Everything you need to know about bulletproof vests

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.

Initially designed for law enforcement, the army, and certain security agencies, the use of bulletproof protection is now expanding (and increasingly) to civilians. Since VEST PARIS embarked on this adventure with its V007 ballistic model , the teams at the eponymous brand have been confronted with the same questions every day.

As the bulletproofing sector is very regulated and sometimes a little complex, we have decided to help you see more clearly on this subject.

The protection of individuals is unfortunately a hot topic in France. Our country is plagued by endemic violence, particularly due to knife and gun attacks, which are on the rise.

But let's start at the beginning.

Definition and operation of bulletproof vest

A bulletproof vest, as the name suggests, is designed to protect its wearer from firearm bullets. Made from materials such as aramid or polyethylene, a bulletproof vest absorbs and disperses the kinetic energy of a bullet, reducing potential injuries.

Just like the V007 vest , which passed all the tests, a bulletproof vest must meet very strict standards to be certified.

This reference standard is the NIJ standard (National Institute of Justice - remember this acronym, we will develop it a little further below) which guarantees several gradations and categories of bulletproof protection.

Protected by kinetic energy

A bulletproof vest relies on its ability to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of a projectile.

In short, when a bullet hits a bulletproof vest, the kinetic energy of the projectile is transferred to the fibers of the material. These fibers, with exceptional tensile strength, stretch and deform, distributing the impact energy over a wider area.

This is precisely what happens when a bullet hits a V007 vest. It is made up of 26 juxtaposed sheets that will absorb this energy and save your life.

This energy dissipation process takes place in 4 stages:

1- Initial absorption: The first layers of Kevlar absorb the initial impact, slowing the bullet down.

2- Deformation and stretching: Kevlar fibers stretch and deform, converting kinetic energy into strain energy.

3- Energy dissipation: Energy is distributed over a wide area of ​​the material, reducing concentrated impact force.

4- Projectile stoppage: The energy is finally dissipated, stopping the bullet's progress.

What is a bulletproof vest made of?

While the reference material is Kevlar - which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and about which we wrote an article on April 4 - bulletproof vests can also be made of polyethylene, ballistic nylon or even ceramic.

Bulletproof vest manufacturers often use layers to maximize effectiveness against bullets and sometimes even stab wounds. Between 20 and 50 layers. The V007 bulletproof vest, for example, is made of 26 layers of Kevlar mixed with Honeywell polyethylene and Dyneema. A hybrid bulletproof solution that makes this vest unique in the world.

Bulletproof Vest Categories

Bulletproof vests come in several categories, ranging from discreet wear to more robust models equipped with very heavy ceramic plates to meet the requirements of war weapons.

Level IIIA, III, and IV vests, for example, are designed to withstand impacts from high-caliber bullets and are often used by security forces in high-risk situations. The V007 bulletproof model from VEST PARIS, for example, is classified as IIIA, placing it in an extremely high-performance category.

Here are the categories of bulletproof vests. Just to clarify, classes III and IV are not sold to civilians. To simplify this paragraph, we prefer to present you with a table that summarizes these famous categories very simply:

The V007 model has a specific feature of its own because in addition to level IIIA, it offers an intermediate level which we will call "level IIIA+" which also stops 7.62 Tokarev and 12MM Brenneke bullets.

What is a "concealed carry" bulletproof vest?

Concealed carry is an essential feature for civilians or agents on covert missions.

A bulletproof vest designed for covert wear can be worn under clothing, providing protection without attracting attention. These vests are often lighter and less bulky, although they offer a more limited level of protection compared to more robust models.

At VEST, we've made this "covert wear" even easier by integrating bulletproof protection into a jacket that's easier to wear than a traditional bulletproof vest. Most importantly, we've managed to maintain a high level of ballistic protection in the V007 model.

What body armor do elite units wear?

Elite units, such as military special forces, police response teams, and high-level security agents, often wear level III and IV bulletproof vests. In this case, we are very far from discreet wear and comfort because these plates can weigh up to 25 kg VS 1.8 kg for the V007 model .

These Level III or IV vests often incorporate rigid armor plates made of ceramic, polyethylene, or other composite material to provide additional protection against fire from high-caliber firearms such as combat weapons or assault rifles. They are reserved for military personnel and response units.

Can a civilian wear a bulletproof vest?

Civilians are allowed to wear one in most countries, but it depends on local regulations and firearms laws. In France and Europe, for example, a civilian can wear a bulletproof vest up to level IIIA. They can fly and walk around with it without any problems. Above this category, i.e., III and IV, it is reserved for professionals.

However, some regions of the world may have specific requirements or rules regarding the purchase and ownership of this equipment. It's important to be well informed before your trip.

How to adjust a bulletproof vest

A bulletproof vest must fit properly to ensure maximum protection. A vest that is too loose can leave vital areas exposed, while one that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.

Make sure the vest covers the chest area well, without restricting breathing or arm movement. Level III vests, equipped with ballistic plates, are generally more rigid but must also fit properly.

Is a bulletproof vest waterproof?

Current body armor is generally designed to be water resistant to some degree, but prolonged and repeated exposure to water can potentially compromise its effectiveness.

Materials used in bulletproof vests, such as Kevlar or Dyneema, can be damaged by excessive moisture, which could weaken their ability to stop projectiles.

Occasional exposure to light rain should not cause major problems, but it is recommended that the body armor be thoroughly dried after any exposure to water to prevent deterioration.

Maintaining a bulletproof vest

A bulletproof vest has an expiration date. The ballistics of the V007 vest, for example, are guaranteed for 7 years.

Maintaining the V007 bulletproof vests and jackets, on the other hand, is perfectly standard. For the former, you remove and wash the cover; for the latter, you remove the plates from the jacket and put it in the washing machine.