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Scientific advance of the last 100 years has made great breakthroughs and improved human life in so many ways. However it has also increased the effectiveness of weaponry hugely, and also its availability, so now even some civilians need to think about protecting themselves as firearms are so widespread. Fortunately improvements in plastics and ceramics manufacture mean that bullet proof vest, bulletproof jackets and all sorts of body armour are now available that can stop most types of bullets, shrapnel and projectiles if worn correctly and purchased from a professional manufacturer or supplier.

The use of bulletproof vests and body armour has become more and more widespread. With the increase in terrorism and the power of organized crime, it is no longer just required by professional soldiers. Journalists, NGO’s and other civilians who work in war zones even in a charity or humanitarian role are vulnerable to kidnapping or being caught in a firefight. At home, security guards and even normal police officers require body armor to protect themselves against unsavoury types who have access to a wide array of rifles, powerful hand guns and explosives.

A bullet proof vest or jacket works by quickly dispersing the kinetic energy of the bullet or projectile over a wide area so that it does not penetrate. Many use PE material in interwoven layers that stop the bullet in a similar way as a tennis net stops a ball. The quality of the PE material used for this sort of body armour is absolutely vital, and purchasers would be well advised to check the independent testing results of the ballistic materials being made to make the garments.

Body armor is now much more widely available as demand for it has spread beyond professional soldiers and special forces. They can now be purchased online or through retail shops. Some countries however do restrict the sale of these items too in case they get into the wrong hands (for example in a Mumbai style attack, it is much harder to stop a terrorist wearing body armor) so purchasers need to check the legality and purchase rules in their home country.

Usually a bullet proof vest or jacket will have two distinct parts, with the second part required only if protection against high velocity rifle bullets is required. The first part, or the soft part, as mentioned earlier is usually made up of PE film compressed together, and can stop bullets up to large hand gun level. If protection is required against high velocity rifle bullets, then hard plates are required, also made of PE, but also often with tough ceramics such are silicon and boron carbide. These can protect up to NIJ IV level, which means they can stop an armor piercing rounds.

It is very important to get the right supplier of bullet proof vests so you can be sure the vest will perform when needed. Failure is not an option so one should ask to see evidence of protection levels offered, testimonials and find out who has manufactured the ballistic material.