What is soft body armor and how does it work?

Soft body armor is a type of protective clothing made from woven or laminated fibers such as Kevlar. Soft body armor works by spreading out the energy of a bullet or other projectile over a larger area, thereby reducing its impact on the wearer's body.

What are the different levels of soft body armor protection?

Soft body armor is classified into different levels according to the amount of protection it offers against different caliber bullets. The NIJ standard includes Level IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV.

Is soft body armor effective against rifle rounds?

No, soft body armor is not effective against high-velocity rifle rounds. Soft armor is designed to protect against handgun rounds and other lower-velocity projectiles.

How does soft body armor compare to hard body armor?

Soft body armor is designed to be lightweight and flexible, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Hard armor, on the other hand, is heavier and more bulky, but offers better protection against rifle rounds.

Can soft body armor be worn discreetly?

Yes, soft body armor can be worn discreetly under clothing, as it is flexible and molds to the body's shape. Some body armor manufacturers specifically design their products to be low-profile and hidden.

Is soft body armor legal for civilians to own?

Yes, it is legal for civilians to purchase, own, and wear soft body armor in most states in the US. However, some states have restrictions or regulations on purchasing or owning body armor, so it is important to check local laws before buying.

How often should soft body armor be replaced?

Soft body armor should be replaced every five years or after it has been hit or damaged, as the fibers can degrade over time and lose their effectiveness in protecting against bullets.

Can soft body armor be customized for specific needs?

Yes, some manufacturers offer custom body armor solutions to meet the specific needs of their customers, such as creating body armor tailored to fit a particular body size or shape.

What are the maintenance and care requirements for soft body armor?

Soft body armor should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or damage, and any stains or dirt should be removed with a damp cloth or mild soap and water. It should be air-dried before being stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Are there any limitations or vulnerabilities of soft body armor?

Soft body armor is vulnerable to certain types of knives, sharp or pointed objects, and high-velocity rifle rounds. It is also less effective against blows or impacts, such as a blunt object.

What is Level 3A soft body armor?

Level 3A soft body armor is a type of body armor that provides protection against most handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum and is the highest level of soft body armor protection under the NIJ standard.

How effective is Level 3A soft body armor against different threats?

Level 3A soft body armor is effective against most handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum, but is not effective against rifle rounds or higher velocity ammunition. It is also less effective against larger caliber bullets and blunt force impacts.

What are the key features and specifications of Level 3A soft body armor?

Level 3A soft body armor typically weighs between 3 to 5 pounds and provides protection over the chest, back, and sometimes the sides. It is made of woven or laminated fibers such as Kevlar and is rated to stop most handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum.

Is Level 3A soft body armor suitable for law enforcement personnel?

Level 3A soft body armor is commonly used by law enforcement personnel and provides an effective level of protection against most handgun threats that they may encounter in the line of duty.

How should Level 3A soft body armor be properly maintained?

Level 3A soft body armor should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions and inspected for signs of wear or damage. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can Level 3A soft body armor be customized for individual needs?

Yes, some manufacturers offer custom Level 3A soft body armor solutions to meet the specific needs of their customers, such as creating body armor tailored to fit a particular body size or shape.

What are the weight and comfort considerations for Level 3A soft body armor?

Level 3A soft body armor can be heavier and bulkier than lower level body armor, with weights typically ranging between 3 to 5 pounds. Factors such as the armor's design and materials used can impact its comfort and wearability over extended periods.

Are there any limitations or vulnerabilities of Level 3A soft body armor?

Level 3A soft body armor is vulnerable to certain types of knives, sharp or pointed objects, and high-velocity rifle rounds. It is also less effective against larger caliber bullets and blunt force impacts.

How often should Level 3A soft body armor be replaced?

Level 3A soft body armor should be replaced every five years or after it has been hit or damaged, as the fibers can degrade over time and lose their effectiveness in protecting against bullets.

Where can I purchase Level 3A soft body armor?

Level 3A soft body armor can be purchased from a variety of sources, including online retailers like pivotalbodyarmor.com, specialty body armor shops, and law enforcement supply stores. It is important to research the manufacturer and ensure that the armor meets the NIJ standard for soft body armor protection.

Caliber Armor Soft Body Armor

Positioning for Caliber Armor CaliberX Soft Armor Side Panels.

1 Caliber Armor CaliberX Soft Armor Side Panels from $105.74 $124.24

Soft Body Armor Panel 5.75″x11.5″ (set of two) verified to fit Condor MOPC Gen II and EXO Gen II-S-M Cummerbund 5.75″X14″ (set of two) verified to fit Condor EXO Gen II L-XL Cummerbund 5″x14″ (set of two) verified to fit Chase Tactical MEAC and London Bridge Trading LBT 6094A Cummerbund Lightweight, ultra thin CaliberX™ .19″ thick Rated and tested to: NIJ STD-0101.06 Level IIIA and NIJ STD-0101.07 (Draft) HG2 Interior sewn together for longevity TSA Approved Proudly made in the U.S.A Side Panels are sold in a set of two Caliber Armor CaliberX Soft Armor Side Plate Panels Caliber Armor manufacturers our CaliberX™ Soft Armor line of body armor inserts from the very best para-aramid materials on the market. They are bullet resistant and waterproof. We have created an affordable soft armor system that meets the gold standard of 1lb per sqft areal density. We’ve partnered with DuPont to develop the next generation of a stronger, lighter soft armor system. We chose to work with Dupont Kevlar® fibers in our CaliberX™ Soft Armor because DuPont constantly upgrades and improves Kevlar®. We have fully maximized the material’s potential and made it more comfortable and lighter for the wearer. Our CaliberX™ ballistic vests offer better flexibility and comfort, greatly improving response time in a critical moment which could mean the difference between life and death. CaliberX™ Soft Armor has 10% less weight and has 15% less back face deformation than other commercially available soft armor systems. This directly translates into less blunt force trauma to vest wearers. While 10% might not sound like much, we know that when you have all the extra gear to wear you are grateful for a lighter vest. CaliberX™ achieves protection against high performance hand guns such as the .44 Magnum, .357 Sig, and the .9 mm using less material. CaliberX™ Soft Armor fibers absorb the energy of the bullet along the molecules of each fiber, catching it in a multi-layer web of unidirectional fabric. The fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact to underlying fibers in the insert that help reduce the amount of transferred energy that causes the back-face deformation which can cause blunt trauma. The final inner layers of material are able to disperse the energy and helps diminish any trauma. Our super-lightweight CaliberX™ Soft Armor system provides consistent and uniform ballistic performance and can easily withstand multiple hits from handguns as powerful as the .44 Magnum. With unparalleled ballistic protection, lightweight comfort, superior strength, you can count on CaliberX™ inserts to help keep you safe from harm. CaliberX™ lightweight soft armor is also great for backpacks, briefcases and larger purses. Ask us about custom sizing.

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Caliber Armor CaliberX IIIA Soft Body Armor Panel from $77.14 $90.63

Caliber Armor CaliberX IIIa Soft Body Armor Panel Caliber Armor manufacturers our CaliberX™ Soft Armor line of body armor inserts from the very best para-aramid materials on the market. They are bullet resistant and waterproof. We have created an affordable soft armor system that meets the gold standard of 1lb per sqft areal density. We’ve partnered with DuPont to develop the next generation of a stronger, lighter soft armor system. We chose to work with Dupont Kevlar® fibers in our CaliberX™ Soft Armor because DuPont constantly upgrades and improves Kevlar®. We have fully maximized the material’s potential and made it more comfortable and lighter for the wearer. Our CaliberX™ ballistic vests offer better flexibility and comfort, greatly improving response time in a critical moment which could mean the difference between life and death. CaliberX™ Soft Armor has 10% less weight and has 15% less back face deformation than other commercially available soft armor systems. This directly translates into less blunt force trauma to vest wearers. While 10% might not sound like much, we know that when you have all the extra gear to wear you are grateful for a lighter vest. CaliberX™ achieves protection against high performance hand guns such as the .44 Magnum, .357 Sig, and the .9 mm using less material. CaliberX™ Soft Armor fibers absorb the energy of the bullet along the molecules of each fiber, catching it in a multi-layer web of unidirectional fabric. The fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact to underlying fibers in the insert that help reduce the amount of transferred energy that causes the back-face deformation which can cause blunt trauma. The final inner layers of material are able to disperse the energy and helps diminish any trauma. Our super-lightweight CaliberX™ Soft Armor system provides consistent and uniform ballistic performance and can easily withstand multiple hits from handguns as powerful as the .44 Magnum. With unparalleled ballistic protection, lightweight comfort, superior strength, you can count on CaliberX™ inserts to help keep you safe from harm. CaliberX™ lightweight soft armor is also great for backpacks, briefcases and larger purses. Ask us about custom sizing.

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Caliber Armor CaliberX IIIA Body Armor Panels for EXO Carrier from $401.33 $471.55

Caliber Armor CaliberX IIIA Body Armor Panels For Exo Carrier Caliber Armor manufacturers our CaliberX™ Soft Armor line of body armor inserts from the very best para-aramid materials on the market. They are bullet resistant and waterproof. We have created an affordable soft armor system that meets the gold standard of 1lb per sqft areal density. We’ve partnered with DuPont to develop the next generation of a stronger, lighter soft armor system. We chose to work with Dupont Kevlar® fibers in our CaliberX™ Soft Armor because DuPont constantly upgrades and improves Kevlar®. We have fully maximized the material’s potential and made it more comfortable and lighter for the wearer. Our CaliberX™ ballistic vests offer better flexibility and comfort, greatly improving response time in a critical moment which could mean the difference between life and death. CaliberX™ Soft Armor has 10% less weight and has 15% less back face deformation than other commercially available soft armor systems. This directly translates into less blunt force trauma to vest wearers. While 10% might not sound like much, we know that when you have all the extra gear to wear you are grateful for a lighter vest. CaliberX™ achieves protection against high performance hand guns such as the .44 Magnum, .357 Sig, and the .9 mm using less material. CaliberX™ Soft Armor fibers absorb the energy of the bullet along the molecules of each fiber, catching it in a multi-layer web of unidirectional fabric. The fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact to underlying fibers in the insert that help reduce the amount of transferred energy that causes the back-face deformation which can cause blunt trauma. The final inner layers of material are able to disperse the energy and helps diminish any trauma. Our super-lightweight CaliberX™ Soft Armor system provides consistent and uniform ballistic performance and can easily withstand multiple hits from handguns as powerful as the .44 Magnum. With unparalleled ballistic protection, lightweight comfort, superior strength, you can count on CaliberX™ inserts to help keep you safe from harm.

The back of a Caliber Armor CaliberX Covert Body Armor Vest with gray straps.

A Caliber Armor CaliberX Covert Body Armor Vest on a white background.

Caliber Armor CaliberX Covert Body Armor Vest from $413.91 $495.96

Sizing for Caliber X™ Covert Body Armor Vest: Measure your waist with a soft measuring tape from your navel all the way around. You will want to make sure that you order the size that is equal to or more than that measurement. When in doubt go a size up to avoid any gap. Small: Maximum 33″ Medium-Large: Maximum 41″ Large-2 XL: Maximum 51″ 3-4 XL: Maximum 60″ Smaller and larger sizes can be custom made. Please inquire for more details. All of our CaliberX™ soft armor thinness is .19 in. and weigh just over 1 lb. per sqft. Small: 3.33 lb Medium-Large: 4 lb Large-2XL: 5.67 lb 3XL-4XL: 6.89 lb Caliber Armor CaliberX Covert Body Armor Vest At Caliber Armor, we are always striving to offer our customers the best possible protection combined with maximum comfort, low weight and competitive pricing. Introducing our CaliberX™ Covert Body Armor Vest. This fully concealable body armor setup starts with high tech Kevlar XP para-aramid material and is finished with a minimalist carrier that produces a light and flexible concealable body armor platform that can be worn comfortably through long shifts. All CaliberX™ body armor is NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA and 0101.07 RF2 rated to stop multiple hits from most pistol and shotgun rounds including .44 Magnum, .357 Sig, and .9 mm. This full coverage soft armor option can be worn flush together or overlapped for maximum side protection. It is designed to be worn under street clothes or uniforms for an extended period of time. This is the choice for departments looking for an extremely concealed and comfortable solution. Our simplistic functional carrier is thin, breathable and has multiple adjustment options. It allows the armor to lay smooth under clothing to avoid being obvious that you are wearing body armor. We have fully maximized the material’s potential and made it more comfortable and lighter for the wearer. Our CaliberX™ ballistic vests offer better flexibility and comfort, greatly improving response time in a critical moment which could mean the difference between life and death. Designed to be worn under uniform or street clothes for undercover operations. This maximum conceal ability allows you to pass without others being fully aware that you are wearing ballistic protection. All of our armor products can be worn by men or women. Due to the thinness and flexibility it is easily concealable even on those with smaller frames. We have a size for you. Beware of any armor that does not list or boast about where it’s made (it’s probably Chinese). If they don’t tell you how thick or heavy, it is (it’s heavy and bulky)! We strive for transparency at Caliber Armor. If you ever have any questions about our armor, we are a quick email or call away. Any product that we put our name on is proudly designed and made in the U.S.A Sizing for Caliber X™ Covert Body Armor Vest: Measure your waist with a soft measuring tape from your navel all the way around. You will want to make sure that you order the size that is equal to or more than that measurement. When in doubt go a size up to avoid any gap. Small: Maximum 33″ Medium-Large: Maximum 41″ Large-2 XL: Maximum 51″ 3-4 XL: Maximum 60″ Smaller and larger sizes can be custom made. Please inquire for more details. All of our CaliberX™ soft armor thinness is .19 in. and weigh just over 1 lb. per sqft. Small: 3.33 lb Medium-Large: 4 lb Large-2XL: 5.67 lb 3XL-4XL: 6.89 lb

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A Caliber Armor CaliberX Ultra Light Weight Soft Armor With Concealment Carrier plate carrier with the word ca on it.

An image of a Caliber Armor CaliberX Ultra Light Weight Soft Armor With Concealment Carrier on a white background.

Caliber Armor CaliberX Ultra Light Weight Soft Armor With Concealment Carrier from $341.92 $348.17

Soft Body Armor Panel available in 10×12 and 11×14 options SAPI style cut Lightweight CaliberX™ 10×12 15.8oz, 11×14 1lb 4oz Rated and tested to: NIJ STD-0101.06 Level IIIA and NIJ STD-0101.07 (Draft) HG2 Waterproof Interior sewn together for longevity Proudly made in the U.S.A Features Removable cummerbund with double layer Mil-Spec Velcro® Two (2) internal pouches on each side of cummerbund Fully adjustable shoulder straps Large soft side Velcro® area for placards Made with Mil-Spec IR Treaded 500D Cordura® Mil-Spec IR Treated Murdock Webbing® All of the fabrics, webbing and plastic hardware are treated at source to deliver the lowest I.R. signature possible Weight 1 lb Available in: Black, Coyote Tan, Ranger Green and MultiCam® The Low-Visibility Plate Carrier is made with high quality U.S. Mil-Spec sourced materials and designed by U.S. Veterans. Sizing:Regular: Fits 10×12” plates or soft armor panelsX-Large: Fits 11×14 plates or soft armor panels Caliber Armor CaliberX Ultra Light Weight Soft Armor With Concealment Carrier Soft Body Armor Panel available in 10×12 and 11×14 options SAPI style cut Lightweight CaliberX™ 10×12 15.8oz, 11×14 1lb 4oz Rated and tested to: NIJ STD-0101.06 Level IIIA and NIJ STD-0101.07 (Draft) HG2 Waterproof Interior sewn together for longevity Proudly made in the U.S.A Caliber Armor manufacturers our CaliberX™ Soft Armor line of body armor inserts from the very best para-aramid materials on the market. They are bullet resistant and waterproof. We have created an affordable soft armor system that meets the gold standard of 1lb per sqft areal density. We’ve partnered with DuPont to develop the next generation of a stronger, lighter soft armor system. We chose to work with Dupont Kevlar® fibers in our CaliberX™ Soft Armor because DuPont constantly upgrades and improves Kevlar®. We have fully maximized the material’s potential and made it more comfortable and lighter for the wearer. Our CaliberX™ ballistic vests offer better flexibility and comfort, greatly improving response time in a critical moment which could mean the difference between life and death. CaliberX™ Soft Armor has 10% less weight and has 15% less back face deformation than other commercially available soft armor systems. This directly translates into less blunt force trauma to vest wearers. While 10% might not sound like much, we know that when you have all the extra gear to wear you are grateful for a lighter vest. CaliberX™ achieves protection against high performance hand guns such as the .44 Magnum, .357 Sig, and the .9 mm using less material. CaliberX™ Soft Armor fibers absorb the energy of the bullet along the molecules of each fiber, catching it in a multi-layer web of unidirectional fabric. The fibers absorb and disperse the energy of the impact to underlying fibers in the insert that help reduce the amount of transferred energy that causes the back-face deformation which can cause blunt trauma. The final inner layers of material are able to disperse the energy and helps diminish any trauma. Our super-lightweight CaliberX™ Soft Armor system provides consistent and uniform ballistic performance and can easily withstand multiple hits from handguns as powerful as the .44 Magnum. With unparalleled ballistic protection, lightweight comfort, superior strength, you can count on CaliberX™ inserts to help keep you safe from harm. CaliberX™ lightweight soft armor is also great for backpacks, briefcases and larger purses. Ask us about custom sizing. NIJ STANDARD-0101.06 and .07 Tested and verified to meet or exceed ballistic resistance as specified under NIJ Standard- 0101.06 IIIA and 0101.07 HG2 MANUFACTURING TOLERANCES: Thickness dimensions are +-1/8 in. Width and length dimensions are +0.00 to 0.25 in. All weights are +- 5%. Low-Visibility Plate Carrier This Low-Visibility Plate Carrier is low profile and designed to endure and outlast any mission. It is fully adjustable for size, comfort, and protection. The sides are made from double layer Mil-Spec elastic and incorporates two internal pouches on each side which can hold magazine pouches and/or communication tools. The shoulder and sides of the Low-Visibility Plate Carrier are fully adjustable with Velcro® closures. Features Removable cummerbund with double layer Mil-Spec Velcro® Two (2) internal pouches on each side of cummerbund Fully adjustable shoulder straps Large soft side Velcro® area for placards Made with Mil-Spec IR Treaded 500D Cordura® Mil-Spec IR Treated Murdock Webbing® All of the fabrics, webbing and plastic hardware are treated at source to deliver the lowest I.R. signature possible Weight 1 lb Available in: Black, Coyote Tan, Ranger Green and MultiCam® The Low-Visibility Plate Carrier is made with high quality U.S. Mil-Spec sourced materials and designed by U.S. Veterans. Sizing:Regular: Fits 10×12” plates or soft armor panelsX-Large: Fits 11×14 plates or soft armor panels

Caliber Armor is a brand that specializes in the production of soft body armor for military personnel, law enforcement officers, security professionals, and civilians who require reliable protection without sacrificing mobility. Caliber Armor's soft body armor is designed using layers of synthetic materials such as Kevlar, Twaron, and Dyneema, which are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio providing enhanced comfort and flexibility compared to traditional hard body armor.

Caliber Armor offers different levels of ballistic protection, ranging from Level IIA to Level IIIA according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards. Caliber Armor's Level IIA armor provides protection against lower-velocity handgun rounds while the Level IIIA armor offers protection against a wide range of handgun rounds, including powerful ones like .44 Magnum. While soft body armor is not designed to stop rifle rounds, Caliber Armor's advanced designs provide limited protection against certain rifle threats.

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Caliber Armor Soft Body Armor