About Level III Body Armor
In the United States, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor. It categorizes them based on their ability to stop certain calibers and the speed at which those bullets travel.
Here's a breakdown of the differences between Level 3, 3A, and 3+ body armor:
Level 3 Body Armor
- Protection Level: Level 3 body armor is rated to protect against rifle rounds. It can stop bullets such as 7.62mm FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) lead core rifle ammunition.
- Material: This type of armor typically incorporates a combination of soft body armor and hard plates made from materials like steel, ceramic, or polyethylene.
- Flexibility and Weight: Level 3 armor is heavier and less flexible than Level 3A armor. It's often used in tactical situations and can be worn over clothing.
Level 3A Body Armor
- Protection Level: Level 3A body armor is designed to protect against handgun rounds. It can typically stop bullets fired from most handguns, including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 SIG at speeds up to approximately 1,470 feet per second.
- Material: These vests are often made from layers of woven or laminated fibers and can include materials like Kevlar, Twaron, or Dyneema.
- Flexibility and Weight: 3A body armor is generally lighter and more flexible compared to higher-level armor. This makes it a popular choice for concealment and everyday wear by law enforcement and security personnel.
Level 3+ Body Armor
- Protection Level: Level 3+ is not an official NIJ rating but is used by manufacturers to indicate a level of protection above NIJ Level 3 standards. It generally includes protection against higher velocity rifle rounds that Level 3 may not stop, such as 5.56mm or M855 rounds.
- Material: Similar to Level 3, it uses a combination of soft armor and hard plates, but the materials are often engineered to provide enhanced ballistic resistance.
- Flexibility and Weight: Level 3+ armor is similar to Level 3 in terms of weight and flexibility. It's used in high-threat environments where additional protection against certain high-velocity rounds is necessary.
About Level IV Body Armor
In the United States, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for body armor. It categorizes them based on their ability to stop certain calibers and the speed at which those bullets travel.
Here's a breakdown of the differences between Level 4 body armor:
Protection Level
- Level 4 body armor is designed to withstand armor-piercing rifle rounds.
- It can stop at least one shot of a .30 caliber Armor Piercing (AP) bullet, such as a 30-06 M2 AP round, at a speed of approximately 2,880 feet per second.
- This level of protection is significantly higher than the lower levels of body armor, which are primarily designed to protect against handgun or non-armor-piercing rifle rounds.
Material and Construction
- Level 4 armor typically consists of hard armor plates made from materials like ceramic, polyethylene, or a combination of materials. These plates are often inserted into a carrier vest.
- Ceramic plates used in Level 4 body armor are designed to shatter upon impact, dispersing the energy of the bullet and preventing penetration.
- This shattering effect, however, can mean that the plate is compromised after a hit and may not offer the same level of protection against subsequent shots.
Weight and Mobility
- Level 4 armor is heavier and bulkier compared to lower-level armor. This increased weight and bulk can restrict the wearer's mobility and endurance, especially over extended periods.
- Due to its weight and rigidity, Level 4 armor is typically used in high-risk tactical situations rather than for everyday wear.
Usage
- It is often used by military personnel, SWAT teams, and in other high-risk tactical situations where there is a threat of armor-piercing rounds.
- The armor is usually worn over clothing and is not designed for concealment.
Certification and Testing
- Like all NIJ-rated body armor, Level 4 armor undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the standards for protection against armor-piercing rifle rounds.
- Manufacturers are required to have their body armor models certified by the NIJ to ensure they meet these performance standards.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research and standardization department of the U.S. Department of Justice, whose primary goal is to research crime, assess community needs, and evaluate safety products to reduce crime.