Level 4 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.