Understanding body armor protection levels
Body armor is rated by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) into different protection levels based on the types of bullets it can stop. These range from Level IIA for small handgun rounds up to Level IV for armor-piercing rifle rounds. Deciding which level of protection you need depends on the potential threats you may face. For most civilians, police, and security guards, Level IIIa soft armor or Level III hard armor plates will provide sufficient protection against common weapons. Level IV armor is heavier and bulkier, designed for military personnel in combat zones.What does Level IV body armor protect against?
Level IV is the highest rating for body armor under the NIJ personal body armor specifications. It will stop single hit rounds as powerful as a .30 caliber AP (armor piercing) bullet with a mass of 10.8 g (166 gr) and a velocity of 878 m/s ± 9.1 m/s (2880 ft/s ± 30 ft/s). This means Level IV plates can protect against bullets from high-powered rifles like the AK-47, AR-15, M14, and M16. It also protects against the Level I-III threats. However, it is not rated for repeated hits, as the armor becomes degraded after stopping powerful rounds.Advantages of Level IV armor plates
The main benefit of Level IV ceramic body armor is the high level of protection it provides. If you are in a situation where you may face armor-piercing ammunition or high-powered rifles, Level IV is the only rating that can reliably protect you. Additionally, many Level IV plates are standalone, meaning they can be worn without the need for a soft armor backer. They tend to be multi-hit capable and have a 10-year warranty. When faced with a determined attacker or unknown threat level, many opt for Level IV to ensure maximum protection.Disadvantages of Level IV armor plates
The main downside of Level IV rifle plates is that they are heavy, adding between 6-8 pounds per plate. This extra weight can cause fatigue and reduced mobility, especially over extended periods of time. The bulk also makes them harder to conceal. Cost is another factor, as Level IV ceramic plates are typically the most expensive. Entry-level plates start at around $200-300 per plate. For most civilian uses, many find the lower levels of protection to be sufficient while avoiding the tradeoffs of Level IV plates.Alternative protection levels to consider
For everyday protection against common projectile threats, Level IIIa body armor provides protection against most handgun rounds, including .44 Magnum, 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .45 ACP. These soft armor panels are lightweight and concealable. Level III rifle plates are rated to stop 7.62x51mm NATO M80 ball ammo and similar high-velocity rounds. These hard plates offer less protection than Level IV but are lighter at around 5 pounds per plate. This tends to be a popular choice for balancing protection and mobility.Steel vs ceramic level IV body armor
Within the Level IV category, you have the choice between steel and ceramic plates. Steel is less expensive and more multi-hit capable. However, it is much heavier at 8-10 pounds per plate, and can cause spalling when hit, where the bullet fragments into smaller projectiles. Ceramic strike faces bonded to composite backings are the more popular choice for Level IV. The ceramic is harder and causes the bullet to shatter on impact. Ceramic plates are lighter than steel but are thicker. They are more expensive but generally seen as the better overall option.Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Steel | Less expensive Multi-hit capable |
Heavier at 8-10 lbs per plate Can cause spalling |
Ceramic | Lighter than steel Stops bullets by shattering |
More expensive Thicker than steel |