5 Things You Should Know About Bulletproof Vests

As we all know how bulletproof vests are considered one of the most important components in any police department and other organizations that concern security. Yet, some people are still grossly unaware of some facts about bulletproof vests and their functions.

In this article, we have discussed 5 important facts about bulletproof vests that everyone should know!

1.     They are not entirely bulletproof

A bulletproof vest cannot make you invincible. It is a safety measure. These vests are in fact “Bullet Resistant”. Wearing a bulletproof vest may not be able to protect a person from all kinds of attacks, but it greatly reduces the chances of being seriously or fatally hurt. Very rarely, a bullet can even pass through a bulletproof vest as well.

These vests are designed to absorb the intensity of the projectile directed at them. This is why it is important to invest in a high-quality bulletproof vest that has maximum absorption capacity to reduce the chances of bullets passing through with high speed and intensity.

2.     Bulletproof vests don’t last a lifetime

Like everything else, bulletproof vests have an expiration date too, a date that needs to be taken very seriously. Most of these vests have a five-year usage limit at max. However, a vest that is being used every day can wear off quicker than the ones that are not used too frequently. Every time a bullet touches the vest or it comes in contact with any other type of distress, it is crucial to check for damage before using it again. Vests that have dealt with frequent damage often should be replaced timely without waiting for the five-year expiration date to arrive.

3.     Keep your bulletproof vest away from water

When you have your vest on, it is important to watch your actions. Avoid being too casual in public while wearing your armor. The quality of a good bulletproof vest is determined by its ballistic performance which can degrade when the vest comes in contact with water. Constant contact with water can alter the quality of the material and make your vest more vulnerable to possible gun fires. We suggest looking for water-resistant coating on the ballistic panels of the bulletproof vest you are opting for. Circumstances like rainfall cannot be avoided sometimes, to be safe in such a situation, always look for water-resistant high-quality vests. If your vest has been used in such circumstances often, you should inspect it for damage right away and consider replacing it.

4.     The right size is extremely important

It is important to get the right size of the vest according to the measurements of your body. There is a popular false belief that a bigger vest size can offer maximum protection. This is utterly wrong and it can be dangerous instead. However, it shouldn’t be too fitted to interfere with your regular activities as well. When you are trying on a vest, check how you feel while walking, sitting down, and performing a task when it is on, to avoid future discomfort. Women who require wearing a bulletproof vest for work should get the right one, made for their body type and a size that fits their physique the best.

5.     Bulletproof vests are not knife proof

Bulletproof vests are great for protection from bullets and some other types of harmful incidents that may occur, but you need to understand that these vests are not knife-proof. The material with which these vests are made cannot resist sharp objects like knives and these weapons can easily pierce through. Knife-resistant vests called multi-threat vests are available which are made with a different kind of fiber to be knife-proof. As the name suggests, they are multi-purpose and can offer protection against multiple threats, and generally cost more than regular bulletproof vests. If your job requires you to deal with circumstances where any kind of attacks are expected, it is crucial to invest in those multi-threat vests for maximum protection. These vests should also be thoroughly inspected before bringing them into use again.