Body armor has been around, in one shape or another, since humans have fighting each other. However, modern day body armor truly traces it’s roots to the medieval times where full plate armor first appeared. Since then technology has come along way and there has been various types of body armor made since. In particular, modern body armor has really been advanced by the introduction of Kevlar, a heat-resistant and strong synthetic fiber created by Stephanie Kwolek who was chemist working for DuPont in 1964. There are currently several different classifications of modern day body armor and they are as follows as based on ballistic threat levels.
Level I – .22 and .38 caliber rounds protection
This is basically the bare minimal body armor for protection against a firearm. However, I would also classify this as edged weapon protection to protect you from being stabbed. It is highly not recommended due to its minimum amount of protection.
Level IIA – 9MM and .40 S&W caliber rounds protection
Level IIA will protect you against 9MM rounds as well as .40 Smith and Wesson rounds which is still not that great but could be worth it for someone looking for some light protection.
Level II – .357 Magnum and 9mm caliber rounds protection
Probably one of the more popular choices for a level of protection, the Level II will protect you against .357 Magnum and 9mm caliber rounds.
Level IIIA – .44 Magnum and .357 Sig caliber rounds protection
Another fairly popular choice for law enforcement, Level IIIA will protect against .44 Magnum and .357 Sig caliber rounds.
Level III – Rifles rounds protection
This will protect against rifle rounds but it won’t save you against armor piercing rifle rounds. These plates will take 7.62×51 NATO rounds travelling at 2,780 feet per second.
Level IV – Armor Piercing Rifle rounds protection
Level IV is the highest level of ballistic protection you can get. This stuff will protect against armor-piercing rounds and it is different from the other levels as it actually contains hard plates versus the soft plates in the others. The hard plates used to be extremely heavy and uncomfortable however technology has greatly improved these. Since then, Level IV is now offered in a few different options including steel plates, Spectra (Hard Polyethylene) plates, Hybrid plates, and Ceramic plates. These are often used by SWAT teams. Stay safe!
Ben