Limitations of a Bulletproof Vest

When most people wear body armor, it is intended to protect the wearer from any type intrusion form bullets, but may not offer the same protection from other sorts of incidents. If, for example, a person is stabbed with a knife or other object, then a traditional bullet proof vest may not provide much protection. However, in security and corrections environments, where inmates in jails or prisons may create shivs or other “ice pick” like tools for the purpose of injuring officers. Stab-resistant vests provide officers a measure of protection from these types of attacks from stabbing weapons. Since the points of these types of weapons are quite tiny, they can typically penetrate the protective layers of traditional bullet proof vests.

Buy Stab-Proof Bulletproof Vest

The National Institute of Justice rates levels of penetrating bodyarmor into two distinct categories: Edged Blade Class and Spike Class. Edged Blade Class refers to body armor designed to resist weapons such as kitchen knives and hunting knives. However, the Spike Class refers to the type of weapons made in prisons with sharp jabbing points used to gig and stab. For both of these classes, the National Institute of Justice has established three levels of protection. These levels are graded by the impact that the body would sustain by the weapon when used, expressed in joule units of energy. The following levels are correlated to the amount of joules when one joule is equal to 1 foot pound of pressure energy exerted:

• Level 1 – the lowest level of protection that is concealable can prevent 24 joules of energy
• Level 2 – can stop 33 joules of energy
• Level 3 – can stop 48 joules of energy, the highest level of protection

Buy Stab-Resistant Bulletproof Vest

As you shop for the appropriate body armor, you must ensure that you choose a vest that fits to your body properly. Too large of a vest may move in such a way that allows a blade to object to penetrate your flesh. Likewise, to small of a vest may leave gaps and areas that are exposed creating the same problem and risk of injury. When buying a bullet or stab proof vest online, you should bear in mind that some manufacturers only make standard sized vests. Check to see if the company provides several sizes so that you can order one that is a perfect fit for your body type. Some designs of bulletproof vests include pockets and flaps where you can insert extra panels that will provide additional protection for certain places. These more versatile vests can transform a traditional bulletproof vest into one that prevents stabbing as well.