Here, every article is written by those who believe that bulletproof and stab-proof vests can be reinvented: welcome to VEST PARIS , where elegance, safety and innovation discreetly meet.
Far from being simple equipment, bulletproof vests are technological marvels that ensure the safety of many professionals and civilians against ballistic threats. At VEST PARIS, we partner with leading bulletproof vest manufacturers to integrate this protection into jackets with a timeless design, embodying excellence and innovation.
But how do these bulletproof vests and jackets manage to neutralize the force of a bullet? The answer lies in advanced engineering and cutting-edge materials.
The fundamental principle of ballistic protection : dispersing the projectile's energy
The primary role of a bulletproof vest or jacket is not to rigidly block the bullet, but to disperse its kinetic energy over as wide an area as possible. A bullet, even a small caliber one, concentrates a colossal amount of energy on a tiny point. Without dissipation, this energy would cause a devastating puncture.
Our Furtiv bulletproof vests, for example, are designed to transform this concentrated energy into a distributed force. Imagine the impact of a water droplet on a surface: if the surface is hard and small, the droplet crushes at a point; if it is absorbent and large, the energy is dissipated. A certified bulletproof vest and vest act in a similar way, absorbing and distributing the impact, which drastically reduces the pressure on a single point and prevents penetration. This is the secret of advanced ballistic protection.
Revolutionary materials for a high-performance bulletproof jacket
The secret to bulletproof vests and jackets lies in the use of high-performance composite materials, the result of decades of research. VEST PARIS, for example, uses cutting-edge technologies to ensure the best body protection.
Aramid fibers: the excellence of Kevlar
Kevlar, a name synonymous with ballistic protection, is a synthetic aramid fiber renowned for its exceptional tensile strength. It is up to five times stronger than steel at equal weight.
When a bullet hits a Furtiv by VEST PARIS bulletproof vest or jacket incorporating Kevlar:
- The first layers absorb the initial shock, deforming the projectile and slowing it down.
- The energy is then transmitted to the underlying layers.
- The Kevlar fibers stretch and deform, creating a dense mesh that "catch" the ball. Kinetic energy is transformed into strain energy and heat, then dissipated throughout the fibers.
- The bullet is thus stopped before penetrating, its force being distributed over a wide area.
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers: Dyneema and Spectra
Lighter and often even more efficient than aramids, materials like Dyneema and Spectra are UHMWPE fibers. They are at the heart of lightweight, discreet bulletproof vests and jackets, ideal for civilian environments or operations requiring high mobility.
Furtiv by VEST PARIS bulletproof vests using these fibers are often composed of unidirectional (UD) layers where the fibers are aligned. Upon impact:
- The long molecular chains of UHMWPE stretch, absorbing a considerable amount of energy.
- The UD structure allows for optimal energy distribution along the fibers, while the cross-layers reinforce the integrity of the ballistic protection.
Rigid plates for level III and IV protection
To counter higher-caliber threats, such as rifle fire (NIJ Level III and IV protection threats), bulletproof vests incorporate rigid ballistic plates. These plates are inserted into specific pockets, providing superior ballistic protection.
The materials commonly used are:
- Ceramic: Extremely hard material that fragments the projectile on impact, dissipating much of its energy.
- Advanced Composites: Often a combination of ceramic and dense layers of UHMWPE, they capture bullet fragments and absorb residual energy, minimizing trauma.
Blunt trauma and comfort, the VEST PARIS commitment
Even if a bullet does not penetrate the bulletproof vest, some of its energy is transmitted to the body, causing what is called blunt force trauma or back deformity. This can lead to bruising or, in severe cases, internal injuries.
To minimize this risk, VEST PARIS Furtiv bulletproof vests incorporate specific layers or "trauma pads" that absorb and disperse residual energy. VEST PARIS's commitment goes beyond simple protection: we prioritize comfort and ergonomics. Our lightweight bulletproof vests are designed to be worn discreetly every day like a classic jacket and without hindrance, ensuring essential freedom of movement.
NIJ standards , the benchmark in ballistic protection
The protective capacity of a bulletproof vest or jacket is standardized by organizations such as the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This classification ensures that users, whether professional or civilian, can choose the ballistic protection best suited to their needs. VEST PARIS ensures that all of its bulletproof vests meet or exceed these NIJ standards.
Common protection levels include:
- NIJ Level IIIA: The standard for soft body armor, stopping high-caliber pistol and submachine gun ammunition. This is the most sought-after level for a civilian body armor.
- NIJ Level III and IV: Requiring rigid plates, these levels protect against rifle fire, including armor-piercing bullets for Level IV. These levels are only available to professionals and under certain conditions.
Beyond bullets, knife and slice protection
Some bulletproof vests and jackets also offer knife and slash protection. This is the case with the jackets in the Furtiv collection by VEST PARIS.
Unlike bullets, bladed weapons act by piercing or cutting. To counter this, bulletproof vests and jackets incorporate specific materials, such as metal mesh or high-performance, puncture-resistant fabrics. A purely ballistic bulletproof vest or jacket is not sufficient for this threat; dedicated stab protection is essential.
Maintenance and durability, guaranteeing the effectiveness of your bulletproof vest
The longevity of your equipment is essential. The typical lifespan of a soft bulletproof vest or jacket is 5 years on average. 7 years at VEST PARIS. Factors such as UV exposure, humidity, and improper handling can alter the integrity of the fibers.
To maintain the effectiveness of your VEST PARIS ballistic protection:
- Store your bulletproof vest flat or hanging, away from heat and humidity.
- Inspect ballistic panels regularly.
- Respect the expiration date to ensure optimal protection.
VEST PARIS : French expertise and design at the service of your safety
At VEST PARIS, we pride ourselves on designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art Level IIIA and IIIA+ bulletproof vests. Whether you're looking for a discreet civilian bulletproof vest for everyday personal use or certified ballistic protection for high-threat situations, our Furtiv products meet the most stringent requirements.
Our commitment is to provide you with reliable, comfortable, effective, and stylish body armor. We emphasize innovation, quality materials (such as Kevlar and Dyneema), and compliance with NIJ standards to guarantee you unparalleled peace of mind.