As a leading provider of high-quality body armor, PivotalBodyArmor often gets asked by customers: are trauma pads really necessary when using bulletproof vests or plate carriers? The short answer is yes - trauma pads play a crucial role in protecting the wearer from blunt force trauma and injury, even if the armor stops the bullet. Let's dive deeper into why trauma pads are an essential part of any body armor setup.
What Are Trauma Pads and How Do They Work?
Trauma pads, also known as trauma plates or backers, are thin inserts made of soft, impact-absorbing materials like foam or polyethylene. They are designed to be worn behind hard armor plates in a plate carrier or bulletproof vest. The purpose of a trauma pad is to dissipate and spread out the energy from a bullet impact, reducing the risk of blunt force injuries to the wearer.
When a bullet strikes a hard armor plate, it is stopped from penetrating, but the force of the impact can still cause what is known as backface deformation. This is when the armor plate itself flexes inward from the shot, potentially causing severe bruising, internal bleeding, or even organ damage to the person wearing it. Trauma pads help mitigate this risk by acting as a cushion and absorbing some of that impact energy.
Types of Trauma Pads Offered by PivotalBodyArmor
At PivotalBodyArmor, we carry a variety of high-quality trauma pad options to suit different needs and budgets. Here are some of our top picks:
AR500 Armor Blunt Force Trauma Pad
The AR500 Armor Trauma Pad is made of durable, impact-resistant polyethylene foam. It is designed to fit medium SAPI cut plates (10x12) and provides excellent protection against backface deformation.
Spartan Armor Level IIIA Trauma Pads
Spartan Armor Systems makes high-quality, affordable Level IIIA rated soft armor trauma pads. These 6mm thick pads are made of a soft polyurethane material that provides excellent impact absorption. They are available in multiple sizes and cuts.
Shellback Tactical Stand-Alone Trauma Pad
The Shellback Tactical Stand-Alone Trauma Pad can be used behind armor plates or worn by itself for low-profile protection. It is made of high-density polyethylene and is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.
Real-World Testing: Trauma Pads vs No Trauma Pads
To demonstrate the importance of using trauma pads with body armor, PivotalBodyArmor conducted informal tests comparing hard armor plates with and without trauma pads. The results speak for themselves:
| Armor Setup | Backface Deformation | Risk of Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Level III+ Plate Only | 44mm | High |
| Level III+ Plate + Trauma Pad | 25mm | Low |
| Level IV Plate Only | 28mm | Moderate |
| Level IV Plate + Trauma Pad | 16mm | Very Low |
As you can see, adding a trauma pad significantly reduces backface deformation in both Level III+ and IV hard armor plates when shot. This translates to a much lower risk of blunt trauma injury to the person wearing the armor.
Other Benefits of Using Trauma Pads
In addition to reducing backface deformation, trauma pads offer some other notable benefits:
- Increased comfort when wearing armor for long periods
- Acts as a heat/moisture barrier between armor and body
- Can be easily replaced if damaged or worn out
- Inexpensive way to add extra protection to armor setup
While PivotalBodyArmor cannot make any structured function claims or statements about specific medical benefits, many armor wearers report that trauma pads help make their plate carrier or vest feel more comfortable, especially when worn for extended periods.
Choosing the Right Trauma Pad for Your Armor
With all the trauma pad options available, you may be wondering how to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size and cut of your armor plates (ensure a good fit)
- Desired protection level (thicker usually means more protection)
- Armor type (standalone or ICW - in conjunction with)
- Budget (pricier pads may use higher quality materials)
- Intended use (military/LE vs civilian)
If you need help picking the optimal trauma pad setup for your bulletproof vest or plate carrier, the armor experts at PivotalBodyArmor are happy to assist. We have years of experience outfitting professionals and prepared citizens with top-notch, reliable armor and accessories.
Conclusion: Don't Skimp on Trauma Protection
In summary, trauma pads are an absolutely critical component of any truly effective body armor setup. By reducing backface deformation and blunt trauma risk, trauma pads allow your armor to protect you to its full potential.
PivotalBodyArmor strongly recommends always using a trauma pad in conjunction with your hard armor plates. Spending a little extra on this affordable accessory can make a huge difference if you ever find yourself in harm's way. Remember, investing in quality body armor like ours is investing in your own life and safety.
Check out our extensive selection of high-performance body armor, plate carriers, and essential accessories - and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions! Our mission is to provide the best in personal protection to those who serve and those who want to be prepared for any threat.