A lot of people aren't familiar with the different levels of protection offered by body armor, or even that there are different levels. That is why we took the time to write up this quick guide.
We at PTP fully support Safe Life Defense and it is our go-to body armor for EDC and range use. These guys truly are out there to save lives, not make a buck. They also only partner with the highest level firearms instructors to put this gear into the hands of those serious about their self-defense.
When selecting your body armor you need to ensure that what you choose will protect you in the situations you’re MOST likely to encounter, what is the anticipated threat and how can you best prepare for it.
Sometimes that’s easier said than done (depending on your knowledge, experience and new information that has since been released).
Your decision to stay safe should be an EASY one.
That’s why our partners at Safe Life Defense have put together this super easy Buyer's Guide for you!
Let's take a quick look at some of the body armor levels they provide.
NIJ Level IIIA:
Level IIIA armor reliably defends against all common handgun rounds including .357, 9mm, 45 ACP, all the way up to .44 Magnum. Level IIIA protects the wearer from shotgun rounds including 00 buckshot, 12 ga. slugs and even submachine gun rounds. In conjunction with the level IV rifle plate, this armor protects against rifle threats all the way up to .30-06.
Enhanced Multi-Threat Level IIIA+:
Level IIIA+ armor is an innovative protection category that is offered exclusively through Safe Life Defense. This enhanced soft armor not only protects against the same threats as our traditional IIIA but also includes NIJ Level 1 spike protection for up to 36 Jules of stab force and protection against armor-piercing handgun ammunition such as Liberty Civil Defense 9mm and FN 5.7×28 40 gr. The unique bullet, strike, slash, stab, Taser and special threat resistance found in Safe Life Defense IIIA+ armor make it the world’s most powerful soft body armor!
FRAS™ Standalone and ICW:
FRAS™ is a new level of flexible rifle body armor we developed to bridge the gap between level III and level IIIA. FRAS™ is rated to defend against the most common rifle threats someone may encounter on duty, including 5.56, ss109 and m193 as well as 7.62×39 — predominantly AR-15 and AK-47 rounds. Safe Life Defense FRAS™ provides full torso coverage from rifle threats with a phenomenal balance of protection, weight and coverage. When worn in conjunction with a level IIIA vest, the FRAS™ is rated III+ for rifle protection up to .308 and 7.62x54R!
NIJ Level IV:
Level IV armor is the highest rating of body armor currently available, and it will stop armor-piercing rifle threats. It can withstand up to 30-06 M2ap steel core armor-piercing rounds with a mass of 166 grains and a velocity of 2880 ft/s. Many people choose to have a Level IIIA vest accompanied by in conjunction with (ICW) rifle plates to achieve a higher level of protection. Safe Life Defense offers lightweight level IV ICW rifle plates that are designed to slide into low-profile pockets on their level IIIA vests. This allows you to adapt your armor to a variety of threat levels without making it too cumbersome for daily use.
If you’re ready to get your gear now, know this:
Most people are deciding to go with one of the most popular options, the IIIA+ Multi-Threat Vests.
This system offers a great deal of protection while still being lightweight and easily concealable.
The IIIA+ models have the largest number of reported saved lives due to their strike resistance (an often undervalued feature)...
The IIIA+ models have kept people alive after being hit by motor vehicles, falling from a significant height and taking on blows from a blunt weapon.
The second-largest number of saves comes from stabbings.
Most reports they receive end up saying, “My doctor said without this vest there’s no chance I would be alive today.”
As with anything else, we WOULD NOT put our name behind anything we don't 100% support. You should know that if you choose the same protection we do, you will be covered for whatever threat comes your way.
Don't forget, you can find all of our available training here!
As always,
Learn. Defend. Prevail.