What Are the Different Types of Body Armor That Exist Today?
If you are into military tech and tactical gear, chances are you have heard of body armor. But did you know that not all body armor is created equal?
There are many types of body armor on the market, and shopping for the right choice can be frustrating at times.
Luckily, we’ve created a handy guide to the best body armor available right now. If you want to make the most informed purchase possible, keep reading!
Body Armor Ratings
Depending on the purpose, body armor has different rating scales.
For ballistic protection, body armor is rated on a scale of one to four. From levels one to three, the armor will protect against different levels of handgun ammunition.
Level four ballistic armor protects against high-speed and armor-piercing rounds.
Stab, cut, and puncture-proof body armor follows a different scale. This scale is based upon the force of the attack and goes from levels one to three.
When shopping for body armor, it’s important to keep several factors in mind. Comfort, level of protection, and visibility of the armor are all important decisions that you need to make.
Bulletproof Vests
The first type of body armor that comes to mind is bulletproof vests. These are made from materials designed to stop or lessen the impact of a projectile.
Some bulletproof vests are made from Kevlar, which is used in body armor rated for levels one through three.
Kevlar vests protect the wearer from most handgun projectiles. These are a popular choice as they are relatively cheap, easy to find, and fit under other clothing well.
For even more protection against rifle shots and other high-impact shots, plate armor is available. This is generally more bulky and expensive but offers more impact resistance.
The best bulletproof vests usually combine Kevlar with a metal or ceramic plate, providing an even higher level of protection.
Spike Protection
Among the different types of body armor, spike protection is probably the most overlooked. This body armor defends against blunt-force objects such as screwdrivers, bites, wooden stakes, and more.
Body armor designed for spike protection usually has a specially-designed plastic layer underneath Kevlar. This provides both ballistic and stab protection.
Another less-common body armor option is bite resistant arm guards. These are made of similar materials, but are meant to protect against dog attacks. Leg guards are also available.
Edged Blade Protection
Edged blade protection differs from spike protection. This is body armor specifically designed to protect against knife attacks.
Most edged blade armor also features Kevlar as additional ballistic protection. However, it also includes a layer of chain mail. Chain mail has been used since medieval times to protect wearers from blade attacks.
Choosing Different Types Of Body Armor
While the various types of body armor available to you might seem overwhelming, choosing the best body armor is as simple as identifying your situation and the level of protection you require.
If you want more tips about health and safety, be sure to check out the Health section of our blog!