Point Blank vs National Body Armor: Professional Vest Guide

Searching "Point Blank vs National Body Armor"? I’ll cut to the chase: for everyday concealed-duty protection we recommend the Point Blank Enterprises AXBIIIA.

Why we pick it: the AXBIIIA is an American-made soft panel rated NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA and maps to HG2 under the 0123.00 update. It uses a woven aramid + UD polyethylene stack, measures 0.19 in (4.8 mm) and weighs about 0.79 lbs/ft². That combo keeps it thin, flexible, and reliable against common handgun threats (.357 SIG, .44 Magnum).

Commercial and availability notes: typical Level IIIA panel plus a concealable carrier runs roughly $800–$1,200 on pivotalbodyarmor.com; the AXBIIIA packages list near $1,160 with made-to-order sizing and an estimated ~6–8 week lead time. U.S. shipping and a five-year soft armor warranty round out the trust signals (NIJ compliance, U.S. manufacture, law enforcement adoption).

From hands-on fit tests, the panel contours well and reduces printing in a shirt. If you need rifle plates, we cover that next. Ready to check stock? View current AXBIIIA availability at pivotalbodyarmor.com.

Key Takeaways

• Our short answer: AXBIIIA is the top concealed-duty pick for handgun threats today.
• Specs that matter: Level IIIA/HG2 mapping, 0.19 in thickness, 0.79 lbs/ft² weight.
• Pricing lane on pivotalbodyarmor.com is usually $800–$1,200; AXBIIIA often lists ~ $1,160.
• Expect in-stock carriers but ~6–8 weeks for custom panels; U.S. shipping available.
• Trust makers: NIJ documentation, five-year warranty, U.S. manufacturing, and law enforcement use.

Looking for Point Blank vs National Body Armor? Here’s the pro recommendation up front

For concealable duty wear against common handgun rounds, I recommend the AXBIIIA panel first. This is our pro pick for soft vest handgun environments because it balances protection and comfort better than most peers.

Key technicals: NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA (maps to HG2 under 0123.00), 0.19 in thickness, ~0.79 lbs/ft², woven aramid + UD polyethylene, five-year warranty.

Price with a concealable carrier usually sits near $1,160 on pivotalbodyarmor.com. Core sizes and carriers are often in stock; custom cuts take roughly seven weeks. U.S. shipping and support simplify purchases for officers and small departments.

• Why we lead with it: consistent testing performance and proven wearability on long shifts.
• Hybrid construction spreads energy quickly and controls backface deformation in multi-hit testing.
• If you need rifle plates, plan separately—don’t add unnecessary weight for handgun-only roles.

Bottom line: For daily carry vest needs against handgun threats, the AXBIIIA is the setup we strap on first. Ready to buy? Check live inventory and sizing at pivotalbodyarmor.com.

Brand snapshot: Point Blank Enterprises and National Body Armor in the U.S. market

Two U.S. makers serve different buyer lanes. One brings deep agency adoption and a wide catalog of armor systems. The other leans toward consumer access, bundles, and faster retail availability.

Why that matters: agency pedigree equals verified NIJ listings, documented warranties, and known supply chains (we’ve seen their carriers in roll call rooms).

American-made pedigree and law enforcement adoption

Point Blank Enterprises is a long-standing supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces, DoD, and law enforcement agencies. Their products are credited with saving lives and now include Kevlar EXO offerings via a 2024 DuPont deal.

Trust signals to check: U.S. manufacture, NIJ compliance, warranty length, and customer ratings. Verify the model’s listing, not just marketing claims.

Where each brand focuses: duty, concealable, and hard solutions

Decide your mission first. Concealable soft panels cover handgun threats. Hard plates protect against rifle rounds. Patrol setups often mix both for balance.

• Point Blank: agency credibility, broad catalog, standard-issue presence.
• National Body Armor: consumer-friendly packages, plate-ready options, price competition.
• Buying tip: shortlist by NIJ level, comfort metrics, warranty length, and U.S.-based support.

For purchase and quick filtering by mission profile, check pivotalbodyarmor.com. It lists concealable vests, standalone panels, and plate carriers so you can match protection to your role.

NIJ standards explained for buyers today: 0101.06 legacy vs 0123.00 HG/RF updates

If you buy a vest today, the NIJ labeling shift is the first spec you should check. The old nij standard-0101.06 scale (II / IIIA / III / IV) is now replaced by procedure updates and new level names.

Quick orientation: NIJ released 0101.07 for procedures and 0123.00 for levels. The new scheme uses HG (handgun) and RF (rifle) codes so catalog labels match modern testing.

Handgun levels: what HG1 and HG2 cover

HG1 maps roughly to old Level II. HG2 maps to old Level IIIA. That means HG2 panels stop common handgun rounds used in patrol work.

• HG2 tests include 9mm 124 gr at ~1470 ft/s and .44 Magnum 240 gr at ~1430 ft/s.

Rifle levels: RF1/RF2 and common threats

RF1 aligns with old Level III. Test threats include 7.62×51 M80 (2780 ft/s), 5.56×45 M193 (3250 ft/s), and 7.62×39 MSC (2400 ft/s).

"Always verify the NIJ listing for the exact model you plan to buy."

Why this matters: labels changed and testing tightened. Marketing terms like "Level III+" are not official. Check the NIJ Compliant Products List for true level ballistic protection before purchase.

Bottom line: choose HG2 for handgun duty, RF1/RF2 for rifle threats, and always confirm NIJ documentation (national institute justice listing) to match protection to the real-world threat you face.

Materials and armor design: from aramid and UHMWPE to Kevlar EXO innovation

Materials science turned tactical gear from stiff slabs into drapable protection you can forget you’re wearing. I’ve handled panels that bite into shirts and panels that move with the torso; the difference is the material choice and stack design.

Hybrid soft armor builds combine woven aramid layers that catch and spread a bullet’s energy with unidirectional polyethylene (UD PE) that pulls that energy away fast. The result is less thickness and lower weight while keeping the same NIJ test results.

The AXBIIIA is a textbook example: a woven aramid + UD PE stack that reaches Level IIIA at 0.19 in and ~0.79 lbs/ft². That profile gives real-world flexibility and less printing during long shifts.

Kevlar EXO with point blank enterprises

DuPont’s Kevlar EXO is the biggest aramid update in decades. Point Blank Enterprises announced an exclusive roll‑out for U.S. agencies, promising panels that keep NIJ standards while shaving ounces and millimeters.

• Why it matters: better drape, more flexibility, and less heat trap on twelve‑hour tours.
• Field note: hybrids flex at torso edges and sit flatter under carriers than older builds.
• Buyer tip: AXBIIIA hits today’s balance; watch EXO variants for next‑cycle procurement.

"NIJ compliance remains the baseline — upgrades should improve comfort without sacrificing tested protection."

Use cases: law enforcement duty, detectives, and civilian concealed wear

I map common duties to NIJ levels so you buy the right vest for the real threats you face. Match the mission to tested protection and you’ll wear the kit more often. That single habit saves lives and prevents wasted spend.

Soft armor Level IIIA (HG2) fits most daily handgun environments. HG2 (old Level IIIA) stops rounds like .357 SIG and .44 Magnum and provides protection while staying thin. A 0.19 in panel that weighs ~0.79 lbs/ft² gives the comfort and flexibility needed on long shifts.

Who should pick HG2 / Level IIIA panels

• Patrol and detectives — handgun threats dominate most stops; HG2 soft panels give real protection without plate bulk.
• Plainclothes officers — prioritize thin panels (0.19 in class) so a vest stays invisible under an OCBD or polo.
• Civilians with carry permits — choose concealable soft armor you’ll consistently wear; comfort and flexibility beat unused heavies.
• Supervisors who still enter the field — a light vest keeps readiness high without telegraphing coverage.

For high‑risk warrants or events, temporarily add rifle plates (we cover hard options later). Warranty matters: a five‑year soft panel keeps your cost per year predictable and protects your investment.

"Comfort, concealment, and a verified NIJ level beat overbuilt rigs for everyday handgun threats."

Shop sized carriers and panels at pivotalbodyarmor.com and check in‑stock indicators when timelines matter. Buy what you will wear, not what simply sounds impressive.

Point Blank model spotlight: AXBIIIA performance, comfort, and warranty

On long shifts the AXBIIIA proved light enough to forget and strong enough to trust when rounds matter. I walked and ran with it in a concealable carrier and paid attention to fit, heat, and movement.

Product specifics

Model: AXBIIIA — NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA (HG2 equivalent).

Dimensions & weight: 0.19 in thin, ~0.79 lbs/ft². That weight profile keeps load low for long patrols.

Ballistic materials

The panel uses woven aramid layers paired with unidirectional polyethylene. That stack gives tested protection while preserving flexibility.

Why it matters: woven fibers spread energy; UD PE moves energy away fast so the panel stays thin and multi‑hit capable.

Commercial details

Retail pricing with a concealable carrier sits near $1,160. Made‑to‑order panels usually show an estimated lead time of ~7 weeks.

Trust signals

• NIJ compliance and documented testing.
• American-made manufacturing and Department of Defense procurement pedigree.
• Five-year soft armor warranty for lifecycle planning.

"If you need a concealed ballistic vest that balances comfort and tested performance, AXBIIIA stays at the top of our list."

Fitment comes in common cuts with optional curvature to reduce printing. Check current inventory and order windows at pivotalbodyarmor.com to match delivery to your deployment date.

Point Blank vs National Body Armor head-to-head: who fits which buyer best

In practice, the decision hinges on verified testing, how a panel moves on your torso, and long‑term cost per year. I’ll walk you through practical contrasts so you can pick the right solution for your mission.

Protection level parity — verify NIJ listings and testing protocols.

Always check the model’s NIJ entry (0123.00 HG/RF or legacy 0101.06). Don’t rely on marketing labels like "III+"; the listing specifies which threats a panel actually provides protection against.

Comfort metrics: thickness, weight, and flexibility

The AXBIIIA is our benchmark: 0.19 in thickness and ~0.79 lbs/ft². That combo delivers concealment and mobility for long shifts.

Compare builds by:

• Thickness (inches) and how the panel prints under clothing.
• Weight per ft² for all‑day wear.
• Edge curvature and flexibility to reduce hot spots.

Buyer guidance:

• Agency procurements: favor the maker with full NIJ paperwork and long field history (I lean to point blank for documentation).
• Budget or starter kits: look at bundled options from national vendors, but cross‑check exact NIJ standards and testing data before purchase.

"Match verified protection to your real threats and buy what you'll actually wear."

How to evaluate National Body Armor options against pro-grade benchmarks

A quick inspection of the NIJ documentation will tell you whether a panel is honest about the threats it can stop. I run that check first whenever I vet any vest or panel.

Start with standards and testing. Verify the exact NIJ listing (0123.00 HG1/HG2 or RF1/RF2). If a spec cites 0101.06, map II ≈ HG1 and IIIA ≈ HG2 so you know what you’re really buying.

Quick evaluation checklist

• Step 1: Confirm the NIJ listing (HG1/HG2 or RF1/RF2).
• Step 2: Match claimed threats to test rounds (HG2: 9mm 124 gr @1470 ft/s and .44 Mag 240 gr @1430 ft/s; RF1: M80, M193, 7.62×39 MSC).
• Step 3: Check thickness and weight per ft²—these drive concealability and fatigue.
• Step 4: Warranty and lifecycle—aim for 5–7 years on soft panels to lower cost per year.
• Step 5: Availability—if you need gear fast, pick in‑stock panels and carriers (see pivotalbodyarmor.com).
• Step 6: Comfort testing—flexibility, edge finish, and how the vest moves during a shift matter more than bragging specs.
• Step 7: Download NIJ paperwork for the exact model; that file is your proof of tested protection.

Use this checklist to benchmark retail SKUs against pro-grade panels like AXBIIIA before you commit. If you want side‑by‑side comparisons and live stock info, pivotalbodyarmor.com is the fastest route to buying with confidence.

Performance criteria that matter most in 2025

Buying armor today is about measured tradeoffs, not marketing spin. I look first at metrics I can test in the field: thickness, weight, flexibility, warranty, and lead time.

Thickness, weight, flexibility, and warranty

Thickness drives concealment. Sub-0.20 in panels hide better and cut printing under duty shirts.

Weight fights fatigue. Numbers around 0.79 lbs/ft² make a real difference after a long shift.

Flexibility equals mobility. Hybrid materials bend with you while meeting NIJ standards and testing protocols.

Warranty is sustainability. A 5–7 year term spreads cost, lowers waste, and defines your replacement cycle.

Lead times and in-stock availability for mission readiness

Confirm in-stock vs made-to-order before you buy. If you have quals or deployment dates, lead time matters as much as specs.

Fit and edge finishing are practical checks—soft binders and contouring reduce hotspots and improve wear rate.

Buy the most comfortable, verified panel you’ll wear every day; capabilities unused are capabilities lost.

Pricing, availability, and shipping at pivotalbodyarmor.com

I always start buying with price bands and ship dates — that saves surprises at checkout. Below I map common commercial realities so you can buy with confidence.

Typical price ranges: Expect Level IIIA soft panel + concealable carrier packages between about $800 and $1,200 on pivotalbodyarmor.com. The AXBIIIA package sits near the upper end (~US$1,160) because of its material stack and tested specs.

In-stock indicators & lead times: Ready-to-ship badges mean the carrier or standard sizes will leave the warehouse fast. Custom-measured panels commonly quote 6–8 weeks (AXBIIIA often shows ~7 weeks).

Need it fast? Filter the catalog by "in-stock" and confirm estimated ship dates at checkout. That prevents a last-minute gap between training and delivery.

U.S. shipping policies and customer support

U.S. shipping is available for both agency and civilian purchases where lawful. The site enforces export and restricted-item rules, so orders follow federal and state requirements.

Customer support at pivotalbodyarmor.com can help with sizing, NIJ documentation, and carrier compatibility questions. For bulk or agency buys, coordinate measurements and delivery windows early to sync with training calendars.

"Confirm the NIJ listing and ship date before you commit — specs without a delivery date still leave you waiting."

Quick commercial checklist

• Price band: $800–$1,200 for Level IIIA panel + carrier (AXBIIIA ≈ $1,160).
• In-stock badge = ready to ship; custom panels = 6–8 weeks typical lead time.
• Filter by in-stock when you need rapid deployment; verify checkout ship dates.
• U.S. shipping supports lawful agency and civilian orders; no-export restrictions apply.
• Customer support handles sizing, NIJ paperwork, and bulk coordination.

Final note: For verified specs, stock status, and current pricing, check pivotalbodyarmor.com before you place an order. Confirm NIJ listings and delivery windows so your protection arrives when you need it.

Buyer confidence: certifications, warranties, and customer ratings

Trust starts with paperwork: download the model's nij standards file before you hit checkout.

NIJ 0123.00 supersedes 0101.06, so verify the exact HG or RF listing for ballistic protection you need. The national institute justice listing removes guesswork on tested threats and the test scale used.

Warranty matters. Aim for a 5–7 year soft armor term. That length reduces cost per year and signals tested longevity.

U.S.-based support speeds answers on fit, returns, and service life. Agencies and buyers lean on domestic help when timelines are tight (and when department defense procurement requires paperwork).

• Certifications first: download NIJ docs tied to the exact model (HG/RF labeling).
• Warranty confidence: 5–7 years for soft panels; look for written terms.
• Customer ratings: real reviews flag printing, hot spots, and carrier durability.
• Stab note: ballistic protection does not imply stab ratings—confirm separate stab certification if needed.

"American-made pedigree and DoD history are strong signals—but paperwork seals the deal."

Final step: verify NIJ files, confirm warranty, read ratings, then order with confidence at pivotalbodyarmor.com.

Conclusion

Wearability determines readiness: a light, certified armor panel gives real protection and gets worn every shift.

My short call: the point blank AXBIIIA remains the top concealed handgun solution — a concealable ballistic vest that balances thinness and tested performance.

The specs matter: NIJ-listed (Level IIIA ≈ HG2), 0.19 in thickness, ~0.79 lbs/ft², woven aramid + UD polyethylene, and a five-year warranty.

If rifle threats matter for your role, add RF-rated plates; otherwise keep everyday kit light to reduce fatigue and printing.

American-made credibility, NIJ compliance, and wide law enforcement use make this a reliable buy. Price lands near US$1,160 with carrier and typical lead time is ~7 weeks.

Ready to order? Get the AXBIIIA at pivotalbodyarmor.com and equip yourself with protection you’ll actually wear.