Level 3, 3A, 3+ 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.

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.