I’ve had a few questions regarding concealable body armor lately, especially what type and what level of protection. So I thought it would be best to discuss it here. I firmly believe that going home to my family every night is a GOOD THING and body armor has saved many lives in the field.
Body armor is classified by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) as Levels I, IIA, II, IIIA, III, and IV. Each level has been tested and certified by the NIJ to stop the penetration of a particular ammunition caliber and mass, traveling at various muzzle velocities at an industry standard 5 meters (for types I thru IIIA) and 15 meters for III and IV. (I’m not going to go into angle of penetration of fired test rounds, backing material or construction.) Some materials are also submitted for stab resistance (using the “California Ice Pick Method”)
Here is a basic outline for the minimum standards for each:
Type I (22 LR; 38 Special)
This armor protects against 22 Long Rifle High Velocity lead bullets, with nominal masses of 2.6 g (40 gr) impacting at a velocity of 320 m (1050 ft) per second or less, and 38 Special round nose lead bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr) impacting at a velocity of 259 m (850 ft) per second or less. It also provides protection against most handgun rounds in calibers 25 and 32.
Type II-A (Lower Velocity 357 Magnum; 9 mm)
This armor protects against 357 Magnum jacketed soft point bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr) impacting at a velocity of 381 m (1250 ft) per second or less, and 9 mm full metal jacketed bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) impacting at a velocity of 332 m (1090 ft) per second or less. It also provides protection against threats such as 45 Auto., 38 Special +P and some other factory loads in caliber 357 Magnum and 9 mm, as well as the threats mentioned in lower levels.
Type II (Higher Velocity 357 Magnum; 9 mm)
This armor protects against 357 Magnum jacketed soft point bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr) impacting at a velocity of 425 m (1395 ft) per second or less, and 9 mm full jacketed bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) impacting at a velocity of 358 m (1175 ft) per second or less. It also provides protection against most other factory loads in caliber 357 Magnum and 9 mm, as well as the threats mentioned in lower levels.
Type III-A (44 Magnum; Submachine Gun 9 mm)
This armor protects against 44 Magnum, lead semi-wadcutter bullets with gas checks, nominal masses of 15.55 g (240 gr) and impacting at a velocity of 426 m (1400 ft) per second or less, and 9 mm full metal jacketed bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr) impacting at a velocity of 426 m (1400 ft) per second or less. It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the threats mentioned in lower levels.
Type III ( High-Powered Rifle)
This armor protects against 7.62 mm full metal jacketed bullets (U.S. military designation M80), with nominal masses of 9.7 g (150 gr) impacting at a velocity of 838 m (2750 ft) per second or less. It also provides protection against threats such as 223 Remington (5.56 mm FMJ), 30 Carbine FMJ, and 12 gauge rifled slug, as well as the threats mentioned in lower levels.
Type IV (Armor-Piercing Rifle)
This armor protects against 30 caliber armor-piercing bullets (U.S. military designation APM2), with nominal masses of 10.8 g (166 gr) impacting at a velocity of 868 m (2850 ft) per second or less. It also provides at least single hit protection against the threats mentioned in lower levels.
SO in answer to your question, you must consider several factors.
a) Many police departments choose the type and level of vests by what type and caliber of handgun their officers carry! If someone takes your weapon from you, your vest should provide protection against it.
b) Typically, the higher the classification level (greater protection) the heavier the vest will be. Heavy bulky vests become a burden and you will eventually just stop wearing it because it is uncomfortable to wear. Types IIIA, III and IV clearly cannot be worn for a full day.
c) What threats do you expect to encounter and at what distances? In this business, and someone correct me if I am wrong, hazardous situation will typically be at close range involving a wide range of calibers.
d) Fit. An improperly fitted vest is dangerous (and damn uncomfortable). If you must purchase one on-line, first- go to a “Cop Shop” and get fitted in various brand name vests and get the sizes. Then order one online. www.galls.com has some good prices and even some specials from time to time. Safariland, Pointe Blank, and Second Chance are all reputable name brands.
e) Personally, I am more scared that I will be attacked with a knife or a blunt object; when I looked at armor, I wanted penetration protection as well, which was very expensive (but worth my life).
Since I only wear my vest for short periods, I decided on a level II vest made of a fabric that provides some resistance to cuts and stabs (though not to the CIPM standards). A new slash resistant material, Cut-Tex™, is also being used in new protective clothing lines.
I hope this helps you make the right decision when choosing concealable soft body armor!