Personal Body Armor – 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best One for You
In today’s world, where safety issues are livelier than ever, private body armor has become a popular investment for many people from different situations.
Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a security professional, or just someone who wants to improve your safety, the choice of body armor is of great importance. Nevertheless, the choice between available options becomes challenging due to the abundance of options on the market.
To help you make a well-informed decision, we’re going to share four essential factors to consider when buying body armor.
1 – Understand Threat Levels and Standards
Body armor consists of different grades of protection, each intended to defend against specific types of threats.
It is necessary to learn the threat levels or the standards that organizations like the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) have set so that one can make an informed choice on the use of that particular body armor.
The NIJ is subdivided into several levels, beginning with Level IIA and going up to Level III and Level III. Each level protects against certain types of ammunition and a variety of weapons. Before buying, you should analyze the possible dangers you may face so that you can decide what type of protection you need.
2 – Determine the Best Body Armor Type
Body armor can be categorized into soft, hard, and different hybrid systems. Flexible and comfortable foil, usually made of a material like Kevlar, may be worn daily. On the other hand, Soft armor is made from flexible materials such as GS cells, fabric, or polyethylene.
Despite its incompetence in countering high-caliber ammunition, it is easily worn and allows for movement. Hybrid armor, comprised of hard and soft materials, performs as a combination of the two and provides a mixture of comfort and security.
The armor combines comfort with security. Consider your particular needs and preferences before selecting the personal body armor that is most suitable for you.
3 – Be informed about the right size and fit
The proper fit and size are of paramount importance for the efficiency of body armor. An improper fit makes you visible, which bears all the damage. Therefore, your body is left exposed, and it can be injured.
When shopping for body armor, always measure your body accurately and pay attention to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturers to be sure that you buy the right size.
Give the armor a test before you buy it to see how it fits and if it’s comfortable. Keep in mind that the body armor must be tightly adapted but not to the extent that it hampers movements or causes discomfort.
4 – Explore Brands and Reputation to Choose the Best One
You need to do your homework and choose between the various brands and vendors of body armor, with their reputation and credibility being the key factor. Research renowned brands that have a credible image of manufacturing durable armor that can endure industry tests.
Going through the consumer reviews and testimonials will give you an idea of how happy or content they were with their purchases in the past.
Additionally, you should also consider assurance coverage, customer support, and refund procedures as part of your selection decision. Shopping for top brands guarantees you that you get the product you deserve and gives you the security that you need the level of.
