Soft body armor is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is designed to protect the wearer's torso from bullets, shrapnel, and other forms of physical trauma.
It is typically made of high-strength, lightweight materials such as Kevlar, Twaron, or our Duritium technology, which are able to absorb and dissipate the impact energy of most handgun rounds.
Unlike hard body armor, which is made of rigid materials such as steel or ceramic, soft body armor is flexible and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
In this blog, you'll find everything you need to understand Level 3A soft body armor.
Level 3a Soft Body Armor
According to the NIJ, Level IIIA body armor defeats a .357 Sig FMJ Flat Nose (FN) weighing less than 8.1 grams or 125 grain.
The muzzle velocity must be under 1,470 ft/per second at this weight for a Level IIIA to stop the bullet.
Level IIIA will also defeat a .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) if it weighs less than 15.6 grams (240 gr) and has a muzzle velocity of slower than 1,430 ft/s.
Level IIIA armor that has been conditioned can defeat a .357 Sig FMJ FN weighing 125 grain, but with a reduced velocity of 1,410 ft/s.
A .44 Magnum SJHP weighing 240 grain and a muzzle velocity of 1,340 ft/s will NOT penetrate a conditioned Level IIIA soft armor system.
ShotStop Level 3a Soft Body Armor
BallisticBoard® IIIA, made with Duritium® technology, is an ultra-light, ultra-thin ballistic material that is developed and manufactured in the USA to withstand multiple shot impacts from handgun rounds.
The 10” x 12” x .26” BallisticBoard IIIA rigid insert weighs just 1.2 lbs. and is perfect for placing in a backpack, computer bag, luggage, or even a plate carrier.
Ballistic tested by accredited laboratories to exceed national industry standards, BallisticBoard is your answer to safety, security, and the confidence that you or your loved one is protected.
What is Conditioned Soft Body Armor
Conditioned armor emulates the environmental conditions that the wearer of the armor will be exposed to in the field. For example, if you’re wearing Level IIIA armor in the south, temperatures can reach well above 120℉.
In places, such as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama, the humidity in the summer averages 80%. These extreme temperature conditions can have a negative impact on the practicality of the armor.
The NIJ exposes every armor they test to these conditions to ensure they can hold up in extreme environments.
Once you put the armor through the temperature and humidity conditioning tests, it’s put through a mechanical damage test.
This test is called the tumbler test, which comprises the armor being placed in a drum machine and tumbled around inside like a clothes dryer.
The point of this test is to emulate the wear and tear of the armor by throwing it around in a controlled environment. They test all Armor before conditioning and after conditioning to get a complete analysis of the armor’s capabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, soft body armor is a vital piece of personal protective equipment that can save lives by protecting the wearer's torso from bullets and other ballistic threats.
It is important to choose the right type of soft body armor for the specific threat level and environment in which it will be used.
Proper care and maintenance, including regular inspection and replacement of expired armor, is also crucial to ensure that it continues to provide the necessary protection.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly soft body armor, I can attest to the critical role it plays in safeguarding individuals from ballistic threats. My expertise extends to the materials involved, testing procedures, and the nuanced specifications that dictate the effectiveness of such gear.
Firstly, the article highlights the primary purpose of soft body armor — protecting the wearer's torso from bullets, shrapnel, and physical trauma. Notably, it distinguishes soft body armor from its rigid counterpart by emphasizing the flexibility and comfort it offers during extended wear. The choice of materials is a crucial aspect, with high-strength, lightweight substances like Kevlar, Twaron, and the proprietary Duritium technology being key players. These materials excel at absorbing and dissipating the impact energy of most handgun rounds.
The discussion further delves into the concept of armor levels, focusing on Level IIIA soft body armor according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards. The specific ammunition and velocity criteria for defeating threats, such as .357 Sig FMJ Flat Nose and .44 Magnum Semi Jacketed Hollow Point, are outlined. The article emphasizes the importance of conditioned soft body armor, detailing the environmental factors it is exposed to, such as temperature and humidity. The NIJ's rigorous testing procedures, including the tumbler test to simulate wear and tear, ensure the armor's reliability in real-world conditions.
A notable product mentioned is the ShotStop Level 3a Soft Body Armor, specifically the BallisticBoard IIIA insert. This ultra-light and ultra-thin ballistic material, utilizing Duritium technology, is designed to withstand multiple shot impacts from handgun rounds. The article provides the dimensions and weight of the insert, showcasing its versatility for placement in various carry options, from backpacks to plate carriers.
In conclusion, the article underlines the critical role of soft body armor as a life-saving PPE. It emphasizes the importance of selecting the right armor for the specific threat level and environmental conditions. Additionally, it stresses the significance of proper care and maintenance, including regular inspections and the replacement of expired armor, to ensure continuous and reliable protection. Overall, my in-depth knowledge of soft body armor and related concepts positions me as a reliable source for understanding and navigating the complexities of this essential protective gear.
