Technological and technical innovations have driven the development of bulletproof equipment. As a result, ballistic protection is now available at every price point and in various protection levels.
Whether you are a soldier, a police officer or a member of the Gendarmerie, the reliability of your protective equipment is vital. That is why our first piece of advice is to leave price out of your selection criteria. Buying ballistic equipment is an investment in your life, and life is priceless.
GK's ultimate guide to ballistic protection gives you the information you need to select the model that matches your requirements.
What are the ballistic protection levels?
Ballistic protection, but not only that
Ballistic plates and panels are designed to protect vital organs such as the heart, the lungs and the rib cage. Made of ultra-resistant fibers, ballistic protection absorbs the kinetic energy of the bullet in order to stop it.
Depending on their protection level, some items can also prevent injuries from blades or spikes. One essential criterion is therefore knowing the specifications and the degree of protection.
The NIJ standard, beyond the vest's compliance
Even though today's ballistic equipment offers a high level of protection, not all items perform equally against weapons. But how can you tell?
The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standard, besides being proof of compliance, indicates how reliable the equipment is against the various ammunition calibers.
Based on test results, this classification, revised in 2021 (0101.07 replaces 0101.06, even though it will be some time before the first protective items bearing this new standard appear), comprises 5 distinct protection levels:
- The HG levels correspond to attacks with handguns (Handgun).
– NIJ HG1 is the lowest level and is equivalent to level II.
Category IIA no longer has an equivalent, as this level of protection is deemed unsatisfactory.
– NIJ HG2 corresponds to IIIA, meaning that the equipment will stop all handgun calibers from .22 LR to .44 Magnum.
- The RF levels classify rifle threats (RiFle).
– NIJ RF1 means that the protection will stop the same calibers as the former level IIIA and will protect against jacketed bullets from hunting and automatic weapon calibers, like level III.
– NIJ RF2 is the intermediate level, equivalent to NIJ RF1 with the added ability to withstand 5.56 mm M855.
– NIJ RF3 corresponds to level IV, meaning that it protects against armor-piercing bullets.
This NIJ classification gives no indication of deformation or of the risk of resulting trauma, which depends on the materials used.
There are other, lesser-known standards: SK (Germany), STANAG 4569 (NATO), APR 2006 (Europe)…
Plates and panels: what's the difference?
Confusion is common when it comes to ballistics, yet it is important to distinguish between these two types of protection.
The ballistic panel
The ballistic panel (or ballistic insert) is a soft item that is inserted into the front and the back of a tactical carrier. The two together are what is commonly known as a ballistic vest. Even though ballistic panels are increasingly high-performing, they only offer maximum protection up to NIJ III. Protection against blades, spikes or points varies according to the vest's composition.
In the case of ICW (in conjunction with) ballistic panels, the ballistic vest must always be worn with a plate carrier fitted with ballistic plates (see below).
The ballistic plate
The ballistic plate, on the other hand, is a heavy, rigid item designed to be inserted into a plate carrier. These inserts slide into dedicated front and back pockets. They offer comfortable use and allow great mobility while increasing the vest's protection level. Made of metal (titanium or steel), ceramic or Kevlar, these plates are covered with a laminated coating or with Cordura®-type fabric. They provide protection against bladed weapons or larger-caliber ammunition. However, using them increases the weight of the protection.
Discover the GK trauma-reducing plate
Which plate should you choose to reduce blunt trauma?
What is blunt trauma?
Ballistic protection absorbs bullet impacts. Under the violence of the impact, the item deforms and can cause bodily harm known as blunt trauma.
If the ballistic protection is reliable, there will only be a bruise. If it is not suitable, however, consequences can range from a broken rib to a crushed artery… Hence the importance of checking the product's performance and the conditions in which the protection will be used.
The different materials and their performance
Lighter and more resistant, ballistic protection is made from materials renowned for their light weight and strength.
Ballistic protection is made from materials renowned for their light weight and strength.
Metal:
Considered one of the best-performing materials for reducing trauma, it nevertheless has one drawback: a high risk of projectile fragmentation or ricochet, which can cause serious internal injuries.
Steel:
This is the best-performing material for mitigating blunt trauma. It withstands multiple impacts, which is why it is used in armored vehicles.
Ceramic:
Despite very high ballistic resistance, ceramic is not known for its ability to reduce trauma. Manufacturers combine it with other materials: aramid, polyethylene or metals.
Polyethylene (Dyneema®):
Made of thermoplastic, it is the most resistant to impacts and corrosive products. In addition to being 15 times more abrasion-resistant than steel, it is 2 to 3 times lighter. Its low deformation on impact reduces trauma and makes it an exceptional blade-proof material.
Kevlar:
This synthetic fiber revolutionized ballistic protection thanks to its strength and light weight. Its resistance to loads, cuts, flames and chemicals makes it an outstanding material. The arrival of Kevlar XP is likely to increase its use in the manufacture of protective equipment, as it reduces back-face deformation by nearly 15%.
How do you choose your tactical carrier?
Beyond all these technical aspects, choosing a tactical carrier is like choosing a garment. Too small, and your movements will be restricted; too large, and it may be too heavy. If you are unsure, it is advisable to choose one size up for the vest, which you can then adjust using the sizing systems (hook-and-loop tape, straps, elastic, etc.).
We invite you to discover our range of ballistic protection and all our products designed to meet your expectations. Log on to our online store.