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Finding the Perfect Body Armor: A Comprehensive Guide for Different Body Types

When it comes to personal protection, body armor plays a crucial role in safeguarding individuals in high-risk professions or dangerous situations. However, not all body armor is created equal, and finding the right fit for your body type is essential to ensure optimal comfort and protection. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing body armor, taking into consideration your unique body type.

  1. Understanding Body Armor Basics:

Different Levels of Protection: Learn about the various ballistic protection levels (such as NIJ levels) and their significance in determining the armor’s ability to withstand different threats.

Types of Body Armor: Explore the different types of body armor, including soft armor, hard armor plates, and specialized designs for specific purposes.

  1. Assessing Your Body Type:
Fitment Guide | Step by Step

Body Measurements: Understand the importance of accurate body measurements to ensure a proper fit. Learn how to measure your chest, waist, and torso length accurately.

Body Shape Considerations: Explore different body shapes (e.g., athletic, curvy, slim) and how they can impact the selection and fit of body armor.

  1. Choosing the Right Body Armor for Your Body Type:

Soft Armor vs. Hard Armor: Discover the pros and cons of each type and how they cater to different body types and activities.

Sizing and Adjustability: Learn about adjustable features in body armor, such as shoulder straps, cummerbunds, and side closures, that allow for a customized fit.

Body Armor Styles: Explore different designs, cuts, and shapes to find the one that suits your body type and provides optimal coverage and mobility. Caliber Armor offers two different style cuts, Shooters Cut and SAPI(Small Arms Protective Insert) Cut.

  1. Testing and Evaluating Body Armor:

Quality Assurance: Understand the importance of certifications and testing standards for body armor, such as NIJ compliance and independent lab testing. At Caliber Armor we take it to the next level for our customers, providing you with a Specification Sheet with your order explaining what rounds were used to test our product.

Fit and Mobility Assessment: Learn how to evaluate the range of motion and flexibility provided by the body armor to ensure it doesn’t hinder your movements.

  1. Additional Considerations:

Climate and Comfort: Consider the environmental conditions in which you’ll be wearing body armor and choose materials and designs that provide breathability and comfort.

Maintenance and Durability: Understand the maintenance requirements and expected lifespan of different body armor types and materials.

Selecting the right body armor is a crucial decision that should be based on careful consideration of your body type, lifestyle, and specific needs. By understanding the basics of body armor, assessing your body type accurately, and considering various factors, you can make an informed decision that ensures both comfort and optimal protection. Remember to consult with professionals or armor experts at Caliber Armor to get personalized recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

Stay safe and Be Prepared For Anything!

Need Help Finding the right armor? Contact Us

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NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Levels

NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Levels

NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Levels 

The National Institute of Justice NIJ body armor ballistic levels currently classify body armor into five different threat levels: Level IIA, Level II, Level IIIA, Level III and Level IV based on their ability to stop specified rounds at specified velocities. The NIJ’s current standard is 0101.06 with a pending update to 0101.07 slated to be finalized in sometime in the next year or two. 

Level IIA & II Body Armor vs Levels IIIA, III, III+ and Level IV 

Caliber Armor offers body armor at NIJ body armor ballistic levels of IIIA and above. We will go into detail on the specifics of Level IIIA, Level III, Level III+ and Level IV. Level IIA and Level II could be considered outdated soft armor ballistic levels that are sometimes still used to achieve a lighter thinner armor panel. We can achieve this level of weight and thinness with our CaliberX™ soft armor and still provide the higher level IIIA/HG2 protection.  

NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Level IIIA 

NIJ Level IIIA is designed to stop .357 Sig FMG FN bullets traveling at a velocity of ~1470 ft/s and .44 Magnum SJHP rounds at a velocity of ~1430 ft/s. The updates for 0101.07 HG2 include testing requirements for 9mm FMJ with a velocity of ~1470 ft/s and changed the .44 MAG test to a JHP (jacketed hollow point) with the same velocity requirements. Our CaliberX™ Soft Armor panels have been tested to meet both the .06 IIIA and .07 RF2 NIJ ballistic level requirements

NIJ Ballistic Level III & Level III+ Protection 

NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Level III rifle plates are designed to stop six spaced hits of 7.62x51mm NATO FMJ M80 at a velocity of ~2780 ft/s. Level III+ is a designation that the body armor industry has adopted to show the capabilities of armor beyond the NIJ Level III testing. This indicates that the plate can withstand higher velocity rifle rounds plus additional threats such as M855 and M193. The NIJ intends to address this gap between Ballistic Level III and Level IV in establishing the RF2 category of the 0101.07 standard.  

 

The Highest Rated Ballistic Level of Protection 

NIJ Body Armor Ballistic Level IV are the highest rated hard armor plates under the NIJ standards. They are designed to take one hit from an Armor Piercing 30.06 traveling at a velocity of 2880 ft/s. This test will remain the same for the 01010.07 standard. We offer one level IV body armor plate.