bulletproof inserts Archives

Posted on 02/15/202303/10/2023 by Michelle Pandow

Caliber Armor Launches New AV2 Stand-Alone Body Armor Plate

Introducing the Caliber Armor AV2 Ballistic Insert

Caliber Armor, who was the first company to bring an advanced steel body armor plate with a true multi-curve achieved with one press announces a new alloy plate that achieves the coveted NIJ-RF2 stopping power rating.

The Future NIJ 0101.07 RF2 Testing Requirements Met

For years, the industry has been anticipating the new NIJ 0101.07 standard that finally attempts to bridge the gap between 0101.06 Level 3 and Level 4. In the current standard level 3 rating the test is six shots of 7.62 x 51mm M80 FMJ at 2,780 ft/s. From there the next level is 4, which is 30-06 M2 AP at 2880 ft/s. What about everything in-between? The body armor industry has largely adopted the term Level 3+ or Level 3++, which is up to the manufacturers interpretation but generally means that it will stop higher velocity 5.56mm rounds and AK 7.62x39mm steel core projectiles.

Multi-Curve Body Armor with Advanced Spall Coating

The AV2 body armor plate comes standard with advanced PolyShield Anti-Spall coating. With a competitive price point, only half inch thin and weighing in at just 7.2 lbs, the AV2 armor plate is a superior option for your bulletproof vest that will last a lifetime. No more replacing your team’s armor set ups every five years or spending extra funds on x-ray requirements during turnover. The AV2 plate will stop everything that you throw at it. See full multi hit body armor product specs HERE.

How do we keep up?

Different compositions of body armor stop projectiles in diverse ways. For example, ceramic strike face body armor works by breaking the projectile down as it passes through the ceramic which absorbs a great deal of the kinetic energy by breaking apart with the remainder being captured by the backer. This has long been successful but has limitations with multiple hits. Ballistic plastic, UHMWPE, works by slowing bullets as they travel into the plate. Energy from the projectile is transferred through millions of individual high tensile, high modulus fibers that have been compressed into a solid plate. These lightweight plates, like our are amazingly effective at stopping lead core ammunition but fall short when facing hardened tip or core projectiles. The price can make it unattainable for most departments and security firms while leaving users vulnerable to threats like M855, green tip, a common AR15 round. Last year we launched our level 3 Maritime, it is a neutrally buoyant armor plate that passes all RF1 threats. Our Maritime UHMWPE plate is a fantastic option if you want protection with a reduction in weight. The limitations are price and that the plate does not pass the RF2 M855 at 3,115 fps test.

Why did we choose steel alloy for our AV2 body armor plate?

High hardness steel has been used in body armor since the 14^th century. It protects our military in barricade and armored vehicle applications as well as being a successful stand-alone body armor plate option. Used with an advanced anti-spall and fragmentation coating our AR550 steel plate has long been the material that hits the sweet spot for stopping high velocity rounds while having pressing capabilities. This military grade, high hardness abrasive resistant (AR) steel has been our highest selling product. Its limitations have been one threat on the draft NIJ 0101.07 threat testing.

We knew we still wanted to use steel alloy. Contrary to what is all over the internet about steel being an inferior option for body armor vs ceramic armor, we see calls for this thin, strong, ergonomic body armor plate consistently raising over our ceramic and UHMWPE options. For example the Federal Bureau of Investigation just secured $7,000,000 of body armor that specified that they wanted a STEEL Plate with Spall Protection.

NIJ RF1 and RF2 Specs

The speed of the 5.56mm M193 BT in the proposed RF1 is giving the steel body armor industry some headaches. Most steel options have no problems with the higher level RF2 spec of M855 BT at 3115 ft/s. Frankly, we have not been able to make that round move fast enough to defeat our AR550 steel. The new RF1 spec is that a plate must stop the M193 BT at 3250 ft/s. This is the military spec for muzzle velocity when fired from a 20-inch standard issue barrel. This is an extremely fast speed for this projectile and most commonly available ammo will not even achieve this speed.

Research Three Years in the Making

We have tried several different thicknesses, varied materials, and heat-treating processes to evaluate if we can make an alloy product that can achieve this speed so that we can certify to the new spec. After three years of testing, we have found our solution, Caliber Armor AV2. Our objectives were to exceed the ballistic requirements of the draft RF1 and RF2 and to reduce weight. We have pushed the speed on all the requirements. We have also tested other special threats like the M855 A1, and 7.62x54mmR. We shaved off a pound from our AR550 and kept the thinness that creates an extremely ergonomic option for our customers.

American Made Quality

The Caliber Armor AV2 ballistic body armor plate is changing the way we think of steel armor. American made in Louisville Kentucky, Caliber Armor is the trusted name in quality, affordability, and reliable customer service. Let us help you find the best armor system for your application. We are here to help, before, during and after your purchase.

Posted on 03/06/202003/11/2023 by Michelle Pandow

Three things to do if you encounter an active shooter.

Protect Yourself from Active Shooters Part 2

We wrote previously about five things that can help you protect yourself from school shootings. This is the situation that none of us want to think about at school, but what if it does? What should you do if you encounter an active shooter or a mass shooting scenario?

1. Run

The top priority is to get away from the shooter or shooters. If you have an armor panel in your backpack grab that put it on your back and run. If not, leave your things behind and evacuate. Warn others nearby when you get away. When you are safe, call 911. Do your best to describe the shooter, their location and weapons that they were using.

2. Hide

Find a place to hide if you cannot get away safely. Stay very quiet and get out of the shooter’s view. If your backpack has armor, keep it close, crouch behind it and use it to shield your vital organs. Make sure your electronic devices are on silent and that they won’t vibrate. Turn off all the lights, lock and block the doors with heavy furniture and close blinds. Hide separately along walls to make it more difficult for the shooter. Avoid hiding in groups. Silently communicate with the police through text messages or by putting a sign in a window. Wait until law enforcement gives notice that all immediate danger is removed before exiting your hiding place.
3. Fight
Defending yourself is the last resort when you are in immediate danger. Act aggressively and commit to your actions to stop the shooter. Look for makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors and books to ambush the shooter with to distract or disarm the shooter.

Although mass shootings and gun violence have become a more frequent occurrence. It is within your right to protect yourself the best that you can and prepare for unforeseen threats. Caliber Armor is committed to helping people protect themselves. We work and consult directly with security and local law enforcement whenever we can. If you are interested in personal protection, please check out our lightweight, Soft Body Armor products that are rated for many calibers of handguns and sharp objects. If you encounter an active shooter, our signature, CaliberX Soft Body Armor Panel is perfect to insert as Backpack Body Armor . We also offer rifle rated Hard Body Armor that can be worn over clothing. If you have any questions or would like help choosing the best Body Armor for you, please give us a call.

Posted on 12/09/201903/11/2023 by Michelle Pandow

Keep Yourself Safe From Gun Violence

Gun violence is not typically the thing you want to think about, but it’s most likely the thing that is keeping you up at night. How do you keep yourself safe from gun violence, and your loved ones wherever you go? Hardly a week goes by without hearing about another mass shooting in our community. It happens at workplaces, in the grocery store, in schools and in our places of worship. Our politicians talk of banning certain assault rifles or types of ammunition, but how does that help us? Criminals are going to get guns and it’s the criminal, not the weapon that makes the choice to do bad things. How can we protect ourselves and still go about our daily lives?

Caliber Armor Soft Body Armor Insert Protects You Wherever You Go

This is why we, at Caliber Armor, are focused on creating a life saving product that gives you peace of mind wherever you are. CaliberX™ soft body armor panels come in 8×10, 10×12 and 11×14 options. These panels can easily be placed inside of a backpack, handbag, briefcase or worn in a low visibility carrier vest. Purchasing a body armor panel instead of a specific bulletproof backpack that has armor sewn into it allows you to protect yourself from gun violence wherever you go. You may have a backpack for school and another bag for weekend events, the gym or traveling. Simply insert the soft body armor panel into whatever bag you choose. You also have the option to purchase a carrier that you can wear under a shirt or jacket. The CaliberX™ armor panels are extremely thin and lightweight. They can be concealed easily as they are less than a quarter inch thick and less than 1lb. The last thing you want in a heavy backpack is something else to weigh you down.

CaliberX™ soft body armor panels can protect you from the most common gun violence threats that you will face out there. They are rated to stop handgun ammunition as powerful as a .44 Magnum. Our body armor also passes the new NIJ ballistic test for HG2.

Can Body Armor Protect You from Rifle Shooters?

You might be thinking, what about rifle threats? Attention is often focused on high profile school and shopping center mass shootings where semi-automatic rifles have been used. Can body armor protect you from these sorts of rifles? Yes, it can, and we have options for that. However, hard body armor protection is often heavy or bulky and not very sustainable to have on your person all the time as a civilian. The truth is that handguns are the most common weapon type used in gun related murders and mass shootings. Statistics show that in 64% of all gun murders, handguns were used vs. 4% of the time when assault rifles were used. Handguns are more accessible, easily hidden and they can be almost anywhere. You can conceal handguns and they cannot be detected, making them the weapon of choice for criminals. The most confiscated guns are handguns and the ammunition is readily available with very little restriction. If you want to protect yourself, this is the threat you are the most likely to face.[/vc_column_text]

Caliber Armor’s Mission to Protect You From Gun Violence

At Caliber Armor, our biggest mission is to help people. We are here to provide the very best body armor products on the market to help keep you and your family safe from gun violence. Contact us today so we can assist you in selecting the best product for your needs.