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The ‘not too distant’ future of body armor
When it comes to the technological development of body armor and bullet proof vests one struggles to find a current middle ground. You have either the kevlar vests, which offer less body coverage and less protection but more mobility, or the heavier vests which boast higher stopping power, protection and can take multiple projectile hits but at the cost of mobility, comfort and in some occasions overheating. So why hasn’t there been any new development being the vital equipment that it is. You argue it’s the greed of private companies or the bureaucracy of the government which have halted any “groundbreaking” new technology in recent years, yet some big ideas have begun to come to light that promise a revolutionary new equipment that might save countless troop and civilian lives. So, taking into consideration that an average soldier needs about 31 pounds of armor to be fully protected and even with the minimum amount of gear still totaling in at around 21 pounds, the Army is being forced to switch troops to a lighter 16.5 pound vest that offers 1/4 of the protection. The main concern all manufacturers have with tackling this problem is making heavy armor plates at least 10 to 20 times lighter than any current plating without it affecting the integrity of the armor. Apart from the obvious weight concerns, current vests have the problem of overheating in harsh climates to the point where soldiers are forced to remove them in order to avoid heat strokes. And most heavy armored vests offer limited mobility and can cause stress fractures if used for an extended amount of time; so developing a vest that that is flexible, fits tightly, offers a high level of protection and doesn’t overheat is the overall goal.
When considering the problem of weight, 16.5 pounds of body protective gear is still unreasonably heavy if you are in battlefield harsh conditions; so future vests are aimed to be 10 pounds or less in order to hit a more manageable weight. Some manufacturers are considering using a type of boron-carbide ceramic plating that can weigh up to 30 percent less and offer even higher protection than the currently used by the military, adding to this an improved construction process that is being tested to make the plates fit more comfortably to the contours of the chest and spine. All this would be useless if the vest isn’t wearable for an extended period of time; in response to this heat issue, an inner vest cooling system is being developed that allows the wearer to maintain a safe body temperature under any environmental condition involving an inner shirt with a heat exchange that uses the circulation of water to provide cooling by means of a thermo-controlled valve that self regulates accordingly. Some light armored vests, mainly ones that use kevlar, are going to be replaced by body armor made from M-5 fibers which offer greater strength and 1/3 of the weight. That, and it relies on self-adjusting plates that prevent serious bruising to the chest but allow plenty of flexibility. Other options are liquid kevlar vests, this technology is reliant on a thickening liquid called polyethylene glycol which transitions from soft to rigid when impacted by a projectile, preventing any penetration and softening the impact. This type of liquid armor may just hold the key to the future of body armor since it’s implementation in all types of vests is currently being studied. So we can say the future is bright for body armor or even more importantly is that we’ll sleep better knowing we’re better protected.
How can a box fish help shape the future of armor?
In a recent study conducted at the University of California, in San Francisco, a team of engineers have studied the biological structure of the Box Fish. The outlying structure of this animal has drawn the attention of body armor producers. The research found by this team could alter the way all companies make their armor. The box fish has been able to survive for years against far larger predators because of their outlying structure. In turn, organizations like the Air Force have now taken measures to try to implement the technology in future armor. But what exactly is all the hype?
The Box Fish
The Box Fish is a bony marine fish that is in the Tetradontiformes, this family of fish are known for their biological modifications that they have evolved to form. It gets its name from its unusual shape caused from its protective hard armor. This fish also has several names in which it is referred to,including trunk fish, cowfish, and coffer fish. Although, the box fish moves extremely slowly, it has several additions that aide in its survival. These include a hard armor surrounding all the vital insides of the fish, and a poisonous secretion in reply to tense situations. The poisonous secretion can only be triggered if the Box Fish is threaten. The armor on the Box Fish is a tradeoff, it protects against possible predators, but makes their movement much slower. However, what it lacks in speed it makes up for in protection. The outlying armor that surrounds the Box Fish is what has caught the eyes of Body Armor specialist.
Box Fish, inspiring body armor structure
The Inspiration behind the Change
The outside arrangement and anatomy of the scales of the Box Fish, are the focal point of the inspiration behind reforming the structure of body armor. The armor itself is comparable to an infant skull, it develops and grows as the animal matures. The scales, referred to as scutes, are connected by sutores, and eventually fused together as one. Their zig zag pattern eventually locks into a strong structure. The shape of the scales is the first interesting piece to this puzzle. The hexagonal shaped scales, are not notably known to be apart any other animal but the bonefish, although they do overlap like majority of fish scales. Their over lapping shape makes for a strong and reliable structure. In addition to overlapping the shape of the borders of the scales makes this overlapping of the hard scales, allows for complete protection with no weak penetrable areas. Another interesting aspect of the scales is that there is a star shaped structure in the middle that covers the scales and applies pressure. The other interesting aspect and one of the highest curiosity, is the addition of the underlying layer of collagen fibers. These fibers act as a stabilizer in the instance a predator does penetrate the outlying scales. If such an occurrence were to happen the collagen stabilizes the structure so it may not be compromised, and thus the assumption is that it assist with no further penetration. This unique structure has caught the eye of several military and engineering researchers.
What that means for body armor?
The application of this bio technology could be used to produce a whole new category of armor. The numerous observations and studies conducted have shown that the reinforcement if the outer shell makes its nearly implausible for predators to penetrate the structure. If applied to body armor, we could create a structure that has a whole new level of ballistic protection.
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Concealable Bulletproof Vests
Bulletproof vest too heavy? Can’t wear your favorite clothes with your current bulky vest? Don’t want anybody knowing that you’re wearing one? Lots of civilians embrace and sometimes even love the idea of owning a bulletproof vest but, in some occasions, it is better to keep things practical, simple, and private. For these applications and situations, wearing a concealable bulletproof vest is the absolute best choice.
What is a concealable vest?
As the name implies, a concealable or “concealed” bulletproof vest is a thin, lightweight, and compact vest that protects and individual for bullet impacts.
Since concealable armor is thin and soft, it is perfect for everyday wear and its applications can be extended further than just providing body protection. Concealed armor can also provide side, lower body, and head protection and it is suitable for extended wear.
Depending on the clothing used, these vests can provide absolute discretion while worn. The key to successfully hiding one lies on professionally measuring one’s body dimensions to customize the fabrication of the vest.
Composition
Since stealth is as the top priority besides safety, concealable bulletproof vests are required to be manufactured from light yet strong materials which are usually Kevlar and Aramid. When applied successfully, these materials can provide sufficient protection from handguns and even shotgun rounds except slugs.
These vests are designed to protect individuals from real-life threats, where machines guns and assault rifles are not commonly used.
Protection levels
Kevlar is a highly customizable material thus, multiple layers of it can be applied to reach different levels of bullet protection. According to the U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ), a typical concealable vest usually offers protection from 9 milimeter FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullets at 1090 feet per second. Scale wise, this means that most concealed vests are tested for Level IIA NIJ standard protection.
If a higher level of protection is desired (NIJ IIIA for example), more layers of either Kevlar or Aramid can be added to the concealable vest. Theoretically, this would allow the vest to achieve higher bullet-resistance from faster and larger bullets, but this usually, if not always, results in a thicker, less discrete vest.
Legality
In some of the U.S. States, civilians are allowed to buy and use bulletproof vests. However, in some states like Connecticut, residents are prohibited from acquiring body armor unless it is done in a face-to-face manner (Connecticut State Constitution).
As of this article’s date, the state of New York still allows civilians to purchase bulletproof armor, but this state might be in the works of new legislation that might prevent so. As a result, it is advised to buy now while it is legal.
Laws Related To Body Armor
Cost
Concealable bullet proof vests are made from the same materials that conventional ones are and sometimes, they can be less expensive than their counterparts because less material is required during production. However, this may not always be true because concealed vests usually require tailoring and customized cuts from expensive equipment.
Expect to invest around 350 U.S. Dollars on a concealable vest.
Is there any other information that I should know in regards of body armor?
Of course, we thank you very much for reading this article; we hope it enriches your mind with useful information.
Last, but not definitely not least, please do not forget to visit our website at http://www.thebestbodyarmor.com/ for more information about our products.
Also, get an instant $25 discount when buying any of our products by using our “Protect(25)” promotional code.
– Fernando Da Silva
When Should You Wear A Bulletproof Vest?
Wearing a bulletproof vest in today’s society has become a necessity. In these past few months, we have experienced a plethora of unfortunate tragedies that have left us fearful of the future. Just a few months ago in Orlando, Florida, 49 people were killed when a man with an assault rifle fired inside of Pulse Night Club. This tragic event left the world in shock. Individuals no longer found a desire to go out and have a good time due to the fact that it could be life threating. Incidents like these are instances in which if a bulletproof vest was worn, some fatalities could have been prevented.
Uber Drivers
Being an Uber Driver is a case in which a Bulletproof Vest could be very beneficial. Driving strangers can be nervous and dangerous for the driver. Majority of the time, drivers have no issues and are safe transporting individuals to and from their destinations. While they are usually safe, there have been multiple reports on which drivers have been attacked. Bulletproof Vest are both stab and bullet resistant and could protect the driver when loading and removing luggage for individuals and when transporting them as well. Just as the vest can be beneficial for the driver, it could also be useful for the riders as well. Riders are sometimes catching Uber rides late at night and sometimes they are not natives to the city that they are in. Drivers could easily take a rider to a strange location and cause bodily harm. By wearing a vest, it could help in making sure the rider and the driver are safe.
Recent Events
On Wednesday March 22nd, there was a terrorist incident at the Houses of Parliament. Khalid Masood, 52, drove a car over Westminster Bridge mounting the pavement and hitting 20 pedestrians. According to theguardian.com, Masood jumps out of the car carrying two knives and rushes through the gates into New Palace Yard, where he attacks two yellow-jacketed male police officers at the security gates. PC Keith Palmer, 48, who was unarmed, is repeatedly stabbed and falls to the ground. Masood tries to run but is shot several times by plainclothes officers. Police confirm that four people have died, including the police and the attacker. Isis claims responsibility for the attack, praising Masood as a “solider of Islamic State”. This tragic event demonstrates the importance of wearing a bulletproof vest especially when traveling. Of the people injured included was an American tourist. While this was an accident in UK, we must realize that this could even happen to us here in the US. Wearing a bulletproof vest could have prevented injures by those who were stabbed. #PrayforLondon
Protection
The Best Bulletproof Vest just released new plates that exists nowhere else. They are a new special proprietary blend NIJ Level IIIA. These plates are half the weight of our steel plates and weigh about 4 pounds. These plates basically “eat” the bullets and cause a small impact on the body when shot. They can be shot at multiple times and still protect the body from injuries.
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The Big Question
Body armor be a wonderful device that can be used to protect the lives of many people in troublesome times. Normally, some people would think that it should be easy and simple to buy body armor anywhere in the United States; however, this is not always the deal. There are different conditions that each state requires sellers and buyers to meet before any body armor can be purchased or sold. However, which states allow the purchasing and selling of body armor and which state do not?
States that have issues with body armor.
Normally, it is allowed in most states in the U.S. to both sell and purchase body armor. However, the question that we are stuck with is, “which states have issues with selling or purchasing body armor?” To name a few, according to safegaurdarmor.com, Connecticut has a rule where you must purchase the body armor face-to-face with the individual selling that said body armor. It is illegal to purchase any type of body armor over the internet, over the phone, or even by mail; it must be done in person. There are also some states that have issues with individuals who have criminal records to purchase body armor. A state that can be used as an example would be Kentucky. If someone attempts to purchase said body armor and it turns out that they have some form of criminal history on record, that person will have their purchase rejected. Also, if someone commits a crime while having body armor on or even having body armor on their person, this can also be considered a crime. However, if the individuals who is purchasing the body armor does not have any form of criminal history, they will be free to purchase and use the bullet proof vest.
In some states such as Louisiana, according to bulletsafe.com, it has similar rules to Kentucky in the sense that individuals who have a criminal record are not allowed to purchase or wear body armor. Anyone who commits a crime while wearing or in possession of body armor will also be charged. There is however another rule that comes into play. According to safeguardarmor.com, body armor cannot be worn on school grounds.
Many states have different regulations on the purchase of body armor, so it is best to consult your local court house or even a quick internet search to know the boundaries of your state. Below is a video that gives a brief recap on what was just discussed, it particularly talks about issues in Boston and how civilians that commit felonies have body armor.
States that are fine with body armor
As done with the states that have issues with body armor, there will be an example of a state that is fine with body armor laws. A state that can be considered would be Florida. Body armor can be purchased online or face-to-face by a person and it is legal to wear that armor. Of course, it is illegal to wear the armor during the commission of a crime according to bullsetsafe.com, but that is just considering standards and regulations to protect the innocent.
Overall, a lot of states have the same rules when it comes to owning or using body armor. Except for a few such as Connecticut, Louisiana, Kentucky and New York; buying and selling body armor is never really an issue that people would run into. The law normally circulates around criminal behavior and where you can wear body armor at.
If you enjoyed reading this article there are plenty of other body armor related stories that can be read at www.thebestbodyarmor.com. While there, you can use the Promo Code: VestProtects(25) to get $25.00 off your next vest purchase.
How do bulletproof vests work
A ballistic vest or bullet-resistant vest, often called a bulletproof vest, is personal armor worn on the torso that helps absorb the impact and reduce or stop penetration to the body from firearm fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions. Soft vests are made of many layers of woven or laminated fibers and can protect the wearer from small caliber handgun and shotgun projectiles and small fragments from explosives such as hand grenades. Metal or ceramic plates can be used with a soft vest, providing additional protection against rifle rounds and metallic components. Tightly woven fiber layers can give soft armor resistance to stab and slash attacks from knives and similar close combat weapons. Soft vests are commonly worn by police forces, private citizens who are at risk of being shot, security guards, and bodyguards, whereas hard-plate reinforced vests are mainly worn by combat soldiers, police tactical units, and hostage rescue teams. Body armor may combine a ballistic vest with other items of protective clothing, such as a combat helmet. Vests intended for police and military use may also include ballistic shoulder and side protection armor components, and bomb disposal officers wear heavy armor and helmets with face visors and spine protection.
How bulletproof vests stop bullets
Ballistic vests use layers of very strong fibers to catch and deform a bullet, mushrooming it into a dish shape and spreading its force over a larger portion of the vest fiber. The vest absorbs the energy from the deforming bullet, bringing it to a stop before it can completely penetrate the matrix of fibers. Some layers may be penetrated but as the bullet deforms, the energy is absorbed by a larger and larger fiber area.
While a vest can prevent bullet penetration, the vest and wearer still absorb the bullet’s energy. Even without penetration, modern pistol bullets contain enough energy to cause blunt force trauma under the impact point. Vest specifications will typically include both penetration resistance requirements and limits on the amount of impact energy that is delivered to the body. Vests designed for bullets offer little protection against blows from sharp implements, such as knives, arrows, ice picks, or from bullets manufactured of non-deformable materials, those containing a steel core instead of lead. This is because the impact force of these objects stays concentrated in a relatively small area, allowing them to puncture the fiber layers of most bullet resistant fabrics. By contrast, stab vests provide better protection against sharp implements, but are generally less effective against bullets. Fiber vests may be augmented with metal (steel or titanium), ceramic, or polyethylene plates that provide extra protection to vital areas. These hard armor plates have proven effective against all handgun bullets and a range of rifles. These upgraded ballistic vests have become standard in military use, as soft body armor vests are ineffective against military rifle rounds. Prison guards and police often wear vests which are designed specifically against bladed weapons and sharp objects. These vests may incorporate coated and laminated paramid textiles or metallic components.
where to find bulletproof vests
When looking for armor that provides the maximum protection, you want to look for a vest that provides full ballistic protection as well as protection against any knife or spike attacks. There aren’t many vests on the market that offer that full range of protection, but you can find some. The most affordable vest that offers full protection against every kind of attack can be found at thebestbodyarmor.com. You can even use promo code “armorstrong” to get $25 off your vest. There is nothing better than knowing you’ve bought the best product at the best price.