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Personal safety is a growing concern, and investing in a bulletproof vest can be a wise measure to protect yourself against potential threats. It comes at a price. If you type "bulletproof vest price," "bulletproof vest budget," or "bulletproof vest budget" into a search engine, the prices that appear will range from €150 to €2,000.
So, how much does a bulletproof vest cost, and why are there such differences? We'll try to shed some light on these questions. There are many reasons for such price differences: differences between available solutions, differences in protection levels, and the quality of the bulletproof vest.
First observation, when buying ballistic protection, price should not be the number 1 criterion. It is even the least important criterion.
Bulletproof vest, first choice
Bulletproof vests are the first choice for those who want to protect themselves from bullets.
Then come armored cars, close protection services, etc. Obviously, the bulletproof vest is the least expensive of these protective tools.
Depending on its ballistic protection level, it protects from the lightest to the most powerful weapons. We will see further that these levels of ballistic protection are classified and very strictly regulated. We will see later in the article that level IIIA authorized for civilians is already a very high level of protection, that it offers protection against most handguns. The higher levels authorized only for professionals, offer increased protection against heavier weapons.
Each level requires a higher budget. It is essential to determine the level of protection required based on your environment and potential threats.
Pay attention to the origin of the bulletproof vest
The first thing to do when buying a bulletproof vest is not to choose it based on its price, but to find out if it complies with the NIJ standard. Why?
Because the market is full of vests with ballistic protection, but not all of them are approved. When there is doubt about the reliability of the vest, there is no longer any doubt, it is not approved.
First rule, the vest that incorporates ballistic protection must comply with the NIJ standard.
Mandatory condition: compliance with the NIJ standard
The famous NIJ standard specifies the minimum requirements for bulletproof vests that have undergone their performance and testing protocols and evaluates the different types of bulletproof vests available according to the threat levels against which they offer protection.
When the ballistic pack is tested, NIJ certified labs put it through a number of different tests to ensure it meets NIJ standards and performance standards.
The NIJ has the authority to reevaluate body armor already sold on its soil to ensure performance standards remain consistent with the code over time. This is part of the NIJ's excellence and verification procedures.
NIJ performance standards indicate that commercially available body armor meets the minimum performance requirements they define. The NIJ publishes its bullet and stab (trauma) resistance standards for personal protective equipment. Below is an overview of NIJ Standards 0101.04 and 0101.06.
Price depending on the bulletproof vest technology
Once you are sure that the vest is certified, then comes the ballistic protection of your choice.
Today, bulletproof vests utilize a multitude of technologies to provide maximum protection to users. One such technology is the use of advanced ballistic materials such as aramid fibers, like Kevlar. This is what the police wear, in particular. These materials are lightweight, flexible, and extremely durable, allowing bulletproof vests to provide protection against projectiles and great mobility. A perfect combination for professions like the highly demanding police force. Vests using this Kevlar technology are priced around €500.
This type of vest is often used for discreet protection.
Another technology used is the addition of ceramic plates or high-strength composite materials to the Kevlar material. These plates improve protection by stopping high-speed bullets and dispersing kinetic energy. Police units and the military use these additions. In this case, prices are generally not public because these protections are reserved for professionals. Their price ranges between €200 and €400 per plate. Since two are required per person—one in the front and one in the back—the budget quickly mounts because these prices must be added to that of the bulletproof vest.
Finally, some bulletproof vests also use gel inserts to reduce the impact of bullets and minimize injuries caused by the force of the projectile.
In short, modern bulletproof vests are the result of a combination of advanced technologies which, when combined, increase your level of protection and de facto increase the price of your vest.
What level of protection should I choose?
The level of protection of bulletproof vests follows a well-established gradation. This gradation corresponds to the weapons that the vest can stop. The higher the level, the higher the price.
Here is the correspondence table of stopped weapons with the level of ballistic protection of the NIJ standard. We find the famous iiia, the model of vest most used in civilian life and by police forces. Level iiia protection stops the handguns most used in civilian life. The 9 mm for example, a weapon carried by police forces.
Level IIIA with additional protection
The IIIA is the star of bulletproof vests, it is not only used as a concealed carry vest, it is also often used as the basis for higher protection vests.
Layers are added to create a bulletproof vest with additional features. Models with neck protection offer extended coverage, while the discreet design allows for everyday use without attracting attention. Quality bulletproof vests with these features can vary in price, but an average budget typically falls between €350 and €600 for the lightest and most discreet models.
Bulletproof jackets are bulletproof vests ++
Bulletproof vests have revolutionized the world of bulletproof vests by bringing design and practicality to those who do not want to bother with vests deemed too bulky or too heavy.
Like the V007 jacket, bulletproof vests provide a different type of protection than a vest. They're easier to wear and more aesthetically pleasing than a vest, and feature a size adjustment system that allows them to fit a variety of body shapes.
Jackets are much more expensive than vests because they require more work to make and, above all, they offer more possibilities than a classic vest.
The price of a bulletproof jacket
Often purchased by VIPs or politicians, bulletproof jackets are very high-end equipment whose price varies between €2,000 and €5,000.
The V007 jacket designed by VEST PARIS is in this price range, just like the Caballero jackets, which are better known on the South American continent.
The V007 jacket also offers other accessories such as a neck protector (€400) and technological equipment that provides even better protection. All of these options add up to a hefty price tag.
Other budgetary considerations
Kevlar models: Bulletproof vests made of Kevlar, a lightweight and durable material, are often preferred. However, they can be more expensive.
Adjustment System: A vest with an advanced adjustment system can provide an optimal fit, but can also influence the overall cost.
Rib Cage Protection: Some models offer extended rib cage protection, enhancing safety but impacting the budget.
Conclusion
Investing in a bulletproof vest is an important decision, and the choice should be informed by both safety and budget considerations. By carefully assessing your needs and comparing the different options available, you can find a balance between the protection you need and your available budget.