Did you know that if the material used to make your body armor is incorrect, it won't be able to protect you effectively? It's not as modest as it may appear to pick the perfect plate body armor material that will keep you safe and not restrict your movement simultaneously. Please read this tutorial for information on how to correctly tape measure your body, ensure that the body armor fits properly, and what kind of material you need for the body armor plates.
We'll now discuss the typical materials used to make a bulletproof plate and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
KEVLAR
Kevlar typically falls under the category of soft body armor since it shields the wearer from low- to medium-velocity firearm bullets. According to quality, there are three main categories of kevlar plates:
Standard Kevlar: Extremely rigid, frequently used in tire manufacturing
Used to create industrial cabinets, asbestos replacements, and brake linings, Kevlar 29 is typically the best material. Body armor made of kevlar grade
Kevlar 49: A popular material for making plastic components for boats, bicycles, and airplanes
Kevlar, a synthetic fabric with exceptional tensile strength, works well as body armor. As a result of being unidirectional and parallel to one another, its molecules are extremely tightly bonded and robust. It is rust and corrosion-proof, lightweight yet sturdy, and all of these qualities. Kevlar is good at dampening vibrations.
Many Kevlar plates survive high-velocity rifle fire, so keep that in mind when you buy one. Furthermore, while they can stop bullets fired by some lower-caliber guns, this could cause dangerously high levels of blunt force injuries. A bulletproof vest can be more protective by putting several layers of Kevlar underneath it.
It's also usual to add steel or ceramic plates to Kevlar bulletproof vests to make armor plate carriers. The armor becomes heavier, less comfortable, and less covert. Another disadvantage of Kevlar is that it destroys by UV radiation, frequent washing, dry cleaning, and bleaching agents.
STEEL
Steel is another material for these plates, considered one of the best materials for high protection.
Steel is one of the most usual gears for hard body armor, combat, and law enforcement scenarios. Its outstanding ability to deflect bullets and defend against blunt force trauma. Steel plates frequently fit into carrier vests, which feature areas designed explicitly for the plates.
Steel has the benefit of surviving repeated hits to a single target, unlike other materials like ceramic, which cannot. A steel plate can be the one for you if you're part of a tactical combat team and need something substantial to defend you from heavy rifle bullets.
Despite our praise for steel plates, there are a few downsides to consider. One of the reasons it will seem bulky when you put it on is that steel is a hefty substance, making it challenging to hide a bulletproof vest. As a result, uniformed officers and civilians, particularly those looking for something lightweight and hidden, tend to avoid steel.
POLYETHYLENE (PE)
Polyethylene, like steel plates, is one of the greatest ballistic panels for blunt force damage, making it a favorite among police and military personnel. Please find out more about its benefits and drawbacks below.
PE plates, classified as hard body armor and frequently linked with carrier vests, provide numerous advantages on the job. While they can be up to 15 times harder than steel, they are lighter and more pleasant to wear, weighing between one and five pounds on average. Multiple bullet impacts to the same area can be tolerated by perfectly bonded plates while preventing entry.
As long as the risk does not beat Level III, PE plates provide excellent protection from rifle bullets and are the lightest rifle-protective plates available.
The biggest disadvantage of PE bulletproof plates is their high heat damage. Military troops working in extremely hot environments, such as deserts, may not necessarily find PE advantageous, as the high heat can readily damage the plate's effectiveness.
Additionally, you should be aware that PE body armor might be more expensive than other types because the materials and manufacturing process required are pricy. However, you're receiving a lot of value for your money, so you might decide it's well worth the cost.
CERAMIC
Last but not least, let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic bulletproof plates.
Soft ballistic vests frequently have inserts made of ceramic bulletproof plates. Ceramic shield plates are much lighter than steel yet are still considered hard armor plates; in some cases, they will provide the same amount of protection. Additionally, ceramic plates are significantly less expensive than PE plates. These elements could appear to be the full product when taken into account.
One disadvantage of ceramic plates is that they can't take many shots at a single target or fire. If you're familiar with ceramics, you know how readily they shatter into pieces when dropped or impacted.
Although the ceramic plate won't break into pieces, the struck area may crack significantly.
At this point, the plate is practically useless, and if reshot, a bullet will almost probably pass through the same region or the surrounding area.
Ceramic plates are highly brittle. Therefore, use extreme caution when handling them. They're better if you're not regularly exposed to heavy gunfire on the job, especially from automatic or semi-automatic weapons. A ceramic plate replaces if it exhibits any cracking, water damage, or significant wear.
Conclusion: Which Bulletproof Plate Is Best?
These essential facts regarding the various plate varieties will help you buy the best material. How do you choose the best bulletproof plates for your profession now that we've compared and contrasted different threat levels, sizes, and materials?
Choose a bulletproof plate that will shield you from typical calibers that you might encounter. Take into account the temperatures and working environment, as well as whether you need something light and concealable or heavy and robust. Consider the cut and size for maximum protection that still allows for movement.
