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Invisible everyday bulletproof and stab-proof protection is now possible for individuals. This protection has evolved considerably over the decades, from simple bulletproof vests to IIIA-approved stab-proof and bulletproof jackets such as the V007 model from VEST PARIS .
This equipment has become an essential element of security for police forces, the military and now civilians.
In this article, we will explore various aspects of ballistic protection, focusing on bulletproof vests, hard armor plates, soft armor inserts, and the importance of quality in ballistic safety equipment.
Because it's not just the police or the military who need protection from bullets or blades; every citizen needs it too, and even more so in the fractured and violent society we now live in.
Bulletproof jacket: the principle
The soft bulletproof vest is a vital piece of equipment for civilians and diplomats, but less so for law enforcement agencies - including the police and gendarmerie - and the military, who generally use the standard Kevlar bulletproof vest.
It provides quality protection against bullets of various calibers, including those from handguns like the .44 magnum. The industry-standard Level IIIA ballistic protection ensures safety against high-velocity bullets without sacrificing mobility.
The Limits of Bulletproof Vests
A standard bulletproof vest is an essential piece of protective equipment for security professionals. However, it quickly becomes restrictive for a civilian who wants to wear one. Here are the reasons why:
A cardigan is an extra item in your wardrobe; it takes up space and you have to find some for it once you take it off.
the vest is often equipped with a rigid armor plate
It is visible, it is not discreet and therefore there is no longer any element of surprise.
It is unsightly
It is heavy, uncomfortable, bulky
Wearing it for a long time is tiring and not breathable
Removing it by the head when there is no longer any risk is a tedious and unnatural gesture
Difference between a bulletproof vest and a bulletproof jacket
How can you transform a bulletproof vest into a practical and comfortable everyday item? How can you turn it into a classic or standard garment? You must start by simplifying the wearing of this accessory by allowing its user to put it on or take it off easily.
For this, it is essential to be able to open it like a standard jacket, that is, from the front. This criterion is fundamental and at the same time we must maintain the same level of Kevlar level IIIA ballistic safety and certification on the abdomen and thorax as a standard bulletproof vest that goes over the head.
The jacket, like the V007 model from VEST PARIS , must combine complete protection with ballistic support and great practicality.
To solve this first criterion, the solution involves overlapping the plates on the front of the jacket.
To achieve this, a soft, flexible armor insert and good craftsmanship are required to make this vest a comfortable, high-quality Level IIIA plate carrier.
The V007 Level IIIA Bulletproof Jacket
For sale to civilians, ballistics above level IIIA and IIIA+ cannot be used.
This level of bulletproof protection protects handguns such as the 44 magnum, the 9 mm, the 357 SIG and the 7.62 Tokarev + 12 mm Brenneke for level IIIA+. This is the level and quality of protection used daily by the French or American police for example.
The ballistics must be soft or have a soft armor insert and have a reasonable weight so as not to hinder the mobility of its user, while protecting 360° the vital organs: front, back and sides.
To be internationally certified, the vest's plate carrier must meet certain heights, surfaces, overlaps and shapes so that vital organs such as the chest, abdomen and back are fully protected from handguns.
The V007 vest is the world standard in this field. It thus becomes a plate carrier with the same level of protection as a standard bulletproof vest worn by the police, for example.
The pleasure of wearing a bulletproof jacket
Wearing a bulletproof vest is so uncomfortable and restrictive that the appeal of wearing a vest is both fun and a sense of security.
The goal is to transform the negative experience of wearing a bulletproof vest into a positive and easy one.
Finding the overall balance of the garment is a priority objective because rigid ballistic plates are intruders in a jacket. It must not lean forward, backward, or to the side.
With the V007 jacket , for example, this long development process was rewarded by success with our users and praised at the Milipol, Shot Show in Las Vegas and Platinium in Monaco trade shows.
We have managed to transform the unpleasant experience of wearing a bulletproof vest into an unforgettable experience that can be repeated over and over again.
Soft bulletproof protection technology
Ballistic protection is based on two main technologies: soft armor inserts and hard armor plates.
Soft inserts, often made of Kevlar, provide flexible and lightweight protection. They are ideal for police response unit vests or discreet civilian jackets such as the V007 jacket , for example.
It can also be incorporated into a suit jacket. The fact that Kevlar material is soft and lightweight makes wearing bulletproof protection more comfortable and pleasant.
Hard armor plates, on the other hand, are designed to stop larger caliber bullets, such as those used in military weapons. They are primarily used in tactical vests and are level 4, meaning they are inaccessible to civilians.
A vest equipped with this type of bulletproof armor - often ceramic - is exclusively intended for professionals exposed to very heavy weapons.
Full protection with rigid plate holder
For complete protection of the highest level, a vest with rigid armor plate carrier is essential.
This vest can accommodate additional ceramic plates for enhanced protection, particularly against assault rifles.
Modularity is also an important factor, with systems like MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) allowing the addition of pouches and other equipment.
But this level of bulletproof protection is not compatible with a standard jacket.
The versatility of the protective vest
Versatility is a key aspect of modern body armor. The same is true for a bulletproof vest.
A bulletproof vest can be designed to be worn over clothing, providing flexibility and freedom depending on the situation.
But above all, since it is designed as a standard jacket, it can be given all the features of civilian jackets: pockets, facilities, double-slider zips, waterproofing and an aesthetic that a bulletproof vest does not have.
Quality and protection standards
Quality is paramount when it comes to ballistic protection.
Materials used, such as Kevlar, must meet high standards to ensure safety. Ballistic standards, such as Level IIIA, provide a framework for evaluating a vest's ability to withstand different types of bullets.
The Importance of Weight in Bulletproof Vests
Weight is a crucial factor in the design of bulletproof vests.
Equipment that is too heavy can limit mobility. While this is particularly critical for police and armed forces in action, it is also critical for civilians. Manufacturers are therefore striving to reduce weight while maintaining a high level of protection. The use of Kevlar is the best solution to date.
Advances in bulletproof materials
Advances in ballistic protection materials like Kevlar have led to lighter, more flexible, and more comfortable vests.
Innovations, such as the use of advanced composite materials, have reduced weight while maintaining robust protection against bullets.
Invisible personal protection in everyday life
Although primarily used by law enforcement and the military, bulletproof vests also find their place in the civilian sector.
Security professionals, journalists in conflict zones, and even some civilians in high-risk areas are now equipping themselves with ballistic vests for their personal protection.
Conclusion
A bulletproof vest like the V007 is more than just a piece of equipment; it represents a fusion of advanced technology and the need for safety in an ever-changing world.
Whether for law enforcement, the military, or civilians, bulletproof protection plays a crucial role in saving lives.
With continued advances in protective materials and technologies, of which Kevlar remains the showcase, these jackets will continue to evolve, offering ever more effective protection while improving the comfort and mobility of those who wear them.