Personal bulletproof vests: a brief guide

Personal security is a big issue these days. Violent crimes, including murder, are often random, and unless one takes the time to prepare, it is more likely that if you stumble across a violent criminal, the result could be fatal.

Firearms are more prolific today than ever, even as governments around the world work to contain the epidemic, as it can properly be called. Wars and other minor armed conflicts provide excellent opportunities to smuggle weapons of all makes and models, and the route to your street is shorter than you think. However, if you were to come across a criminal, the chances of them carrying AK-47s or .50-caliber Desert Eagles are slim.

Guns used by petty criminals, such as thieves, are often small caliber and cheap, as well as easy to conceal. That means unless he expects, for some reason, to be shot at with large-caliber weapons, light armor is his friend. When purchasing a personal armor vest, or so-called bulletproof vest, there are a few things to think about.

1: What kind of danger do I expect?
2: Where do I intend to use it and for how long? (These things can be bulky…and they don’t breathe very well…)
3: What kind of price range fits my budget? (You can buy vests that will cost you several thousand dollars)

Common armed assault involves small caliber pistols, up to the 9mm caliber, which is a favorite of both thugs and professionals. If we make that our starting point, referring to number 1 above, you would need a vest with protection rating II or IIIA. These days, a class IIIA vest is likely to weigh around 3kg or around 6lbs, and can be hidden under a jacket or even a shirt. Now these can be worn all day if needed, but even 6lbs can get heavy after a few hours.

Rating II is lighter and also provides protection against 9mm rounds, so for most people this is a better choice. The probability of a criminal using specialized ammunition is very low. Last on the list is cost. Put bluntly and without fuss, expect to pay anywhere from $550 to $700 for a good vest. There are many good sites online to purchase personal armor. Take a look at some and make sure you get a good price.