Body armor is essential protective gear for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and preppers alike. But what exactly goes into making these potentially life-saving vests and plate carriers? At Pivotal Body Armor, we use only the most advanced materials to craft our tactical body armor. Let's take a closer look at some of the key components that make our armor so effective at stopping bullets and shrapnel.
Kevlar: The Foundation of Modern Body Armor
When most people think of bulletproof vests, Kevlar is the first material that comes to mind. Developed by DuPont in the 1960s, Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that's incredibly strong and lightweight. It's used in everything from bicycle tires to aerospace components, but it's best known for its use in body armor.
Kevlar works by dissipating the energy of a bullet strike across a wide area, preventing penetration. Our Tactical Scorpion Gear Level IIIA Soft Body Armor Vest features a Kevlar shell for reliable handgun protection in a concealable package.
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
For the ultimate in lightweight rifle protection, nothing beats Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). This high-tech plastic is 10 times stronger than steel by weight, making it ideal for body armor applications.
Our AR500 Armor Level 3 Lightweight UHMWPE Body Armor offers a great balance of protection and mobility. These 10" x 12" armor plates can stop multiple hits from high-powered rifles like AK-47s and AR-15s.
Steel: Still a Contender
While newer synthetic materials are rapidly gaining popularity, good old-fashioned steel still has a place in modern body armor. High-quality steel plates offer unbeatable multi-hit protection and a very long service life.
The key is to use only ballistically-tested steel that's been carefully heat treated for maximum performance. The AR500 Armor Level 3+ Body Armor uses extra-tough AR500 steel for a great blend of protection and value.
Ceramic: High-Tech and Highly Effective
For the most demanding tactical situations, many elite operators trust their lives to ceramic body armor plates. These specialized plates are made with extremely hard ceramic materials like aluminum oxide and boron carbide.
By shattering into dust on impact, ceramic armor can shrug off rifle fire from high-powered ammo like NIJ Level IV threats. The tradeoff is a high per-plate cost and a relatively short shelf life. Still, there's no beating ceramic armor plates for crucial "get-home" emergency protection.
Material Comparisons
Here's a quick rundown of how the different body armor materials stack up:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kevlar | Strong, lightweight, flexible | Less effective against rifles |
| UHMWPE | Extremely light rifle protection | High cost, low durability |
| Steel | Very tough, long lifespan | Heavy, bulky |
| Ceramic | Highly protective, thin profile | Expensive, fragile, short shelf life |
Soft vs Hard Armor
When shopping for body armor, you'll see the terms "soft armor" and "hard armor" used a lot. Soft armor is made with flexible synthetic fabrics like Kevlar and is mainly intended for protection against common handgun rounds. Hard armor plates are made with rigid materials like steel and ceramic, and can stop high-powered rifle rounds.
Some popular plate carrier setups mix both soft and hard armor for a comprehensive defense. For example, you might pair a concealable Kevlar vest with front and rear rifle plates for a versatile and modular armor system.
Choosing the Right Body Armor
With so many body armor materials and configurations on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start. Consider your likely threat level and operating environment when making your choice. If you're looking for concealable everyday protection against handguns or buying entry-level militia gear, a Kevlar vest is a great choice.
For serious tactical situations where rifle fire is expected, you'll want serious protective plates. Spartan Armor Systems and AR500 Armor both offer some outstanding options.
No matter what armor setup you choose, be sure to buy it from a reputable dealer like Pivotal Body Armor. We only carry top-quality, independently-tested body armor to ensure your safety. Contact us with any questions, and stay safe out there!