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.