight to it, but different types weigh more than others.
SPECTRE CONCEALABLE BULLET PROOF BODY ARMOR
Ace Link Armor Spectre Body Armor provides comprehensive ballistic protection to ensure the wearer is safe when he needs it the most. NIJ.06 IIIA structure will stop multiple rounds of various handgun threats (up to .44 magnum).
The Spectre concealed body armor is a bullet-resistant body shield that offers superior protection under fire to bullet-resistant materials of similar weight and bulk. Because they are so thin, bulletproof vests can be easily worn beneath clothing without the bulge or rigidity.
Flexibility
Flexibility will directly relate to your comfort levels and the fit of the body armor. The flexibility will also help to determine whether or not you can easily conceal the body armor or not. Some body armor, such as armor plates that are held in plate carriers, are not flexible at all. Bulletproof vests and other ballistic armor can be very flexible, however, and comfortably worn over or underneath clothes for long periods of time. Flexibility can also contribute to more mobility, but just like the weight and thickness, it will usually come at a price. The more flexible armor is, the less amount of protection it will generally provide. But, depending on your needs and wants, flexibility could be more important than being able to stop heavier rifle rounds when all you may need is protection from threats like handguns.
Ace Link Flexcore Product Comparision
Price
Although things such as weight, thickness, and flexibility should be amongst the most important factors to look at when it comes to choosing the best body armor, most people will start their search with the price tag. It’s true that everyone has their own budget and what they can comfortably spend on body armor, but the actual price should hopefully be lower on the list than figuring out other characteristics that you need such as protection levels and weight. Still, price is a great thing to consider when choosing body armor as they are not all created equal and come in a large variety of different options to fit every budget. Luckily there are some great companies out there that strive to provide high-quality body armor at excellent prices, making this part of your search much easier. After considering what you need out of your body armor, you can then start to search for an armor that provides those things within your budget.
Warranty
Along with the price, it is important to consider whether or not you get a good warranty with the body armor that you choose. Because body armor has a shelf life and should be replaced somewhat regularly, a good warranty can help to make this process easier and even save you some money in the process. Most body armor has a standard 5-year lifespan, and most companies will provide a 5-year warranty because of this. There are some, however, that provide less of a warranty and those that provide more. Warranties will also vary depending on the actual type of body armor that you purchase, such as steel plates vs ceramic plates. No matter what type of armor you have, however, it should be replaced after it has gone past its intended shelf life or if it has been in use. A good warranty can help you out in these situations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best body armor is not as easy as asking someone which option to choose. There are many different criteria that will help determine what is the best for you and your needs. Because everyone is different, the best armor will vary from person to person. By thinking about the ideal weight, thickness, flexibility, price point, and warranty, you can narrow your search to find the best body armor that will suit you perfectly!
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