Which Bullet Proof Vest Is Right for You?

What to Look for When Shopping for Bullet Proof Vests

This is the most important question you need to ask when shopping for a bullet proof vest, because it can literally be a life or death decision.

If the vest you are wearing does not protect you from the threats you are going to face then you will have wasted your money, and you will be putting yourself at risk.

Equally you should not choose a piece of body armor that offers unnecessary protection, as it may be heavier and more restrictive than a vest with less protection.

Before purchasing body armor you should always research the area in which you will be working, the history of attacks that have taken place there previously etc. This will help you to decide which type of bullet proof vest is right for you, and which level of protection will suit your needs.

Selecting the Correct Bulletproof Vest for You and Your Team

Step 1: Identify if you will need a Covert or Overt bulletproof vest

• Covert Bullet Proof Vests: Covert armor is used for individuals that want to be protected but do not want to be seen wearing body armor. Because covert bullet and stab proof vests can remain hidden beneath clothing, they can help to keep members of covert security teams both hidden and protected as they still cover a number of NIJ protection levels. This is the preferred option for individuals involved in professional and covert security duties.

• Overt Bullet Proof Vest: Overt armor is often heavier and bulkier in appearance than covert armor. It is designed for higher protection levels and has to be worn over clothing due to its size and weight. Overt bullet and stab proof vests protect whoever wears them up to the maximum NIJ protection levels. It also provides protection from heavy gunfire and large blades/spikes.

Step 2: Identify the right level of ballistics protection needed

All ballistic vests are tested to different levels and are created to assist in different uses and purposes. A vest that is certified to protect against lower caliber bullet threats may offer no protection against higher caliber weapons. Many of our vests can be equipped with additional armored plates that will increase a vest’s protection level.

• Level III-A: This is the principal level of ballistic protection here at EDI-USA. The III-A offers comfort and versatility with protection levels from a .22mm up to a 44 Magnum. Most of the level III-A vests available here at EDI-USA can be outfitted with ballistics plates to increase the level of ballistics protection for the wearer if required.

• Level III: The level III offers higher levels of protection and covers ballistic sizes from .22mm up until .30-06. It is a touch bulkier and made of a harder material than the IIIA. The level III bullet proof vest can be outfitted with additional ballistic plates that will increase the overall ballistic protection level for the wearer as well.

• Level IV Ballistic Plates: These hard armored plates can be added to existing vests to increase the protection level to withstand fierce attacks ranging from carbine weapons to armor piercing bullets.

• Anti Stabbing Protection: Many assume that if a piece of body armor can stop a bullet, it can stop a knife. This is however not the case, stab proof vests are different to bullet proof vests in both design and fabric. If you need a bulletproof vest that also has anti-stabbing capabilities, at EDI-USA we have the unique ability to make customized dual purpose vests that can withstand bullets and sharp object attacks.

Step 3: Identify the additional personalized needs for your team

EDI-USA has several different lines of bullet proof vests and they all are made to serve different and distinct duties. See the below variations to understand the variables.

• Tactical Style: tactical ballistic vest with comprehensive front, back, neck, shoulder, upper arm, side, and groin protection. This vest is a Police favorite for its full coverage and unique quick release system.
• Integrated Neck Protection: This vest is integrated with extensive neck protection making it perfect for situations with sporadic bullet fire or danger of knife attacks.
• Fully Adjustable: This vest sports the capability to fully adjust so it can be useful both under and over clothing giving the most appropriate fit.
• Float-able Bullet Proof Vest: This is a favorite of the navy as this vest is able to keep the user afloat for 24 hours while retaining its anti-ballistic abilities.
• Hard Plate Carrier: This is a rugged vest designed to carry both standard level III and IV ballistics plates for added protection.

These are just a few of the many options that we manufacture. Please see our full catalog to experience the full product line.

EDI-USA Can Help You Decide Which Vest is Best for You

If you are uncertain in anyway when it comes to deciding which type of bullet proof vest to order for you or your team, do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to converse about you or your team’s specific needs and help you choose the best bullet proof vest. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

What is the Best Bullet Proof Vest for Your Job Type?

Bullet proof vests are always one of our most requested and talked about products.

With so much interest, we thought we would dedicate a blog post to give our best advice for choosing the most appropriate vest for your occupation. We’ll also answer the most commonly asked questions about bullet proof vests.

Let’s start with the FAQ’s:

Frequently Asked Questions About Bullet Proof Vests:

• Q – When were bullet proof vests invented?

• A – Kevlar the most common material used in bullet proof vests was invented in 1966 and the vests began production in the 70’s.

• Q – What is the average lifespan of a bullet proof vest?

• A – The average lifespan of a vest is a minimum of 5 years set by NIJ standards however the level of maintenance of the vest can extend or shorten the vest’s life span.

• Q – Does moisture, sweat, and water affect a bullet proof vest?

• A – YES! Unless your bullet proof vest is rated for moisture and water it is very import to avoid moisture as the vest may deteriorate earlier than anticipated.

• Q – Where is the best place to store my bullet proof vest?

• A – Keep your vest in a closet or flat place. The inserts in a bullet proof vest cannot be stretched or bent in any way over a long period of time. This will cause the bulletproof fibers to be pulled apart and thereby they will lose their durability and eventually be ineffective in stopping bullets. Place your vest in a closet or a flat place where it is out of the sun. Please be aware when you get home from work, that you don’t put your sweaty vest on the floor in the corner. The sweat can seep into the fibers and reduce durability.

• Q – What happens if I gain or lose weight?

• A – A vest should fit its owner like a glove, generally the rule is any change of 10% or more to your body weight will require you to be fitted with a new vest that in appropriate for your new body size.

• Q – What level of protection should I get?

• A – There are three major levels that most manufacturers offer. They are level II-A generally ~4 mm thick, level II generally ~5 mm thick, and level III-A generally ~7.5 – 8.5 mm thick. The style and NIJ level of the vests are entirely dependent upon the type of work you are doing with the vest and what possible dangers you may face in the line of duty. See below for an in-depth explanation on NIJ levels and recommendations.

 

Having answered all the most commonly asked questions about bullet proof vests, let’s explore which style of vest is considered the norm for each occupation that requires protection.

What is the Best Type of Bullet Proof Vest for My Job?

Below are examples of the professions that usually require bullet proof vests in their daily interactions.

Police Officers – Police officers need adequate protection that is also very mobile. The industry standard for most US police is level III-A, this gives strong protection while still allowing the wearer to make rapid movements.

Swat / Tactical Teams – These individuals are often entering extremely dangerous environments or situations and require protection from heavier artillery and unexpected shrapnel. Most tactical groups use III-A vests paired with level 3 armored plates. It is also common for SWAT and tactical members to have additional neck and groin protection.

Military – This will depend on the branch and mission. For members of the Navy it will be necessary that the bullet proof vests be floatable in addition to bullet-resistant. Most military members will be wearing III-A and above, along with armored plates for combative missions.

Private Security – This will be up to the user’s preference, but it is common for private security guards to wear level II or III-A vests to ensure a suitable level of protection without inhibiting the wearers’ maneuverability and concealability.

Civilian Workers – All the jobs mentioned below generally require individuals to wear a level II or III-A vests which will ensure an adequate level of protection without inhibiting the wearer’s maneuverability and concealability.

• Shop Owners and Workers
• Paramedics
• Park Rangers
• Bank Employees

Want Help Deciding on a Bullet Proof Vest?

Here at EDI-USA we specialize in manufacturing and selling the best vests for your specific needs. We have a full catalog of products and will happily help you and your team decide which gear will be most appropriate for your missions.

As we are a manufacturer of our own products, we have the unique ability to offer specialized colors (57+), sizes, labels, and materials. If you need something that is personalized, we have the capabilities to do that, don’t hesitate to communicate with us to discuss your needs. We are confident that we can deliver all of your tactical customization requests.

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