Understanding body armor protection levels
Body armor is rated on a scale from Level IIA to Level IV based on the rounds it can stop. Level IIA protects against 9mm and .40 S&W rounds, while Level IV stops armor-piercing rifle rounds. Choosing the right level of protection depends on your risk level. While higher protection may seem better, the added bulk and weight can limit mobility. Assess your needs to find the optimal balance.What Level IV armor protects against
Level IV armor, the highest rating under NIJ standards, is built to stop armor-piercing rifle rounds. This includes threats like .30-06 M2 AP, 7.62x54mmR B32 API, and 7.62x63mm M2 AP. This level of protection is commonly used by military personnel in combat zones. It provides defense against high-powered rifles that lower levels cannot consistently stop.NIJ Armor Level | Protects Against |
---|---|
Level IIA | 9mm; .40 S&W |
Level II | 9mm; .357 Magnum |
Level IIIA | .357 SIG; .44 Magnum |
Level III | Rifles up to 7.62x51mm NATO |
Level IV | Armor-Piercing Rifle Rounds |